SwingDJs

We're having an old-fashioned battle of the bands in Cleveland this weekend. Ernie Krivda's big band from Cleveland will take on Roger Humphrie's big band from Pittsburgh. The bands will bet set-up across each other with a dance space in-between.

Last year's event (Krivda vs George Gee) rocked the house.

Email me for more info.

Easy

At the risk of sounding stupid, how does a battle of the bands work? I've seen a few formats for DJs (in the HipHop world) and the cheesey college battle of the bands, but never one for a swing event. So do tell.

that should be great, makes me wish i was in cleveland this weekend.

yea no joke. I wish I didn't have to teach that night :~(

Hey, so here is how it worked in Cleveland.
We had two stages set-up side by side. On the right stage was Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday Big Band. On the left stage was Roger Humphries and his Jazz Orchestra. As Roger was the visiting band they were up first and played a set. Then Ernie's band went on and played a set. Finally, in the third set they alternated a few songs and then played together. The last part was incredible as one orchestra would play and someone on the other stage would be the soloist. The band leaders communicated through arm-gestures and looks across the stage. It was raw and improvised and I basically had to stop dancing and watch b/c it was so rad.
Too bad you guys couldn't make it! Maybe next time.

Easy

Pictures from the battle:

NICE! Thats how they used to do it at the Casa Manana in Culver City, where Duke Ellington went against Charlie Barnet in the late 30's.
totally cool.

but it must have been a sound mans night mare....hahaha

Damn, How could you afford two big bands??? Big bands in LA (atleast good ones, are a grip!!!)