"Amy Kucharik & the Four-String Serenaders are absolutely incredible. They have played our 1920s themed event for the past three years and each year have been the hit of the evening. Working with the team is effortless, and the quality of their performance is sensational. People were dancing all night long! I truly could not gush enough about how amazing it is to work with this talented band."
- Alex Lonati, Community Programs & Events Manager, SpeakEasy Stage Co.
About the four-string serenaders
*Photo thanks to the Boston Lindy Bomb Squad and to Jason Volk of the Greater Boston Vintage Society, who let us pose in his 1928 automobile!
The Four-String Serenaders perform traditional 20s and 30s blues and jazz for dancers and diners alike. A small band and flexible lineup make the Serenaders ideal for playing a number of vintage themed occasions. Fronted and organized by vocalist, songwriter, swing dancer and DJ Amy Kucharik, the Serenaders are united by a love of vintage music, dance, and fashion, and feature a rotating cast of top-notch jazz musicians from New England.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What kind of music do you play?
We focus on swing and blues from the 1920s (including a few songs written before 1920) and early 1930s. Occasionally, we play some of Amy's original tunes that have a 20s feel, or retro-fitted versions of more modern tunes, by request. Our influences include Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, the Mills Brothers, and many other early jazz and blues artists.
2. How many people are in the band?
We are a customizable band designed to fit many occasions and budgets. The core of the band is ukulele and vocals accompanied by upright bass, often with a horn -- usually clarinet or trombone. We sometimes add percussion, including snare, washboard, or spoons. We're available as a duo, trio, quartet, or five-piece with two horns.
3. Who is in the band?
The band is led by Amy Kucharik on ukulele and vocals, with a revolving cast of excellent swing musicians from New England, always with upright bass and usually including Jon Polit on clarinet and/or Tim Lewandowski on trombone. Fellow swing dancer Fredrik Backlund rounds out the band on spoons and drums.
4. Where do you play?
So far, we have played at the Roaring 20s Lawn Party, several Prohibition parties and cabarets, and outdoors at a 20s-themed town fair. We love playing for dancers and diners of all ages, day or night. We are based in the Boston area but can travel in a radius all over New England (and beyond!).
5. How much does it cost to hire the Four-String Serenaders?
Our pricing will vary, depending on location, travel time, the duration of the gig, and other factors. Please email Amy at [email protected] for a quote.