February DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner Big Band
2026-02-21 20:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812
February DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner Big Band

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About The Craig Gildner Big Band

The Craig Gildner Big Band is a repertoire orchestra authentically recreating the sounds of the swing era made famous by Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, and others. Arrangements are direct transcriptions and stock selections that would have been played back in the day by bands across the country.

Adding to the period feel, the rhythm section boasts calfskin drums arranged in a manner much like Krupa’s, gut wound bass string, acoustic rhythm guitar on a vintage Gibson L7, and stride piano solos. The musicianship is of the highest caliber. Bandleader Craig Gildner handpicked each and every section from DC’s pool of talented musicians. The band can whisper and scream…and everything in between…all in just one song!

More about Craig

Location

Pricing

$25 (Advance Purchase)$30 (At the Door; after 7pm)$15 (Students & Military)

Schedule

8:00pm – 9:00pm: Introductory Lindy Hop Lesson (no partner needed; lesson included in admission price!)

9:00pm – 12:00am: Swing Dancing to excellent live music

Instructors and DJ will be announced soon.

Register for the DCLXtra

We’re looking for volunteers

DCLX could not happen without the help of our volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering for the dance, fill out this form with your availability—our volunteers receive free entry to the dance, so you’ll be reimbursed for your ticket.

Sign up to Volunteer

DCLX 2026: Shout and Feel It
2026-04-24 20:00 - 2026-04-26 23:00 | MD
August DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner All Stars & a Special Class on Early Jazz Dances

Things are already shaping up to make for another exciting year that you won’t want to miss. We hope you can join us in April!

Mark your calendars for April 24-26, 2026, and stay tuned for more details!

See the Schedule

Get Your Ticket

August DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner All Stars & a Special Class on Early Jazz Dances
2026-08-22 20:00 - 23:59 | Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812
August DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner All Stars

Register

DCLX is pleased to bring you our next DCLXtra with the Craig Gildner All Stars and a special class on early Jazz dances. Join us at the Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom for an evening of dancing, live music, and good times!

Craig Gildner, a dynamic band leader, male vocalist, guitarist and pianist — can never get enough of the music called swing. Craig, a musician blessed with perfect pitch, finds that the pulse of an upright bass, accompanied by the open hi-hat cymbal rhythms, syncopated saxophones and trumpets are what make him smile.

Read more about Craig →

Pricing

Special Class + Social Dance

$50 (Includes admission to the social dance)

Social Dance Only

$25 (Advance Purchase)$30 (At the Door; after 7pm)$15 (Students & Active Military)

Location

Schedule

6:00pm – 8:00pm: A Special Class on Early Jazz Dances: Foxtrot & 20s Charleston with Annabel & Michael QuisaoCome learn a couple of the partnered dances done in the early days of jazz: 20s Charleston and Jazz Foxtrot. These dances can be done at a variety of tempos and work really well with music from the early jazz years like Trad and Hot Jazz. Craig’s band will play some hot jazz tunes at the dance so you can bring your new skills to the dance floor! (Class ticket required)

8:00pm – 9:00pm: Introductory Lindy Hop Lesson(no partner needed; lesson included with admission to the dance!)

9:00pm – 12:00am: Swing Dancing to excellent live music

Register for the DCLXtra

DCLX 2027
2027-04-16 20:00 - 2027-04-18 23:00 | MD
Save the date!

Registration opens December 26; more details to come soon!
