BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS

Big-Band Sound. Big-Stage Excitement.

Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters® is a blast from the past and the best party music of today. Assembled to recreate the excitement of the world-famous Cotton Club in New York where the rich and famous danced to the greats like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters combines Swing, Motown, Soul, Rock and Current dance music into a powerful and energetic non-stop show.

But don’t let the name BIG SWING fool you. With over 800 songs to choose from, you can customize your song list to suits your needs. Want 100% swing? No problem! Want 100% 70s, 80s and current dance? No problem!

Built around the philosophy that when a band takes a break, it kills the momentum of the party, they take NO breaks and can play up to six hours NON-STOP!

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS PLEASES ALL AGES AND TASTES!

Whether you’re interested in a swinging sound, or the full blast of world-class horns and amazing female vocals on a current dance hit, Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters is sure to please your most discerning and diverse guests. Start with a few tunes from the early jazz era of the Cotton Club and then JUMP into the best from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today!

BIG SWING AND THE BALLROOM BLASTERS – CLASSY OR SASSY – YOU SET THE MOOD

Looking for Big-Stage impact? Prefer something modern and approachable? No matter the style of your event, Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters offers costuming and staging options that fit perfectly. White tuxes, top hats and tails… or cool urban sophisticate… we’ll be a tailored part of your special occasion.

Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters offers only the best in:

  • Five Fabulous Male and Female Vocalists
  • Presented with four or eight horns
  • Trio available for cocktail hour or dinner set
  • Horns available as a second line to lead guests
  • State of the Art Sound and Lights
  • Incredible attention to detail leading up to your event
  • Happy to learn special dance songs
Big Swing And The Ballroom Blasters

Book the band who have performed with:

  • Legendary Earth, Wind and Fire Lead Vocalist Phillip Bailey
  • Former Tonight Show Band Leader Branford Marsalis
  • Members of Rascal Flatts, Hootie and the Blowfish and Sister Hazel
  • World Class Drummer and Earth, Wind and Fire Drummer – Sonny Emory

Opened For:

  • The Temptations
  • The Four Tops
  • The Doobie Brothers
  • Pitbull
  • B-52’s
  • Chicago
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Kidd Rock
  • Snoop Dogg
  • ZZ Top
  • Leann Rimes
  • Missy Elliott
  • Jewel
  • Trace Adkins
  • Burt Bacharach
  • Dierks Bentley
  • George Thorogood

Members have performed with:

  • Outkast
  • Aretha Franklin
  • Earth, Wind and Fire
  • Cameo
  • Justin Bieber
  • Jamelle Monae
  • Johnny Gill
  • The SOS Band
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Lionel Richie
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Bobby Brown
  • Bobby Mc Pherrin

MOTION GRAPHIC DANCE FLOOR

Design your dance floor and watch as it moves to the music!  With our new Motion Graphic Dance Floor option, you have the ability to customize the look of your dance floor with one of our 96 different programmable designs.  You can even include special messaging or a logo to support your event’s theme. Designed by a DJ, this option is sure to get your guests in the party spirit as they dance the night away!

Cocktail Hour/Dinner Set

If you desire musical ambience as your guests arrive, during cocktail hour or as a soft accompaniment to your dinner, enjoy our quartet featuring drums, piano, bass and saxophone. Our repertoire spans almost every genre of music including soft jazz, Broadway classics, movie theme songs, easy listening pops and light Gospel standards.

You can also expand the quartet performance with some sultry vocals from one of our singers or some jazzy horns from our talented ensemble. For that special “intimate touch,” another popular option with our clients is having one of our talented keyboardists as a solo pianist.

“The quartet played during dinner and my wife, a jazz pianist herself, was literally brought to tears as she listened. Awesome!”  – Steven Kincaid, Tampa, FL

DJ for Event or After Party

Incorporate our featured DJ into your event, wedding or after party.  During our live performances, our DJ is available as a pre or post party host and mixes. Or enjoy them as a stand-alone as they spin the hottest tracks of the 80s, 90s, and today as well as all the standard party tunes.

