Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted a swing concert and dance lesson at Forest Park on October 2, 2026. Rain created a shaky start, but conditions improved and the program proceeded as planned. The Hot Toddies Jazz Band even wove a few rain-themed selections into the set, including “Pennies from Heaven” and “September in the Rain.”

“Swing is fun, but it’s also about bringing people together. Tonight proved that—right here in Forest Park,” Addabbo said. “We had to get through the rain, but we kept the program moving, and the crowd kept the energy going.”

The event featured a beginner’s dance lesson led by instructor Jamie Shannon, followed by an acoustic performance by the Hot Toddies Jazz Band led by Patrick Soluri on drums. The band also included Evan Hamaguchi on saxophone and vocals, Ron Wilkins on trombone and vocals, Rafael Castillo-Halvorssen on jazz trumpet and vocals, Brandi Disterheft on upright bass and vocals, and Emeline O’Rourke on guitar.

The Hot Toddies Jazz Band is a prominent swing group that has played consistently at the Somewhere Nowhere club in Manhattan since May 2022, helping make it a popular jazz night with average attendance of more than 300 per show.

About 80 attendees came out despite the rain, and many took part in the dance lesson, continuing to dance throughout the concert.

Senator Addabbo is pleased to bring an evening of culture and entertainment to the community free of charge. He thanks State Farm for co-sponsoring the event, the Parks Department, Forest Park Trust, the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, and Paul Capocasale, who served as emcee.