The last time Blues DeVille played a Bainbridge Island dance hall, the floorboards were still vibrating well past midnight. On Saturday, March 15, the Seattle-based quintet returns to do it again—this time at the Bainbridge Island Community Center, 500 Madison Avenue North, for an evening of live music and social swing dancing.
Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance through BainbridgeSwing.org. The event is all-ages; a cash bar will be available for guests 21 and older.
A Sound Built for Dancing
For Blues DeVille, the gig is a natural fit. Fronted by guitarist Jake Morrison and vocalist Lena Voss, the band has spent more than 15 years sharpening a sound that splits the difference between Chicago blues and West Coast jump swing. Their 2019 album Midnight on Main features the fan favorite "Hep Cat's Holiday," a track built on walking basslines and horn-section bursts that practically demand a Lindy Hop.
The group are regulars at regional rooms like Seattle's Tractor Tavern and the Edmonds Jazz Festival, where their reputation rests less on press clippings than on a simple guarantee: they keep dancers on the floor.
What to Expect
The evening opens with a 45-minute beginner swing lesson at 7:15 p.m.—no partner or prior experience required. The main dance floor is polished hardwood; comfortable leather-soled shoes or clean sneakers are recommended. Experienced dancers will be on hand to rotate with newcomers.
Blues DeVille is expected to play two sets, mixing material from Midnight on Main with new songs slated for a 2025 release. Set breaks will feature DJ'd swing and blues records.
Who Should Come
Organizers emphasize that the night is designed for anyone curious about social dancing, not just seasoned swing enthusiasts.
"We get a lot of first-timers who just want to hear live music and try something new," said event coordinator Maria Chen. "The lesson lowers the barrier, and the band's energy does the rest."
How to Attend
- When: Saturday, March 15. Doors at 7 p.m., lesson at 7:15 p.m., band at 8 p.m.
- Where: Bainbridge Island Community Center, 500 Madison Avenue North
- Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door
- More info: BainbridgeSwing.org or the Bainbridge Swing Dance Facebook page
