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18 energetic dames...

 

...playing big band hits...

 

...for those who love good music!

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A Big Band In Tune

Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 22 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!

The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!

Saxophones

June Dalton (alto & tenor + clarinet)
Angela Babler (alto & tenor)
Renee Reindl (tenor sax + clarinet)
Deb Dahlman (alto)
Kristin Slava (baritone)

Trombones

Amy Kerwin
Jenna Mood
Erin Cook
Jen Dreyfus

Trumpets

Lindsay Gardenier
Nancy Boyle (+ flugel horn)
Kay Schultz (+ flugel horn)

Kailee Gawlik
Dawn Bankers

 

Guitar

Honoring Karen Syverson: We are so sorry to say our beloved Karen passed away in 2020. Her memory lives on. View her loving tribute and obituary here: www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituary/Karen-Syverson

Piano

Rhonda Chalone

Percussion

Nicky Sund (congas + drums)

Bass

Laurie Riss

Fill-in Musicians


Kristin Warner, piano
Catherine Harris, bass
Carol Fisher, trumpet

Cathy Monaghan
Brittany Sperberg, trombone

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Meet the Ladies

Click and drag the center musician bio left or right to view more.

Hello all from June Dalton, musician and organizer of Ladies Must Swing. I love playing jazz music of all styles. I've been playing clarinet since grade school and took up saxophone at a much later time. Currently playing clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax, and tenor sax. Wherever anyone will hire Ladies Must Swing to play; theaters, rooftops, airplane hangars, parks, pavilions, etc. I'm on a quest for longevity and it's well known that laughter, joyful noise, and appreciation all contribute to a long, healthy life - so the girls in the band make me laugh (you should have seen us at Halloween!) The great big band music we play brings me joy, and the audience appreciation makes me glow!

JUNE DALTONAlto & tenor sax, clarinet

Amy has played trombone and euphonium in a variety bands for the past twenty years. She also enjoys combining local music with local causes and assists in planning a variety of annual local benefits. Her number one passion of helping monkeys retire from research facilities, led to the founding of the nonprofit organization, Primates Incorporated, in 2004. This work was driven by her experience of working with 97 rhesus monkeys in a primate lab for five years. Amy believes that the least society can do is retire monkeys into sanctuaries, whenever possible, after research has been completed.

AMY KERWINTrombone

Angela started playing saxophone at age 9; she wanted to play flute, but band director and Dad were good friends. She was talked into saxophone and was very happy about it. She has a B.A. in Music from St Teresa in Winona MN, and traveled after college and landed back in WI. She is the owner of a private music studio where she teaches 25-30 private music lessons each week. Angela has enjoyed performing with with Brian Whitty Musical Services, Madison Jazz Orchestra, Neophonic Jazz Orhcestra, Michael Hanson Jazz group, Jim Erickson Trio, Bill Seargent Big Band, and the FUMC Chamber Choir. She is also a mother of 2 talented children following in her footsteps in acting, dancing, and musicals.

ANGELA BABLERAlto & tenor sax, vocal

Jen took up the Trombone at age 11 because the flute was "too girly." While she loves the trombone (and really wouldn't trade it for anything) she occasionlly regrets rejecting an instrument carryable in a purse. She was an avid band-kid in high school, played with the raucous Northwestern University Marching Band, DC's Drummers concert and marching bands, and DC Swing! before joining Ladies Must Swing in 2005. She makes her living as a Veterinary Pathologist and shares life and a home with her husband Travis and their new dog Spike.

JEN DREYFUSTrombone

Laurie has cello performance degrees from U of I-Urbana and Rice U. and teaching certification from UW-Madison. Currently, she teaches privately, with the WYSO chamber program, and substitutes in the public schools. Besides performing with the Ladies Must Swing band, she has been a member of the Madison Symphony for 22 years and plays with various small ensembles at weddings and other private functions, retirement/senior centers, etc.

LAURIE RISSString Bass

Nicky Sund banged on pots and pans until her parents bought her a tiny drum set. She studied percussion through high school and then attended UW-Madison to complete a BA in creative writing. After college she studied latin and west african hand drumming with a variety of teachers around the US and in Guinea, West Africa. Nicky worked for the UW-Madison Dance dept, for ten years as an accompanist. She has performed with a wide variety of local bands and currently performs with Ladies Must Swing, Atimevu Drum and Dance group, Mami Wata, Swingin' Not Stirred, and the new ska band Supervillain Fire Drill. She teaches for Girl's and Ladies' Rock Camps and drives a taxi for Union Cab.

