Belfast Swing Trio was formed in February 2023 to bring hot swing music to the people of Belfast.
Taking inspiration from the music of Django Reinhardt, Louis Armstrong, and the Rosenberg Trio, Belfast Swing Trio have been keeping swing alive and kicking by playing around Belfast to enthusiastic audiences.

Belfast Swing Trio is:

Matthew Dowie – lead guitar
Michael McKinney – double bass
Joe Kennedy – rhythm guitar

The post Belfast Swing Trio appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

‘Just Jazz’ is a collective formed from the cream of local musical talent.

No gig is too big, or too small…These jazz professionals will give your event that special atmosphere your guests will love, whether you want to add a touch of class to a small gathering or wow your evening guests with the swinging sound of a live jazz band. 

Excellence in music…We use only the most talented and professional instrumentalists and vocalists to perfectly tailor our musical group for your specific requirements:

If you’re hosting a fine dining party and want some elegant background music, no problem!  We supply a classy quiet duo specifically for this purpose.

If you want your drinks reception to have that extra cocktail kick, no problem!   The Just Jazz sax or vocal trios will go down a storm!

If you’re planning an evening event and want a swanky soundtrack, no problem!

Why not have our spectacular big band blow your guests away with stunning vocals, vast repertoire and unrivalled swing.

If your requirements aren’t covered above, no problem!

All of our combinations are scalable up and down to suit your needs.

The post Just Jazz appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

The Swing Brothers are Ireland’s leading Swing Act. Delivering dulcet tones coupled with silky smooth harmonies this is one act you need to have at your wedding or event! Singing all the hits from the Ratpack to Michael Buble and doing so with unrivalled energy, you and your guests will be left calling out for more!

A “Great Fun” addition to any event!

The post The Swing Brothers appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

Singing from a young age Jason was heavily influenced by the greats, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Matt Monro, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Buddy Greco, Rosemary Clooney & Harry Connick Jr.

Jason has been singing professionally from 2004 and has performed for hundreds of corporate and private functions all over Ireland and the UK.  He has appeared in venues such as, Belfast City Hall, Culloden Estate & Spa, Hillsborough Gardens, Boatyard Essex, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Down Royal Race Course and BBC Studios in London to name but a few.

Theatre Shows, Golf Clubs, Restaurants, Hotels and Garden Parties, Jason has performed live at some of the coolest and most prestigious evenings and events in the country.  He has performed on The Alan Titchmarch Show for ITV, earning a place in the finals for ‘The Peoples Crooner’.  Jason has also had the fantastic experience of performing alongside his good friend, Rat Pack legend Buddy Greco, who said, “WOW!  I had no idea you were this good … Lezlie and I are KNOCKED OUT!  Buddy also gave Jason his own personal tracks recorded in Capital Studios with a 48 piece orchestra.

Most recently Jason has been busy with new corporate work and has been asked to perform in Las Vegas to celebrate Buddy Grecos 90th Birthday.

Quotes & Testimonials:

If you like the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and all the greats then have an evening with young Jason Maguire, a consummate professional who will transport you back to the big band era with style and ease and you will go home all the better for the experience! In my opinion he is “As Good As It Gets”- Gene Fitzpatrick, Irelands No.1 Comedian & Entertainer.

WOW! I had no idea you were this good … Lezlie and I are KNOCKED out – Buddy Greco, Rat Pack Legend, Singer & Pianist.

A Very, Very Good Singer – Russell Watson, English Tenor.

I thought Jason Was Great! – Pete Waterman, Producer & Songwriter.

Note Perfect!  You could listen to Jason on Record and think there’s no autotune or anything, he can sing really well and has a lovely tone – Tom Lewis, Decca Records.

The post Jason Maguire appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

Dance the night away to the classic themes that have something for everyone and define the unique style of swing. Shamie’s easy rapport and dulcet tone will transport you back to the rat pack era.

Shamie H lives in Magherafelt and is available to travel over Northern Ireland . He has an extensive repertoire and has sung in a number of venues across Northern Ireland including

The Dunadry,Hotel The Marine Hotel Ballycastle, The Leighinmohr House Hotel Ballymena, Jazzy’s Cocktail Lounge ,Enniskillen, The Belfray Country Inn and The River Room Conservatory at Galgorm Resort & Spa.

If you book Shamie H you can sit back, relax and know you have booked an evening of classic swing entertainment.

The post Shamie H appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

They pride themselves on offering a “cooler than average” band, which is never cheesy, always completely live, never the same performance twice. They are seasoned musicians, each with over a decade of performance experience. Some are members of the Ulster Orchestra, the Ulster University Big Band. They’ve supported, recorded and performed with artists such as Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Tom Jones, and Snow Patrol.

