Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Jazz Band for Weddings & Events in Portland
Since 1999, the The Shanghai Woolies Dance Band has established itself as Portland's premier jazz ensemble, specializing in Swing, Jazz, Latin, and Blues Grooves. Our diverse repertoire spans over 150 songs, blending the authenticity of the 1920s flapper era with a modern twist. With 4+ vocalists and a lineup featuring horns, guitars, and rhythm sections, we deliver high-energy performances tailored to weddings, festivals, corporate events, and private parties. Our musicians, drawn from both sides of the Columbia River, combine technical mastery with theatrical flair to create unforgettable experiences. We pride ourselves on personalized service, including custom song arrangements for special occasions.Recognized by Oregon Music News as Portland's finest swing band, our commitment to quality has earned accolades from venues like Two Louies Magazine. The release of our original album 'The Adventures of the Shanghai Woolies Vol. 1' demonstrates our creative evolution while honoring jazz traditions. Our performances consistently fill dance floors and receive rave reviews for their authenticity and energy. We maintain rigorous professional standards, arriving promptly and dressed impeccably for every engagement. With decades of collective experience, we ensure seamless execution for every client's vision.
Services
Jazz Band Performances
Wedding Music
Festival Appearances
Private Party Entertainment
Original Music Production
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in vintage jazz performances since 1999 with 150+ repertoire songs
- Our 10-piece ensemble includes professional vocalists and multi-instrumentalists
- We provide custom song arrangements for special event moments
- Recognized as Portland's finest swing band by Oregon Music News
- Proven track record filling dance floors at 100+ annual events
What people say
Unforgettable Jazz Perfection
Outstanding wedding performance
Dance floor packed all night
Professional and accommodating
Magical ambiance creation
Services
Jazz Band Performances
Our 10-piece ensemble delivers authentic 1920s-1930s jazz with modern energy. Featuring horns, vocals, and rhythm sections, we perform swing, Latin, and blues genres for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. Clients consistently praise our ability to transform venues into vibrant speakeasies while maintaining technical excellence. Our performances guarantee packed dance floors and lasting memories.
Wedding Music
Specialized wedding entertainment featuring first dance arrangements and customized song selections. We coordinate with couples to create perfect musical moments, from ceremony background music to reception dance sets. Our experienced team ensures seamless transitions and appropriate volume levels throughout your special day, combining tradition with energetic jazz interpretations.
Festival Appearances
High-energy festival sets showcasing our diverse jazz repertoire. We adapt performances to suit outdoor venues and festival crowds, maintaining authentic 1920s-1930s styling while ensuring modern sound quality. Our stage presence and theatrical elements create immersive experiences that draw audiences into the jazz age atmosphere.
Private Party Entertainment
Customized jazz entertainment for private celebrations, from intimate gatherings to large galas. We provide appropriate musical arrangements for cocktail hours, dinner background music, and dance sets. Our versatile repertoire allows seamless transitions between eras and styles to match client preferences while maintaining our signature vintage jazz authenticity.
Original Music Production
Creation of original jazz compositions blending 1920s-1930s influences with modern creativity. Our debut album 'The Adventures of the Shanghai Woolies Vol. 1' features 13 original tracks that maintain period authenticity while offering fresh interpretations. This service extends our creative approach to special event commissions and custom arrangements for clients seeking unique musical experiences.
People
Brooke Zimet
Vocalist
Lead vocalist with extensive jazz performance experience. Specializes in 1920s-1930s vocal stylings while bringing contemporary energy to classic arrangements. Regularly featured in Portland's jazz scene.
Gavin Bondy
Trumpet
Principal trumpeter with technical mastery of vintage jazz techniques. Brings authentic 1920s trumpet sound while contributing to ensemble arrangements. Active in Pacific Northwest jazz education.
Michelle Medler
Saxophonist
Multi-instrumentalist specializing in saxophone and clarinet. Combines period-accurate techniques with modern improvisation skills. Integral to maintaining the ensemble's signature sound across decades of jazz evolution.
Nick O'Donnell
Guitarist
Rhythm section leader playing guitar, banjo, and washboard. Expert in vintage jazz instrumentation techniques. Ensures authentic 1920s-1930s sound while maintaining modern performance standards.
Joe Haegele
Drummer
Percussion specialist focusing on vintage drum kits and techniques. Maintains authentic jazz rhythms while adapting to modern venue requirements. Key contributor to the ensemble's energetic performances.
Questions
What types of events do you perform at?
We specialize in weddings, festivals, corporate events, and private parties across the Pacific Northwest. Our versatile repertoire suits both formal occasions and casual gatherings.
Can you play specific songs not on your list?
Yes, we offer custom song arrangements for special requests. Additional fees apply for rehearsal time required for new material.
How long do your performances typically last?
Standard sets run 2-3 hours with breaks, but we customize durations to match event needs. Weddings often include ceremony, cocktail, and reception segments.
What makes your jazz band unique?
Our 10-piece ensemble combines authentic 1920s-1930s instrumentation with modern performance techniques. We maintain historical accuracy while delivering energetic, crowd-engaging shows.
Do you provide sound equipment?
We bring professional-grade amplification for venues up to 300 guests. Larger events may require supplemental sound systems coordinated in advance.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weekends May-October. Shorter notice bookings may be available for weekday events.
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