Drum Line

Add a four-piece “Marching Band Style” authentic drum line to your wedding or event. Complete with Marching Snare, Marching Bass, Marching Tom Tom and Quad Drums, a Drum Line it is a unique and interesting way to introduce the bride and groom, to kick off your private party, open sessions for a corporate event or lead guests from one area to another.

Roof-Raising Choir

Infuse your guests with joy and let the positive energy flow as The Higher Power singers take the stage. Featuring world-class vocals and a wide-ranging musical repertoire, Higher Power ignites the audience, transforming all your party-goers into party-makers – lifting their hands into the air and bringing their feet to the dance floor.

Higher Power Features:

  • 8 lead vocalists
  • Song variety – from Southern Gospel to today’s dance hits
  • Striking costume options

“As musical director for Gladys Knight for 20 years as well as stints with Marvin Gaye, Barry White and Diana Ross, I have pretty much seen it all. I can tell you the “magic” that Higher Power brings to the show you can only get in a Gospel church on Sunday morning. The raw energy and vocal power rivals anything I have seen on the road in my 30 years in the biz.” –

Spencer Bean

Roof Raising Choir
See Higher Power singing “Ride on Sweet Jesus” in Tyler Perry’s movie, “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

String Quartet

Enjoy the romantic, expressive and refined sounds of a classical quartet or a full and energetic electric quartet during your cocktail hour or reception. A harp soloist or classic guitar soloist are also available if you would like to feature graceful beauty of these instruments at your event. Read more. (can we do a pop up or accordion for the copy below?)

Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) Electrics is an international ensemble based in Dallas playing contemporary music on electric string instruments. They have released three albums, Electric (2011), Red (2012), and Between Us (2014), and have a large following on Pandora, Sirius Xm and other radio stations. DSQ performs intimately as a quartet or with a full ensemble of drums, guitars, etc. for high-energy shows.

The quartet has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and on A&E, CW33, and other networks. In addition to touring and performing internationally, DSQ has played “at home” for Presidents Obama and Bush, and the NBA and NFL organizations. They have opened for artists such as Air Supply and Kenny G, and have played alongside Josh Groban, Chicago and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Comprised of violinists Tatiana Glava and Melissa Priller, violist Ian Zanca and cellist Gaston Colloca, DSQ takes you on a journey to the nexus of classical music and modern pop where artists like Beethoven and Bono collide.

“DSQ ended their performance with a cover of Guns N’ Rose’s “Sweet Child of Mine” that just floored everyone in the building.” – Red Carpet Crash Review

Bride & Groom Intro/Exit

You just got married. Doesn’t that deserve a super cool introduction? Consider horns or a drum role before you officially make your first public appearance as man and wife. Or, perhaps you have a horn or drum role as you head out to the car to make your exit.

Go All The Way. Supercharge It!

Meet BIG SWING DANCE EXPERIENCE, the band that brings a national act-caliber feel to your wedding, corporate event or private party.

Jerry Freeman

Big Blast And The Party Masters Band Leader

Jerry Freeman

Grammy Award Winning Artist Jerry Freeman started his career playing with big-band greats such as Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie and his career just skyrocketed from there. Check out Jerry’s amazing journey & all the greats he has performed with over the years!

