Let’s SwingIt Back in Time to the Prohibition
SwingIt are a Norwegian jazz band that make music and covers that follow the upbeat dance and music trends of the 20s and 30s. They represent the fun, party aspects of the genre with extravagant flapper dancers, burlesque performers and their fabulous cabaret host “Champagne Charlie.”
“Prohibition party” is an exciting 1920’s immersive concert. I got the chance to photograph their show in Manchester. As I walked in, I admired how well everyone had dressed for the event. Even before the band came on, people were up dancing and getting photos with the flapper girls. I went over to ask if I could get a photo of them and they were so lovely and sweet.
Everyone was really excited for the event, some even travelled to get there. An audience member told me about a young boy who’d been following the band for some time. At 12 years old, him and his mother flew from Belfast just to see them. I’d also met an audience member who stated “I’ve been looking everywhere for a 1920s event. I know I’m not old enough to have been there but I’ve always connected with it. The music, dancing, parties. It looked like so much fun.”
One of the sweetest interactions I saw was this couple, who looked so completely in love dancing the night away.
If anyone knows this couple please send them to me so I can get them their photos.
The band came on at 8 to a roaring (like the 20’s) crowd. The glamour and musicality made it electric. They did covers interspersed with their own music - such as their original song “champagne.”
Burlesque performer Daisy Devell also made a few appearances - in the second act, even performing the famous martini glass piece.
The host, Champagne Charlie had such a fantastic stage presence, making the audience laugh and get excited. It gave a campy and modern edge to the show with the provocative comedy and references to local lgbtq party place “canal street.” (@artdecodandy posted a video on their Instagram stating “we went out to canal street after the show until about 4am… oops. Last night was my Manchester debut.” Champagne Charlie you’re always welcome back here.)
The energy was palpable, especially with the audience interaction. Champagne Charlie and the band went into the audience at times, even starting the best conga line I’ve ever seen.
We can’t talk about “Champage Charlie” and audience interaction without talking about; champagne. One of the best parts of the show was when they came out into the photo pit to feed champagne to (and throw it on) the audience.
If I’m not always holding a bottle of champagne in my hand like Champagne Charlie I’m doing something wrong.
Finally, let’s talk about the band. Famous across Europe for these amazing parties they throw, performing at viral bars like Paris jazz club La La land. They even reached the semi finals on “Norways Got Talent” and came 3rd in “Melodi Grand Prix” in 2023 - Norway’s national selection for Eurovision performer.
Each performer was so talented and they were truly having fun on stage. They worked extremely well as a team and it was clear they’d put in a lot of work to put the event together. Their manager and one of their vocalists, Martin Jarl, personally found me backstage to introduce himself. I thought this showed a great sense of humbleness and professionalism.
The band were formed in London when Martin was studying Jazz music. Their first single “Party like it’s 1923” came out in 2019 and they have since put out around 15 original songs and have an album coming out on the 30th of January. I, for one, am excited to hear it and hope it leads to another tour - especially because my mum shouted at me for not bringing her to the event.
Each song was fantastic and kept the crowd going all night. Each instrumentalist stood out on their own and you could tell they’re all great friends.
If you have the chance to go to a SwingIt Prohibition event, definitely make sure you do. I want to thank the band for the great chance to take photos as I had an amazing time here.