Sound samples and other information can be found here:

http://www.myspace.com/swingtimefascinators

They are also on Facebook: Tana the Tattooed Lady and the Fascinators

Here are some action shots taken during performances:

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Here are some flyers from for events past and present:

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The Pete Petersen septet captures the spirit of the most classic era of jazz and swing music, blended with a sense of humor and a modern twist. The band’s members all realize the great truth that the originators of this art form were the Rock Stars of their time. Their music wasn’t meant to be a museum piece or a teaching tool – it was meant to engage the audience and connect with people. They didn’t do ‘Jazz by Numbers’ according to a book of instructions laid down by educators — they just played it, and it swung! This band captures that essence, and for over six years have remained true to the spirit of the music they perform. Catch them now at a venue near you!!!

Pete Petersen grew up listening to pianist Gene Harris playing in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, while simultaneously getting "real-world" jazz experience sitting in with local notables such as Bruno Carr, Stefan Karlsson, Ron Miles and Eric Gunnison. He has been featured on NPR’s JazzSet program, and he is currently one of Portland’s in-demand saxophonists as a sideman, doing section work for name artists in many diverse styles ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. As an arranger he has done work for many regional notables, including Howard Crosby, the nephew of the legendary Bing Crosby. As a bandleader, his Septet has hit the national stage, playing jazz and swing festivals in Chicago, Denver, Seattle and beyond. He has also been a featured performer at major jazz festivals in the western U.S, including the Telluride Jazz Celebration in Telluride, CO, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival in Portland, Oregon, and the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise.

Reviews:
"Petersen’s an accomplished player. He has a big, throaty tone and a blowzy, swashbuckling style with the conversational touch of old-time sax players." — Paul de Barros, Seattle Times

"…swinging, down the center of the groove, well-paced, scintillating straight ahead jazz and bop from a Portland cat who writes and plays in the best of the tradition. …Every [tune] rings out with the joy of playing the real deal." — George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon writer/critic at large

"This group, their arrangements, and musical choices are a big band at its best." — Mary Burlingame-producer/host, HomeGrown Live KMHD 89.1 The Jazz Station www.kmhd.fm

Porkpie plays spirited, with enthusiasm and like they’re having fun with it. Their album is a must have in my collection. – Tim "Java Man" Taylor KMHD 89.1 FM the Jazz Station

Now with Bria for the Portland Lindy Exchange!!!

BRIA SKONBERG: Joining Pete Petersen’s Septet will be Vancouver B.C.’s up and coming super talent on trumpet and vocals. At age 25, Bria Skonberg has been performing on stage for over 20 years. She has made appearances as a bandleader and guest artist all over North America, Europe, and Asia. Early in 2008 she was a guest on Riverwalk Jazz with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, representing the “next generation of jazz”. She is often a featured performer with Canadian Icon Dal Richards and his Orchestra. She co-leads and manages three jazz bands based in the Pacific Northwest: The Big Bang Jazz Band aka The 51st Eight (www.bigbangjazzband.com) The Mighty Aphrodite Jazz Band (www.mightyjazz.com) and Bria’s Hot Five. She is also a member of The Hoppin’ Mad Orchestra, the Yukon based quintet New Orleans North, and is featured often with the Solomon Douglas Swingtet.

 For additional information and sound samples visit:

petepetersen.com

myspace.com/petepetersenjazz

Any other questions please call Russ (360)798-6929

The Midnight Serenaders perform an infectious blend of old-time jazz and early swing, offering up a sweet collection of songs and tunes from the early 20th century. Fronted by guitar slinger/crooner Doug Sammons and ukulele-plinking chanteuse Dee Settlemier, this Portland, Oregon-based sextet energizes audiences, and transports them on a melodic, swing-crazy journey to the dance-happy era known as “the Jazz Age,” where a catchy melody was queen and rhythm ruled the land.

The Midnight Serenaders draw their repertoire from the rich heritage of early Americana: from out of the Harlem Renaissance they bring “A Porter’s Love Song To A Chambermaid,” written by James P. Johnson and Andy Razaf, and Clarence Williams’ very saucy “You Got To Give Me Some.” In addition they do passionate renditions of Bessie Smith’s “Squeeze Me” and Ethel Waters’ “My Handyman.” The Serenaders unearth and reinterpret many long forgotten songs from the 1920s and ’30s with inimitable panache. Mr. Sammons’ buttery baritone crooning on Johnny Marvin’s “Magnolia” will make any modern flapper swoon, and Miss Settlemier’s down-around-the-ankles contralto on such numbers as Annette Hanshaw’s “Six Feet of Papa” is sweeter than the crease on a southern peach. This versatile ensemble also features Hawaiian instrumentals, like Andy Iona’s dreamy “Sand,” and even songs from old-time country legend Jimmie Rodgers with “My Carolina Sunshine Girl” and “Nobody Knows But Me.”

The Serenaders rhythm section pounces and swings, held down by the steady and dependable standup bass work of veteran bassist Pete Lampe. But the key instrument that some critics say makes the Serenaders’ sound is the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, played with artful finesse by Mr. Henry Bogdan, who adds sweet melodic layers to the crooning songs and a taunting boost to the up-tempo numbers. Or perhaps the secret ingredient is Garner Pruitt’s chomping-at-the-bit trumpet playing interlaced with the melodic and sweet playing of clarinetist David Evans. Nevertheless, it is the sum of these parts that succeeds in creating a totally delightful and effervescent music.

