Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters

Artist ID: 15688

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS is a blast from the past and the best party music of today. Assembled to recreate the excitement of the world-famous Cotton Club in New York where the rich and famous danced to the greats like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS combines swing, jazz, soul and pop into a powerful and energetic 3-hour, non-stop performance.

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS PLEASES ALL AGES AND TASTES! Whether you're interested in a jazzy, swinging sound, or the full blast of world-class horns and amazing female vocals on a contemporary tune, BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS is sure to please your most discerning and diverse guests. Start with classics from the early jazz era of the Cotton Club and then JUMP into the best from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today!

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS - CLASSY OR SASSY - YOU SET THE MOOD Looking for Big-Stage impact? Prefer something modern and approachable? No matter the style of your event, BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS offers costuming and staging options that fit perfectly. White tuxes, top hats and tails ... or cool urban sophisticate...we'll be a tailored part of your special occasion.

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS is hardly subtle! But you can add the following:

• Five Fabulous Front Vocalists
• Presented as 13 or 17 pieces
• Offered with four or eight horns
• Kickin' four piece rhythm section
• Available as a Party Band for dancing
• Offered as a Big Band for concerts

A GROUP OF AWESOME TALENT These seasoned veterans have performed with:

• Aretha Franklin
• Earth Wind & Fire
• Dizzy Gillespie
• Lionel Hampton
• La Toya Jackson
• Jeffrey Osborne
• Wynton and Branford Marsalis
• The O'Jays
• OutKast
• Lou Rawls
• Lionel Ritchie

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS Band Leader, Jerry Freeman, has PLAYED / TOURED WITH:

• Yolanda Adams
• African American
• Symphony Orchestra
• George Clinton
• Aretha Franklin
• Cameo
• Destiny's Child
• Dizzy Gillespie
• George Duke
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Isaac Hayes
• Lionel Hampton
• Al Jarreau
• Quincy Jones
• Smokie Norful
• OutKast
• Chaka Khan
• Gerald Levert
• Shirley Caesar
• Ignacio Berroa
• Jon Faddis
• Paquito D'Rivera
• Panama Francis
• Rufus Reid
• Ray Charles
• Kenny Burrell
• Chuck Mangione

GENRES FOR THIS ARTIST

SUGGESTED EVENT TYPES

REFERENCES

“Big Swing was the best band we have ever had! Huge hit!!!!
David Beam
Insulate America

"They were a fantastic band that put on an amazing show! All the members and Alumni in attendance had a great time!"
Sean E. Murphy
Synthes Spine

"Very Good. Little Rock loved them!!"
Todd Bagwell
Dillard Wedding - Dillard Department Stores

Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters were a big hit at the 62nd North Carolina Azalea Festival's 2009 Patrons' Party Gala. They played a great variety of music and had everyone on their feet on the dance floor. Multiple patrons and corporate sponsors expressed their appreciation and said they thought they were one of if not the best band we have had perform at this event. I am happy to be a reference for them in the future, as I would highly recommend them without reservation to anyone. Thank you for referring them to me.
Erica Mearns
2010 North Carolina Azalea Festival President

Big Swing was FABULOUS!

They were so high energy and people hit the dance floor the minute it was open to the guests and stayed the rest of the night. While they were good when we saw them a few months ago, they were GREAT for our wedding. The horn section had everyone fired up including my cousins who danced with them. The band was so interactive and made the evening feel so intimate. It was an experience beyond what I had ever imagined and Big Swing was the first detail of the wedding people wanted to discuss the next morning at the brunch.

Also, I must compliment Jerry Freeman who was tremendously professional. He was very easy to work with and quickly remedied any issues we had at the beginning.