As the band performs such a vast repertoire of music, their song lists are split into different sections to make it easier to show what they offer – Swing, 50’s Rock & Roll, Acoustic, Modern, & Christmas. Any of their songs can be performed either with the band or with Dave’s Solo. They encourage their clients to get involved and tailor their music exactly to suit the style of their event.

Whether you require a smooth background Jazz/Acoustic set for an afternoon reception, a classic Swing set for a stylish function, perhaps a lively, dance focussed mix of 1950’s Rock & Roll and modern chart music for an evening reception, or his cheerful Christmas set for a festive party – Dave promises to give your guests a performance they are sure to remember.

The post Dave Martin & The Casino Cats Swing Band appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

This experienced three-piece jazz band from Belfast, Northern Ireland play music from across the jazz and blues spectrum, and their style ranges from cool jazz to hot swing. Their repertoire includes standards as performed by Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many other jazz legends.

The Jazzmeisters know how to create an appropriate atmosphere, whatever the event – the group comprises musicians who have a wealth of experience in the music industry. Each member of the group is a sought after performer or session player having made numerous television and radio appearances and although constantly in demand for festivals, corporate functions, weddings and parties, members of the band still make time for regular slots in venues such as Bert’s Jazz Bar at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast.

Ideal for wedding drinks receptions, parties or any special occasion. Your guests will enjoy our easy listening music as they wine, dine or chat with friends. The Jazzmeisters bring a warm and welcoming atmosphere to any event.

Dave Howell – Sax and vocals 

Recent career highlights for Dave Howell include playing live gigs with the likes of Van Morrison, Duke Special, Martine McCutcheon, Ray Quinn, Shane Ward and Brian Kennedy. Lead tenor player with 2002 UK National BBC Big Band Champions and veteran of some key corporate bands in Ireland like The Big Kahuna, Soul Truth, The Guinness Experience and Otis & The Elevators; Dave has recorded with artists within varied musical fields like R&B Stalwart Dave Lewis and Funk DJs Bell Crash & Digital Boogie. Most recently he has recorded albums with Ken Haddock, Anthony Toner, Ronnie Greer, Clive Culbertson, Mari Jackson, Justin McGurk and many other local artists. He made his name in 2000 with the fabulous Funk Foundation and is currently writing for his new album which is being released later this year. As an educator Dave has directed two Grammar School Big Bands in Belfast since 2002. In 2004 he played Tenor Sax and Clarinet with the John Miller Orchestra (Glenn Miller’s nephew) in a concert commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Glenn Miller’s performances in Northern Ireland during World War II. Dave is also widely experienced in the genre of Musicals, having toured the UK extensively with such well known productions as “West Side Story”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Grease” and more.

Scott Flanigan – Piano

Scott Flanigan is one of Ireland’s foremost jazz pianists. Having graduated from the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra, Scott studied music at Queens University while embarking on a career in jazz. To date he has worked with Van Morrison, Jean Toussaint, Linley Hamilton, Ronnie Greer, Nigel Mooney, Mark McKnight and David Lyttle in Ireland, the UK and farther afield. Scott is currently working towards his Masters in Jazz Performance at the Dublin Institute Of Technology and can frequently be heard as a leader and an accompanist at Bert’s Jazz Bar in Belfast.

Al Carver – Bass

At the tender age of 30, Al has already become one of the old faces of the local music scene.

Regularly playing in all sorts of bands from the age of 15 and starting a long career in the Grand Opera House Belfast at 17 he has accumulated a vast amount of experience on stages, and in pits, and on stages in pits across the country.

Having played for many local stars including Peter Corry, Dave Howell and Scott Flanigan and national names such as Jools Holland, Scott Flanigan and Dave Howell, Al is now well settled into the groove of performing in the always critically acclaimed Grand Opera House Pantomime over Christmas and playing for one of the country’s most successful function bands throughout the year.

Al has sought to move forward by going back to his roots, unleashing his quirky enthusiasm and energy in The Jazzmeisters with old friends Dave and Scott.

The post The Jazzmeisters appeared first on Starling Entertainments.

With a smooth and mellow tone, he has been described as “the modern mix of Sinatra and Bublé” he’s sure to add sophistication and class to any function. Listening really doesn’t come much easier, so close your eyes and drift back to the 50’s and the rat pack era.

If nothing else will do but the real “Big Band” sound, he’s now available for booking with an 11 Piece Big Band, made up of some of the greatest musicians in the UK for the ultimate Swing experience.

Andi is available for all your Swing requirements so get in touch now.

The post Andi Mac appeared first on Starling Entertainments.