Martin Swinger: Performances

I am honored to have been selected to attend master classes on vocal improvisation with world renowned singer, Rhiannon, a member of Bobby McFerrin's 'Voicestra'. This is a great honor. She selects only 18 students per year and I'm thrilled to have been chosen to attend. The classes will be three weeks of intensive exploration and training on how to conduct improvisation classes and will take place in Van Etten, NY in May, in Point Reyes, California in August, and in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in October.
I look forward to sharing my new skills with you all in concerts and workshops next year!

Visit You Tube < http://www.youtube.com > and type in my name, you'll find many informal performance clips at various venues.

Martin leads an effective discussion and critique of songwriting and technique. An award-winning songwriter, Martin offers a wealth of knowledge to other songwriters.

Martin offers an intelligent and fun songs that reflect some themes very near and dear to Bears. He's great after dinner entertainment, before the evening romp begins. Songs to make you laugh, songs to make you think, songs to make you cuddle with your cub and appreciate being a Bear!

Martin offers educational workshops and performances for young audiences. For more info visit www.swingersongwritercircle.com

Martin is a member of ImproVox, an A Capella Improvisational ensemble offering improvised music 'IN the moment - OUT of the box!' Improvox offers concerts and a community singing event called a "VORTEX".

An ImproVox "VORTEX" is a participatory 'group sing' gathering for up to 30 people. No previous improvisational singing experience is necessary as ImproVox members lead the group through physical and vocal warm-ups and gently into simple improv games and gradually into more complex vocal play which gives instant results in a safe and supportive environment. The games are simple enough that your choir or group of friends may continue playing the games long after the VORTEX and are guaranteed to improve co-operative music sharing and community support among peers while creating unbelieveably beautiful music 'out of thin air'! Consider booking a private event for your friends, your choir, church, school, social or health retreat or office party. We can also help you arrange an open-to-the-public VORTEX for your community or region.

Visit www.improvox.com for more info, availability, logistics and financial arrangements.

PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH SONGWRITING

Martin is happy to design original songs, based on information you provide (local history, news articles, stories, locally written literature, local heroes, present & past or landmark locations...) and present it to your gathering in such a way that THEY get the fun experience of creating the song and adding their own verses! This is perfect for history-based community theatre projects or special interest groups. Propose an idea or contact Martin to brainstorm how to make this memorable experience happen in your community or group.

PRIDE SONGS, THEME SONGS, WEDDING, CELEBRATION AND HONOR SONGS :

Martin has written several successful 'public' songs for TV themes, radio jingles, school songs and personal events. Martin can create a song that is a perfect fit for your event, wedding, goodbye or retirement party, a theme song for your TV or radio program, or Pride songs for your school or church.
He requires an interview session and a minimum of two weeks time to create the song. You will receive recorded copy of the song for approval or feedback before the event. Price is negotiable.

COFFEEHOUSE/CONCERT PROGRAM

Martin's award winning original songs are held in high esteem by fellow songwriters and audience alike. An easy-going and relaxed stage presence is the hallmark of Martin's performance, making his listeners feel comfortable and in the secure hands of a true professional. His three-plus octave range is exciting to hear and fun to sing along with.

Song subject matter runs the gamut from personal songs of relations and events to story and descriptive songs full of humor, revalation, detail and surprise. Add to the mix familar Americana, swing and jazz standards or a Vaudeville chestnut and Martin offers a powerful performance with a broad audience appeal.

SWING AND JAZZ STANDARDS
(Dinner Music, Weddings, Cocktail Hour, Elders)
Martin puts his smooth voice and classic style to work with some of your favorite songs of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Amazing skat singing and mouth blown trumpet solos keep the material fresh and fun. Sing-Along is welcomed.

EMCEE/HOST
(Festival, Concert, Special Event, Talent Show or Open Mike)
In front of a large crowd Martin is comfortable as a pair of house slippers and magically makes the performers and audience feel at home and ready to enjoy. He is savvy about sponsor recognition and comfortable with the unpredictable nature of live events.

NICHE AUDIENCES AND PRIDE EVENTS
(Gay Audiences, Bears, Pride or Political Events)
Martin has been writing for and entertaining Gay audiences for many years, appearing as EmCee and performer for PRIDE events, Cruises, World Aids Day, Political Ralleys, School Diversity Day, Civil Unions and Weddings. Martin offers an album (BearNAKED) and program specifically for BEAR events and will soon re-release his first PRIDE album, 'Singing OUT!'