Swingerhead Links - Swingin Bands and Cool People

Swingin' Bands and Cool People We Dig
Cats (and Kittens) we’ve had the pleasure of jammin' & hangin' out with.

Backstreet Boys - These Orlando 'boys' used to come down to see us at Rat Pack's on the Avenue (nightclub) all the time to shoot pool, shoot the breeze, kick up on the dance floor and just hang out. AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson (a qualified ballroom instructor!) really took advantage of this great atmosphere.

Bellevue Cadillac - ‘The Professor’ leads the Prozac Nation.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - We’ve had a blast playing to sold-out crowds with these Daddy-Os.

Big Time Operator - San Diego’s premier band that we dig.

Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band - one of the best, based in Orlando. Their primary mission is to find, research and play some of the almost forgotten arrangements of the early, reading jazz bands. You can also visit world class trombone master, John Allred (Bill's son) in New York.

Brian Setzer Orchestra - This (former) Stray Cat has been livin' his dream by touring with his big band orchestra around the world. We played with him at Summerfest in Milwaukee and opened for him at the House of Blues-Orlando, debuting the 'Michael Andrew Swingerhead Combo' with tunes suchs as "The Swingerhead Rock and Roll Medley" and our own version of "Freebird".

Combustible Edison - The 3-D website of the coolest avant-pop-lounge band around. Space age pop kooky kool… wear your 3-D glasses for this one.

Cocktail Angst - A trés cool lounge outfit from New York fronted by Miss Toby Williams.

Cybill Shepherd - The name says it all.

Dem Brooklyn Bums Big Band - The highest energy hardcore swing band you’ll ever meet. Step Up To The Plate with our ‘Godfathers’ from Brooklyn - recently released from jail…their new album features a song called "Busted in O-Town" - you must hear it.

Donald O'Connor - one of Hollywoods leading song and dance pioneers has come to Michael's shows in Beverly Hills. He and his wife, Gloria, danced the night away to Michael's special rendition of "Singin' in the Rain'" - created special for Donald. This is not an official website - but a great fan site to visit.

Drew Carey - "The Drew Carey Show" - Drew and his zany cast of characters have been out to see us perform a few times in Orlando and in Hollywood and man, can they SWING! Have a virtual beer, play 'dress up Mimi' and have some Drewly fun on his official site Cleveland style.

Eddie Reed Big Band and Quintet - Traditional Hollywood class all the way.

The Flying Neutrinos - New Orleans-flavored swing tap-dancing around the streets of NYC with the beautiful Ingrid out in front.

George Gee and His Make Believe Ballroom Orchestra - The Buddha bandleader of boogie and swing.

Gino Ruberto - Michael ole chum from Twin Cities. "Gino Ruberto and DURANGO" is the band. "Durango" have been knocking 'em dead around the the five state region for quite some time. They just recently got together with Gino to help him put together a fun, high energy live show that fans of COUNTRY and SOUTHERN ROCK.

Hindu Cowboys - Orlando's own cool country fried rock. Led by Joseph Martins. They're a mix of folk, traditional string band, and corn-fed roots music all topped off with retro country gravy. Yee-haw!

Jeff Healy - Yes, blues guitarist/leader of The Jeff Healy Band (and Jeff Healy Project). Jeff sat in with the band years ago at the Sapphire Supper Club and jammed an amazing rendition of 'Route 66' that blew every one away. We also had Jeff over at Swingerhead Central to sit in with the 20's style Coconut Manor Orchestra band rehearsal where he sang... and played guitar... and trumpet... and drums! There is not an 'official website' for this Canadian fella, but here is a link for you to check out some of his music including his beautiful version of 'Angel Eyes'.

Jet Sex Six (JS6) - NYC’s Perpetual Bachelors and our good friends. Check out J Walter’s site below.

Jon "CardJon" Armstrong - The Magical Entertainer. From Orlando... he used to perform at Disney... even inside Atlantic Dance Hall and Rat Pack's on the Avenue. Jon now lives in Vegas, baby. He performs regularly in Vegas at at Hollywood's Magic Castle. You can hire him for you events. He's the coolest. Rated in the top 3 of the world.

J Walter Hawkes - The outta sight site for JS6’s kooky tromboner - a great read while sipping a cocktail.

Lee Press-On and the Nails - Whoever said swing is dead... is right! Check these oooky, kooky cats out.

Lee Rocker - Another Stray Cat still rockin'. We had a great time together at Rat Pack’s.

MADHOUSE - THE BAND! Orlando's newest band to contribute to the unique 'Orlando Sound' is causing quite a stir with their music, their look, their antics and their personal stories (a doctor, an actor, a used car salesman, a really tall guy and a new dude). You can catch them performing their originals and some very cool covers around Otown - and get their new 'Demo-lition' CD, (produced by Michael Andrew). Come visit their new and kooky website.

