By Cassandra Baptista
A boy and a girl swing dance like no one is watching. In reality, they are surrounded by people in the Boston Common on this warm summer evening. She wears a short polka-dotted dress, red lipstick, pearls and converse—an easy blend of old and new, much like the entertainment. The Beantown Swing Orchestra performed in Boston’s backyard on Aug.7, and while the songs are old classics, the musicians’ average age is only 23. Singer John Stevens, 22, is the male vocalist for the 18-piece band. Stevens placed sixth in American Idol’s third season.
The orchestra performs classic arrangements from Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. Couples dance in corners of the Common to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Buona Sera" and "Come Fly With Me". People of all ages transform Boston’s backyard into a 1940s dance floor.
Life seems more romantic with this soundtrack, the sun setting on families eating dinner inches away from other families eating dinner. The music paints the scene in watercolors: card games, wicker picnic baskets and a little girl dancing in circles around her parents.
Stevens, a Berklee College of Music graduate, takes a few minutes between sets to talk music and his career.
Q: What are your upcoming plans?
A: Right now, we're working on a regional tour. I also am a radio DJ on WICN [90.5 FM, New England’s NPR Jazz and Folk Station].
Q: If you could perform with anyone, who would it be?
A: Paul McCartney. I really like his music, even post-Beatles. I’ve seen him perform twice.
Q: So what music are you listening to now?
A: I’ve started to get into Mel Tormé. Of course, Paul McCartney. Barenaked Ladies.
Q: If you could only listen to one album what would it be?
A: Oh, that’s too tough. Can we get back to it? (We don’t.)
Q: Okay, now some quick word associations. Michael Bublé?
A: A nice guy. I actually got the opportunity to meet him.
Q. Boston.
A: Fenway.
Q: Simon Cowell?
A: Okay, uh (laughs). He’s actually a nice guy too. A good critic.
Q: Will you sing at my wedding?
A: Yes.
Q: Great, I’m going to hold you to it.
For more information on the Beantown Swing Orchestra, check out http://www.beantownswing.com/home.html
