The Westerlees (swing band) Swing Band from Chicago, IL

The Westerlees swing band has brought smiles to audiences at county fairs, swing dances, weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, street festivals and dive bars all across Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond. Steel Guitar, Fiddle, Clarinet, and more all come together to deliver tunes from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Everything from the Light Crust Doughboys to Bob Wills to Hank Williams is performed with levity and humor. They write original tunes that capture the spirit of early jazz and swing bands. They also dress vintage and play vintage instruments as well. The Westerlees are more than just a swing band, they are reviving a lost part of American musical history. Very few jazz bands perform the rare early gems of the Western Swing genre, and none perform them better than the Westerlees. Notable performances include: the Lake County Fair (2016 & 2017), City of Kenosha 4th of July Festival (2016), City of Racine Party on the Pavement (2016), University of Wisconsin Swing Dance (2017), Chicago Balboa Swing Dance (2018), Sunrise Assisted Living Center (2018), The Breakers Retirement Center (2018), Park Manor Retirement Home (2017), Milwaukee Fiddle Fest (2018). The band was founded in 2014 by singer and steel guitarist, Patrick Brenner. The vintage female vocals of percussionist, Gina DeGregorio, also contribute to the group's antique sound. The band also includes Wes Altice on Guitar, Eli Broxham on Upright Bass, Shawn Drake on Fiddle, Jerry Kaye on Sax and Clarinet, and a rotating cast of other soloists and vocalists, each bringing their own expertise and personality to the delectably nostalgic sound and performance of the Westerlees. --- * The Westerlees play both rare and popular tunes from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. * They have a unique blend of country-swing and jazz that is old-timey and refreshing. * Swing-era standards are carefully selected and arranged for maximum danceabilty. * They also have many original tunes that capture the drollery of the Western Swing genre. * Their musicians are all nationally renowned for their expertise with vintage swing music. * They play antique instruments and dress vintage as well.