About the Band

The Black Swan Classic Jazz Band was established in early 1989 as a hot dance band dedicated to the preservation and performance of Dixieland, old-time gospel, early jazz and ragtime music. We have performed at numerous festivals and community events in Oregon, Montana, Arizona, Washington, Missouri, Iowa, California and British Columbia. When not on the road, the band's individual members call Oregon's lush Willamette Valley home.

Black Swan is a versatile group with the ability to tastefully and softly caress an intimate room, fire up a large hall and keep the dancers cutting a rug. Black Swan delights in entertaining as well as educating its audiences with authentic renditions of the music of noteworthy early jazz figures such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Turk Murphy, Eubie Blake, Scott Joplin and others. You will hear a strong mix of music performed by few other bands, originals by members of Black Swan and many popular favorites you know and love.

For more lowdown on Black Swan, download the Band's biography, see what's coming up in our Schedule, review our Performance History, smile at some of the Photos we've provided, and link to the individual musician profiles that follow.

Black Swan's regular musicians include (* = arranger/composer):

	Kit Johnson* Tuba & leader		Marilyn Keller Vocalist
	Ron Leach Drums		Alan Phillips Banjo & Vocals
	Andy Hall Piano		Steve Matthes* Clarinet
	Don Stone Trombone		Rick Holzgrafe Cornet

Throughout our history we've enjoyed the musical and entertainment talents of many fine musicians. Here are links to several emeritus or occasional members of the Black Swan family who have contributed significantly to our musical album over the past decades:

Cornet or Trumpet	Ernie Carbajal* Bert Barr Dave Holo Chris Tyle Corey Gemme
Clarinet or Saxophone	Mark Curry Jim Buchmann
Trombone	James Meyer Lew Chapman Pat O'Neal
Drums & Washboard	Glenn Koch
Piano	John Bennett Mark Hazzard
Banjo	Craig McKinley John McKinley Bill Luce Ron Hinkle Rich Neuwirth Scott Anthony

And don't forget the extended traditional jazz family by poking around in these other Links Worthy of Your Attention.