To find out more about the Midnight Serenaders, visit them at: midnightserenaders.com

If you have questions, please contact Russ at (360)798-6929

The reason for their infectious danceability and utter popularity? On first glance, no one would deny that it must be due to the charming vocals of long and tall band leader Heather O’Brien. However, all hep-cats and jitterbugs know that in addition to a hot canary, a great band needs a great rhythm section, and on this count, 6’ Swing enjoys an embarrassment of riches. Having the luxury and sophistication of a full, four piece rhythm section gives dancers an avalanche of rhythmic textures without ever losing the one thing that means everything: SWING! Named the best band by the Pacific Northwest Inlander’s reader’s poll, The Inlander describes their music as, "very tight, bouncy and perfect for the kind of acrobatic dancing you’d imagine would accompany it."

More on these guys can be found here: thinkswingspokane.com/
or on their myspace page: www.myspace.com/6footswing

Any Questions please call Russ (360)798-6929

More information on this group can be found here: trashcanjoe.com/

If you have questions, please contact Russ (360)798-6929

Led by guitarist and singer Pete Krebs, the band features David Langenes on guitar and Keith Brush on upright bass. Pete has been busy member of Portland’s musical community for 20 years, playing styles rangeing from punk rock to old-time to classic jazz, and has shared the stage with everyone from Nirvana to The Holy Modal Rounders to Patrick Saussois. He is also an in-demand guitar teacher and session player. David Langenes is a jack-of-all-trades master guitarists whose skills and repetoire are rarely matched by mere mortals. Keith Brush on bass is the rock-steady heartbeat of many local musical legends, including the Blue Cranes and Bobby Torres. All three also play with Portland early jazz dynamos The Stolen Sweets, and have recently returned from Europe where the group played a fantastic series of concerts for the culturally-starved folks out that way. Ahem. The PK3 has released their self-titled first CD, which will features originals and the band’s signature take on standards both old and new, and will feature guest artists from Portland’s musical aristocracy including Farnell Newton and Lou Chavez (not to mention a cameo by the Stolen Sweets girls!). The PK3 are constantly performing both locally and on the road, and are available for bookings for occasions big and small. A list of upcoming concerts is available at www.myspace.com/petekrebsgypsytrio. Information about the Stolen Sweets is available at www.stolensweets.com. Just released! 1. Comes Love 2. Fisco Place 3. Embraceable You 4. Katyn 5. Django’s Tiger 6. Cypress 7. Sit Right Down 8. I’m Confessin’ 9. Besame Mucho 10. Dinah 11. Window Faces the South

($12+$5 S&H) Here are some photos and flyers from past events. (Those using Windows Internet Explorer will need to scroll up after clicking images to see them… and by the way, Firefox is a much better Web Browser)

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Song Samples

Having made strong appearances at Djangofest Northwest, and at the String Swing event at the Portland Lindy Exchange Swing Festival, the Djangophiles have demonstrated their ability to please the listening audience as well as the dancers that come to their performances.

The Djangophiles, named after the love of Django Reinhardt, are a Gypsy Jazz group that primarily consists of Dave Stassens (guitar), Jon Thor Williams (guitar), and Dave Speranza (bass). In the live recordings below you’ll also hear Paul Evans on melodica and saprano sax.

As you can hear, the group truly captures the Parisian sound that was innovated by Django Reinhardt during the Swing Era.

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Buy the CD

We now are able to offer the Djangophiles latest CD, “Live at Lola’s”!

Track Listing

01……I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
02……ROSE ROOM
03……PETRIARCHA
04……SI TU SAVAIS
05……SWING GITAN
06……J’ATTENDRAI
07……BLUE DRAG
08……DJANGO’S TIGER
09……BEI MIR BIST DU SCHÖN
10……NUAGES
11……LATCHO DROM
12……PAPRIKA

$15 (includes shipping)

Song Samples

For booking information, contact russ@swingtimepdx.com

To find out when the next performance is, visit: http://myspace.com/djangophiles

Each and every tune Swing Papillon takes the listener on a ride of unique impovization, fiery solos, and familiar quotations, leaving audience members impressed and amazed every time. 

Bandleader Michael Papillo brings the best in gypsy jazz to his all string combo:

James Mason (Violin)

Bryan Darby (Lead Guitar)

Jason Okamoto (Flamenco Guitar)

Hyung Nam (Rhythm Guitar)

Michael Papillo (Double Bass)

Django Reinhardt (Original Bad Ass)

Song Samples

For More Information

For upcoming gigs visit: http://myspace.com/swingpapillon

For booking information, contact booking@swingpapillon.com

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Loose Marbles performing with their singer, Meschiya Lake, who rocks back on her heels, lifts her chest, and opens her throat like an air-raid siren to croon in a thrilling, pre-microphone style that is easily audible above the band.

The Loose Marbles will be in Portland to perform at the Bossanova, formerly known to swing dancers as the Viscount Ballroom, on August 9th.

Song Samples