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.

Frequently booked at jazz and dance festivals, concerts, weddings, anniversaries, parties, wakes, corporate celebrations, cruises, Mardi Gras... you name it...Black Swan is ready to make your special occasion an "affair to remember". We can entertain either as a full, eight-piece ensemble, featuring the sizzling talents of vocalist Marilyn Keller, or a smaller jazz combo to fit any occasion.

Pandemonium! It rocks! Black Swan spent time this past few months producing a brand new hot jazz and blues recording featuring three band originals and many wonderful selections from the early days of jazz, blues and ragtime. Pandemonium digital downloads will be available February 2021 through most major download sites.  CDs may be pre-ordered now and will be available for shipment March 2021. Click on our new HearNow page to listen to sample clips from each of the 14 tracks.

Check your calendar. Black Swan is performing again after our unfortunate two+ year hiatus. Check out details on upcoming public events on the Black Swan Performance Schedule, or contact us directly for private bookings.

New Arrangements for Musicians! We've updated our Arrangements page, including many new charts and original compositions. Check out the fresh offerings.

Song Samples! Free, full-length sample songs from three recent 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)

McKinleys release "Just Us" CD! Father and son banjo virtuosos John and Craig McKinley recently released their new recording named "Just Us". Both have been past and remain occasional members of Black Swan. They collaborated with Kit Johnson for engineering and production. This is a tasty recording, featuring some wonderful material and masterful playing.

We look forward to meeting you soon at your favorite "happy jazz" event!