Live Shows with the best of New England Swing Bands!
Dear Ella Concert in Leverett
Come hear songs of peace, love, and social justice with Dear Ella!
Annie Patterson, Mary Witt, and Ann Percival are “Dear Ella”, a trio from Western Massachusetts whose repertoire includes songs from jazz standards to blues to Motown to folk favorites. The band’s name, inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, is a nod to the many women singers who have inspired them. Singing in harmony is something these three highly accomplished musicians have been doing their whole lives. Now, as “Dear Ella”, Ann, Mary & Annie bring their individual musicianship and talents together to form a dynamic trio. Come sing with them, dance to their songs, and enjoy their uplifting and beautiful harmonies with guitars, ukelele, bass, snare drum and banjo. Peace and social justice are strong themes throughout their repertoire and mission, bringing people together through harmony and understanding.
Annie Patterson (vocals, guitar, banjo, & snare drum) co-created the world renowned songbook Rise Up Singing with her life partner Peter Blood. She sings with the swing band Girls From Mars and is a vocalist and rhythm instrumentalist with the Joni Mitchell tribute band, Big Yellow Taxi. She is a music educator, artist, and premiere song leader, and has led singing with communities around the world for over 3 decades. https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie/music-bio
Mary Witt (vocals & bass) is a critically acclaimed singer and bass player for the Swing and Motown band The O-Tones. She is also a music producer, painter, and art educator. Inspired by multi-discipline artists like Joni Mitchell, Mary enjoys the conversation between music and visual art. Her German parents, early activists and social justice advocates, exposed her to both all her life. Her passion for music and social justice shines through her work. https://theotones.com/
Ann Percival (guitar, piano, rhythm & vocals) is a member of the iconic contra dance band Wild Asparagus. She also sings and plays guitar with the New England Swing and Motown band, The O-Tones. She is an artist, visionary, and educator. Music is in her blood. Ann used to spend time with her Norwegian grandparents including trips to the local Sons of Norway hall where everyone danced to and played traditional music. http://band.wildasparagus.com/about-us/
Listen here: Bandcamp: https://dearella.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DearEllaTrio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearellatrio/
YouTube short promo video: https://youtu.be/Tg_M_pba-Xw
Website: https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie/dear-ella
YouTube video of original song “Dear Ella” by Mary Witt:
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
Dear Ella at IMA!
Join Dear Ella for an intimate concert at this wonderful music setting.
A place where musicians can create without compromise.
The Institute for the Musical Arts offers a variety of Workshops, Summer Programs, Concerts, and Special Events throughout the year. I.M.A.’s location is ideal for educational programs as well as entertainment events. Some of what we offer is detailed below.We call it Rock & Roll Camp for girls!
Annie Patterson, Mary Witt, and Ann Percival are “Dear Ella”, a trio from Western Massachusetts whose repertoire includes songs from jazz standards to blues to Motown to folk favorites. The band’s name, inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, is a nod to the many women singers who have inspired them. Singing in harmony is something these three highly accomplished musicians have been doing their whole lives. Now, as “Dear Ella”, Ann, Mary & Annie bring their individual musicianship and talents together to form a dynamic trio. Come sing with them, dance to their songs, and enjoy their uplifting and beautiful harmonies with guitars, ukelele, bass, snare drum and banjo. Peace and social justice are strong themes throughout their repertoire and mission, bringing people together through harmony and understanding.
Annie Patterson (vocals, guitar, banjo, & snare drum) co-created the world renowned songbook Rise Up Singing with her life partner Peter Blood. She sings with the swing band Girls From Mars and is a vocalist and rhythm instrumentalist with the Joni Mitchell tribute band, Big Yellow Taxi. She is a music educator, artist, and premiere song leader, and has led singing with communities around the world for over 3 decades. https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie/music-bio
Mary Witt (vocals & bass) is a critically acclaimed singer and bass player for the Swing and Motown band The O-Tones. She is also a music producer, painter, and art educator. Inspired by multi-discipline artists like Joni Mitchell, Mary enjoys the conversation between music and visual art. Her German parents, early activists and social justice advocates, exposed her to both all her life. Her passion for music and social justice shines through her work. https://theotones.com/
Ann Percival (guitar, piano, rhythm & vocals) is a member of the iconic contra dance band Wild Asparagus. She also sings and plays guitar with the New England Swing and Motown band, The O-Tones. She is an artist, visionary, and educator. Music is in her blood. Ann used to spend time with her Norwegian grandparents including trips to the local Sons of Norway hall where everyone danced to and played traditional music. http://band.wildasparagus.com/about-us/
Listen here: Bandcamp: https://dearella.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DearEllaTrio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearellatrio/
YouTube short promo video: https://youtu.be/Tg_M_pba-Xw
Website: https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie/dear-ella
YouTube video of original song “Dear Ella” by Mary Witt:
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
O-Tones Power Trio West Springfield Library
O-Tones Power Trio West Springfield Library show, a grant from MA Cultural Council.
Join Mary, Ben, and John for a fun mix of Swing, Blues, Soul, Latin and NOLA with vocals, guitar, piano and bass.
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday at Hawks and Reed
Swing Sunday is the last Sunday afternoon of every month at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield!
3- 4 pm beginner Swing Dance Lesson
4 – 6 pm Live Music by The O-Tones (alternating monthly with Butterfly Swing Band)
The O-Tones: January 26, March 30, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 30
Butterfly Swing Band: February 23, April 27, June 29, August 31, October 26, December 28
Live Shows with the best of New England Swing Bands! The O-Tones, a hot New England Swing & Motown band, appeals to all ages. With lots of soul, they’ll melt your hearts & get your feet dancing. The O-Tones band has been playing for events in New England since 1990 & is a dynamic entity. They are considered by many to be of the best swing bands New England. Over their lifespan, various singers & instrumentalists have lent their talents to the band’s fun & professional Swing, Motown, Blues, & Soul sound.
The basic New England Swing Band is 6-piece with three singers, sax, guitar, piano, bass, & drums, but this talented group performs regularly in many forms, ranging from duo to the full 6-piece and even a 14-piece big band! They can play for weddings, parties, dances, fundraisers, & other events. Perfect music for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, as well as dancing! They have many happy clients to recommend them.
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