Traditional western swing and blues with an eclectic range of tunes from waltzes to jumps – think Hank Williams backed by Artie Shaw. A variety of styles and tempos with something for everyone. Straightforward, heartfelt vocals, pedal steel, and fiddle are a unique sonic blend over a tight and energetic rhythm section with prominent upright bass.

The Best Westerns deliver constant danceable swing tunes. Dancers will readily find a range of tempos that will keep them on the floor most of the show. This band is a bonus for those who also know Texas Two-Step.

This 18-piece big band plays an array of music from the 1930s to 1960s. The band leader is also a dancer and they are cognizant to keep the set danceable. Vocalists from the band accompany many of the songs. Their sound is crisp and full and their set is thoroughly enjoyable.

Cameron Webb is one of the nations up-and-coming vocalist/bandleaders. His soulful voice and high energy performances has transfixed audiences all over the country.

He can be heard weekly serving up Blues and Jazz at Chicago’s hippest speakeasy the Roar, on the Magnificent Mile, and a multitude of other local venues. When they play a danceable venue, bring your jigging shoes for this sensational night of jump blues music including classics from Elmore James, Louis Jordan, Junior Parker, Joe Turner and many more!

This 18-piece big band features both masculine and feminine vocals. They will play to the event and specialize in pieces and scores from the 40s to 80s. Playing at the WWII Days in Menomonee Falls, the band specifically played tunes from that era – with much of the set being swing and Fox Trot.

The majority of the band members have been playing for many decades and it shows. Their sound is absolutely crisp and tight and played very well for dancers.

Crazy Rocket Fuel is a four-person rockabilly band. Some of the set is original work. This review is based upon a 90 minute set played at Kochanski’s in October 2022 for a charity event. This may not be a typical set.

Rockabilly is an early style of rock and roll that originated in the early 1950s in the south. Very early Elvis is a prime example. The Crazy Rocket Fuel set certainly skewed from typical rockabilly during numerous songs. The overall sound to the set sounded like a punk band emulating rockabilly – punkabilly?

Swing and blues dancers could partner dance to about half of the set. Dancers with a greater range of styles could likely dance to about 3/4 of the songs. The energy was upbeat and engaging throughout.

The Hungry Williams is a high energy throwback rock n’ roll band with a dynamic femme lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, and backing saxes. Sock hop grooves that twist and shout, raunchy blues, and New Orleans party vibes are the main course.

While swinging tunes aren’t the band’s primary focus, dancers will still have plenty of opportunities to hit the floor. So, don’t pass up a good swing number when you hear it – you may regret it when the next song is twice as fast.

The Jimmys is a spectacular dance band. They are a blues band playing roots rock, R&B, and blues with keyboard, drums, and guitars. Nearly every song is perfect for swing and blues dancing. They frequently play all over central and southern Wisconsin. When this band plays at a danceable venue, they are worth the travel.

This touring six piece swing jazz band is headed by lead singer Naomi Uyama who is based in Minneapolis. The instrumentalists are from all over the United States. This band knows exactly how to play a full set geared exactly to dancers because Naomi herself is an international swing dance champion and instructor. You will find Naomi and her ensemble frequently at national and international swing events, such as Uptown Swing.

As of 2022 they have recorded three albums, which can be purchased online (on their website or BandCamp). All three albums are exceptional with a balanced arrangement of tempos.

There’s no shortage of swagger when Old Sam and the Teardrops take the stage. The legendary local band boasts Violent Femmes drummer John Sparrow, trading in his usual angsty punk anthems for tight and tasteful swing fills on a vintage drum set. Frontman Joe LeSage, AKA Old Sam, commands the crowd with his growling croon, high-energy stage presence, and off-the-cuff sense of humor.

Tunes are vocally driven, featuring prohibition-era classics from Jelly Roll Morton to Fats Waller, landing mainly in the realm of swing jazz but venturing into the sounds of southern roots rock. LeSage’s vocals are balanced out by the band’s horn duo of trumpet and tenor saxophone, adding just the right amount of color between verses.

