← All Shows

Fog City Swing feat. Lilan Kane

contemporary jazzlatin jazzswingvocal jazzbig band

Co-led by saxophonist Greg Johnson and trumpeter Daniel Herrera, Fog City Swing has earned its reputation as the "world's smallest big band" since forming in 2023. This seven-piece ensemble features an electrifying three-horn front line and a swing-till-you-drop rhythm section that delivers an authentic 1940s sound with a completely original twist.

Johnson brings serious jazz credentials to the bandstand — an Assistant Director of Jazz Studies at Sacramento State with over 50 mainstream recordings and six GRAMMY nominations, his distinctive saxophone voice spans contemporary jazz, fusion, and composition. Herrera's background in Latin jazz and swing adds dynamic energy to the trumpet chair, creating a front line that swings hard while staying versatile.

Featured vocalist Lilan Kane joins the band for this special performance, adding another layer of vocal firepower to an already stellar lineup. The band's eclectic repertoire spans classic Sinatra and Count Basie to Tom Jones and Michael Jackson, all reimagined through their swing lens — expect everything from "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Blue Moon" to surprising takes on "It's Not Unusual" and "Lovely Day."

Fog City Swing's regular Dawn Club residency consistently draws sold-out crowds who come for more than just the music. According to audience members, "the best part was meeting people and feeling the sense of community" — the band creates an atmosphere where the horns feel close enough to touch and the crowd feels like old friends by the second set. Their performances blend soulful musicianship with infectious energy that gets the room moving, whether you're a swing dance veteran or just discovering the joy of big band jazz.

This is swing music with both polish and personality — a memorable show that captures the timeless appeal of the swing era while bringing fresh, contemporary energy to beloved standards and unexpected favorites.