our swing bands
Experience the energy, joy, and rhythm of live swing jazz with some of the city's top jazz artists playing for Cape Town Swing.
The Pebble Shakers
The Pebble Shakers is a Cape Town-based group of jazz musicians specialising in South African swing-era tunes through the Echoes of Sophiatwon music revival project. Formed in 2017, the band plays a variety of swinging jazz for the local dance scene, and theyʼre a popular outfit for event organisers that are after an upbeat vibe.
Echoes of Sophiatown
Preserving, reviving, and celebrating South African swing music
Echoes of Sophiatown is a transcription project to revive, transcribe and preserve the unique South African swing sound of the 1930s-50s. These songs were local hits back in the day, but the apartheid government tried hard to suppress and censor them.
It took three years to track down surviving recordings, usually in poor condition, and transcribe and record them. Funded on Indiegogo by swing music enthusiasts around the world, the project concluded its first chapter in February 2019, with 40 transcriptions and a studio recording featuring covers of 12 original South African songs.
The recording, named Echoes of Sophiatown, is available to purchase as a CD, or digital download.
The Blue Shoes Swingtet
The Blue Shoes Swingtet is a 5-piece jazz band that was created to cater to the swing dancers of Cape Town. They specialise in popular songs of the Swing Era that dancers know and love. Comprising some of Cape Town's best jazz musicians, this group will surely swing your socks off like no other.
Customisable Jazz Ensembles
Looking for something different? We also offer flexible musician configurations, including trios, quartets, and quintets, to suit your event’s vibe and space. Whether you want a swinging rhythm section, a sultry saxophone-led trio, or a full-blown big band experience, we’ll create the perfect soundscape for your event.
Book Live Music for Your Event
Add an unforgettable live jazz experience to your next event! Get in touch to discuss your needs, check availability, and let us bring the magic of swing to your gathering.