Browse 322 swing bands available for hire in Chicago, Illinois, United States, featuring 755 reviews from real clients with an average rating of 5 out of 5. These professional swing ensembles and jazz groups offer sophisticated entertainment for weddings, parties and corporate events.
Of the 322 suppliers listed here, 6 are based within 30 miles of Chicago. The other 316 are willing to travel there.
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Rates for swing bands in Chicago currently range from about $230 to $2,750+, depending on group size, performance duration, and specific requirements. Smaller jazz ensembles and duos typically offer more budget-friendly options, while full orchestras with brass sections and multiple vocalists represent premium entertainment costs. Most clients find excellent value near $900, which usually includes professional sound equipment, varied repertoire, and the flexibility to adapt performances throughout different segments of an event. Contact the supplier you like for an accurate quote.
Based on 260 enquiries for Swing Bands at events in the United States, made through this site in the last two years. Updated 30 October 2026.
The Ron Smolen Big Band / Orchestra
"Wedding October 14 2023 - University Club - Chicago, IL
Hi Ron,
I've been meaning to shoot you an email.
Thank you guys so much, we had such a wonderful time and were so happy and impressed with the music. With everything going on, there were 2 things about the wedding that made it stand out: the food and the band. Our guests loved the music and it was everything that we could have ever wanted and more.
I really meant what I said about how cool it is that you all play this music and hopefully more people my age appreciate the work that you all do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We visit Chicago pretty often so we'll keep tabs on when you play and will come say hello sometime soon.
Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!
-Ryan & Angela"
MHC Jazz Ensemble
"A distinctive jazz artist will reflect the ingenuity of the tradition while presenting a fresh voice that is current, relevant and exhilarating. Michael Hudson-Casanova succeeds in every respect"
Rhythm Rockets
"It’s quite possible to stroll right past the place while navigating West Kinzie Street, just a wee bit north of the Chicago River, and not even realize it. The only concrete clue that you’ve arrived at your destination is the sight of a black canvas entrance emblazoned with the curious moniker of the joint. It’s called Untitled, and that handle is purposely nondescript, only adding to the overall mystique of the nightspot.
Head down a short flight of stairs, say hello to the doorman (there’s no cover), and you’ll find that Untitled offers a welcoming hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Loop, which sits only a few blocks south on the other side of the river. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies dotted the Windy City landscape where those so inclined could quaff an alcoholic libation or two while securely hidden away from the long arm of the law. But those long-ago speaks were never this spacious or glamorously appointed. Make no mistake: this is a classy operation all the way, so you won’t spy any tennis shoes or sweatsuits sullying the polished dance floor.
When the Rhythm Rockets take the stage at Untitled, as they’ve been doing on the second Wednesday evening of every month for a while now starting at 7:30 p.m. and going strong for three hours, the joint proceeds to jump to a barrage of eminently danceable rhythms. The music meshes perfectly with the delicious food and cool drinks that can be ordered by summoning your lovely waitress. You can dine on such delicacies as steak tartare, sea scallops, and mushroom tortellini, and top your feast off with a scrumptious slice of whoopee pie, a blend of dark chocolate-espresso cake, peanut butter mousse, and powdered sugar.
There was a fair amount of dancing happening during the Rhythm Rockets’ most recent Untitled engagement, but most of the sizable crowd was content to soak in the swinging soiree at their tables or from their barstools. The sound quality was exceptionally crisp and full-bodied all night long; Dave Downer’s concise guitar licks sliced through the air with authority, and Nicole Kestler’s delightful vocals were mixed at precisely the right level for maximum enjoyment as she sailed through longtime Rhythm Rockets favorites that included Little Esther’s “Oo Papa Do,” the relaxed pre-war blues lament “Trouble In Mind,” and the band’s scorching arrangement of Ruth Brown’s “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean” that they often use as a set closer.
The sizzling sax section (tenors Michael Bielecki and Vince Salerno and baritone Justin Kierans) was tight and right throughout the evening, and the rock-solid combination of bassist Lou Marini and drummer Mark Fornek kept the grooves hitting on all cylinders. Mark usually sings a song or two on each set prior to Nicole’s entrance, and now he’s previewing a few Chicago blues numbers that he’s also singing with Dave’s new side band, the Five Alibis. Vince switched over to harmonica to give Little Walter’s ominous “I Don’t Play” an authentic Chicago blues sound, although the horns returned when Mark launched into Junior Wells’ playful shuffle “The Things I’d Do For You.”
If you’re anywhere near River North on the second Wednesday of this or any month in the near future, take a walk down Kinzie and seek out Untitled, even if you have to look hard for it. It’s altogether worth the effort--and a great place to check out the Rhythm Rockets doing what they do best!"
Bella's Second Shot Band
"Hi Greg, You guys did great! The crowd/everybody had a good time. Thanks! Joel Reams, Owner; Old Elburn Hall June 3, 2022"
Rick Holland's Uptown Society Orchestra
"All Music Review
Thom Jurek
The title of this set is an apt one. While much of the music presented by the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, it hearkens back -- in terms of its sophistication, confidence and outright jazz literacy, not nostalgically -- to an era when progressive jazz, and big bands (this one numbering 10 pieces) flourished on the scene. This is one sophisticated outfit. Featuring the arrangement and compositional skills of Brent Wallarab, Jim Martin, Bill Dobbins and Kerry Strayer, this band struts out the tradition and make some joyous, complex, and elegant music that reflects its own unique identity. The résumés of all these players are impressive and reflected in the confidence of the date. It opens with "SUNY-Triangle," a Martin composition that works its artful sleight-of-hand over Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste." Martin uses the rhythmically complex samba and drapes some tough, knotty twists and turns over it. The intro is a beautiful and raucous wake-up call, while the head of the tune, with its staggered entrances and exits -- including some fine soloing by John Viavattine on tenor and John Nyerges on piano -- give this tune a unique identity. "Creature Comfort" is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Wallarab with edgeless yet multi-dimensional dissonances written into its harmonics. It swings beautifully and includes a fine, punchy solo by tenorman Glenn Cashman. Besides the originals, there are some fine readings here as well. There's Wallarab's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy" that's a thoroughly modern exercise losing none of Ellington's humor or rhythmic complexity. Likewise, Gerry Mulligan's haunting, wee-hours, "Night Lights," is given expert treatment here by Strayer, and Dean Keller's baritone saxophone playing combines Mulligan's sense of lyric and Ben Webster's sense of time. In Time's Shadow reveals that innovation need not sacrifice accessibility or swing. It is convincing evidence that the big band form is alive, well and full of surprises."
The Kensie Jazz and Dance Band
"Perfect Jazz Band!
Secured The Kensie Jazz Band for our 30th Anniversary corporate event. From start to finish they were perfect. Perfect background music while guests are engaging in the social circuit. Perfect background music while being seated and served for dinner. The band can adjust their sound level to your preference. They play a range of music. A live band is a classy touch and adds ambience to any event rather than a standard DJ. It is a completely different vibe. Nice group of people! Good pricing as well. Thank you!"
