Live band & social dancing

FREE OPEN HOUSE

8:00pm Thursday, September 24th, 2026 at Lake Merritt Dance

About the Band:
Established in 2017, the Alpha Rhythm Kings have created quite a stir with music fans, crafting an exciting “King Size California sound” that No Depression magazine calls “the badge of authenticity.”

The “swaggering” (Washington Post) ensemble, led by Robert Dehlinger’s “exhilarating” trumpet and “magnetic” vocals (Jazz Corner), has become a favorite with audiences all over the globe, from Idaho to Indiana, and Beverly Hills to Budapest.

The band is known for headlining California’s premier jazz venues (Yoshi’s in Oakland, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill in Bel Air), top New York nightclubs like Manhattan’s 54 Below, and casino residencies at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas and the Peppermill Resort in Reno. They’ve also appeared at high-profile celebrity events, including the Grammy Awards Nominee Celebration in San Francisco.

The Alpha Rhythm Kings regularly perform for enthusiastic crowds at street fairs and music festivals, and are beloved by swing dancers nationwide. They also make frequent appearances at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

Frontman Robert has entertained audiences at some of America’s most iconic locales, including Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing in Manhattan, George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, and Pixar Animation Studios.

The Alpha Rhythm Kings’ debut recording, the EP California Boogie — featuring their explosive original arrangement of “Oh Marie” — was praised by Jazz Corner as “a truly happening party record” and named by the Hey Mister Jesse podcast as one of the “greatest swingin’ releases worldwide.”

The A.R.K.’s first full-length offering, Sharp Dressed Men, is “a jumping good time of an album” (Midwest Record Blog) and “sharper than a Versace suit” (Jazz Weekly). Several singles followed, with a new album slated for release in 2026.

In 2025, Robert Dehlinger and the Alpha Rhythm Kings were invited to Osaka, Japan, to represent the United States as performers at the World Expo.

Join The Breakaway on Thursday, September 24, 2026 for our Free Open House!

We're opening our doors for free on a live band night to appreciate our amazing community and welcome new dancers in - come celebrate the occasion and dance with us and the Alpha Rhythm Kings!

Highlights of the night will include: beginning taster class, live music, performance, raffle, and more!

Yes, it’s free, but registration is still requested. This will be a big night, and we may reach capacity, so reserve your ticket now!

If you have the ability, and wish to help support the non-profit that allows us to host such wonderful events, please consider making a donation on the ticket page, or making a direct donation here.