SMH Guide Article & Glowing Review from JazzReview.com (US)

Greg Poppleton is Australia's only exclusively 1920s & 30s-style Swing Singer

With his Bakelite Dance Band & long-running Swing radio show, Greg is becoming increasingly popular among the growing Swing Dance subculture of 25 - 45 year olds

"Greg Poppleton has captured the essence of the jazz singers of that era and is able to exhibit an originality that makes his offering a new standard for tomorrow’s generation"
Featured Artist for JazzReview.com (US) May 2007. Read more at www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-18790.html

And Greg Poppleton looks straight out of the era, too, in his sharp 1930s suit and megaphone (see pic right)

His Bakelite Dance Band (4 to 6-pieces) is made up of the creme of Australia's Swing musicians. All have toured extensively overseas

Chosen to open the internationally prestigious 2007 Sunset Jazz Concert series at SKYCITY Casino in Darwin, Sunday 3 June 2007

"Swing has remained a passion for Poppleton... [starting in] 1985, long before the swing renaissance, [his] The Phantom Dancer, featuring live vintage swing, jazz and dance music from old radio and TV broadcasts... has become Australia's longest-running Swing show..."
Feature Article, Sydney Morning Herald Guide, Monday 29 April, 2007. Read more at: http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/in-the-swing-of-things/2007/04/29/1177787955879.html

"Greg Poppleton is certainly a man going places and as far as he is concerned, back in time is good. Check out the style." Jumpin' Jimmy & Swingin' Kitten Swing Dance Newsletter, Sydney, Mar 07

Actor as well as singer, Greg entertains. He's appeared in the feature films, Moulin Rouge, Dirty Deeds, Fat Pizza, Footy Legends and Hunt Angels, numerous TV commercials, and has a tiny role in Network Ten's upcoming Blackjack "Ghosts"

Greg's debut CD: The Phantom Dancer, 14 Swing Era Songs of 1926 - 1939 in Radio Review! is available worldwide...

"You and your crew are brilliant" Luiz Paulo C. de Carvalho, Brazil

"Greg and the band put a lot of effort into their presentation and music. It's a great authentic sound.. We'll definitely check them out again." DC, Swingtalk, Australia

"Oh, Marie! disse... Oooh! Another great pick! This version of "My Blue Heaven" is awesome! And what a marvellous name: Bakelit (sic) Dance Band !" BigBadMusic Blogspot

Roaring 20s Dinner & Dance

Roaring 20s Dinner & Dance
Friday, 4 May 2007, 8-12pm
Gateway Motel
cnr Windsor & Boundary Roads, Vineyard

We had a lot of fun playing songs from the 1920s for listening and dancing in the beautiful ballroom of the Gateway Motel, Vineyard

"Hi Greg,

Great night last night at Vineyard Hotel.
Great music for listening and dancing and heaps of room on the dance floor.
And it’s always a bonus watching Isobel and Kevin strutting their stuff.
That was a fabulous band you had.

Thanks heaps
Nancy & Barrie"

In Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Dance Band were ...
Greg Poppleton - megaphone
Al Davey - trumpet and trombone
Ray Alldridge - piano
David Seidel - double bass
Lawrie Thompson - drums

Greg Poppleton at Redfen RSL, Sunday, 29 April 2007, 3- 6:30pm

We had a lot of fun Sunday, April 29 for our 3rd engagement at Redfern RSL playing small group Swing & Jazz from the 1920s & 30s

All levels and styles of dancers hit the dance floor - and our double bassist, Darcy Wright, even struck it lucky on the Meat Raffle!

"We went along yesterday [Redfern RSL, Sunday 29 April 2007] and were very impressed. Greg and the band put a lot of effort into their presentation and music. It's a great authenticsound ... thanks guys. We'll definitely check them out again."
DC, Swingtalk, Australia

In the band were...
Greg Poppleton - Swing vocals
Al Davey- trumpet/trombone
Peter Locke- piano
Darcy Wright - double bass
Joel Davis- drums

Well post it here as soon as we know our next date for Redfern

Attention Swing Dancers in Sydney...

Sunday, 29 April 2007, 3- 6:30pm Redfern RSL FREE 157 Redfern St Redfern 9698 3992

The 5 - piece Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Dance Band return for their 3rd engagement at Redfern RSL

Playing 1920s & 30s music for listening and dancing

With:-
dance floor (Swing and social dancers welcome)
- jugs of free water
- beer, wine & spirits at famously low prices
- Meat Raffle
- Chinese Restaurant open for dinner

In the band will be...
Greg Poppleton - Swing vocals
Al Davey- trumpet/trombone
Peter Locke- piano
Darcy Wright- double bass
Joel Davis- drums

Grand piano & dance floor - so bring your dancing shoes. Love to see you there!

Greg

AIC Event - Manly Aquarium

Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Dance Band played for the Australian Institute of Conveyencers, Friday 23 March 2007

We played 3 hours of 1920s & 30s music for atmosphere. Some delegates couldn't help but dance.

In the band were...
Greg Poppleton - megaphone
Bob Barnard - trumpet
Peter Locke - piano (keyboard)
Dieter Vogt - double bass
Joel Davis - drums
For your company event or social club function, please make your enquiry here

Phantom Dancer Highlights Tuesday 3 Apr 12 noon - 1:30pm (0200 GMT)

Tune into Australia's longest running Swing Radio Show.


This week, hear great live Australian Swing from the 30s & 40s. Frank Coughlan on a 1937 Featurradio Transcription, the Abe Romaine Orchestra in 2 broadcasts from Sydney's Trocadero Ballroom, Barbara James over 3DB & 2GB with Albert Fisher & Reg Lewis' Orchestra and Jim Davidson & his ABC Dance Orchestra with Alice Smith singing.


Also, hear Margaret Whiting sing on Here's to Veterans in 1954 - with Maggie's tips on 'How to Buy Your Dream Home.'Presented by Greg Poppleton. Full playlist on the Radio Show page of www.gregpoppleton.com

You can now buy CDs of 1930s-50s Swing Band radio shows, as well as Swing Books & DVDs on the OTR Radio page of www.gregpoppleton.com

Enjoy!
Greg Poppleton

PS Re: Podcasting. 2SER has begun podcasting its talk shows. Music shows, such as The Phantom Dancer, are still being sorted due to copyright issues.

75th Anniversary Sydney Harbour Bridge

As part of the weekend celebrations for this historic event, Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Dance Band, played for the opening of an historic walk along Bradfield Park and a memorial sculpture

Nice to see so may familiar faces drop by including Trish, Isobel, Narelle, Kevin and David

The band was acoustic - no PA - but could still be clearly heard. This is the band (without drums) that we also use for weddings in the Botanic Gardens:
Greg Poppleton - megaphone
Bob Henderson - trumpet
Jim Pennell - guitar
Stan Valacos - double bass
Joel Davis - drums