Expect straightforward, swinging songs that are the right length to mix up your dance partners (you won’t get stuck on the floor for a 12-minute instrumental jam), mostly up-tempo and fitting for East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. If you’re a beginner or bringing non-dancing friends, this band is a great choice: Old Sam and the Teardrops put on a show that’s just as much fun for the spectators as the dancers.

This very dynamic band is also the house band for the “Dead man’s carnival live music circus show”. As such, this band plays a wide variety of music styles: surf, swing, soul, European Romany* folk, Sci-fi foley, New Orleans R&B, jug band tunes, and even zany cartoon-esque soundtracks.

Professor Pinkerton, being a swing dancer himself, knows how to put on a set that is directed to the dance community. If you go to a show that wasn’t specifically intended for dancing, you will still thoroughly enjoy the talent, running commentary, and thoughtful arrangements.

The Irrelevant Orchestra can be frequently seen at Shaker’s Cigar Bar and many other events. Their Facebook page provides upcoming gigs.

*Romany is a more ethnically sensitive word to describe the Roma people versus the term Gypsy.

Professor Pinkerton plays guitar and keyboard and sings with Paul Westfahl playing drum kit, washboard, and other accompanying rhythm. This laid-back show primarily plays vintage blues and swing with a smattering of potentially anything else. Pinkerton is a consummate showman and quips one-liners and short musings between tunes. Expect a range of tempos for dancing all types of swing and blues possible.

Sliphorn is a dancer’s dream band. While some songs feature vocals, the group’s ensemble sound and blend of instruments is the primary focus, never putting one player in the spotlight too long. Their unique sound is not quite a big band, but fuller than a typical combo. Styles range from traditional jazz (where there’s a washboard, there’s a party) to swing-era standards and down-and-dirty blues, with the band’s namesake trombone coloring its signature sound. Sliphorn is accustomed to longer sets and is there for the dancers, providing an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Their main menu stays in the New Orleans realm with quicker tempos and extended instrumentals for showing off fancy footwork, but there are plenty of opportunities to slow things down as well – the trombone was made for blues and ballads. You’ll even catch the occasional waltz or two-step. Look forward to a night where every tune is danceable, but with a delightful spin of unpredictability in the air.

Sweet Sheiks conjure up the finest sounds of early jazz with a modern twist, paying tribute to the sultry speakeasy tunes of the ‘teens and twenties. Jen Müttin-Schrank’s haunting vocals evoke a bygone era of diva songbirds, becoming all the more intriguing when she picks up her musical saw. Filled out by violin, clarinet, tuba, and tenor banjo, the band’s classic New Orleans sound is in full swing.

Slow drags and early blues tunes are prominent in their sets, with a good dose of fast-paced, virtuosic numbers featuring dazzling improvisations by clarinetist Andrew Spadafora and violinist Ousia Lydian. While some tunes can get a bit complex for beginning dancers to keep up, the entrancing spirit and character of Sweet Sheiks’ music is enough to get anyone on the floor for a while.

This sizable 20+ member big band has Pete Sorce as frontman. The band has plenty of experience and they play their set very well. A sizable group of swing dancers follow this band and the band expertly plays a danceable set.

Pete Sorce is an experienced entertainer and shares quips and short stories. The band regularly plays at The Suburban Bourbon. They also do frequently perform a Frank Sinatra tribute night as Pete Sorce sings Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and similar artists such as Sammy Davis Jr.

Western swing is is a genre that is rarely played in the current swing dance scene. Which is a shame. The western sound has the expected hints of twang and emphasis on string instruments. Band founder and lead vocalist Patrick Brenner plays the steel guitar.

Patrick is also an avid swing dancer and knows exactly how to play to the dance crowd. Since the band frequently exhibits guest soloists and vocalists, a dancer can attend show after show and constantly get a fresh experience. The Westerlees are not shy about playing faster songs and are a favorite among the Balboa swing crowds.

Their website http://www.thewesterlees.com has links to audio clips for a taste of their sound.