Deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz and swing, Lady K and the Kings of Swing brings the excitement, sophistication, and unmistakable sound of the great American big bands to today's audiences. This 17-piece, Frank Sinatra-style big band celebrates the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, and many more, while giving these timeless classics a fresh and distinctive voice.

Led by Bay Area saxophonist Kaye Leedham, the band combines the rich musical heritage of the swing era with the energy, creativity, and spontaneity of today's jazz. With inventive arrangements, exceptional soloists, and a powerful ensemble sound, the Kings of Swing deliver performances that are both a tribute to the greats and a celebration of what makes big band jazz so enduring.

Leedham is thoughtful and passionate about the music she chooses. "I choose songs that speak to me, that have interesting chord changes for a soloist to work with, and that have a sub-melody or story waiting to be told. I'm in love with the old classics. Those composers had a true sense of melody that is epic and timeless. These songs provide the perfect canvas for each soloist to tell their own story."

That sense of storytelling extends beyond the music. Between tunes, Leedham engages audiences with entertaining anecdotes about the composers, performers, and history behind the songs. The result is more than a concert; it's an entertaining musical journey that connects audiences to the artists and stories that shaped the American jazz tradition.

The chemistry among the musicians is at the heart of the band's sound. As Leedham describes it, "I think the band has come into its own in the way that good friends become accustomed to each other. There's a tangible energy in the room when we run a tune down well as a band, and the soloist pulls all of us into the story. And I think the soloists really do have the horsepower to tell their stories."

The band continues a tradition of exceptional musicianship, drawing on the talents of accomplished Bay Area instrumentalists, including music educators and professors. Over the years, the Kings of Swing has been home to an extraordinary roster of musicians whose collective performance credits include some of the greatest names in jazz and American entertainment.

Lady K and the Kings of Swing: Celebrating the timeless music of the big band era with the energy, artistry, and spirit of live jazz.