LIVE BANDS

Music all night long

For our 20th anniversary we have put together a very special line-up. Alongside many of the bands you have come to love over the past years, two extraordinary highlights await you:

Les Greene and Sean McDonald take the stage together in a very special collaboration, created exclusively for this anniversary edition. With their powerful voices, unique musical personalities and deep roots in Rhythm’n’Blues, Rock’n’Roll and Soul, this promises to be one of the musical highlights of RTSF 2027.

Another extraordinary highlight you should not miss is David Hermlin And His Swing Dance Orchestra. To mark 100 years of Lindy Hop, David is coming for the very first time with his complete 15-piece Big Band.

Line-up

Les GreeneUSA

Les Greene is a powerhouse performer bringing the raw energy of Rock’n’Roll, Rhythm’n’Blues and Soul to the stage. A modern-day mix of Little Richard and James Brown, with a twist of Motown.

Known as the singing voice of Little Richard in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” and its Grammy-nominated soundtrack, Les combines explosive showmanship with a sound rooted in the greats—yet unmistakably his own.

With his band The Swayzees, he has toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, captivating audiences with a high-energy live show made for dancing. Soul-inspired vintage Rock’n’Roll—guaranteed to get you moving!

Facebook: Les Greene / instagram: Les Greene

Sean McDonaldUSA

Don’t be fooled by his young age—Sean “Mack” McDonald has the voice, soul and presence of a true old-school performer. Born in Augusta, Georgia, Sean grew up surrounded by the sounds of Blues, Gospel, Rhythm’n’Blues, Rock’n’Roll, Soul and Jazz—influences that still shape his music today. With his mesmerizing voice, natural stage presence and deep love for Black American roots music, Sean brings these traditions to life with remarkable authenticity and energy.

His talent has already taken him to renowned stages including the Lucerne Blues Festival and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, as well as performances across Europe and the US. A young voice with deep roots—and a sound made for the dance floor.

Facebook: Sean McDonald / instagram: Sean McDonald

David Hermlin And His Swing Dance OrchestraGER

For the 100th anniversary of Lindy Hop, David Hermlin returns to the Rock That Swing Festival in a very special way: for the first time at RTSF, the orchestra will take the stage in its complete 15-piece Big Band line-up.

The Swing Dance Orchestra is far more than just another Swing band. For decades, it has stood for musicianship at the highest level, an extraordinary dedication to the sound and spirit of the 1930s and 40s, and a live experience that brings the golden age of Swing vividly back to life.

At the heart of the orchestra is David Hermlin—bandleader, arranger, composer and an exceptional drummer whose playing is deeply rooted in the great Swing drummers of the era. But David is just as remarkable as an entertainer: with his energy, charm and natural stage presence, he embodies the kind of showmanship rarely seen since the great bandleaders of the 1930s.

Since taking over the orchestra in 2026, David’s own compositions and arrangements have increasingly shaped its sound, while his sister Rachel Hermlin brings another distinctive voice to the band as its singer.

Instruments, microphones, music stands and wardrobe reflect the period down to the smallest detail—but this is no museum piece. Classics such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Caravan,” “Begin the Beguine” and “In the Mood” meet forgotten treasures and original arrangements, played with tremendous drive, precision and personality.

Fifteen musicians, the full sound of a great Swing orchestra and one of the most charismatic young bandleaders of today—a very special Big Band highlight for the 20th anniversary of Rock That Swing and 100 years of Lindy Hop.

swingdanceorchestra.de

Si CranstounGBR

Si Cranstoun is a fabulous throwback to the old swing blues shouters of the 1940s and 1950s. Si is a successful bandleader and songwriter with dancefloor hits like “Dynamo,” “Coupe De Ville,” “Ella Ella,” and many more that have remained favorites in the vintage scene now for over a decade. He has been compared to many old greats like Jackie Wilson, Wynonie Harris, or Sam Cooke, but Si remains his own man with his own distinct voice and repertoire. His super-happy charisma and stage presence guarantee a joyful show tailored to your dancing feet.

www.sicranstoun.com

NP Big BandITA

With a powerful, full-throttle sound, the NP Big Band, an 18-piece orchestra, brings the golden age of swing roaring back to life. They play the iconic music of the great orchestras of the 30s and 40s, delivering both original charts and rare gems from Artie Shaw, Chick Webb, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and many more—guaranteed to thrill dancers and swing lovers alike. A yearly highlight is the Jamboree Revue, where the musicians showcase their remarkable versatility, creativity and showmanship.

NpBigBand.it

Jive AcesGBR

The Jive Aces are one of the world’s most beloved Jumpin’ Jive bands, thrilling audiences in over 40 countries since 1989. United by their shared passion for American roots music, they’ve released 13 albums so far. Vintage Rock magazine crowned them the “UK’s number one jive and swing band” in its June 2015 issue.

