I thought I’d share some of notes on the bands worth seeing if you can! They love dancers (although the venues don’t always – check out my notes on venues). If the band you want to find out more about is not here, drop me a line and I’ll see what I can find out.
Andrew Dickenson
Website:
Musicians: Andrew Dickenson (Drummer)
Danceability: This band model themselves on Count Basie so expect a range of tempos from slow to fast during the evening. Andrew often invites guest along (e.g. Kate Wadie) to join the band which makes it a fantastic evening event.
Aston Martinis
Website: The Aston Martinis
Musicians: Sara O’Connor (Vocalist)
Danceability: Lovely, classic Swing and Lindy music to dance the night away. A range of tempos and the band love having dancers join in the fun. Worth travelling across Sydney for.
Chasing The Moon
Website: Chasing the Moon
Musicians: Kathy Bluff (Vocalist), Paul Burjan (Sax & Flute), John Blenkhorn (Guitar), Garry Steel (Piano Accordion), Merv Sequiera (Double Base), Mike Quigley (Drummer)
Danceability: When I saw them on 2-Nov-25 in Wollongong, they played some classing swing and then moved into gypsy jazz with some Latin thrown in.
DC3 & the High Flyers
Website: DC3 | Fountainhead Music
Musicians: Darryle Chute (Piano), Lachlan Anderson (Tenor Sax), Phil Langshaw (Bass), John Honig (Drums)
Danceability: When I saw them (17-Aug-25, 19-Oct-25), they played a range of music including some great swing pieces. They love having dancers join in the fun and actively encourage audience engagement. I don’t think you’ll go wrong at one of their gigs if you’re into Lindy Hop and Swing. Play every 3rd Sunday at the Royal Randwick Golf Club – call to check.
Mortal Blow Big Band
Website: Mortal Blow Big Band on Facebook
Musicians: Over 17 of them!
Danceability: An excellent treat is to dance to Mortal Blow – apparently, they only play at the Marrickville Bolo four times a year and when they do it seems like all the great dancers from around Sydney come to join in. Don’t miss it!
Queenie & The Cavaliers
Website: Queenie and the Cavaliers
Musicians: Queenie (Vocalist)
Danceability: It’s a rare that I want to dance to every song that a band plays, well Queenie and The Cavaliers hit that mark for me. They love having dancers around as well… their recent gig at Palmers was excellent although the play all over Sydney.