LI’L RONNIE AND THE GRAND DUKES TO PERFORM AT
LINCOLN CENTER’S MIDSUMMER NIGHT SWING ON JULY 14TH

A Manhattan favorite, Midsummer Night Swing turns up the heat on Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza. Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes take the stage on July 14^th at 7:30 pm and are certain to electrify this outdoor dance party with their swingin’ jump blues.  Tickets are only $15, which includes individual admission and a group dance lesson starting at 6:30 pm.  For ticket information, please visit LincolnCenter.org or call Lincoln Center Customer Service at (212) 875-5456.

According to Andy Griggs at Real Blues Magazine, Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes are “…the hippest, coolest groovin’est, jumpin’ little blues band that ever filled a dance floor.”  This Virginia/DC based band’s current line-up is scorching, featuring outstanding musicianship at every turn.  RONNIE OWENS leads his band with searing harp refrains and convincing vocals.  His 25 years of experience has given him a universal approach that encompasses Chicago harmonica blues, Swing Era jump blues, and the deep South burners. 

ROBERT FRAHM, the young virtuoso guitarist from Fairfax, VA, is the newest addition to the Li’l Ronnie cast.  FRAHM’s magic lies in his ability to inject the tradition of blues music with fresh contemporary energy, all the while displaying maturity in his phrasing, tones, and choice of notes that are truly remarkable.  At 21, he’s already destined to make a name for himself.

Highly sought after keyboard player MARK STEVENS offers his tasteful and deeply felt style of traditional blues.  Also from the DC area, STEVENS has played with a host of blues greats including Roomful of Blues, Kim Wilson, James Harman, and Jerry Portnoy.  Baritone saxophone player CHRIS WATLING and tenor saxophone player BRUCE SWAIN join Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes for this performance, serving up an extra helping of soul.

Holding down the bottom is veteran bassist BRYAN SMITH.  SMITH is an accomplished standup bassist who has spent many years playing in the DC area’s top blues, rockabilly and roots bands.  Rounding out Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes is world-renowned drummer GEORGE SHEPPARD, who has toured/recorded with everyone from jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie to the rock group The Talking Heads.  This rhythm section is a force to be reckoned with. 

The current release of their newest CD ‘do what'cha do’ has catapulted Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes into the limelight yet again.  ‘Do what'cha do’ has quickly become one of the hottest CDs on blues radio worldwide, debuting at #15 on the ‘Living Blues Radio Charts Top 25’.  The new CD also reached #5 on XM Radio’s Bluesville, where it is still receiving considerable airplay a year after it’s release.  Andy Garrigue of Style Weekly raves, “That professional touch, and confidence born of ringing international endorsements, infuse the album with a sheen and swagger that signal a solid step forward.”  The album continues to receive outstanding reviews in major music publications such as Real Blues, Big City Blues, and Living Blues.  Visit www.lilronnie.com for song clips, photos, reviews, and more.

Tickets for the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing will be available online at LincolnCenter.org and at the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office.   Josie Robertson Plaza is located at Columbus Avenue at 63rd Street.  For more information, please call Lincoln Center Customer Service at (212) 875-5456.

Contact Jamie Lynch at 301-404-3445 with media inquiries.