Celebrate Valentine's Day at the SUU Spring Swing Thing

Published: January 31, 2024 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes

Decorative image of two dance shoes with a retro background.Southern Utah University’s Department of Music is delighted to announce the much-anticipated Spring Swing Thing, featuring the SUU Jazz Ensembles. This event is set to take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbert Great Hall of the R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center on SUU’s campus.

This unique evening promises a delightful fusion of live jazz music and dance, creating an unforgettable experience for the community. Attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of swing dancing with complimentary dance lessons provided by Toni & James Sage starting at 7:00 p.m. The dance floor will open at 7:30 p.m., as will the stellar performance of the SUU Jazz Ensembles. 

Toni and James Sage began this collaborative event along with Dr. Adam Lambert, Director of Bands at SUU, and SUU’s Community Education department in the spring of 2018. It has since become somewhat of a tradition for Cedar City’s community of social dancers. Regardless of a person’s dance experience, it is a worthwhile chance to explore swing and foxtrot and sweep your partner off their feet.

“We are excited to again participate in the Spring Swing Thing, where the community can experience big band swing dance music, brought to life by the SUU Jazz Ensemble,” said Dr. Lambert. “Not only is this an excellent opportunity for the community to receive excellent dance instruction by Toni and James, but it is also a fantastic way for the student musicians to gain professional performance experience.”

Admission to the Spring Swing Thing is free of charge, making it the perfect date night for students and members of the community. However, donations are warmly welcomed to support the SUU Department of Music and its commitment to fostering musical talent and providing exceptional cultural experiences.

This event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the SUU Department of Music, the Southern Utah University Student Association (SUUSA), and the SUU Student Involvement & Leadership office. Their joint sponsorship reflects the University’s dedication to enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of Cedar City and beyond. 

Don’t miss this fantastic evening of music, dance, and community engagement. Join us for the Valentine’s Spring Swing Thing and immerse yourself in the rhythm of jazz and the joy of swing dancing. For more information, please contact Dr. Adam Lambert at adamlambert@suu.edu.

About the College of Performing and Visual Arts

The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.


Tags: Jazz Music SUUSA Student Life Dance Community College of Performing and Visual Arts

Contact Information:

Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu