Dixieland, early jazz styles, ragtime and old-time gospel music
Black Swan is an entertaining, artistic group that loves performing hot jazz, ragtime and old-time gospel with a distinctive, original flair.
We are frequently booked at jazz and dance festivals, concerts, weddings, anniversaries, parties, wakes, corporate celebrations, cruises, Mardi Gras... you name it, and are ready to make your special occasion an "affair to remember" with our full eight-piece ensemble, featuring the sizzling talents of vocalist Marilyn Keller. or a smaller combo to fit the occasion.
Mark your calendars! Black Swan's next scheduled public appearance is at the Seaside Jazz Festival on February 22-24, 2013. Check out details about these and other public events on the Black Swan Performance Schedule, or contact us directly for private bookings.
Dance Hall Favorites, our latest release, is a two-CD collection recorded at Performing Arts Centers throughout Oregon, California and Washington. It includes over two hours of hot jazz and audience favorites on 28 tracks.
Hot Notes is an occasional blog by band leader Kit Johnson. The latest edition, Dancers, Front & Center! speaks to the need for small festivals to win the hearts and minds of this key constituency. The inaugural publication, Positioning the Traditional Jazz Spotlight discussed building festival attendance and enthusiasm.
Free, full-length sample songs from our latest three recordings are available right here:
Joe Avery's Blues (3:28 minutes; MP3) from Dance Hall Favorites (2010)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (4:17 minutes; MP3) from Feel the Spirit (2007)
Dude Ranch Blues (3:35 minutes; MP3) from This Joint is Jumpin' (2005)
We look forward to meeting you soon at your favorite "happy jazz" event!