Arts Focus: The Beat Goes On at The Library — Groovin’ On The Pike Dance Party Series

This column is written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

What better way to kick off the New Year than a heads-up about the upcoming schedule for the Groovin’ On the Pike: After Hours at the Library dance party series which was recently recognized with an Arlington County Manager’s Excellence Award!

This award is given to an individual or team in each department to recognize a suggestion, invention, superior accomplishment, productivity gain or other personal or team effort that contributes to the efficiency, economy or other improvement of County operations.

Here, the collaboration between Arlington Cultural Affairs/Arlington Arts and Arlington Public Library was noted for bringing new audiences to Columbia Pike Branch Library.

Featuring a diverse line-up of musical groups from near and far, upwards of 200 patrons now come to the library to dance in the stacks and enjoy a brew from the cash bar every first Friday of the month at 7 p.m.

Here’s a quick look at the schedule when it resumes in February:

February 1 — Little Red and the Renegades

Blues, zydeco, funk, R&B, country, gospel, pop, compas direct, latin, jazz and carnival flavors from all over the world have been blended and distilled into the Renegades’ sound.  This is party music, best served with good friends, food, drink and lots of dancing.

Check out their recent video of a performance at D.C.’s The Hamilton Live!

March 1 — Bitter Dose Combo

The Bitter Dose Combo is DC’s premiere gypsy jazz band, playing gypsy jazz and swing standards at social dances, bistros, supper clubs, weddings and special events in and around the District.

The BDC’s sound combines the improvisation and swinging guitar made famous by Django Reinhardt with spirited jazz vocals, Paris musette accordion and upright bass.

April 5 — Los Gallos Negros

From rural son jarocho to urban mariachi styles and contemporary Caribbean rhythms, Los Gallos are an eclectic musical ensemble working to make the modern more traditional and the traditional more modern.

Members of the group hail from throughout the U.S. and all have strong roots in Mexico. Los Gallos perform regularly across the East Coast, including National Mall marches, Smithsonian museums and even the 2016 White House Cinco de Mayo celebration for President Barack Obama.

Come on out and discover another side to your local library! Click this link for free tickets.