Marty and Elayne - come visit the cyber lounge of Hollywood's ultimate lounge singing couple. You may have seen them in the movie "Swingers" - or visited them during their 19 year run at The Dresden Room. Michael Andrew always sings a round of tunes with this couple - they love him!

Merv Griffin - Merv is the legendary host-with-the-most and entrepreneurial powerhouse. We have had the pleasure of performing for and with Merv at all of his properties around the country. "The Coconut Club" was Merv's nightclub in his Beverly Hilton Hotel. This was our home for almost 2 years. Visit Merv's site and see what's new! You can write to Merv, too!

Michael Feinstein - known worldwide for his beautiful piano and vocal stylings, this Michael has a wonderful site that discusses his career start as Ira Gershwin's assistant, his music and causes. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael at the La Quinta Arts festival with Merv Griffin. We hope to share a stage with this talent in the near future.

The Mighty Blue Kings - Chicago’s royal jump-jazz-blues band.

Mora's Modern Rhythmists Dance Orchestra - Dean Mora leads this band specializing in ‘20’s and early 30’s jazz and swing continuing the tradition of Hollywood.

The New Morty Show - Bandleader/trumpeter Morty Okin leads this wacky Vegas-stylee outfit from San Fran ready to fill your swing/jazz/retro rock bill anywhere. We're proud to appear on the 'Swing This, Vol. 1' compilation with them.

NSYNC - Another Orlando-based band who takes time out to get involved with our local music scene. Joey Fatone and JC Chasez have made it out to enjoy our shows while on tour breaks. JC Chasez said he thinks we're 'extremely entertaining and one of the best bands to come out of Orlando". Check out their site for their current tour info. Congratulation to these guys - 'No Strings Attached'! Michael & Sonja joined Erik Garbus at the sold out (75,000 screamers) Rose Bowl show in Pasadena, CA and said it was 'something else!'

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra - Though this 70+ piece orchestra specializes in classical and pops concerts, boy, can they swing! We had an incredible experiences performing with the OPO 2 years now to sold out audiences at Orlando's Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Read our press release and stay tuned for future repeat broadcasts on Orlando television of this really, REALLY big band concert.

Penn Jillette - 'The louder and taller half' of Penn and Teller fame. One of Michael Andrew's favorites gave him not one, but two surprise visits when Swingerhead performed in Vegas. Penn loved it (plus he's a bass player himself)! Check out the wacky Sin City website - don't mind the cockroaches... it's just, uh, magic. Penn has been gracious enough to check out the Swingerheads in action in Vegas and at The Coconut Club. Our vibes master, Christain Tamburr is working with Penn keeping his jazz chops up. Now, if he will just grace us on the BASS for a tune....

Ray Gelato Giants - Ray leads this band in the UK with his Louis Prima influenced voice and his wailing tenor sax playing. You will be seeing a lot of collaborations with Ray and Michael Andrew while Ray is stateside. Visit his site and get the gigantic fascinating story.

Red and the Red Hots - Red Young leads this hi-energy blues/swing band plus helms some other great projects from LA.

Rockin Roadster Show - Orlando's retro DJ Patrick can bring his hot rod (yes, a real one) to you for an over-the-top mobile show. Just look at this setup!

Royal Crown Revue - The contender, Eddie Nichols, leads the original gangstas of neo-swing. We had a great time recording his special guest appearance on the We Three Kings track on our 'Swingerhead Christmas' CD. Be sure to check in to their site for new tour and promo information.

Rocket 88 / Midnight Ramblers - Our local jump/blues/boogie cats, also from Orlando - also the boys of Blue Flame Combo, Rocket 88 - led by coolcat Charlie Zayas.

Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums Featuring Miss Carmen Getit - 40’s jump swing from the Bay area.

Strange Cargo - The purrfect name for the chick singer, Miss Lee Ann Westover's, NYC based project referred to as 'Eclectic Electric Americana' and 'Funky Western Blues A-Go-Go'. Very cool. Boys will like her pictures.

Suzanne Somers - from Three's Company to marketing maven and best-selling author. We have had the pleasure of performing for and WITH Suzanne several times.... including at her celebrity ladened birthday party.

Toxic Audio - Another exceptionally talented group from Orlando is this a cappella group causing a sensation around the country. You may remember them from our 'Swingerhead Christmas' CD on You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch which featured this band. Plus Paul Sperazza is always a welcomed special guest at our shows - scattin' and backflippin'! New CDz, photos and exciting info on their site.

Trini Lopez - the man who created "La Bamba". Visit Trini's site and learn the fascinating history of this man. We perofrmed with him at Merv Griffin's Coconut Club to a sold out celebrity-filled room.

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