My mom's comments was that while she was hoping they would take a break (though the younger folks were glad they didnt!), they were worth every penny. She is a tough critic so this says a ton!
Deborah Johnson

Big Swing was FABULOUS! We had a little glitch at the beginning because there was a miscommunication about the start time. However, they more than made up for it! They were so high energy and people hit the dance floor the minute it was open to the guests and stayed the rest of the night. While they were good when we saw them a few months ago, they were GREAT for our wedding. The horn section had everyone fired up including my cousins who danced with them. The band was so interactive and made the evening feel so intimate. It was an experience beyond what I had ever imagined and Big Swing was the first detail of the wedding people wanted to discuss the next morning at the brunch. Also, I must compliment Jerry Freeman who was tremendously professional. He was very easy to work with and quickly remedied any issues we had at the beginning. My mom's comments were that while she was hoping they would take a break (though the younger folks were glad they didn't!), they were worth every penny. She is a tough critic so this says a ton! Thanks for helping make this happen.
DJ Bright
Groom

It was GREAT!!! Big Swing was phenomenal. The music was fabulous and it seemed the whole party danced the entire time they played. We really did not want them to stop. I hope the band enjoyed it too -they were really nice guys. I hope to get to go to a party where they play again soon. We all really had a good time last night, and it was a great fundraiser for NCDT. Thanks so much for all your help.
Margaret Ullrich
NC Dance Theatre

Big Swing & the Ballroom Blasters did a great job at our Nov. 15th ( Ted Turner’s 60th Birthday ) event. They were pleasant and professional, and most importantly, extremely talented. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about them from party guests. It is always a pleasure to work with you.
Debbie Masterson, Vice President
Turner Enterprises, Inc.

I cannot rave enough about the band. They made the wedding. On top of having a superb caliper of musicianship and showmanship they were the nicest of people. They made us feel that they were having a good time too!! What a wonderful experience it was working with you all. I think you could tell that I am a detail person and little things really do impress me. This has been a totally positive aspect of our wedding.
Carol Ganz
Mother of the Bride

The band was abolutely awesome! Everyone couldn't stop talking about how amazing they were. All night I heard "Where did you find this band!?" I didn't event leave the dance floor. It was exactly how I envisioned it, and then even better. Thanks so much for your help.
Casey Griffith, Macon GA
Wedding

Jack,

Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters were a huge hit Saturday. People throughout the night were telling me how much they enjoyed the group and my client emailed me this morning to say she has continued to get compliments on the band. The band looked great and sounded even better. Their volume control during dinner was also perfect, which is sometimes a challenge for a band their size. They could not have been easier or more pleasant to work with. The evening was a big success and I can't wait to work with them again.

Thanks for all your help,
Paul
Event Planner

OH MY GOODNESS- best band i have ever heard! I absolutely loved them! We are still getting phone calls, emails, etc. talking about how wonderful the wedding was, especially the band. they kept the party going so well that no one realized what time it was. the club said i had the biggest turn out when i left (at 11:30) and i know it was due to the band taking no breaks and keeping things moving so well that no one ever looked at their watches. I think more than 200 people were still their to watch John and I leave!
Katherine Rice
Bride

Jerry, I have just returned from my honeymoon and wanted to email you immediately to thank you for a WONDERFUL performance at my wedding in Birmingham!! I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had-not to mention my guests!! Everyone was blown away by your show and I have a feeling you'll be booking some more weddings in Birmingham based off of ours! Thank you SO SO much for your willingness to learn both "Hey Baby" for my dance with my Dad and also for the quick turnaround on the Pat Green song that Josh had requested for me. Both songs made the night even more special and really demonstrated your commitment to the party. We can't say enough great things about your band and will pass along your name to everyone that asks "who that fabulous band was!!" Many thanks and hope to see you at other weddings soon! I can't wait to party with y'all as a guest too!
Miller Beale
Wedding Reception

Hi Jerry, Forgive me for being a little late in telling you how FABULOUS you and your band were at the Tanner wedding in Rutherfordton. I have never heard so many raves in my life or seen a dance floor so packed for the duration of a night. We have had endless compliments on Big Swing, and I cannot remember when I have worked with a group as attractive, easy going, efficient, accommodating and pleasant. Thank you for making the Tanner wedding so memorable, and for making us look so good. The good news is that we get to work with you again at the Lea wedding in August and I look forward to that!
Janie Sellers
Confetti Distinctive Events

"They were UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to work with them again!"
Kristine Newman
Kristine Newman Designs Charleston, SC

