Largest FREE Jazz Festival

2025 Atlanta Jazz Festival – Day 3 – Atlanta Jazz Festival (Piedmont Park)

Hot Jam will be providing dance lessons @ 2:15pm & 4:15pm

LIVE music by saxophonist John Lindsay (About — JohnnyG Music)

Location: Park Tavern

9pm - Joe Gransden Big Band

3rd Sundays in Fall the streets are given to the people!

Georgia Avenue starting at Grant Park stretching across to the West End will become a street festival, and Hot Jam will bring the dancing! Let’s share our art with Atlanta!

FREE street parking on Sundays

Switch Dancing:

In this class, you will learn how to switch from being a follow to a lead and vice versa during a dance. This is a dynamic conversation where you are both inspiring each other and suggesting ideas in a respectful and fluid way.

Instructors: Suzanne Kincaid & Rachel Pitner

Learn one of the primary basics of Lindy Hop!

This class will include swing outs and connecting to other basics to create a dynamic and expressive dance.

Instructors: Jesse & Laura

Instructors: Laura Lewis & Clare Diaz

Charleston is one of the foundational basics of Swing Dancing, and its evolution led to the characteristic/hallmark element of Lindy Hop... the Swing Out. Learning how to do this will help everything else feel better and more dynamic!

We will explore how expressive and dynamic Lindy Hop can be in closed position without going into Balboa.

Instructor: Rachel

Join us at The Painted Duck for FREE games and snacks!

$5 Valet Parking

Instructors: Rachel Pitner & Clare Diaz-Davila

Learn 6-count swing!

This class is the gateway basic to Lindy Hop. You will learn how to maneuver between single step and triple step along with some cool moves.

This is the class that will help you know and be comfortable with these rhythms, and it is just the beginning of your dance adventures.

Note: It is good to revisit this class. You will get new things from it every single time.

Instructors: Suzanne Kincaid & Jesse Gearhart

Balboa is one of many Swing Era dances. It originated in on the Balboa Peninsula in Southern California. Some dance historians say that it came from Rumba while others say it was derived from the Charleston and Collegiate Shag. Either way, this is a dynamic dance that is great at all tempos but most popular for faster songs.

This class will focus on adding other swing era dances into your Balboa or adding Balboa to your other swing era dances!

We are bringing dance to Peachtree Street!

Come join us for a FREE dance event!

We are in the perfect spot with a few beautiful, large oak trees casting an amazing amount of shade over us and the ability to snag a great breeze. Dancing outside has never been more comfortable.

Expressions Series: The Big Apple

Instructor: Rachel Pitner

Description:

The Big Apple is an historic choreography molded into its current form by legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning and recorded in the film “Keep Punchin’” along with other members of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. This is a vibrant and fun solo jazz choreography.

Video of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers: https://youtu.be/H1K5M5xluZs?si=dqTA2aLmr2BsDorQ

Video of Current Dancers: https://youtu.be/r_UUBT5Srh4?si=INBm1S-WTI5TsOL0

Fundamentals Series: 6s, 8s, & Swing Outs

Instructors: Clare Diaz & Jesse Gearhart

Description:

You’ve learned 6-count and 8-count, but you don’t know how to connect them. This class will class will help you learn how to dance through and connect your basics so that they don’t feel like they exist on separate islands.

ALL Levels Class: Enhancing the Jam

This dance is not just about the steps. It is a dynamic conversation that builds upon a sense of community. This class will help you make every dance feel special and will amplify the good vibes of the event.

Instructor: Rachel

Fundamentals Series: 8-Count Swing
Instructors: Laura, Mateo, & Rachel

Learn how to flow between the different 8-count basics and 6-count swing! Get ready for swing outs!

Expressions Series: Pour Some Sugar on It
Instructors: Jesse, Clare, & Rachel

Learn some cool moves and how to play with them to make them your own!

Fundamentals Series: 8-Count Swing
Instructors: Laura, Mateo, & Rachel

Learn how to flow between the different 8-count basics and 6-count swing! Get ready for swing outs!

Expressions Series: Pour Some Sugar on It
Instructors: Jesse, Clare, & Rachel

Learn some cool moves and how to play with them to make them your own!

