Step back into the golden age of jazz! Hot Jazz Summer is taking over Austin’s historic Scottish Rite Theater with live music, swing dancing, vintage shopping, food, and a celebration of the city’s thriving jazz community.
Founders, producers and musicians Lauryn and Ryan Gould joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner with a preview of the Aug. 29 event and the vintage-inspired evening they’re creating for longtime jazz fans and newcomers alike.
Founders, producers and musicians Lauryn and Ryan Gould joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner with a preview of the Aug. 29 event and the vintage-inspired evening they’re creating for longtime jazz fans and newcomers alike.
Step Into the Jazz Age
Hot Jazz Summer celebrates music from the 1920s through the 1940s, but guests don’t have to be jazz experts—or experienced dancers—to join the fun.
“It is kind of a mix of participation and listening and joyful human connection,” Lauryn said.
Guests can hit the dance floor, sit back and enjoy the bands, browse a vintage clothing pop-up, and grab food and drinks throughout the evening.
“We want people to feel comfortable that they can walk around, enjoy, participate in the evening, or if they want to just sit and observe and enjoy the night, they can do that too,” Lauryn said.
Hot Jazz Summer brings swing dancing, vintage style, and live Jazz to Scottish Rite Theater
A Historic Setting for Austin Music
For Lauryn, the Scottish Rite Theater was a natural home for the event.
“I’ve always wanted to do an event in the Scottish Rite because I’m born and raised in Austin, and that theater is just so special,” she said.
Hot Jazz Summer was made possible in part through support from the City of Austin’s Live Music Fund.
The evening will begin in the lobby with rising musicians Shane Dickens and Luke Allen before the music moves into the theater.
The lineup also includes The Relevators, performing primarily hot jazz from the 1920s and ’30s, and the Golden Hour Orchestra, which Lauryn and Ryan started five years ago and which explores sounds from the late ’30s and early ’40s.
Ryan described some of the earlier music on the bill as “the punk rock of the ’20s and ’30s.”
Hot Jazz Summer brings swing dancing, vintage style, and live Jazz to Scottish Rite Theater
Everyone Is Invited to Dance
A dedicated dance floor will give guests plenty of room to move, whether they’ve been swing dancing for years or have never tried a step.
Beginners can start with an introductory swing lesson led by Matt Jones and Laura Malloy of Four on the Floor.
“They’re super welcoming and friendly and just focused on getting people out there and having fun and moving to the music,” Lauryn said.
And if vintage attire helps you get into the spirit, dressing up is encouraged—but not required.
More Than a Night of Music
Hot Jazz Summer will also feature a vintage pop-up, food from Delilah’s Front Porch, and beverages.
During a break in the music, David DeLima will offer a special jazz poetry reading featuring work by his father, a poet who crossed paths with early jazz musicians.
Hot Jazz Summer brings swing dancing, vintage style, and live Jazz to Scottish Rite Theater
Hot Jazz Summer takes place Saturday, Aug. 29, at the historic Scottish Rite Theater in Austin. Visit Hot Jazz Summer online for tickets and additional event information.
Hot Jazz Summer brings swing dancing, vintage style, and live Jazz to Scottish Rite Theater