Few styles of music feel as instantly glamorous as swing. The moment a crooner starts Come Fly With Me or Ain't That a Kick in the Head, a function room feels a little more like a Las Vegas lounge. Rat Pack and swing acts are among the most versatile entertainers we book, equally at home at a wedding drinks reception, an awards dinner or a Christmas party.
Here's what to know before you book.
What is a Rat Pack show?
The original Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr – performed together in Las Vegas in the early 1960s, mixing classic songs with banter and comedy. A Rat Pack tribute recreates that atmosphere: tuxedos, swing standards, a little humour and plenty of charm.
Our Rat Pack tribute covers the Rat Pack and the legends of swing. Shows vary in format; some feature one performer covering several singers, others feature a trio.
Modern crooners
Swing didn't stop in the 1960s. Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams's swing albums and Jamie Cullum brought the style to a new generation. A Michael Bublé tribute is a popular choice for weddings and corporate events because it combines classic standards with modern hits like Haven't Met You Yet and Everything.
Swing vocalists
Not every swing act is a tribute. Many vocal entertainers include a strong swing section in their show. Alex Slater performs swing, soul and Motown, and Adam Parker Brown is a showman with a big voice and plenty of humour. These performers can move from swing into other styles as the evening develops, which is useful when you have a mixed crowd.
The songs
Expect classics such as:
- Fly Me to the Moon
- That's Amore
- Mack the Knife
- The Lady Is a Tramp
- I've Got You Under My Skin
- Mr Bojangles
- New York, New York
- My Way
- Feeling Good
- Sway
When swing works best
Drinks receptions and dinners
Swing is perfect for the early part of an evening. It creates atmosphere without demanding attention, so guests can talk. Many of our swing singers adjust their volume and song choice for a dinner set, then lift the tempo afterwards.
Weddings
A crooner can cover the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, then return for an upbeat evening set. Swing classics also make lovely first dances: The Way You Look Tonight, Everything and Fly Me to the Moon are perennial favourites.
Corporate events and awards
Swing suits black tie. It reflects well on the organiser and appeals across age groups. It's a natural fit for awards dinners, client entertainment and charity balls. See our corporate entertainment page.
Christmas parties
Swing and Christmas go together. Many crooners have a festive set including Let It Snow, White Christmas and It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.
Themed events
- Vegas night: Rat Pack show, casino tables and cocktails. Our Casino Hire is a natural partner.
- Roaring Twenties: pair with the 1920s-themed Gatsby Dreamgirls.
- Legends night: combine with an Elvis or Tom Jones tribute.
Planning tips
- Timings: Swing acts often perform a softer dinner set followed by livelier sets. Agree timings in advance.
- Space: most crooners are solo performers with a compact PA, so they fit almost anywhere.
- Dress code: tuxedos are standard, but tell the act if your event has a specific dress code.
- Requests: many swing singers take requests. If you have a special song, mention it early.
Choosing between acts
When comparing swing acts, listen for:
- Phrasing. Great swing singers have a relaxed, conversational delivery.
- Tone. Warm and smooth rather than forced.
- Personality. The Rat Pack were entertainers as much as singers. Banter matters.
- Versatility. Can they move into other styles later in the night?
How a swing night might run
- Arrival drinks: relaxed swing at background volume
- Dinner: softer standards and ballads
- Speeches or awards
- Main set: upbeat swing and big-band favourites
- Second set: crossover into Motown, soul and pop, or a DJ
Why swing is so popular
Swing music has a timeless appeal. Older guests remember the originals. Younger guests know the songs from Michael Bublé and films. It's romantic, sophisticated and fun, and it suits almost every kind of event.
Swing for older audiences
Swing is a favourite with older audiences at clubs, holiday parks and anniversary parties. Many guests grew up with Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole, and hearing those songs performed live is a real treat. A swing vocalist who chats between songs and shares a little of the history behind them goes down particularly well.
Quick answers
Is a Rat Pack show one performer or three?
It depends on the act. Some shows feature a single performer covering several singers; others are trio shows. Check the act's profile or ask us.
Can a swing singer perform outdoors?
Yes, with a covered area and a safe power supply. Swing works beautifully at summer garden parties and marquee weddings.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Ready to book?
Browse our male vocalists, view the Rat Pack tribute and Michael Bublé tribute, or send us your event details and we'll suggest acts that fit.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
