THE BANDS!
These are the bands that will have you dancing the whole weekend! Most of the bands are Philadelphia locals and we are proud to showcase the amazing talent in the area,
Friday Main Dance
Josh Lee and the Extended Family is a Philadelphia based ensemble that authentically celebrates the music and the dance of the swing era. Composed of the brightest young musicians in the city, the Extended Family strives to further the 100 year tradition of big band music while honoring its pioneers—Moten, Basie, Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson to name a few. Josh is a grammy nominated saxophonist, composer, and arranger, as well as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra and faculty at Temple University.
Friday Late Night Band
Dan McCain and Ben Cohen's The Late Night Collaboration
Bassist Dan McCain and Drummer Ben Cohen are putting together a late night band with all of your dance favorites!
Jazz Brunch Band
Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society
Drew Nugent is a jazz musician and composer from right here in Philadelphia. His primary instruments are piano, trumpet, voice, and believe it or not, the tea kettle!
Nugent and the band specialize in playing in the traditional "hot" jazz style of the 1920s. His band, known as the Midnight Society, is regarded as one of the best in the business, and has been together for over 10 years. Under Drew's leadership, they bring forth an authentic, yet original approach to an art form over 100 years old.
Saturday Afternoon Dance
Jack Saint Clair
Jack Saint Clair is an arranger and saxophonist in Philadelphia. He has recieved commisions to write music for the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia under direction of Terell Stafford, the Temple University Jazz Orchestra,the Dutch Concert Big Band,and the Philly POPS. He leads his own big band which in the past performed monthly at the iconic German town jazz club LaRose, and performs frequently as a freelancer with other groups.
Battle of the Jazz Bands
Deborah Smith
Deborah Smith, a trombonist, performer, composer/arranger, educator, student, and bandleader, hailing from Bridgeport, Connecticut, discovered her passion for the trombone at age 13 in her middle school band program. Immersed in the arts from a young age, she explored various creative outlets, finding solace in music through school ensembles and outside programs.
Deborah has graced stages from Philadelphia’s own Chris’ Jazz Cafe, to Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Her versatility shines through her roles in ensembles like the Gabriel Meyer Creative Orchestra, Grace Fox Big Band, the Elm City Big Band, and her leadership of her own bands.
Recognized with the Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Award in 2023, awarded by Terell Stafford and Galen Demus, she remains dedicated to inspiring others through her boundless love for music. Her journey in music is only just beginning, driven by a relentless pursuit of growth and a mission to share the beauty of music worldwide.
Battle of the Jazz Bands
Laura Orzehoski
Laura Orzehoski is a Philadelphia-based trombonist who has recently graduated from Temple University's Jazz Program.
Laura has performed at multiple venues across the East Coast and is a member of the all-female big band; The Grace Fox Big Band. She is also a member of the Grammy Nominated Big Band; The Temple University Jazz Band, under the direction of Terell Stafford.
Laura has played for dancers at many dances in Philadelphia and is excited to bring a high level of energy to all her sets.
Sunday Afternoon Dance
Jillian Ashcraft
Jillian Ashcraft is a Philadelphia based vocalist who is known for playing for dancers in the area and is a Rittenhop favorite.
Jillian's timeless voice will have you dancing along to your favorite standards.
Sunday Evening Dance
Parlour Noir
Parlour Noir is a Rittenhopalooza staple and we are happy to announce that they will be joining us for Rittenhopalooza 2024!
Since 2017, Parlour Noir has been a well-spring of traditional jazz music from the historic Mt. Airy district of Philadelphia, PA. The eccentric six-piece ensemble brings joy and energy to the stage across a variety of venues, from bombastic swing dance weekends to intimate restaurant settings. Comprised of vocals, horns, piano, banjo, drums, and upright bass, the band swings hard through a repertoire that spans 1922-1945, including a handful of original tunes made specifically for the dance floor. They've now become one of Philadelphia's premier Swing Bands. Don’t hesitate to say hello during their next band break—they’re happy to chat or a share a drink!
Sunday Opening Jam Band
The Rittenhop Regulars
Rittenhop's very own band! Started as a weekly jam out in Rittenhouse Square. We are a band by dancers for dancers.
In Partnership with
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