Rent Party hit the Austin swing jazz scene in 2015 and has since played countless bars, clubs, dances and private events in an around the city and beyond. Comprising an eclectic group of Austin transplants, Rent Party brings a unique blend of players from varied musical backgrounds and influences. This diversity manifests in a fresh blend of hot jazz, vintage swing, and jazz manouche. In 2020 Rent Party released their first full length album "High Five and Rotate", containing a fresh mix of original tunes and classic jazz standards.
Lineup: Sarah Ulloa - Vocals / Drums, Jamey Cummins - Guitar / Vocals, Jake Harrell - Guitar, David Jellema - Cornet/Clarinet, Alen Cileli - Violin, Phil Spencer - Bass
The Charlie Christians
Friday Late Night
Championing the sound of the all-time great guitarist, Charlie Christian, is Austin, Texas’ aptly named “The Charlie Christians.” Born out of the Monday night swing music scene of recent years at the Sahara Lounge is this group who pays homage to, but without strictly replicating, the sound of the famous late 30s - early 40s Benny Goodman Sextet, which featured Christian on guitar, as well as Lionel Hampton on vibes.
Utilizing two electric guitars (JD Pendley and Lindsay Greene), flute and saxophone (Lauryn Gould), string bass (Joshua Hoag), and drum set (Jason Baczynski), they adopt many iconic moments contained in the sextet’s original recordings, often harmonizing riffs and solos that showcase the genius that was Charlie Christian as well as the unique swing styles of this current “C.C.’s” lineup. Their music is inventive, accessible, in the pocket, and great for dancing and listening.
The Golden Hour Orchestra is an expanded iteration of Austin’s own Golden Hour Heptet. Led by Lauryn Gould, along with co-conspirator, Ryan Gould, this 10-piece “little big band” features a stellar lineup of musicians playing new arrangements of classic swing tunes, deep cuts, and maybe even a few originals — all lovingly crafted with dancers in mind. Expect to hear new interpretations of the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Edmond Hall, Don Byas, Slam Stewart, Lester Young, Mary Lou Williams, John Kirby, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Coleman Hawkins, Maxine Sullivan, et al."
Lineup: Lauryn Gould - reeds/vocals, Ryan Gould - bass, Hal Smith - drums, Mark "Speedy" Gonzalez - trombone, David Jellema - cornet/clarinet, Lyon Graulty - reeds, JD Pendley - guitar Curtis Calderon - trumpet, Eric Hargett - bari sax, Danny Levin - piano
JellyduJour Buffet, featuring Alice Spencer
Sunday Main
We love us a small, swinging combo with vibes! Sunday night is arguably one of our best nights of music. You won't want to miss it!
Lineup: David Jellema - cornet, clarinet, Alice Spencer - vocals, Lauryn Gould - tenor, alto and soprano saxophone, Ryan Gould - bass, Mike McGurk - vibraphone, Morris Nelms - piano, Larry Scala - guitar, Hal Smith - drums