NICKY SUNDCongas, Drums

Nancy was 8 years old when she began playing the trumpet and it has been a part of her life ever since. She attended the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and received a B,S, in Ed. from the University of Cincinnati. She was a Band Director and also taught 5th and 2nd grades before retiring to raise a family. In addition to playing in Ladies Must Swing, she plays in Madison Municipal Concert Band, Middleton Community Orchestra, Blessed Brass, Middleton Jazz Orchestra, Retro Swing Band and with the Attic Angel Choir.

NANCY BOYLETrumpet, Vocal, Flugel Horn

Sorry, we have no current info available for Deb. But we know she's an excellent musician, so you'll just have to take our word for it.
Sincerely,
the Management

DEB DAHLMANAlto Saxophone

Sorry, we have no current info available for Dawn. But we know she's an excellent musician, so you'll just have to take our word for it.
Sincerely,
the Management

DAWN BANKERSTrumpet

Renee' Reindl has been playing the clarinet and tenor saxophone since the fifth grade. She was introduced to the 'Big Band' sound in jazz band, and it has been her favorite music to listen to ever since! She has fond memories of touring Europe with the United States Collegiate Wind Band in the summer of 1981. She has been with 'Ladies Must Swing' since 2003, playing her favorites of Benny Goodman and Louis Jordan.

RENEE REINDLTenor Sax & Clarinet

Sorry, we have no current info available for Lyndsay. But we know she's an excellent musician, so you'll just have to take our word for it.
Sincerely,
the Management

LYNDSAY GARDENIERTrumpet

Kay started playing the trumpet in grade 5. She is a graduate of Milton College (BME) and Vander Cook College of Music (MME). She is retired from Clinton Community School District after teaching instrumental music for 41 years. Kay’s current activities include playing trumpet with the Beloit/Janesville Symphony (since 1968) and LMS. She is also teaching private instrumental music lessons at Voigt Music and is instructor of trumpet at Beloit College and University of Wisconsin-Rock County. Kay has lived in Avalon all of her life and loves the atmosphere of a “small town”. She enjoys traveling and long walks with her Doberman pinscher (Hilda).

KAY SCHULTZTrumpet, flugel horn

"This group of wonderful musicians will renew your spirit and soul with their energy and tributes to our veteran's, who deserve our thanks and gratitude."

Su Timmerman / Badger Honor Flight

I love your new website! Enjoy reading about all of you women and your history with music. I saw you perform in Holmen or West Salem some years back and am so glad to know about your CDs and future performances. Thanks so much for bringing jazz to us!

Kathy Neidert

"A great band to dance to!"

Social Life Dance Center

"We appreciate your music. It was a great evening and everyone I talked to really enjoyed your set."

Charlie Giese / Jazz at Five
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Upcoming Gigs

2023
Wednesday, 7/12 Old Union Corners 5p-7p
Friday, 7/14 San Damiano in Monona 6p-8p
Monday, 7/24 Warner Park Concert Series 6p  1625 Northport Dr Madison, WI
Thursday, 7/27 Kravath Park Bandshell, 7p-8p Whitewater, WI
Wednesday, 8/2 Outdoor concert at St. Johns on the Lake, 6p-7:30p, Milwaukee, WI
Friday, 8/4 Phoenix Park, 7p-9p, Delavan, WI
Friday, 10/6 Primates Incorporated Benefit. East Side Club. more details tbd!
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Memories

Click the images to see larger, color versions. And if you see a photo that you have taken, and it is not credited appropriately, please let us know!

LMS at Bratfest 2016

LMS at Bratfest 2016

LMS at EAA

LMS at EAA

LMS at EAA

LMS at EAA

LMS at EAA

LMS at EAA

The Sax Section

The Sax Section

LMS at the Hangar Dance

LMS at the Hangar Dance

Karen & Rebekah

Karen & Rebekah

Nancy & Lindsay

Nancy & Lindsay

Amy & Cory

Amy & Cory

The Ladies in action

The Ladies in action

Swing Dancers

Swing Dancers

The LMS Saxes

The LMS Saxes

The Ladies

The Ladies

The Ladies

The Ladies

Swing Dancers

Swing Dancers

The Ladies

The Ladies

Swing Dancers

Swing Dancers

Swing Dancers

Swing Dancers

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Musical Recordings

The Ladies have 2 official recordings: the latest full length CD, released in 2012 is called, “Just for a Thrill”, and the first full length CD, released in 2003 is titled, “And Swing We Must”. Both are now good for the gettin’, and come with great original artwork, so get them before their gone!

