REGISTRATION OPENS 12.12. 12:00 (for subscriber, link below), 18:00 (for public)

The Night Train is a collective swing event that celebrates African American jazz dance forms. The All Cologne Special is an extraordinary edition that brings various talents from Cologne: musicians, various dance schools and teachers as a team, sharing and enriching the swing scene together. Collaboration and a sense of community are at the heart of our event, as we believe in growing together as one!

Thimo Niesterok & His Cologne Hepcats

Thimo Niesterok (*1996) is one of the standout voices of the young German jazz scene and captivates as a trumpeter not only with his extraordinary musicality but also with his passion for swing and mainstream jazz. Niesterok’s warm, nuanced tone and distinctive phrasing give his musical language a special depth, which resonates with both long-time jazz fans and new, especially younger listeners.

With this formation, Niesterok presents some of the best young musicians from the Cologne jazz scene:

Mathieu Clement (vib) has proven himself in recent years as a versatile drummer who has impressed in the bands of Chris Hopkins, Tamara Lukasheva, as well as in various of his own ensembles. In this band, the multi-instrumentalist plays the vibraphone, continuing the tradition of Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton.

Benedikt Göb (p) is a young straight-ahead pianist who has quickly made a name for himself in the Cologne scene. He now performs on stage with Tom Gäbel, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and many others.

Lena Lorberg (b) has been studying at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln since 2024. She stands out for her full sound and excellent sense of timing, following in the tradition of Ray Brown.

Jakob Hein (dr) is also a student at the Cologne Conservatory, a multiple award-winner, and already a sought-after drummer in the straight-ahead scene.

The band dedicates itself to the captivating music of Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, and many other greats of the swing era.

Thimo Niesterok (tp)
Mathieu Clement (vib)
Benedikt Göb (p)
Lena Lorberg (b)
Jakob Hein (dr)

Teachers:

• Marion & Stephan (Lindy Hop Int-Adv)
• Katrin & Jesús (Lindy Hop Int-Adv)
• Verena & Johannes (Lindy Hop Int)
• Christin & Randy (Lindy Hop Int)
• Hot Soup (Music Track)
• t.b.a. (Shim Sham)

Workshop Timetable : (preliminary, might have minor change)

• 10:45-11:00 Audition
• 11:00-12:30 Lindy Hop Int-Adv (Marion-Stephan), Int (Christin-Randy)
• 12:30-13:00 Break
• 13:00-14:30 Lindy Hop Int-Adv (Jesús-Katrin), Int (Verena-Johannes)
• 14:30-15:30 Break
• 15:30-17:00 Music Track (Hot Soup)

Party Timetable

• 19:45 Open Door
• 20:00-21:00 Shim Sham Workshop
• 21:00-21:30 DJ Niel
• 21:30-23:30 Thimo Niesterok & His Cologne Hepcats (LIVE), special show
• 23:30-02:00: DJ Niel x Hot Soup

Class description: 

(There will be short auditions for Lindy Hop class to make sure everyone gets the most out of it)

Dance Level: Intermediate You’ve been dancing Lindy Hop around six months to a year, attending social dances and workshops. You know essential moves (tuck turn, pass by, swing out, circle, send out) and concepts like lead/follow.

Dance Level: Intermediate-Advanced You’ve been dancing Lindy Hop regularly more than a year, attending social dances and workshops. You know essential moves and easily mix them (tuck turn, pass by, swing out, circle, send out) and concepts like lead/follow, rhythm and styling.

Dance Level: Solo Jazz-Shim Sham We'll learn this classic routine and some essential solo jazz moves. No experience needed, everyone is welcome.

Music Track: This session is for both dancers and non-dancers who are curious about jazz music. We'll dive into the basics of swing and jazz, explore key musicians, and discuss how the music shapes the dance. We’ll also introduce DJing, covering the technical side and how to DJ for swing dance events. It’s a good chance to connect more with the music.

Ticket Options:  (Registration opens 12.12. 18:00) , for Subscribers (12:00)

We’ve kept the event as affordable as possible. You can grab an early bird ticket (limited availability), or if you’d like to support the event and help make it more sustainable, there’s an option to contribute. We really appreciate your support!

Early Bird until 8.1. or depends on availability

• 🎟️ Full Pass Lindy Hop WS  (3h), Music Track included, Party: 
  • Regular/Supporter €55        
  • Early Bird €50

• 🎟️ Music Track (1,5h), Party:
  • Regular/Supporter €45
  • Early Bird €40

• 🎟️ Solo Jazz-Shim Sham (1h), Party:
  • Regular/Supporter €35
  • Early Bird €30

• 🎟️ Party Pass  (reg opens 19.12., limited)
  • Regular/Supporter €20
  • Early Bird €18

• 🎟️ Add-on (you can combine with other passes)
  • 1h Shim Sham €10

Link to subscribe: 

https://mailchi.mp/2ac86dd01691/the-night-train-groove

*Please note that both early bird and regular tickets are limited, so we may not be able to offer door tickets.

For tickets and more details, check out our instagram @thenighttrain_groove or scan the QR code in the event photo! See you at Night Train! 🌙✨

Jammin’ the Blues, 1944. Dancers, Marie Bryant and Archie Savage (background)