Blue Sky 5

• Craig Gildner - Guitar, Piano, Vocal
• Brett Lemley - Trumpet
• Tommy Greco - Sax, Flute
• Chris Crerar - Vocal, Piano
• James Fowler - Bass
• Gary Gregg - Clarinet, Tenor
• Gene Cedras - Drums

One of the best small swing era groups in the Washington D.C. and mid-atlantic region, Blue Sky 5 has been entertaining lindy hoppers, partygoers, wedding guests and fans of swing/big band music for nearly a decade! Airplay on 84 jazz and swing stations in USA and worldwide. Regular performers at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, and appearances at Lincoln Center in NYC.

There's brilliant standards by Gershwin, Porter, Kahn, Loesser, in the style of Goodman, Shaw, Basie, and Ellington. Male and female vocals that bring to mind Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Harry Connick, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. High energy dance numbers to get you on your feet, as well as sentimental ballads. A new feature is the addition of latin reprertoire, sung by our drummer in the native tounge. And if that isn't enough, Blue Sky 5 can customize our tune list and appearance to fit your event theme. Tuxes for more formal events, or double breasted swing style suits, wingtips, and colorful ties for dances and receptions. We can even provide dance instruction to your guests from championship swing dancers, so everyone can get in the groove!

The band can be as small as a trio for cocktail/dinner music and as big as a seven piece for dancing, with a three horn section of clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet.

When you hire Blue Sky 5, you can be assured your guests will have a memorable experience. So add a touch of class to your next event and contact us today!

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• As a music educator hiring a band for my wedding was crucial. We wanted a vintage swing sound and Blue Sky 5 delivered beyond my expectations. Craig made sure that my grandparents' special song was played, even though it wasn't on their playlist. They transitioned from dinner music to dance seemlessly. I really could go on about how wonderful and talented this group was. I will be hiring this group again. -- Nathan R, Washington, DC, 4/17/2010
• Blue Sky 5 was the hit of our wedding reception. The minute they started playing, people started dancing, and danced until the very end. They were friendly, flexible, professional, and fantastic to listen to. Christina, the vocalist, just sparkled. We highly recommend them. -- Robert C, Alexandria, VA, 10/9/2010
• They were wonderful, everyone at my party loved them. thanks so much! -- Susan F, Washington, DC, 8/26/2011
• I cannot say enough great things about Craig Gildner and Blue Sky 5. They are a group of highly talented musicians and although they play well known big band tunes their arrangements are very original and unique. Craig arranged "You are the Sunshine of my Life" for our first dance and it was a beautiful arrangement unlike anything we had ever heard. My husband and I are both musicians and many of our guests are musicians as well and everyone LOVED LOVED LOVED this band. Even the staff at our venue were dancing along in the back! My only regret is that I didn't have enough time during the wedding to sit, relax and enjoy their fabulous music! -- Kyra S, Pasadena, MD, 9/4/2011
• These guys were amazing! I knew I wanted a classy, talented and just plain fun band for our wedding and Blue Sky 5 did not disappoint. They played the classics as well as some great originals. Everyone at the wedding really enjoyed themselves. We even had them bring along some swing dance instructors to teach our guests a few moves... it was a big hit. They set the tone for the day and added a great sense of vintage elegance. I would not call Blue Sky 5 a wedding band... they just happen to be an extremely talented group of musicians that (lucky for us) perform at weddings! I would highly recomend Craig and the whole group. An unforgettable day! Thanks! -- Jesse K, Bluemont, VA, 10/30/2011

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