SPRINGFIELD – Come ready to dance to the sweet sounds of Dan Gabel and the Abletones.

Hear rousing vocalists that get our feet tapping, and then swing on the dance floor after free swing lessons.  

On July 9, Springfield Armory NHS commemorates the 1943 Benny Goodman concert, which was held on the Armory grounds.  Dance lessons will be offered starting at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Inclement weather moves the concert indoors.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with free swing dance lessons from instructors, Michele and Bob Barker. Pre-concert and intermission shows will feature the Small Planet Dancers, of Springfield MA, performing WWII era dance routines.

This year’s concert will feature Dan Gabel and the Abletones, an 18-piece Big Band, which is sure to delight everyone. Dan played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Tommy Dorsey; he is considered an expert on Big Band era music. The ensemble features lead vocalist Elise Roth, who dazzles audiences with the precision and pizazz of her songs. Sporting a vintage look, with matching tuxedos, vests and ties, Dan Gabel and the Abletones are an impressive sight to behold.   

Bring a chair or blanket, enjoy a picnic supper, or purchase items from the food vendor on site.  The Museum, which is wheelchair accessible, will remain open during the concert. In the case of rain, the concert will move into Building 2 (Scibelli Hall) of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), where it will be held in the gymnasium.

The Armory site is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free. For information call 734-8551 or check www.nps.gov/spar.