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On Friday and Saturday, The Big Five, DJ Lord Arnas and DJ Balbulla will be playing the hottest swing tunes. On Sunday, there will be a lavish goodbye party with 100% vinyl by DJ Matt Swift and Glencheck.

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At Jitterbugs Delight, The Big Five - Berlin's finest Hot Jazz and Swing Band for the finest swing music. The parties are included with a festival pass.

*Reduced price for students, dancers living outside Switzerland and anyone who cannot afford the regular price. Get in touch if you would like to take part but the reduced price is too high for you - that's what the sustainability fund is for. You can find out more here.

THE BIG Five

Berlin's finest Hot Jazz and Swing Band

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Inspired by the wild, hot sounds of Harlem and Chicago jazz of the 1930s and 40s, The Big Five have established themselves as Berlin's most authentic combo of the swing era. With a driving rhythm section, a fiery brass front and dynamic song arrangements, this international Band dives deep into the lesser-known repertoire of the Golden Age of Swing - with a strong emphasis on original compositions. The line-up ranges from a core quintet to a full septet.

Veterans of Berlin's famous Lindy Hop and Balboa dance clubs, the Big Five know how to turn a mellow dance party into a raging frenzy of swing-out. With their sharp duds and an intense passion for authentic swing-era jazz, these guys are sure to get you dancing!

The Big Five

The Big Five on Bandcamp

The Big Five at Jitterbugs Delight 2024

DJS

DJ Lord Arnas

Arnas is an outstanding dancer and DJ! Always driven by the pure joy and power of swing,

He chooses the pieces as if he himself were dancing non-stop on the dance floor.

He is a regular DJ at many prestigious events such as Herräng Dance Camp, Rock That Swing Festival and is known for his professional work ethic and excellent taste.

We are very happy to have him with us again on Friday and Saturday.

DJs Matt Swift & Glencheck

100% vinyl, 100% danceable. Known for their unique record collections of swing, jazz and rhythm and blues, DJs Matt Swift and Glencheck get everyone dancing.

Look forward to varied dance music from the 20s to the 50s for the Ramble Night on Sunday evening.

DJane Balbulla

Ulla aka DJane Balbulla discovered swing dancing for herself in 2003. She is one of the co-founders of the Swiss Balboa scene and has taught internationally for many years and successfully participated in competitions.

She loves the "classic" big Band swing sound of the 30s and 40s just as much as bebop pieces or finer gypsy tones.

Her recipe for a good set is very simple: she puts on the music she would like to dance to herself.

 

JITTERBUGS CUP

Share your swing with the community.

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Prelims and finals on Saturday. Participation only possible with a workshop pass. No registration required.

  • Everything goes, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag.

    You can take part with a partner (Strictly) or alone as a solo dancer.

    In the spirit of the jitterbug contests that were popular throughout the USA in the swing era, for example the National Jitterbugs Contest with 20,000 spectators. All dance styles and steps are allowed.

    • All-skate, one heat maximum 20 pairs/40 participants.

    • DJ music.

    • 3-4 songs, approx. 1.5 minutes each, different tempos.

    • Judges: Teachers, Tap-In.

    • 4 finalists.

    • Live music.

    • Battle style, semi-finals and finals.

  • Jitterbugs Cup and passes for great swing dance festivals.