Their live performances are bursting with joy, energy, and a contagious excitement that makes it impossible to stay still. With a mix of timeless classics and their own fantastic originals, they’ll have you dancing the night away. Their most popular music video, “Bring Me Sunshine,” went viral, racking up nearly 4 million views and spreading smiles everywhere.

www.jiveaces.com

The Swing Shouters feat. Lizzy Bourbon & Jessie GordonFRA

The Swing Shouters are a high-energy quintet known for their powerful, engaging stage presence and their fresh arrangements of Jazz standards from the 1930s and 1940s. With more than 300 performances to their name, they have become one of the most popular and beloved bands in the international Swing community.

swingshouters.fr

Music has always been part of Lizzy Bourbon’s life. A self-taught musician, she first discovered rhythm behind the drums before picking up the guitar to accompany her singing. Today she performs as a singer and dancer in several groups, including Gumbo Jam, Shouters & Girls on the Rocks, and Swing Explosion, bringing energy, style and a heartfelt love of swing to every stage.

facebook.com/lizzybourbonpage

Jessie GordonAUS

Jessie Gordon is a singer, songwriter, dancer and producer who brings her love of old-world jazz, blues and roots music vibrantly into the present. A multi-award-winning performer, she has toured internationally across Europe, Asia and Australia, fronting ensembles from intimate duos to big bands. Jessie has recorded more than ten albums worldwide, including acclaimed collaborations in Berlin and Australia. With her confident, warm and effervescent stage presence, she captivates audiences wherever she performs. At RTSF she appears as a featured vocalist with several festival bands, among them The Swing Shouters.

jessiegordon.com.au

Jumpin' UpITA

The music of Jumpin’ Up is an explosive blend of Blues, Swing and Rock’n’Roll—but above all, pure 50s Jive. Their main inspirations include Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Sam Butera, Wynonie Harris, Roy Brown, as well as Italian greats like Renato Carosone and Fred Buscaglione. Following in the footsteps of these icons, they combine powerhouse musicianship with the charismatic voice of their dynamic frontman, creating a show bursting with energy, rhythm and vintage flair.

Jumpinup.it

Gentlemen & GangstersSWE

Gentlemen & Gangsters play Hot Jazz with all the flair and sophistication of true gentlemen, coupled with the ruthless brutality of hardened gangsters. Like a devious conspiracy from a bygone era, this shady syndicate of Jazz kingpins plots for world domination, spreading infectious Jazz music.

www.gentlemenandgangsters.com

Martín Burguez & His Rhythm ComboESP

Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo light up the stage with a fiery mix of 40s and 50s Rhythm’n’Blues, Jump Blues and early Rock’n’Roll. Inspired by icons like Big Joe Turner and T-Bone Walker, the Barcelona-based sextet unites some of the city’s top musicians, shaping a sound where tight arrangements, driving grooves and vintage flair meet youthful energy. With sharp originals and supercharged classics, they deliver an electrifying show that grabs you from the first note and keeps dancers swinging all night.

martinburguez.com

Boogie BanausenGER

The Boogie Banausen embody the great love for music from days long gone, that certain feeling for rhythm and swing, coupled with an exuberant joy of playing and their own way of interpreting the old classics and delicacies of the Rock’n’Roll era. With no technical frills—just sax, piano and drums— the three Banausen manage to catapult their audience back to the basics of Rock’n’Roll and Boogie Woogie. They play “real Teenage Rock’n’Roll.” They have already released two albums with many of their own songs.

boogiebanausen.com

Jackson SloanGBR

One of England’s most fervent devotees of 40s and 50s American culture, Jackson fuses Jump Blues, Jive, Boogie Woogie, Swing and Rockin’ Roots music into a heady cocktail that built his reputation as an exceptional and charismatic frontman. Among his many originals, “Kickin’ up the Dust,” “Jukebox Swing” and “Next Stop Paradise” became floor fillers all over the world. He continues to write, produce and sing new hits. His latest album “Take Me Back In Time” was released recently.

jacksonsloan.com

Nine PenniesITA

The Nine Pennies transport you straight into the roaring 20s and 30s with the authentic sound of the era’s top dance orchestras. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Bix Beiderbecke, Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman, they revive those swing-jazz classics with faithful arrangements and vintage flair. On stage the group delivers hot rhythms, brassy solos and nostalgic grooves—perfect for dancers and lovers of early jazz. Don’t miss their magical journey into the birth of jazz and swing!

ninepennies.it

Swing LyonsGER

Swing Lyons bring the fiery spirit of French Gypsy-Swing straight to the banks of the Isar in Munich. Born from a German-French musical friendship, this band blends Django-style guitar power with the full sound of vocals, bass, saxophone, violin and drums. Whether playing Django Reinhardt classics, bar-jazz, big-band tunes or blues, their driving Gypsy guitars give everything a fresh, wild and irresistible groove. With their mix of Parisian flair and 30s/40s swing energy, Swing Lyons deliver a show that gets dancers moving and captures the vibrant heartbeat of Gypsy Swing.

facebook.com/SwingLyons

Dee Dee & The Bel AirsGER

Dee Dee and his Bel Airs burst onto the scene in 1988 as a neo-rockabilly band. Their debut LP “Rock-a-Billy Boogie Tonight” became a hit and took them to major festivals across Europe and the UK. With the addition of the “Harmony Five,” their sound shifted toward Doo Wop and Jive. In the mid-90s they embraced the neo-swing movement, and “Night Out in Bel Air” soared up the MP3 charts worldwide. Today, Dee Dee is back on stage, dedicated to the jump blues of the ’40s and ’50s—energetic, danceable, and full of life.

deedeeandthebelairs.com / instagram: @d.d.andthebelairs

2 Fast 2 BoogieGER

The trio 2 Fast 2 Boogie delivers a high-energy mix of Boogie Woogie, Blues and Rock’n’Roll. Stefan Eberle, Sebastian Grassmann and Matthias “Motte” Gruber fire up the stage with infectious enthusiasm and a deep passion for the hottest music ever created for the dance floor. Pure rhythm, drive and fun—keep groovin’ the boogie!

facebook.com/2Fast2Boogie