Artist ID: 11440
The mission statement is a simple one: ROCK THE HOUSE! The Swingin Richards came into fruition January 2001. Their debut show was Feb 2, 2001, in the plaza of the Nations Bank Center in Charlotte, N.C. opening for James Brown.
Now you may say that's pretty good for a debut, yet there's good reason the guys were able to float their boat on something like this. Dues and persistence. The guys have been in some of the Southeast's most beloved, reveled party bands for over 10 years. MegaPhonics, Daddy Blue, do these ring a bell? If not, either you just moved to the area, or are unaware of what's been shaking musically in the Southeast.
"A friend of ours who works in promotions, was looking for a strong local act that would work nicely opening for James Brown. Our past bands had expired, so he suggested the five of us get together and have a go. Only to do this one show. It really came together from that. We've been friends a long time and play well together. So why stop?" - John Wads
What's this band about? GREAT MUSIC and a REAL GOOD TIME!
What makes this band work? SYNERGY, the whole being greater than the sum of its individual parts.
"Each member of the band realizes that everyone in it is indispensable. It takes all of us to take care of the musical business. The byproduct being, cohesiveness and interplay. It produces something greater than our individual selves. For myself, it doesn't get better than this when it comes to being in a band."
Equally accessible to each other, they are accessible to the folks they play for.
"How are you gonna be any good without a good crowd of people to play for? The whole synergy thing plays into the people we perform for. Maybe I should rephrase that, and say, the people we perform with. It takes two to tango. It's always the energy of the crowd that tells us what to do. When the crowd starts kicking, it makes us want to contribute that much more. So, it really creates a circle where everyone is grooving, and becomes quite a joyous event." - John Wads
Steven Engler replies, "It's really about the band and the crowd in the moment."
Swingin Richards did a fantastic job. They got the crowd involved and did an excellent job with all of the songs. I would definitely recommend, as well as, use them again! Thanks
Chris
Wedding client
Everything was great. I think all the guests had a blast and loved the music.
Thanks so much.
Brittany Bowman
Bride
Hey Ken - Just wanted to send you an email and say thank-you for performing at our wedding. In the future, I will happily suggest your services to anyone seeking excellent, and enjoyable musical entertainment for any occasion. Your band was great to work with and I appreciate you being so accessible during the planning stages. - Take care,
Danny V. (July 2nd, 2011)
Groom
Ken - You guys were fantastic!! We had such a great time at our wedding - as did all of our guests! The groomsmen want to form their own band after singing Bon Jovi (I think we all can agree that's a terrible idea after hearing them belt out that song!). Nick and I are glad to be a reference for y'all or write a review - just let us know where to send something. I can't believe y'all actually got Nick on stage to play! It may have gone to his head...During our honeymoon, he wanted to be able to play with any band (including the reggae one at our hotel) that happened to be performing. As reluctant as he was to actually get on stage with y'all, he had a ball...and felt like a rockstar!
I have never seen my parents rock out to any band as much as they did to y'all. Thanks for the fantastic memories - it couldn't have been any better!
Best,
Lauren B. (June 2nd, 2011)
They were great! Music was wonderful and they were extremely easy to work with from a professional/setup perspective. Please let them know how much we enjoyed having them return to play our Music in the Park!! Thanks again for your help Ellie! ~ J
Charlotte Kost
Baxter Village, Activities Director
The guys held true to their billing!! They were phenomenal and our wedding is literally the talk of the town right now. Fabulous food, open bar, unbelievable band - perfect recipe for a perfect wedding. Brown eyed Girl is the song that Katherine and I share and when I heard the first few notes I went flying to the dance floor, grabbed my child and danced the night away. It couldn't have been more perfect!! They even let Ken play drums with them and I think they were surprised to see that he actually could play!! Had a band in college and made us a little side money.
If they ever need a reference we will be more than happy to oblige. Being the hostess it's hard to stay on the dance floor but I came pretty close! I was bound and determined to enjoy my own party and enjoy it I did! Katherine and Jon could not have been more pleased.
Thanks again!
Pat
The band was great, we loved them and so did all our guests! Thanks so much!
Rachel McFadyen
Bride
I just wanted to say thank you so much for getting the Swingin Richards for us, they were absolutely amazing and "made" the whole reception! The party was strong from 8-12-30 am! Everyone was on the dance floor the entire time, which is what Jay and I wanted!! They were so fun, professional and easy going! They let my husband play a song on their harmonica while they were playing a Johnny Cash song, and then gave him the harmonica as a souvenir, which he loves!! They also let my cousin sing a few songs on the mike. The last song they let my cousin, a bridesmaid and myself sing and it was like a concert...everyone had the time of their lives!!!
Anyway, I would recommend them to anyone who wants a memorable night of a lifetime! Everyone was saying how wonderful they were:)
Katie and Jay Callahan
Ken,
Thank you thank you thank you! You guys were awesome! I think it was definitely fate that brought us together!! I couldn't have been more pleased and have been told over and over again how fun you all were AND what great musicians you guys are. I am sorry that I missed the jazz set in the beginning, I heard that was a really cool set by multiple people. And I know day weddings can be challenging to get people dancing, but I think it worked out well. Ya'll definitely worked it! Jonathan and I particularly loved the rendition of "Sweet Home Texas". Oh, and I liked what you added to the table decorations - we should have thought of that earlier but used Lone Star beer caps instead. . . ;-)
If you need one of those 'testimonials' for your website, we would be happy to help you out.
Have a great week,
Devon
Wedding Reception
The band far exceeded my expectations. I'm used to the fraternity days when I worked with a larger budget, but Ken and the guys were excellent. I've received lots of praise for picking them. Thanks so much for all your help. You can rest assured I'll be calling again and that I'll be sending more business your way.
J. Buice
Medical College of Georgia
Thanks so much for your recommendation of the Swinging Richards for the insurance conference I planned. They got the crowd dancing immediately and many people stayed on the dance floor all night! They were great at interacting with the crowd and everyone had a great time. Guests from another group staying at the resort even crashed our party to dance when they heard them play! Thanks again, I will definitely hire them again.
Kenda Sweet
They were outstanding!!! We didn't know that Van Morrison was part of the band. We have attended at least 6 wedding receptions in the last year either here or in the Tidewater area of Virginia and we think their music was the best. They were able to get most of the 220 + out on the dance floor and active at one point or another by their various selections and style. They handled the timing, lead, and announcing of the reception activities with a smooth flow. I can truthfully say, "That a good time was had by all. Thank you and the "Swingin' Richards"
Kevin O
Formal was awesome and I cannot tell you how pleased EVERYONE was with the band. They were GREAT. They were on time, very professional, and a real crowd pleaser. Everyone agreed that they were the best band we've ever had for a function! I would definitely use them again, thanks so much:) Thanks again! I look forward to working with you and East Coast in the future!
Katie Cosgrove, Kappa Kappa Gamma
Clemson University
Thanks again for helping us put on what people are calling around here the best holiday party in the history of this agency. That might sound a little over the top, but that's the word on the street. Apparently there have been some real stinkers in the past. And thanks for letting me get up and jam with you guys. I forgot to ask if you did Sweet Caroline or It's Not Unusual. Maybe next time.
Kris Kriofske
Mullen Corporation
TALK ABOUT THE FUNNEST PARTY EVER!...or that's at least What everyone is telling. (i thought so too)!!! The Swingin Richards were a pleasure to have and were so great! NO ONE WANTED THEM TO STOP!!!!! People got there towards the end of their set and were saying they wished they had come earlier. We definitely would love to have them for another function.
Allison Ashe
USC Tri Delta Sorority Semi-Formal
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