  • 1988, 90, 93-Performed three European tours for The North Sea & Montreux Jazz Festivals
  • 1989-Performed with Jazz Legend Dizzy Gillespie
  • 1990-Performed and recorded with Jazz Legend Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton
  • 1996-Toured with Earth Wind & Fire as Lead Trumpet player for their 1st Australian Tour
  • 1996-Recorded & Toured with Cameo
  • 1998- Established Hornz Unlimited Brass Section
  • 1998- Primary Brass recording and touring section for Grammy Award Winning, Multi-Platinum and Diamond selling Recording Artist Outkast
  • 2003-Performed on Grammy Awards show feature with Outkast and Earth Wind & Fire
  • 2005-Recorded on Sly and the Family Stone Tribute Album (Different Strokes by Different Folks)
  • 2005-Recorded with Jennifer Lopez (Rebirth)
  • 2006-Recorded with Lionel Richie (Coming Home)
  • 2006-Recorded album(s) with John Legend (Once Again) and in 2008 (Evolver)
  • 2007-Established Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters
  • 2007-Recorded on Earth Wind and Fire Album; Interpretations
  • 2010-Recorded and Toured with Grammy nominated recording artist Janelle Monae (ArchAndroid) and in 2013 (Electric Lady)
  • 2013-Produced video soundtrack for Go Daddy Founder Bob Parsons in support of the Semper Fi Fund that raised $20 million for wounded, critically ill, and injured veterans for all members of the of the US Armed Forces and their families
  • 2013-Big Swing Performed with Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire
  • 2014-Recorded on Aretha Franklin Tribute Album (Aretha Sings the Great Diva Classics)
  • 2013-Toured and Recorded multiple albums with Maroon Five Artist; PJ Morton
  • 2013- Recorded with the late Icon Prince on the Janelle Monae album (Electric Lady)
  • 2003-2013: Performed multiple times on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Ellen Degeneres, The American Music Awards, The Kids Choice Awards and MTV Video Awards

And, last not but not least, one of Jerry’s most precicous accomplishments is that he is a husband and father of two wonderful children!

  • Big Swing & the Ballroom Blasters did a great job at our Nov. 15th (Ted Turner’s 60th Birthday) event.  They were pleasant and professional, and most importantly, extremely talented.  We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about them from party guests.  It is always a pleasure to work with you.

    Debbie Masterson Vice President, Turner Enterprises, Inc.
  • OH MY GOODNESS – Best band I have ever heard! I absolutely loved them! We are still getting phone calls, emails, etc. talking about how wonderful the wedding was, especially the band.  They kept the party going so well that no one realized what time it was. The club said I had the biggest turnout when I left (at 11:30) and I know it was due to the band taking no breaks and keeping things moving so well that no one ever looked at their watches. I think more than 200 people were still there to watch John and I leave.

    Katherine Rice Bride
  • The wedding was indescribable – the breathtaking décor, the incredible food, and the awesome band – all of that made it a “fairytale” wedding as many told me! I have MULTIPLE messages from people raving about it all, and even had people come up to me who I’ve never met to specifically tell me that they have been to a LOT of weddings, but that Brittany & Paul’s was the best wedding they’ve EVER been to in their life, or that it was “THE wedding of the CENTURY” – no lie.  It was that magical and the band had a huge part of making my guests feel that way. Many said things like this about the band: “Oh my gosh… the BAND… oh my gosh!” “Where did you find them??!! They are unbelievable!!” “When my daughter gets married I’m flying that band over to London to play at her wedding!” “They are incredible – best wedding band I’ve EVER seen!” “I can’t believe they played the whole time – no breaks – and they sounded great the ENTIRE time!” “I felt like I was at a concert - they were THAT good!” “The dance floor stayed packed the ENTIRE night!” “The band was SO good I felt like I was at a professional event!” “The band was THE icing on the cake!”  FYI – I only left the dance floor twice all night – once to eat a piece of cake and the other to leave for the Bride & Groom’s send off – haha!  

    Linda, Mother of the Bride
  • Everything was great! Big Swing was amazing- their music selection, sound quality, performance... it was beyond our expectations. They did a great job on our first dance compilation too. We've gotten countless compliments on the music from our guests! I do know some guests took some of the bands business cards, if I hear from them about it, I'll be sure to direct them to you! Thanks again for everything!

    Danielle
  • As you know, I have been booking bands for over 30 years and I have never been more impressed by a band in my life! We were fortunate to have “Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters” for our 25th anniversary at the Figure 8 Island Yacht Club last Saturday night. Their music, appearance, attitude and stage presence was better than I’ve ever seen. Jerry Freeman was first class and was responsive to every need and request that was made during the night. There will be lots of requests for this band from all of our members attending and I am looking forward to planning our next party, somewhere, where we can afford the 4 more horns!!! Big Swing has raised the bar and some of our old favorites should all witness the production, energy and class that this new band brings to the stage. Big Swing did it all and I hope we can bring them back soon!

