Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Jazz Band for Weddings & Events in Portland
Since 1999, The Shanghai Woolies Dance Band has been Portland's premier jazz ensemble, specializing in Swing, Jazz, Latin, and Blues Grooves for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. Our 150+ song repertoire blends vintage charm with modern energy, featuring 4+ vocalists and world-class musicians. We pride ourselves on personalized service, including custom song arrangements and seamless event coordination.With accolades from The Oregonian and Oregon Music News, our band captures the essence of the flapper era while delivering contemporary musical innovation. Our professional approach ensures flawless performances, from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals, creating unforgettable experiences for every client.
Services
Wedding Music
Festival Performances
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Original Music Production
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in jazz performances since 1999 with a 150+ song repertoire
- Our 12-piece ensemble includes 4+ professional vocalists and top NW musicians
- We offer personalized song arrangements for special moments like first dances
- Featured in The Oregonian and Oregon Music News as Portland's finest swing band
- Proven track record with 100% positive client feedback on wedding performances
What people say
Highlight of our special day
Magical ambiance created
Flawless personalized performance
Crowded dance floor all night
Exceptional musical talent
Services
Wedding Music
Our wedding music service specializes in creating unforgettable atmospheres through swing and jazz performances. With customizable song lists and special arrangement capabilities, we cater to ceremonies, receptions, and first dances. Clients benefit from our 25 years of experience and 100% positive review history.
Festival Performances
We deliver high-energy festival performances featuring our signature blend of swing, jazz, and blues. Our 12-piece ensemble adapts to outdoor stages and large crowds while maintaining musical authenticity. Clients receive professional-grade sound production and event coordination support.
Corporate Events
Our corporate event service provides sophisticated jazz entertainment for company functions. We offer volume-controlled performances suitable for cocktail hours and dinner events, with repertoire options that appeal to diverse professional audiences while maintaining our signature musical quality.
Private Parties
We create intimate jazz experiences for private celebrations, from prohibition-era themed events to modern cocktail parties. Our flexible ensemble size accommodates various venue types while preserving authentic musical arrangements that engage guests of all ages.
Original Music Production
Our original music production service creates vintage-inspired jazz recordings with modern production quality. The Adventures of the Shanghai Woolies Vol. 1 demonstrates our ability to craft authentic swing compositions that appeal to both traditionalists and contemporary audiences.
People
Brooke Zimet
Vocalist
Lead vocalist with 20+ years of jazz performance experience, specializing in 1920s-1930s vocal stylings while bringing contemporary energy to classic arrangements.
Gavin Bondy
Trumpet
Principal trumpeter with formal classical training and extensive jazz improvisation expertise, delivering authentic brass sections that define the band's signature sound.
Michelle Medler
Saxophonist/Vocalist
Multi-instrumentalist contributing saxophone, clarinet, and vocal harmonies with deep knowledge of jazz history and performance techniques from the swing era.
Nick O'Donnell
Guitarist
Rhythm section leader specializing in vintage guitar and banjo techniques, maintaining authentic instrumentation while adapting to modern performance requirements.
Leah Hinchcliff
Bassist
Double bass specialist providing foundational swing rhythms, with expertise in both acoustic upright and modern amplified bass techniques for diverse venue requirements.
Questions
What types of events do you perform at?
We specialize in weddings, festivals, corporate events, and private parties, adapting our swing jazz repertoire to suit both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.
Can you play specific songs for special moments?
Yes, we offer custom song arrangements for first dances and special requests with advance notice, as demonstrated by our successful performance of personalized wedding selections.
How many musicians perform at events?
Our standard ensemble includes 10-12 musicians with multiple vocalists, brass sections, and rhythm instruments, though we can adapt our size based on venue requirements.
What makes your jazz band unique?
We combine authentic 1920s-1930s jazz techniques with modern performance energy, featuring original compositions alongside classic arrangements that create distinctive musical experiences.
Do you offer music recordings?
Yes, we have released 'The Adventures of the Shanghai Woolies Vol. 1' featuring original swing jazz compositions that showcase our signature musical style.
Videos
