DJs

Sam Carroll (Sydney) – Head DJ


I like hot jazz and swing music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s, but I really like modern bands recreating this stuff as well. I also have a shocking memory, so I’m always pleasantly surprised when I ask a DJ “What’s this great song?” and discover that I already own a copy of LCJO’s ‘CJam Blues’. I figure this excuses my overplaying particular songs in my collection. I also hope it explains my delight in songs which most of us have heard a million times before, rather than indicating a lack of imagination. This MLX I’m going to try to play new songs. New as in old.

I’ve been coordinating DJs for Australian lindy hop exchanges since 2005. I like putting together programs of DJed music which suit the event organisers’ musical goals but also let DJs show off their best action. At a local level, I manage the DJs for Sydney’s fortnightly Swingpit dance. I send long emails and like to talk.

 

Kenny Nelson (Denver, Colarado)

Kenny Nelson profile image

In Colorado, I was known as “Special Guest DJ” Kenny Nelson. I didn’t run my own venue, but I DJed at everyone else’s. Dancers know me as someone who takes care of the dancers, who played their favourites and challenged them too, and who was difficult to pry away from the DJ booth. I enjoy old school music (20s-40s) and new school that doesn’t forget the old school.

Currently, I’m the head DJ at Smith Street Swing. Recent events I have DJed include Berlin Blues Explosion, Rhythm is Jumpin’ (head DJ), and the Atlantic Swing Festival. When I’m not DJing, I’m tracking American football games, planking (never plank the Pancake Kitchen in Adelaide, fyi), teaching, and struggling to write first person bios.

 

Jarryd Reynolds (Adelaide)

Jarryd Reynolds profile image

I like creative and dynamic rhythms in the music that keeps the dancer excited and ready for the next phrase. I guess I specialize in playing swinging gospel tracks. At least that’s where I have a deep interest. Locally I DJ every odd week at Adelaide’s weekly social dancing venue, The Swing Sesh Stomp.

A new DJ on the scene, I have only DJed interstate in Melbourne for last year’s Melbourne Lindy Exchange, and this year’s Melbourne Swing Festival to positive feedback.

 

Manon van Pagee (Melbourne)

Manon van Pagee profile image

The music of Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Nina Simone is what got me into Swing and they hold a special place in my heart.  I now spend my time looking for great tracks and artists across the whole range of genres and styles, from early 20′s right through to the more contemporary stuff. When putting sets together I aim to put something in there for everyone and hope that at least a couple of times you think “I have to dance to this song!”

I started DJing for lindy hoppers at CBD in Melbourne around 2006 and have since DJed regularly at venues around Melbourne, as well as MSF and other event after parties. I particularly enjoy dancing and DJing Blues, which has led me to DJ at events such as Blues Before Sunrise, Church City Blues and Devil City Swing. This year at MLX I’ll be doing a late night Blues set and I look forward to playing some of my favourite tracks for you. See you on the dance floor!

 

Andy Fodor (Melbourne)

Profile pic for Andy Fodor

I have been DJing swing music since I started dancing in Canada and love seeing a whole room swingin’ out. My varied collection stretches from 20s charleston to blues to bal to swing and loads in between, so there’s plenty to keep you on the floor. Favourite artists include the greats (Basie, Ellington,  Henderson, Harris, Fitzgerald) and some of the newer kids on the block (Tuba Skinny, Morrison, Sir Mix A Lot).

 

Trevor Hutchison (Perth)

Trevor Hutchinson profile pic

I specialise in playing vintage 1930s, 40s and 50s grooves aimed at keeping the dance floor active and the party revelling.  A somewhat obsessive collector, I’m continuously in search of the next jumpin’ killer-diller. I’m particularly passionate about the original bands of Harlem, tracks featuring feel-good hand-clapping and songs about food.

I’ve DJed at many of Australia’s biggest swing dancing events and also featured as a guest DJ on Yehoodi Radio (USA), the Herräng Dance Camp (Sweden) and supported legendary sax blower Big Jay McNeely

Check out my profile TheSwingDJ on 8tracks.

DJs without bios (but are smokin’ hot nontheless)

  • Sharon Callaghan (Melbourne)
  • Matthew Greenwood (Brisbane)
  • Keith Hsuan (Melbourne)
  • Noni May Clarke (Melbourne)