About Wholly Cats Swing Club
Wholly Cats Swing Club are Tucson’s ambassadors of the Great Swing Era, specializing in the music of the Benny Goodman Sextet featuring America’s first Guitar Hero, Charlie Christian. They have quickly gained a following as Tucson’s premier Swing Band and have been performing at several dance and jazz venues in the area while helping give rise to the live local dance scene.
The band was formed by Marc Rosen and Tony Spear, whose mutual love of these artists sparked an idea for a dance band with multi-generational appeal. In addition to the songs of Goodman and Christian, their repertoire includes popular classic hits by Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Louie Prima and even contemporary artists like Tom Waits and Imelda May.
Marc attended the University of Illinois College of Music and performs on clarinet and tenor saxophone. He was the driving creative force of the The Kinda Cool Quintet, inspired by the music of Gerry Mulligan. Previously he was a member of the 10-piece, swing revival band, Big Time Operator, who toured throughout the Southwest. Marc is the musical director of Wholly Cats Swing Club and writes all of the original arrangements for the band.
Tony is a lifelong guitarist and has most recently studied the music of America's original electric guitar hero, Charlie Christian, under world-renowned guitar virtuoso and instructor, Frank Vignola. He has also studied with other world-class jazz guitarists including Howard Alden, Sid Jacobs and John Stowell. Tony has previously played with local jazz groups including Susan Artemis and Frim Fram as well as The Red Moon Trio.
Drummer Zach White is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Music, with a graduate degree in Percussion, and works with the band and music departments of several local high schools. Zach also performs locally with his original rock band Blue Honey.
Julie Buck performs on lead vocals. Although a relative newcomer to Tucson, Julie has quickly established a fine reputation as a jazz, blues and rock vocalist and has performed with numerous musical projects in the area. Julie has performed with other popular bands in the Tucson area including The Coolers and Johnny Ain't Right. Julie will also front her own jazz trio, aptly named The Julie Buck Trio.
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Recent Bookings Include
Tucson Jazz Festival - Main Gate Square Plaza
The Century Room at Hotel Congress Tucson
Gaslight Music Hall, Oro Valley Arizona
Mister Bing's Supper Club Experience at Savoy Opera House
For booking information,
Please contact admin@whollycatsswingclub.com