The Old Town Newhall Library will host a series of free, interactive dance and music events starting Thursday, March 3 as part of its Thursdays @ Newhall series.

Presented in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita, JAM Sessions is an interactive Ford Theatre Foundation initiative designed to encourage Angelenos to dance, sing and play music under the guidance of professional artists and musicians.

The Newhall JAM Sessions will run from March until October and will feature a variety of dance styles, such as Celtic, Japanese Folk Dance and African Dance & Drums.

All participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

This year’s Santa Clarita JAM Sessions are:

Thursday, March 3 @ 7:00 p.m.

Swing Dance with Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association
Grab your kicks and boogie the night away! Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association will break down the steps, pivots and turns so anyone can join in the fun! Singles and couples of all ages are welcome.
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring The Big Butter Jazz Band.

Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 p.m.
Celtic Dance with CnaG Gaelic League of LA
Gather together in fun, fellowship and laughter as you dance the céili! CnaG Gaelic League of LA’s dance division Céilí Rua (Wild Gathering) will lead you through the jig-step movements of these traditional Irish social dances.
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Paddy’s Pig.

Thursday, May 5 @ 7:00 p.m.

Mexican Folk Dance with Ballet Folklorico Ollin

Delight in the vibrant music and dance of Veracruz! Step up on the tarima (wooden dance platform) with Ballet Folklorico Ollin who will walk you through this rhythmic dance style. The JAM will end with a fandango celebrating the entire community.
After the JAM, practice your new steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Trio Ellas.

Thursday, June 2 @ 7:00 p.m.
Japanese Folk Dance with Christine Inouye
Discover the beauty and grace of Japanese festival dancing with Christine Inouye. Seize the moment and try your hand at these celebratory bon dances set to ondo music.
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Kimo Cornwell & June Kuramoto.

Thursday, July 7 @ 7:00 p.m.
Pacific Island Dance with Kalakeke Pacific Island Dance Company
Sway your hips to the beat of the drum! Members of the Kalakeke Pacific Island Dance Company will bring Tahitian island culture to life through the fast paced dance moves of Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance), set to the rhythms of Tahitian drums.
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Jason Arimoto.

Thursday, August 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
African Dance & Drums with Yeko Ladzekpo-Cole
Celebrate the rhythms of West Africa! At this energetic JAM led by Yeko Ladzekpo-Cole, you’ll explore the drumming, dancing and singing traditions of the Ewe and Dagomba people of Ghana.
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring ADAAWE.

Thursday, September 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Salsa Rueda Dance with CONTRA-TIEMPO
Dance the Rueda de Casino! Urban Latin dance theatre company CONTRA-TIEMPO will lead an exploration of this fun social dance, a Cuban form of salsa danced in a circle. Leave inspired, engaged and better at communicating through movement!
After the JAM, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Viento Callejero.

Thursday, October 6 @ 7:00 p.m.
Zydeco Dance with Karen Redding
Learn to dance to zydeco, a high-energy, accordion-driven dance that blends blues, R&B and the music of the Louisiana Creoles. Karen Redding makes this partner two-step fun and easy; if you can walk, you can zydeco!
After the JAM Session, practice your new dance steps and stay for a free concert at 8:00 PM featuring Dennis G & the Zydeco Trail Riderz.

JAM Sessions are a program of the Ford Theatre Foundation and supported, in part, by The James Irvine Foundation. To learn more about the Ford Theatres and the Ford Theatre Foundation, visitFordTheatres.org.