    Buzzy Northen Figure Eight Yacht Club
  • Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters were a huge hit Saturday.  People throughout the night were telling me how much they enjoyed the group and my client emailed me this morning to say she has continued to get compliments on the band.  The band looked great and sounded even better.  Their volume control during dinner was also perfect, which is sometimes as challenge for a band their size.  They could not have been easier or more pleasant to work with.  The evening was a big success and I can’t wait to work with them again.

    Paul Event Planner
  • Big Swing was a huge success for the Wachovia Championship Block Party. I had several people tell me they liked them better than Chicago.

    Heather Alala Wachovia Championship Block Party
  • Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters were a huge hit at the 62nd North Carolina Azalea Festival’s 2009 Patron’s Party Gala. They played a great variety of music and had everyone on their feet on the dance floor. Multiple patrons and corporate sponsors expressed their appreciation and said they thought they were one of, if not, THE best band we have had preform at this event. I am happy to be a reference for them in the future, as I would highly recommend them without reservation to anyone!

    Erica Mearns 2010 NC Azalea Festival President
  • I cannot rave enough about the band. They made the wedding. On top of having a superb caliber of musicianship and showmanship they were the nicest of people. They made us feel that they were having a good time too!! What a wonderful experience it was working with you all. I think you could tell that I am a detail person and little things really do impress me. This has totally been a positive aspect of our wedding.” (Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters)

    Carol Ganz Mother of the Bride
  • Big Swing and The Ballroom Blasters did a great job at our Nov. 15th (Ted Turner’s 60th Birthday) event.  They were pleasant and professional, and most importantly, extremely talented.  We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about them from party guests.  It is always a pleasure to work with you.

    Debbie Masterson Turner Enterprises, Inc. / Vice President
  • In all the years we have done events, across the Untied States, there have never been as many comments about a band as there were about Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters. This was without question the single best performance ever. We had corporate CEO’s, attendees of all ages and some pretty high profile VIP’s in attendance. Everyone loved the band. From the very first song to the last song the entire dance floor was packed. Jerry and his group are very, very professional and were great to work with as we had a few changes. As you know, the band can make or break an event and this is a perfect example of how the right band can greatly enhance the success of an event.

    David Beam
  • On Saturday jerry Freeman and the Ballroom Blasters rocked the largest wedding Charleston has likely seen in many years… over 1400 people were blown away by the best band I have seen in years. Despite appearance from many guest performers, Mark & Dean from Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, Josh Kelley, Andrew Copeland of Sister Hazel and Anoop Desai from American Idol, the clear attraction was Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters.

    Steve Harry Managing Partner of EastCoast Entertainment

Customize Your Event With Our Ultimate Song List!

We’ll work with you to make sure we play only your favorite types of music. The song list below is representative of the various musical styles and genres we play, but it’s only a small sampling of what we can do. To view Big Swing And The Ballroom Blasters complete song list, download the PDF below.

  • Ariana Grande- Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea)
  • Capital Cities- Safe and Sound
  • Ellie Goulding- Burn
  • Katy Perry- Dark Horse
  • Lorde- Royals
  • Bruno Mars- Treasure 
  • Sam Smith- Stay With Me
  • Aretha Franklin- Respect
  • Beatles- Come Together
  • Black Eyed Peas- I Gotta Feeling
  • Cameo- Word Up
  • Cher- Believe
  • Chubby Checker- The Twist
  • CUPID- Cupid Shuffle
  • Earth, Wind & Fire- September
  • Gloria Gaynor- I Will Survive
  • Gotye- Somebody I Used to Know
  • Heatwave- Boogie Nights
  • Justin Timberlake- My Love
  • Lady Gaga- Poker Face
  • Norah Jones- Fly With Me
  • Phil Collins- You’ll Be In My Heart
  • Tina Turner- Rock Me Baby
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Want To Take Your Next Event to the Next Level? SUPERCHARGE IT!