Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. brought the joy of live music to the community by hosting a free big band swing concert at the Forest Park Bandshell on September 19, 2025, drawing a crowd of nearly 200 people. The event featured the Hot Toddies Jazz Band with singer Hannah Gill and was emceed by local community leader Paul Capocasale. The concert was preceded by a beginner’s dance lesson taught by instructor Margaret Batiuchok. 

“This concert is about making great music accessible across the generations,” Addabbo said. “I am pleased to be able to bring the community together for this wonderful evening of free entertainment, which highlights some of the great performers of the swing genre.”

Founded just before the pandemic; now a top NYC swing band, The Hot Toddies Jazz Band has played consistently at the well-known Somewhere Nowhere club in Manhattan since May 2022. Among her many accomplishments, Margaret Batiuchok co-founded the New York Swing Dance Society, (NYSDS), in 1985, when there was no organized Swing dancing in New York. She also launched the Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing series with Frankie Manning, where she recommends bands, as well as teaches and performs each summer. 

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, from the great entertainers to the support from the Parks Department,” Addabbo said. “I look forward to bringing more quality events to Forest Park and it’s beautiful bandshell.” 

Videos from the swing concert can be viewed on Senator Addabbo’s YouTube Channel at the links below.

https://youtu.be/0JxbhpPjNdI
https://youtu.be/_OWtEvsRC7A
https://youtu.be/Ge9ogh2txiQ