Trad Jazz & Dixieland Bands for Hire

Why Hire a Dixieland Jazz Band?

Trad & Dixieland bands are the perfect fit for events looking for a retro, vintage-themed vibe. With the recent revival of jazz and swing, a trad band has become a popular choice for weddings, parties and festivals.

Adding a lively, interactive atmosphere to any occasion, a Dixieland jazz band offers a nostalgic throwback to the heyday of jazz.

What Music Do Trad & Dixieland Bands Perform?

Our trad jazz bands perform a wide range of jazz standards from the 1920s and wartime era.

Our jazz musicians aren’t strictly limited to tunes of yesteryear; they’ll often blend modern hits into their repertoire, giving them a delightful retro twist. This unique approach, often showcased in films and TV shows, has made this style increasingly popular.

Popular Dixieland Jazz artists include:

• Louis Armstrong
• Bob Crosby
• Chris Barber
• Bobby Hackett
• Duke Ellington

Popular Dixieland songs include:

• Savoy Blues
• Heebee Jeebies
• Black Bottom Stomp
• Snake Rag
• Livery Stable Blues

What Events Do Trad & Dixieland Bands Play?

There are many types of events where traditional jazz can shine, including but not limited to the following:

• Garden Party
• Wedding Reception
• Corporate Event
• Outdoor Event
• Private Event
• Birthday Party
• Product Launch

Jazz musicians are often booked to perform background music at various events, most commonly for wedding entertainment during the drinks reception or wedding party.

Do Trad & Dixieland bands for Hire Take Requests?

Our jazz and swing bands are happy to include any favourite songs from their repertoire. Learning new songs that don’t feature in the repertoire is possible, although may incur a small additional fee to cover the musicians’ rehearsal time.

How Much Space Does the Band Require?

Space requirements for a jazz band vary depending on the number of musicians and what equipment they bring / use. For a 3 or 4-person group, it’s best to allocate a space of 3 x 3 meters. The band will always set up in the most practical way to ensure they can offer their best performance.

Do They Need Access to Power?

Access to power will be required if the band uses amplification, so it’s best to consider placing the band nearer an electricity supply.

Depending on the line-up, many Dixieland jazz bands can offer a roaming set centered around acoustic instruments such as the trumpet, tuba, banjo, clarinet, trombone, and perhaps a snare drum. This arrangement allows for a dynamic, moving performance, perfect for mingling with guests and bringing a lively, personal touch to different areas of the venue, all without requiring a fixed stage or electrical equipment.

How long do Trad Jazz Bands play for?

2 x 45 minute sets over a 2 hour period is a common booking period for a traditional jazz band. Longer and shorter sets are available on request, and the band will do their very best to work with your schedule.