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They play high-spirited swing, upbeat Brazilian, and free-wheelin' vocal jazz, many tunes from the 1920s to the 1950s, a few current songs you'll recognize, and crafty originals you'll love. They swing from the emerald valley of the snaky Stillaguamish through the floral patchwork of the mighty Skagit, all the way to your happy place.
The 'Nuts also are pleased to welcome some special guests from time to time, including Junior Cadillac's Brian Steiner on percussion, Bellingham piano star Jim Bergquist, Matt Sircely of New Forge and Hot Club Sandwich smokin' on mandolin, Skagit Valley's own Terry Nelson or Randy K. Johnson on keyboards. No matter what the lineup, great tunes are always the common denominator. Swingnuts are self-contained for listening or dancing, and are ready to energize your party, or to create one.
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Peggy Wendel cut her baby teeth on old 78s, produced shows in the living room
for her mother, then went on to perform in vaudeville shows, singing and doing
cheap theatrics. She settled in Stanwood by accident and is still singin' and
swingin' there. Joining her from Camano Island, where he settled on purpose, Mark
Dodge lays a solid foundation on bass. He’s also at home on piano, guitar,
whatever he picks up. Playing in bands since the sixth grade, he played in pro
bands in the 70s & 80s, currently plays with island band One Ton of Ducks, and
records and produces folk, rock, and jazz on his label, Big Quack Records.
Pete
Smith, from the Magic Skagit, knows all the chords. He is a virtual gypsy,
playing lilting riffs on guitar, whether it’s bossa or bop, was a regular
performer on the Bongo Corral television show, and with Fidalgo Swing. Philip
Nakano is the hardest working jazzoid in the Skagit valley, plays with multiple
groups, and is always on the top of the call list when someone needs a great
musician. Philip plays congas that he builds himself, and wails on tenor sax,
soprano sax, flute, keys, and most anything else. Andy Carr has been
“on the scene” playing piano in Puget Sound jazz and swing circles for over 30
years; as well as accompanying countless vocalists, choirs, and musical theatre.
The newest Swingnut, he can also be heard tickling the ivories for the
BlueStreet Voices jazz choir, and with the Tangoheart Quartet. 