FREEEEEEEEE EVENT!
Put on your Hot Jam shirt! Bring your family and friends! We are hitting the streets!

Atlanta Streets Alive turns 3 miles of Peachtree Street into a pedestrian oasis with music, activities, food and dancing in a car-free zone.

Hot Jam is literally taking it to the streets, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Hot Jam's Location:
Corner of 5th & Peachtree

More information is on the site https://www.atlantastreetsalive.org

Fundamentals Series: 8-Count Swing
Instructors: Laura, Mateo, & Rachel

Learn how to flow between the different 8-count basics and 6-count swing! Get ready for swing outs!

Expressions Series: Pour Some Sugar on It
Instructors: Jesse, Clare, & Rachel

Learn some cool moves and how to play with them to make them your own!

Get your Hot Jam shirts ready; we’re hitting the town!

Join us as we remember and celebrate all of the people who have served the United States of America by enjoying community and learning something new!

Bury the Hatchet provides an axe throwing lesson as well as FREE games.

Learn more at Axe Throwing | Bury The Hatchet

Expressions Series: BALBOA
Instructors: Suzanne Kincaid & Jesse Gearhart

Balboa is one of many Swing Era dances. It originated in on the Balboa Peninsula in Southern California. Some dance historians say that it came from Rumba while others say it was derived from the Charleston and Collegiate Shag. Either way, this is a dynamic dance that is great at all tempos but most popular for faster songs.

Characterized by its close embrace with moments of openness, this is a dance everyone should know. You will listen better.

Fundamentals Series: CHARLESTON
Instructors: Laura Lewis & Rachel Pitner

Charleston is one of the foundational basics of Swing Dancing, and its evolution led to the characteristic/hallmark element of Lindy Hop... the Swing Out. Learning how to do this will help everything else feel better and more dynamic!

FREEEEEEEEE Event!

Put on your Hot Jam shirt! Bring your family and friends! We are hitting the streets!

Atlanta Streets Alive turns 3 miles of Peachtree Street into a pedestrian oasis with music, activities, food and dancing in a car-free zone.

Hot Jam is literally taking it to the streets, and we look forward to seeing you there.

More information is on the site Atlanta Streets Alive

Expressions Series: BALBOA
Instructors: Suzanne Kincaid & Jesse Gearhart

Balboa is one of many Swing Era dances. It originated in on the Balboa Peninsula in Southern California. Some dance historians say that it came from Rumba while others say it was derived from the Charleston and Collegiate Shag. Either way, this is a dynamic dance that is great at all tempos but most popular for faster songs.

Characterized by its close embrace with moments of openness, this is a dance everyone should know. You will listen better.

Fundamentals Series: CHARLESTON
Instructors: Laura Lewis & Rachel Pitner

Charleston is one of the foundational basics of Swing Dancing, and its evolution led to the characteristic/hallmark element of Lindy Hop... the Swing Out. Learning how to do this will help everything else feel better and more dynamic!

Fundamentals Special Class: Frankie 6s

Instructors: Dave Barry & Clare Diaz

Everyone should learn how to do this series of 6-count moves that Frankie Manning would teach.
1. They're historic.
2. They feel so good!
3. They open you up to so many more dance possibilities.

Come do this 5th Monday Special class!

Expressions Series: Dancing at All Tempos

Instructors: Jesse Gearhart & Rachel Pitner

So, you know and are comfortable with your basics; you can mix 6 & 8-count swing, and you can do swing outs. But, you struggle/feel uncomfortable going fast and really fast or slow and really slow. You are living in mid-tempo.

This class will help you push out of that mid-tempo life.

Fundamentals Series:
6-Count Swing with Dave & Clare

This class is the gateway basic to Lindy Hop. You will learn how to maneuver between single step and triple step along with some cool moves.

This is the class that will help you know and be comfortable with these rhythms, and it is just the beginning of your dance adventures.
No partner required!

Expressions Series:
Dancing at ALL Tempos with Jesse & Rachel

So, you know and are comfortable with your basics; you can mix 6 & 8-count swing, and you can do swing outs. But, you struggle/feel uncomfortable going fast and really fast or slow and really slow. You are living in mid-tempo.

