Function bands
Background musicians
Function bands
Background musicians
Hire a swing band for your wedding or party, to play the best danceable jazz, swing and jump jive across the decades: from Ellington, Louis Prima and Sinatra through to swinging versions of the latest pop music.
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The Retro Pops re-interpret classic pop songs from the 1970s to the 2020s in a variety of other genres, from jazz and blues to calypso. A fresh approach to the traditional party band format.
Swinging, vintage-themed band playing a mixture of modern hits in a quirky, vintage style alongside authentic 20s-40s material.
Highly experienced and entertaining jazz / swing function band playing the classic hits from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, and more.
A one-of-a-kind 5-piece jazz and swing band, specializing in a postmodern twist by performing pop standards with a classic jazz flair. If the mood calls for it, they effortlessly switch to funk and soul tunes to get everyone on their feet and dancing.
The Gin Rickeys are a postmodern jukebox band giving a jazzy and Latin twist to pop classics, from Dua Lipa to Junior Senior, with a dash of Rosalia and a sprinkle of Aretha Franklin. Imagine a postmodern jukebox, but with an extra dose of energy!
Hugely entertaining and swinging 1920s-style jazz band, who have previously performed at Wembley Stadium. The band put their own unique and eccentric take on modern pop, from Taylor Swift to Motorhead! DJ laptop service available on request.
Immersing their audience in the essence of New Orleans' "roaring 20s" jazz era, The Canal Street Swing Band have earned acclaim at numerous venues, from raucous bars to highly respected jazz festivals.
The Bon Bons add a touch of vintage glamour to any event or party, charming audiences with classics from the 1940s/50s or delivering a retro twist on modern chart hits. They're a delightful treat that's sure to please everyone!
Fun and stylish, this international jazz ensemble brings a fresh twist to classic swing, bossa nova, and pop for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind show.
Drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Jazz, The Velvet Tones pay tribute to the iconic Ladies of Jazz by performing classics from the Great American Songbook and songs popularized by legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.
An intoxicating blend of swing, jazz and contemporary pop performed by experienced, world-class musicians. Additional musicians and afternoon sets also available.
Quirky vintage swing band with a fantastic female lead putting a retro take on modern songs like Get Lucky, Uptown Funk and Billie Jean.
This dynamic band hits all the right notes with classic Lindy hop and jump jive tunes, along with swinging renditions of chart-toppers by Pharrell and Bruno Mars. With their all-singing, all-swinging style, they're a sure bet for getting everyone up and dancing on the floor.
Youthful big band with a killer brass section, this Manchester-based outfit delivers a versatile show blending Rat Pack and swing classics with contemporary hits.
Vintage Jukebox, with highly talented jazz and blues musicians, sets an unmatched musical standard. From jazz standards to the latest pop hits, Vintage Jukebox are capable of catering to events and weddings, offering tailor-made entertainment for any occasion.
This authentic postmodern style swing band masterfully plays classic swing tunes, as well as pop songs reimagined in a swing style. They also offer the option to include additional musicians in their lineup.
Combining smooth vocal harmonies, toe-tapping rhythms, and infectious melodies, The Swing Tigers play classic swing for dancing, breathing new life into timeless classics.
Experience the electrifying magic of 13 Manchester maestros turning karaoke into an epic live spectacle, complete with bespoke arrangements and unforgettable performances that elevate any occasion!
Tantalizing singer available as a soloist or with a live band in varying sizes. Lily sings the best of vintage and postmodern jazz in sparkling 1920s style.
Fantastic vocal harmony group specialising in the beautiful music from the 1940s and 50s. Amazing harmonies, beautiful dance routines, and stunning costumes!
Swing music was popularised by bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller, and became a staple of dance halls and nightclubs during the 1930s and 1940s.
Swing music is energetic and upbeat, so if you're looking to create a lively atmosphere and encourage people to dance, hiring a swing band is the perfect option!
Not always. Most swing bands play a varied selection of swing and related genres:
Classic swing and big band music
Classic songs from the swing band era (1930s and 1940s). Popular tunes include: Sing, Sing, Sing, In the Mood, Take the A Train, Chattanooga Choo Choo and Minnie the Moocher by Cab Calloway
Rat Pack and crooner standards
Songs from the late 1940s through to the 1960s, popularised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Songs include: Come Fly with Me, Fly Me To The Moon and L.O.VE
Pop songs performed in a vintage style
Often referred to as "postmodern jazz", this style became hugely popular thanks to bands such as Postmodern Jukebox and Nouvelle Vague. These bands re-imagine and perform popular songs in vintage musical styles, from swing and jazz to ragtime and bossa nova.
Other genres
Some of our bands will include uptempo songs in closely related genres, such as jump jive, soul, blues and gospel. Some examples are: Hallelujah I Love Her, Hey Bartender, Hit The Road Jack, Jump, Jive, and Wail and Straighten Up And Fly Right.
Yes! But this depends on the line-up. Make sure your swing band includes a drummer – providing an essential rhythmic element for dancing.
A vocalist/frontman/frontwoman is also recommended for dancing. This provides a focal point for your guests and makes the performance more interactive.
This depends on the line-up. For small swing band consisting of 5 members you'll need a performance area (or stage if you can provide one) measuring 5 metres across by 3 metres deep.
Before researching bands, consider the size and layout of your event space, as well as the number of guests you are expecting. A swing band can take up a significant amount of space and may be too loud for a small or intimate gathering. It's also important to consider your budget and the cost of hiring a band.
Lastly, don't forget to have a dance floor set up and encourage your guests to join in the fun!
Yes! Jive music evolved from swing music, but incorporates elements of jump blues, boogie woogie, and early rock'n'roll. It typically features a driving rhythm section, with a strong emphasis on the drums and bass, as well as a brass section with trumpets and trombones.
Jive music is often associated with dance, particularly the jitterbug and the swing dances of the 1930s and 1940s. The fast tempo and upbeat rhythm make it ideal for lively, energetic dancing, with dancers performing a range of kicks, flicks, and other fast-paced movements.
Some well-known examples of jive music include "Jump, Jive, and Wail" by Louis Prima, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets, "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" by Louis Jordan.
Our swing bands typically perform for 2 hours. This can usually be divided into two sets of sixty minutes each, or three sets of forty minutes each.
Most bands will be able to play recorded music via their sound systems in the intervals, to ensure you're never in silence.
There are several reasons why we'd recommend booking a swing band for your wedding or event:
In summary, booking a wedding swing band will add a touch of class, energy, and fun, and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Most of our swing bands can perform within the limits of sound limiters with no problems, though always check the noise restrictions at your venue and let us know the decibel limit, so we can suggest appropriate bands.
In many cases, levels can be reduced by asking the drummer to use brushes or “hot rods” instead of wooden sticks.
Our swing wedding bands will be happy to learn and perform your first dance request – provided they think they can arrange it for their line-up and do it justice.
Firstly, check the band's profile page on our website, to see if the song is already featured on their song list.
If it's not, let us know your request and we'll run it past the band and let you know if they'd be happy to learn and rehearse it for you.
If they're not, don't worry, they'll make sure they play the recorded version through their PA system instead, at the right time.
Assuming you've booked a swing band to perform in the evening, they'll aim to arrive from 5pm or 6pm.
Their set up and sound-check will then take between 60-90 minutes (depending on the size of the band), so please make sure they have a closed off room for this period. If you can't close the room off, don't panic, we can arrange a silent "line-check" instead, so as not to disturb your guests.
Aside from sufficient space, you'll just need to allow the band access to at least two standard domestic plug sockets.
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