State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., left, with the Hot Toddies Jazz Band members, from right, Patrick Soluri, Brandi Disterheft, Emeline O’Rourke, Evan Hamaguchi, Ron Wilkins and Rafael-Castillo-Halvorssen at Forest Park on Oct. 2.
Photos courtesy Office of State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr.
Queens residents enjoyed some live music and a lesson in swing dancing during a rainy but energetic concert hosted by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. at Forest Park on Oct. 2.
The Hot Toddies Jazz Band, which led the concert, played up the rainy occasion and 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,” Addabbo said. “Tonight proved that — right here in Forest Park. We had to get through the rain, but we kept the program moving, and the crowd kept the energy going.”
The event attracted over 80 attendees and featured a beginner’s dance lesson led by instructor Jamie Shannon, followed by an acoustic performance by the Hot Toddies.
Attendees swung in style as they danced to live music by the Hot Toddies.Photos courtesy Office of State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr.
The band is led by Patrick Soluri on drums along with 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 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.
Addabbo said he was pleased to bring an evening of culture and entertainment to the community free of charge. He thanked State Farm for co-sponsoring the event, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Forest Park Trust, the Hot Toddies and Paul Capocasale, who served as emcee.