This class will help you push out of that mid-tempo life.
No partner required!

Register ahead online to save!
https://www.hotjamatlanta.com/sign-up

At-the-Door:

$75 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$65 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$12 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (General Admission)

$10 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$24 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$19 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

Fundamentals Series:
6-Count Swing with Dave & Clare

This class is the gateway basic to Lindy Hop. You will learn how to maneuver between single step and triple step along with some cool moves.

This is the class that will help you know and be comfortable with these rhythms, and it is just the beginning of your dance adventures.
No partner required!

Expressions Series:
Dancing at ALL Tempos with Jesse & Rachel

So, you know and are comfortable with your basics; you can mix 6 & 8-count swing, and you can do swing outs. But, you struggle/feel uncomfortable going fast and really fast or slow and really slow. You are living in mid-tempo.

This class will help you push out of that mid-tempo life.
No partner required!

Register ahead online to save!
https://www.hotjamatlanta.com/sign-up

At-the-Door:

$75 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$65 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$12 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (General Admission)

$10 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$24 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$19 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

Fundamentals Series:
6-Count Swing with Dave & Clare

This class is the gateway basic to Lindy Hop. You will learn how to maneuver between single step and triple step along with some cool moves.

This is the class that will help you know and be comfortable with these rhythms, and it is just the beginning of your dance adventures.
No partner required!

Expressions Series:
Guest Instructor Jony Navarro

No partner required!

Register ahead online to save!
https://www.hotjamatlanta.com/sign-up

Fundamentals Series:
6-Count Swing with Dave & Clare

This class is the gateway basic to Lindy Hop. You will learn how to maneuver between single step and triple step along with some cool moves.

This is the class that will help you know and be comfortable with these rhythms, and it is just the beginning of your dance adventures.
No partner required!

Expressions Series:
Dancing at ALL Tempos with Jesse & Rachel

So, you know and are comfortable with your basics; you can mix 6 & 8-count swing, and you can do swing outs. But, you struggle/feel uncomfortable going fast and really fast or slow and really slow. You are living in mid-tempo.

This class will help you push out of that mid-tempo life.
No partner required!

Register ahead online to save!
https://www.hotjamatlanta.com/sign-up

At-the-Door:

$75 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$65 - 4-Week Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$12 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (General Admission)

$10 - Fresh to Swing Class + Social Dance + Foundations of Jazz (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

$24 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (General Admission)

$19 - 1 Class in the Series + Foundations of Jazz + Social Dance (Student/Senior/Sponsor)

About Kathleen Bertrand

Kathleen Bertrand is a musician, producer, and songwriter from Atlanta who is known for her jazzy vocal stylings and her ability to sing in three octaves. Her performances have ranged from two Olympic Games to appearances at jazz festivals worldwide. She has toured and recorded as vocalist with jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers and has opened for jazz greats including Roy Ayers, Ray Charles, and Kenny G. In 2017, Bertrand produced the music revues “Sisters in Song: Saluting Jazz’s Greatest Divas” for multiple venues in Atlanta and Charlotte and “Three Keys to Jazz” for the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. In 2015, she was named Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Black Women in Jazz. In her spare time, she serves as executive producer and founder of BronzeLens Film Festival, an Academy Award–qualifying film festival and one of only three in the state of Georgia.

Know Before You Go:

• Membership guest passes cannot be redeemed for this event.

• Doors for Friday Jazz open at 6:00 p.m. The museum will remain closed between 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

• Seating is extremely limited, and priority is given to guests with disabilities.

• No outside food or beverage is permitted.

• We strongly recommend using rideshare or MARTA because parking in the Woodruff Arts Center garage is limited and may reach capacity before you arrive. Find out about other parking options here.

Add a special touch to your Valentine's Day!

Choose your private lesson time slot.

The Hot Jam Valentine's Day Couple's Special:
A 20-minute Private Dance Lesson
2 Couple's Photos provided by @paulmcphersonjr
Champagne or Sparkling Cider
Valentine's Snack
2-Hours of Dancing

...and learning to dance through life with your chosen person.

Hot Jam is the place to nurture that SPARK.

www.hotjamatlanta.com/sign-up