Jazz on Tap

Tap dance and jazz have a long and intertwined history. From the prohibition on musical instruments during the era of slavery, which prompted the enslaved African-Americans to find ingenious ways to use their bodies as percussion instruments, to the early 20th century New York City where Irish and African-American styles of dancing met and enriched each other while innovative popular musical styles were created through the fusion of cultures, to the film era and the groundbreaking work of Fred Astaire – these two art forms developed side-by-side, even if at some point their paths have grown somewhat apart. Tap dancer Alex MacDonald – the original tap soloist and choreographer for the wildly popular vintage jazz band, Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox – and pianist and improviser Alex Pryrodny present a fun and educational program that pays tribute to the historical roots of each discipline while fusing them in new ways, with creativity and lightning speed communication of both virtuoso performers of full display. Get your hands clapping and your feet moving to the rhythms and sounds of “Jazz on Tap!” **please note that advanced registration, masks, and proof of vaccination are required for this event** Saturday, November 13th | 1pm | register here Presented in partnership with Newton at Home.