The talented members of 52 Skidoo feature songs from the 1920s and 1930s. This completely cool and authentic twenties band appears as a group of drunks and misfits who have stepped out of a New York movie set as they get straight down to performing Harlem Swing and Hot Jazz that will entertain and delight audiences young and old.
This fun 1920s Band will keep the dance floor busy and feet tapping all night with a dazzling repertoire of Jazz & Swing classics, alongside mischief and mayhem!
The band line-up starts as a 3 piece featuring:
Tommy Valentine
Tommy oozes personality as your lead vocalist and guitarist; he is the character of the band. His guise as a ‘gambler’ working off his debts is most believable as he tells tales of his life in New York trying to avoid gangsters and search for his true love!
Henry ‘JJ’ Botham
Pianist J.J. (also known as Double J and 2 J’s) is technically brilliant and famous for his piano skills and audience interaction! His fast-fingered boogie-woogie has to be seen to be believed!
Howard Jacobs
Howard is a skilled percussionist and clarinet player, often able to do both in one go!
HORNS:
Add any brass from Trombone, Trumpet, Sax and Souzaphone for a bigger sound!
DANCERS
Add Flapper Girls into the mix! Performing Charleston or Lindy Hop.
THE JOINT IS JUMPIN’
A themed Theatre Show incorporating stories, characters and comedy as well as the finest Jazz sound around!
HARLEM STRIDE & PIANO SHOUTS
If you would like just Piano, or even Piano and Percussion, this is also an option. JJ and Howard will treat you to all the greats from Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith, Luckey Roberts and Eubie Blake.
“A big thank you on behalf of my guests for your fantastic set! You kept the dance floor bustling all night and feet tapping at tables too. You are not only very talented musicians, but polite, professional and courteous. Genuinely a pleasure to work with and we’d love to have you back again in the future.”
Lorraine Jenkins – Vintage Dancehall
“Here’s a band that really do swing like they did in the good ol’ days, with attention to detail and authenticity, 52 Skidoo put on a storming performance that gets the joint well and truly jumping. Until we manage to bring Fats Waller back in a time machine, we’ll have these guys back any time!”
Bobbi Charleston – The Swing Eight
“We only had to see, hear and experience 52 Skidoo once to be convinced enough to book them. The gig they did for us at SevenArts in Leeds was a sell out event and is still talked about locally as one of the most authentic ‘Speakeasy’ style events we’ve ever had. The guys completely recreated the small band with the big sound in the tradition of Fats Waller. They have that natural and unteachable ability to work the crowd.
Harry & Svetlana – Leeds
“52 Skidoo provided The Met with a fine evening’s entertainment. Their show is much more than simple a gig and incorporates stories, comedy and several other unusual features all brought together with superb showmanship and musicianship. They transformed the stage into a 1920’s rent party and created a genuine speakeasy atmosphere. Utterly professional and hugely enjoyable, the show was a sell-out and no hesitation in rebooking them.”
David Agnew – Bury Met
“52 Skidoo laid on a fantastic performance and exceeded our expectations, they were also extremely polite, friendly and easy-going which made them a pleasure to deal with on the day.”
Zoe Hussain – Wedding, London