" I've been to hundreds of weddings in my lifetime, but I cannot remember my knees hurting so bad!! Big Swing brought the house down and I was dancin' the "Jelly leg" all night long. My 92 year old mother danced too! They were just FANTASTIC!"
Carlton Edwards
Charlotte, NC

"They were outstanding. Everyone enjoyed them. I could recommend Big Swing to anyone. Please tell them how mush I appreciate their talent. I will go see them anywhere. P.S. I am a straight shooter and do not brag on people unless they are special. Big Swing is special"
Dan Amos
Columbus, GA

"This town went GaGa over the band Saturday night! Everyone was just blown away!!! Jerry ( band leader ) was so organized and all such wonderful, wonderful people from top to bottom. Please use me as a reference."
Michelin Gary
Event Planner Virginia Beach, VA

"Big Swing was a huge success for the Wachovia Championship Block Party. I had several people tell me they liked them better than Chicago."
Heather Alala
Wachovia Championship Block Party

"I cannot describe how amazing Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters were. When Greg and I heard them for the first time in Raleigh, we knew that everyone at our reception was in for a treat. I know that people who are planning a huge party like a wedding or corporate event are automatically skeptical about vendors and testimonials, but I can honestly say that EVERYTHING I've heard and been told about Big Swing, and everything on their website, is dead on. Jerry is so accomodating, nice, and professional, the musicians are pretty much the best I've ever seen, and the three lead dancers (I think) are more talented and attractive than the Supremes! I wish I could go to a party every weekend with that band. They truly were the tipping point that took our reception from beautiful and memorable to spectacular. I also want to chime in on how impressed and pleased my parents were. The band was there biggest concern this whole time - they wanted to choose the perfect band that played everything. Even up until the week of my wedding, my dad mentioned that he hoped the band was good. Wow, was he impressed! He will NOT stop talking about them - he has said that they are hands down the best band he has ever seen perform - at any event! Everything - from the professionalism to the playlist to the the acoustics and volume - was perfect. Thank you so much!!!!"
Louisa Collier
WR Baltimore, MD

As you know, I have been booking bands with East Coast for over 30 years and I have never been more impressed by a band in my life ! We were fortunate to have "Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters" for our 25th anniversary at the Figure 8 Island Yacht Club last Saturday night. Their music,appearance,attitude and stage presence was better than I've ever seen. Jerry Freeman was first class and was responsive to every need and request that was made during the night.There will be lots of requests for this band from all of our members attending and I am looking forward to planning our next party, somewhere, where we can afford the 4 more horns !!! Big Swing has raised the bar and some of our old favorites should all witness the production, energy and class that this new band brings to the stage. Big Swing did it all and I hope we can bring them back soon !
Buzzy Northen
Figure Eight Island Yacht Club

Big Swing is Awesome!!! The horn section creates a huge wall of sound and the male vacalist (aka Big Swing) is the best vocalist I have seen in a long time.
Chris McClure

You guys are the example of what entertainment "Should" be. Keep up the good work!
Makenna Coyne
Director of International Sports and Entertainment Business

I want to save all of you time and let you know we have another group which will rival any of the "super groups" in the country. Eight horns (the coolest looking and sounding horn-section we have ever had), three female vocalists who look and sound like the Dreram Girls, two dynamic male vocalists and a great rhythm section...Started the night with the great swing standards and ended the night (after a great performance from Chicago) with real party music. They are the real deal.
Larry Farber
Senior Partner, East Coast Entertainment

I hope we have an occasion in the near future that we can use the Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters! They are truely TERRIFIC! In the meantime I will be singing their praises all over the Northeast!
Amy J. Brown
New York, New York

The Ballroom Blasters were simply THE BEST band I could have chosen for my daughters wedding in Savannah. We fell in love with every one of them as they were the nicest people. I would highly recommend them for any wedding where you want to have fun.
Katie Waddell
Mother of The Bride

This Band is comitted to the success of your event! They listened to our needs and delivered a high-energy performance that raised the crowd to the dance floor. Their repertoire is beautifully executed by talented musicians. A great package!
J F Legault
The Event Company

SONG LIST

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