Music

It don't mean a thing...

The excellent music and top-tier bands are one of the best parts of Boogie Down South. The music is the foundation of the dance and the most important part of every social. Learn more about the legends we can look forward to this year.

Bands

Playing - Friday Night

Adrian Hix and his Rhythm Six

AJ Hix & His Rhythm Six deliver the irresistible sound of vintage jazz and swing. Fronted by rising star Sofie Kerr and backed by a dynamic six-piece band, they bring the spirit of the 1940s dance hall era into the modern day.

Formed in 2024 by big band leader Adrian Hicks, the group reflects his deep love of swing music, shaped by over 15 years performing at Lindy Hop events across the country. Each musician in the band is a seasoned professional in their own right, whether rising talent or established jazz stalwart, united by a shared instinct for what makes music truly swing. With a focus on feel and authenticity, AJ Hix & His Rhythm Six live to bounce, hop, jump, and swing.

Adrian Hicks - Trumpet & Vocals

Sofie Kerr - Vocals

Mike Wiese - Reeds

Ridge Moss - Guitar

Ella Dias - Bass

Tom Salleo - Piano

William Chiew - Drums

Playing - Saturday Night

Oz Big Band

The Oz Big Band has been lighting up the WA dance scene since the ’80s, earning a legendary reputation as one of Australia’s most in-demand dance bands. With their unique sound and high-energy performances, they’ve become a staple at iconic swing dance exchanges including Hullabaloo, Canberrang, ALX, and MLX.

Vocal powerhouses Leah Guelfi and Justin Everette bring charisma and soul to the mics, leading the charge through classic swing anthems from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and more. From the Big Apple to the Shim Sham, this 17-piece big band knows how to “wind it up and let it go”!

Musical Director: Adrian Hicks
Vocals: Leah Guelfi, Justin Everette
Saxophone: Kieran Toye, Mia Vuković, Nick Jaksa, Paul Schneider, Pia Nidd
Trumpet: Stu Ferguson, Reuben Christman, Michelle Stephenson, Adrian Hicks
Trombone: Alex Parkinson, Tom Loughnan, Nigel Dennis, Alistair Barrow
Rhythm: Ben Hogan, Tom Coveney, Greg Paterson, Matthew Bateman-Graham

Playing - Sunday Night

Adam Hall & the Velvet Playboys

Adam Hall and his exuberant band of brilliant musicians deliver an exhilarating evening of floor filling, joint jumping, jazz-tastic crowd pleasers. Based in Perth WA, Adam Hall is an international award-winning trumpeter, vocalist and composer who learnt his craft at the Berklee College of Music on Boston, USA. Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys’ was nominated for Best Jazz Act in the 2010 West Australian Music Industry awards, and have been a hit at major festivals and events around Australia: The Narooma Great Southern Blues Festival (NSW), MLX (VIC), and Hullaballoo (WA).

Renowned for their captivating live performances, and marked by slick presentation & raw energy – the band’s large repertoire is rooted in the jazz and rhythm & blues music of the 40’s & 50’s from artists such as Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson & Chuck Berry, as well as a large library of original music.

Adam Hall - trumpet and vocals
Tim Voutas - keys
Anthony Dodos - trombone
Bronton Ainsworth - drums
Sam Markham - double bass
Louis Rebeiro - guitar and sax

Playing - Sunday Late Night

Jessie Gordon & Mark Turner

From their teenage beginnings in a vibrant swing orchestra, these two have been making magic together for over 20 years, fueled by an unbreakable friendship and a shared passion for music.

Jessie and Mark bring blues, jazz, soul, swing — and a whole lot of joy — to every set. Intimate, playful, and smooth as anything.

Their journey has taken them across Australia, Asia, and Europe, earning them multiple accolades and leading to the creation of nine remarkable albums.

Jessie Gordon - vocals, ukulele
Mark Turner - vocals, guitar, sax