Latin Jazz Meets Swing comes to life at Flushing Town Hall in a night of movement, legacy, and world-class rhythm—all for under $20.

In a city where live music often comes with a three-digit price tag and a velvet-rope attitude. And the bigger names across the river often overshadow live music in Queens, Flushing Town Hall offers something refreshingly different—and thrillingly local.

Latin Jazz Meets Swing comes alive at Flushing Town Hall this April, bringing world-class musicianship and joyful rhythm to the heart of Queens. This is not just a concert. It is a celebration of movement, legacy, and sound, all wrapped into one unforgettable evening.

On Saturday, April 19, the historic Queens venue continues its tradition of culture-forward programming with its latest installment of the Global Mashup series: Latin Jazz Meets Swing. The evening is a vibrant celebration of sound and story, where two musical traditions collide on stage, inviting audiences to dance, listen, and belong.

For those seeking a night that blends artistry with accessibility, movement with meaning, this is your cue. Latin Jazz Meets Swing is one of the most joyful cultural highlights of the season—and one of our favorite picks for Spring in New York City.

Music in Motion: The Dance Lesson That Starts It All

At 7 PM sharp, the night opens not with a solo or spotlight, but with an open invitation: a pre-show dance lesson designed to warm up your spirit as much as your feet. Whether you are a practiced dancer or someone who has always stayed on the sidelines, this moment is about participation, not perfection.

A Double Bill of Musical Greats

Once you have found your groove, the concert begins at 8 PM, bringing two acclaimed ensembles to the stage:

Steve Kroon and His Latin Jazz Ensemble

A legendary percussionist raised in St. Albans, Queens, Steve Kroon has played alongside music royalty—Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, and Ron Carter, to name a few. His ensemble fuses Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and classic jazz influences into a vibrant sound that pulses with energy and emotional resonance. This is not background music—it is music that grabs you by the heart and feet.

If you are searching for a Latin jazz concert in NYC that feels both deeply rooted and wildly alive, this is it.

Patience Higgins & His Swing Band

On the other end of the rhythm spectrum, Patience Higgins brings the golden age of Harlem to life. His Swing Band, full of soul, brass, and bounce, channels the spirit of the Savoy Ballroom with every note. With toe-tapping rhythm sections and soaring sax solos, their sound is urgent and exhilarating.

These two acts, while different in sound, share the same mission: to move people, literally and emotionally.

The Global Mashup: Where the Magic Happens

The most anticipated moment of the night comes when both bands unite for a one-of-a-kind mashup. It is a musical dialogue that crosses genres, generations, and geography.

It is also where the Flushing Town Hall Global Mashup series turns a traditional concert into a full-bodied experience. Bringing together musicians who might never otherwise share a stage and watching them create something spontaneous and new.

This is fusion in its purest, most joyful form. It is not forced. And it is not gimmicky. It is about mutual respect, shared legacy, and the magic of improvisation.

Culture, Community, and Queens

Beyond the music, what makes this night special is where it happens—and why.

Flushing Town Hall sits in the heart of one of NYC’s most diverse neighborhoods. As a cultural institution, it has spent decades curating performances that celebrate global artistry while staying deeply connected to the local community. From jazz sets to international dance showcases, from youth arts programming to affordable concerts in NYC—it does it all.

And the Global Mashup series represents the best of its mission: pairing different cultural traditions, inviting audiences into the story, and making world-class music accessible to all.

In short, this is what cultural events in NYC April 2025 should look like. Rich in meaning, welcoming in tone, and accessible in every sense of the word.

A $300 Experience for Under $20

Let’s be honest—New York is expensive. An evening out can easily cost three figures before the first drink is poured. That is what makes this mashup even more remarkable.

Tickets start at just $18. That is less than the cost of an average lunch in Manhattan. And for that price, you get:

• A professional dance class
• Two full-length, genre-defying performances
• A collaborative finale featuring all musicians
• An intimate venue with great acoustics
• A night that feels unlike anything else in the city

Whether you are on a budget or just tired of overpaying for culture, this is your reminder: affordable does not mean forgettable.

Is Queens Worth the Trip? Yes.

For our Brooklyn’s Lifestyle readers—especially those based in Brooklyn or Manhattan—it is natural to hesitate at the idea of crossing borough lines for a night out. But this is not just any event. This is an experience that rewards the curious.

Getting to Flushing Town Hall is easy via the 7 train. And once you arrive, you will be in the heart of a vibrant community filled with incredible food, independent shops, and the kind of street-level energy that reminds you why you love this city in the first place.

So yes—it is worth the trip. And more importantly, it is the kind of night you will still be thinking about days later.

For the BKLS Reader

At Brooklyn’s Lifestyle, we believe NYC’s best moments live in the in-between spaces. Not always where the crowds are, but often where the spirit is. The Flushing Town Hall Global Mashup embodies everything we look for: authenticity, artistry, and accessibility.

You do not have to know the difference between mambo and swing to be moved by this night. You just have to show up.

Event Details

🎶 What: Global Mashup – Latin Jazz Meets Swing
📅 When: Saturday, April 19
🕖 Schedule: Dance lesson at 7 PM | Concert at 8 PM
📍 Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard – Queens
🎟 Tickets: Starting at $18
🔗 Info + Tickets: flushingtownhall.org

The BKLS Take on Global Mashup – Latin Jazz Meets Swing

Sometimes the best New York nights do not come with a Michelin star or a rooftop view. Sometimes, they start with a beat. A bassline. A dance move you did not know you had.

So grab a friend. Or do not. This one stands on its own.

The music’s waiting. All you have to do is show up.