Swing & Jive Bands for hire in Southwark

Find the perfect live swing band in Southwark for your wedding, party or corporate event. Whether you want to jive the night away, or lindy hop into the early hours, our professional bands will definitely keep your guests on their feet. Browse our selection of over 128 swing bands right here.

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Swing & jive bandsinSouthwarkforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Southwark
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Hire The Unswung Heroes Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2000 - £3125
Swing & jive bandLondon

Top diverse London band, with everything from vintage covers to function classics. Over 20 lineups & nothing but 5* reviews, book now!

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Hire Aisha Khan & The Rajahs Swing & jive band with Encore
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£900 - £1300
Swing & jive bandLondon

Aisha Khan & The Rajahs are a seven piece band performing 1940's and 50's Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Swing, Jazz and Rock & Roll

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Hire Giulia and the Lizards Swing & jive band with Encore
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£925 - £2875
Swing & jive bandLondon

Giulia and the Lizards are a high-end energetic and authentic band, performing everything from Pop, Rock to Soul, Motown and Jazz!

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Hire Matt Sulzmann Duo (+more) Swing & jive band with Encore
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£550 - £700
Swing & jive bandLondon

Enhance your special event with the Matt Sulzmann Duo, a slick and sophisticated jazz band with 10+ years experience.

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Hire Swing With Us Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2500 - £5500
Swing & jive bandLondon

The only band offering 3-4 roaming instruments on the dance floor. Your guests become part of the show, on a night they will never forget.

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Hire Starlight Jazz Swing & jive band with Encore
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£560 - £1300
Swing & jive bandLondon

Starlight Jazz is a talented and sophisticated Jazz collective with an extensive repertoire, which can be tailored to suit any event.

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Hire Boulevard Brass Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2500 - £3000
Swing & jive bandLondon

Slick, suave jazz-pop-funk brass band

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Hire The London Swing and Soul Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£1400
Swing & jive bandLondon

The London Swing & Soul Band is probably the UK’s most eclectic party band offering everything from mellow Jazz to uptempo soul, funk & rock

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Hire Sound With Us Swing & jive band with Encore
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£3000 - £5500
Swing & jive bandLondon

The only band offering 3-4 roaming instruments on the dance floor. Your guests become part of the show, on a night they will never forget.

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Hire Janine Johnson & Black Cherry Swing Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1500 - £2000
Swing & jive bandLondra

Tired of the typical jazz bands? IT’S TIME FOR SOMETHING TANTALISING AND NEW....“BLACK CHERRY SWING”

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Hire The Night and Day Collective Swing & jive band with Encore
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£320 - £1200
Swing & jive bandLondon

Jazz&Swing ~ based in Portsmouth&London.Bringing Swinging Jazz to 400+ parties & weddings all over 🇬🇧🍸 Happy to travel!

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Hire Diamond Skyline Orchestra Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£4235
Swing & jive bandLondon

Unique London based showband. 7-12-piece Swing Band, 9-14 piece Party Band or a 19-piece Big Band, 100 years of live music to choose from!

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Hire Miss Kiddy & The Cads Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2500 - £3000
Swing & jive bandLondon

Hollywood Glamour, Vintage Sound, Popular Songs

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Hire The Jazz Core Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandLondon

The finest jazz music for your event, including vintage jazz repertoire and modern classics reimagined.

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Hire Manouche Rouge Swing & jive band with Encore
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£750 - £900
Swing & jive bandLondon

Gypsy Jazz and Swing

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Hire The Jingle Belles - London Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1125 - £2500
Swing & jive bandLondon

The Jingle Belles are an incredible vocal trio who add Christmas cheer to any festive setting!

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Hire Andrew Mckay Quartet Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£640
Swing & jive bandLondon

Andrew has been a professional saxophonist for many years and plays all genre of music and is happy to play at all function and events.

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Hire Mary Jane Swingtet Swing & jive band with Encore
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£380 - £2000
Swing & jive bandLondon

A London based jazz and swing band offering a sophisticated vintage vibe.

FAQs about hiring Swing & Jive Bands in Southwark

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What is a swing band?

A swing band is a musical ensemble specialising in swing music, a genre popularised during the 1930s and 1940s. It typically comprises brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, accompanied by a rhythm section including piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Swing music is characterised by its upbeat tempo, syncopated rhythms, and a lively "swing feel" that encourages dancing. Big band leaders like Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington were instrumental in its popularity. Today, swing bands often feature vocalists and continue to perform at corporate events, drinks receptions, and clubs, preserving the energetic and nostalgic spirit of the Swing Era.

What's the difference between jazz and swing?

Jazz and swing are closely related musical genres, but they have distinct differences in terms of style, era, and influence. Jazz: Jazz is a broad musical genre that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in African American communities in New Orleans, United States. Jazz encompasses a wide range of styles, including Dixieland, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, among others. It emphasises improvisation, complex chord progressions, and varying rhythms. Jazz musicians often explore experimental and avant-garde techniques. Jazz can be slow and soulful or fast and energetic, and it allows for a high degree of individual expression and creativity. Swing: Swing is a subgenre of jazz that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterised by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." It features a strong emphasis on the offbeat or upbeat rhythms and typically includes a brass section, woodwind instruments, and a rhythm section. Swing music is highly danceable and is known for its catchy melodies and arrangements. While swing is a style within the larger jazz genre, it specifically refers to the music that was popularised during the Swing Era. In summary, swing is a specific style of jazz known for its energetic rhythm and danceability, while jazz is a broader musical genre encompassing various styles, including swing, with an emphasis on improvisation and creativity.

