The electro swing scene has grown significantly in Europe in the past ten years. Electro Swing Club, the world’s first club dedicated to the genre, was founded in London in 2009, Acts like Parov Stelar and Caravan Palace are leading the way in the movement, although it has been a little slower to catch on state-side.
Speakeasy Electro Swing Seattle is the Seattle branch, founded in 2012, of an electro swing club that has its roots in Montreal, Canada. Speakeasy Electro Swing and Electro Swing Club are not nightclubs; rather, they are organizations of folks who are passionate about the music and its unique culture. The clubs throw regular electro swing events at a variety of locations. It’s common to find more than just music at these events; the shows often feature burlesque acts and all attendees are encouraged to wear swing dancing attire (think 30s and 40s styles).
Electro swing dancing in style. Photo credit: onesmallseed.com
For the uninitiated listener, electro swing takes jazz and swing dance and injects the songs with the dance music sounds of today. You’ll experience classic samples mixed with electro, hip hop, house, bass, and dub. Depression-era swing and current-day dance music is a match made in heaven; their love child is a particularly danceable sound.
Speakeasy Electro Swing Seattle is the force behind Electro Swing Extravaganza, a night at Chop Suey featuring three live bands: Seattle’s own electro swing band Good Co, Portland’s belly dance, burlesque, and musical project Sepiatonic, and Seattle’s The Debaucherauntes. Entertainment by burlesque dancer Bitsy Rini will add to the unique vibe of this show. Advance tickets are $10; tickets at the door will be $15. More information on prices and times can be found on Chop Suey’s website or the Facebook event page.
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