PURCHASE CDS AT OUR GIGS OR BY MAIL:

Please send a check for $20.00 payable to:
Ladies Must Swing or June Dalton
6307 Winnequah Rd, Monona WI 53716
(Make sure to include a return shipping address!)

JUST FOR A THRILL (2012)

1 / Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

Arranged by Al Capps; Music & words by Don Raye & Hughie Prince; Solos by Marilyn Fisher – vocal, the trumpet gals

2 / Big Noise from Winnetka

Arranged by Johnny Warrington; Music by Bob Haggart, Ray Bauduc, Gil Rodin, Bob Crosby; Solos by Jen Klish – bass, Angela Babler & band – whistle

3 / Just for a Thrill

Arranged by Glen Osser; Music & words by Lil Armstrong, Don Raye; Solo by Marilyn Fisher – vocal

4 / Senorita Fajita

Composed and arranged by Larry Neeck; Solos by Judy Harrington – trumpet, Jen Dreyfus – trombone, Deb Dahlman – alto sax

5 / Cute

Composed and arranged by Neal Hefti; Solos by Marianne Egerstrand – drum set, Nicky Sund – congas

6 / When You’re Good to Mama

Arranged by Judy Harrington; Music & words by Fred Ebb, john Kander; Solos by Angela Babler – vocal, Amy Kerwin – trombone, Deb Dahlman – alto sax, June Dalton – clarinet

7 / Kiss of Fire

Arranged by Johnny Warrington; Music & lyrics by Lester Allen, Robert HilL; Solo by Marilyn Fisher – vocal

8 / Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else But Me

Arranged by Jack Mason; Music & lyrics by Lew Brown, Charlie Tobias, Sam H. Stept; Solos by Vocal Trio – Nancy Boyle, Marianne Egerstrand, & Marilyn Fisher; Instrumental Trio – Nancy Boyle – trumpet, Cory Kurzynski – trombone, June Dalton – clarinet

9 / Harlem Nocturne

Arranged & composed by Earle Hagen; Solo by June Dalton – alto sax

10 / Green Onions

Arranged by Roy Phillippe; Music by Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Lewis Steinberg, Al Jackson, Jr.; Solos by Angela Babler – tenor sax, Cory Kurzynski – trombone

11 / What’s Your Story Morning Glory?

Composed by Mary Lou Williams; Transcribed by Mark Lopeman; Solos by Marilyn Fisher – vocal, Angela Babler – tenor sax, June Dalton – clarinet

12 / Liechtensteiner Polka

Arranged by Johnny Warrington; Music & lyrics by ED Kotscher, R. Lindt

13 / Tennessee Waltz

Arranged by Johnny Warrington; Music & lyrics by Redd Stewart & Pee Wee King

14 / L-O-V-E

Arranged by Dean Smith; Music & lyrics by Milt Gabler & Bert Kaempfert; Solos by Stefanie Ehle – trumpet, Marilyn Fisher – vocal

15 / Jump, Jive An’ Wail

Arranged by Roger Holmes; Music & lyrics by Louis Prima; Solos by Judy Harrington – trumpet, Angela Babler – tenor sax

AND SWING WE MUST (2003)

THIS CD IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT.

1 / Blue Skies

Music: Irving Berlin / Arr: Paul Jennings

2 / Tuxedo Junction

Music: Erskine Hawkins / Words: Buddy Feyne / Arr: Jerry Nowak

3 / Caravan

Music: Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol / Arr: Art Dedrick

4 / My Romance

Music: Rodgers & Hart / Arr: Mark Taylor

5 / Hoop Dee Doo

Music: Milton Delugg / Arr: Jack Mason

6 / Sugar Blues

Music: Clarence Williams / Arr: Luther Henderson / Adapted by Christopher Dedrick

7 / Route 66

Music: Bobby Troup / Arr: Bob Lowden

8 / Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White

Music: Loui Guy / Arr: Johnny Warrington

9 / Chattanooga Choo Choo

Music: Harry Warren & Mack Gordon / Arr: Mike Carubia

10 / Seems Like Old Times

Music: Carmen Lombardo & John Jacob Loeb / Arr: Marke Winstein

11 / Zoot Suit Riot

Music: Steve Perry / Arr: Paul Murtha

12 / Lover Man

Music: Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman / Arr: Jerry Nowak

13 / Tangerine

Music: Victor Schertzinger / Arr: Peter Blair

14 / Skylark

Music: Hoagy Carmichael / Arr: Jerry Nowak

15 / Minnie the Moocher

Music: Cab Calloway & Irving Mills / Arr: Ralph Ford

To book Ladies Must Swing for your next event, or to just say hello, contact June at ladiesmustswing@yahoo.com or (608) 698-8944.

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