What does a swing band consist of?

A swing band, also known as a big band, typically consists of a group of musicians playing instruments that contribute to the characteristic lively and rhythmic sound of swing music. Here's what a swing band commonly includes: 1. Brass Section: - Trumpets: Usually multiple trumpets provide the bright and bold melodies. - Trombones: Trombones add depth and richness to the brass section. - Saxophones: Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones provide the harmonies and often play the famous saxophone solos in swing music. 2. Rhythm Section: - Piano: The pianist provides harmonies, chords, and sometimes solos. - Double Bass (or Electric Bass): The bassist plays the low-end rhythm, anchoring the band. - Drums: Drummers maintain the swing feel with their rhythmic patterns, including the distinctive ride cymbal pattern. - Guitar: The guitarist plays rhythm guitar, providing additional harmonies and accents. In some bands, a guitarist might also play solos. 3. Vocalists: - Some swing bands features vocalists who sing the lyrics, adding another layer to the performance. 4. Occasional Instruments: - Clarinet: Clarinets are sometimes used in addition to saxophones, especially in earlier swing bands. - Flute: Flutes might be used in specific arrangements to add a different texture to the music. - Additional Percussion: Some swing bands incorporate additional percussion instruments for specific songs or effects. The combination of these instruments creates the dynamic and energetic sound that defines swing music. Swing bands are known for their versatility, allowing for various instrumental combinations and arrangements to suit different songs and styles within the swing genre.

What is gypsy swing music?

Gypsy swing, or Gypsy jazz, is a style that emerged in 1930s France, blending Romani music with American jazz and swing. It's characterised by fast, virtuosic acoustic guitar and violin performances, driven by a rhythmic "pompe" technique. Improvisation plays a significant role, and musicians often use unique Manouche guitars. Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France popularised the genre. Gypsy swing remains vibrant, with musicians worldwide honouring its lively, improvisational spirit, making it a cherished subgenre in the jazz world.

What music does a swing band play?

A swing band typically plays swing music, a genre that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the United States during the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterized by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." Swing bands play a variety of tunes, including: 1. Swing Standards: Timeless classics such as "In the Mood," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Sing, Sing, Sing" are common in swing band repertoires. 2. Big Band Jazz: Swing bands perform famous compositions by renowned bandleaders like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. 3. Dance Tunes: Swing music is highly danceable, and swing bands play tunes like the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and Charleston, encouraging dancers to showcase their skills. 4. Vocal Jazz: Swing bands often feature vocalists who sing jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, adding a vocal element to their performances. 5. Latin and Blues Influences: Swing bands may incorporate Latin rhythms and bluesy tunes into their repertoire, showcasing the diversity of the swing genre. 6. Original Compositions: Many contemporary swing bands compose and perform their own original swing music, adding a modern touch to the traditional style. Overall, swing bands play a wide range of music that embodies the lively, rhythmic, and upbeat spirit of the swing era, delighting audiences with both instrumental virtuosity and vocal prowess.

Are swing bands good for weddings?

Swing bands are an excellent choice of wedding entertainment due to their danceable tunes, timeless appeal, and versatility. The infectious rhythm of swing music encourages guests of all ages to hit the dance floor, providing a lively atmosphere for the celebration. Classic swing tunes, with their nostalgic charm, add an elegant and vintage touch to the wedding. Swing bands also often cater to diverse musical preferences, offering a mix of romantic ballads and high-energy tunes, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. You can look through Encore's curated collection of swing bands for weddings or talk to one of our experts to get more tailored advice.

Hiring a Swing & Jive Band in Southwark

Useful information

Popular genres:
Jazz, Pop, Rock
Average response time:
1 hour
Busiest times:
June, July, August

How much does it cost to hire a Swing & Jive Band in Southwark?

The typical price per group member for Swing & Jive Bands is:
£Budget£220
££Pro£330
£££High-end£400+

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Bear in mind: musicians typically play for 45 mins with a 15 min break per hour.

Recent reviews of our Swing & Jive Bands in Southwark

“Great energy, got everyone dancing young and older. Thank you Kit and the group. ”

26 November 2022
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Jacob hired One Jump Ahead for a Wedding (available in Southwark)

“We couldn’t have wished for more perfect music for our party. All our guests loved it and Hetty and her band were wonderful- they looked lovely and sounded brilliant. Highly recommended!”

20 August 2022
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Sue hired Hetty and the Jazzato Band for a Private event (available in Southwark)

“We were absolutely delighted with one jump ahead . Kit and his band were extremely professional and helpful from the very beginning . Our son and daughter in law had a wonderful day and I put that down to the uplifting and easy listening jazz that put a smile on everyone’s face. My sister in law commented that when the music started the whole mood of the wedding party was uplifted . We loved the music and the three sets pulled the whole afternoon seamlessly together. Wonderful! Thank you one jump ahead .”

6 August 2022
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Joanne hired One Jump Ahead for a Wedding (available in Southwark)

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A guide to hiring Swing & Jive Bands

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