The SILVER TONES SWING BAND . . . A HIGH-ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE AND MORE
Darlene, my wife celebrated her 65th trip around the sun in mid-August 2022. Early in the year, working with a close friend, we started planning for a 1950s themed weekend gathering of family and friends. This brought us to Airlie in Warrenton, Virginia, and an introduction to the Silver Tones’ lead vocalist Wendy Marie. Five minutes into my conversation with her I decided the Silver Tones Swing Band included the “hand-in-glove” performers that would meet my expectations. Why? Wendy listened to my wants and needs and offered a tailored-made three-set performance and MORE. Here's the More. Before the celebration, Wendy: 1) Created much-needed electronic invitation graphics; 2) Worked with a local Culpeper printer to produce posters and other print materials; 3) Recruited the daughter of one of her band members to provide child care for a one-year-old boy on the evening of the party; 4) Developed a personalized playlist with a vignette from Grease including costume changes. Saturday Evening: Because Darlene’s birthday celebration was a surprise and she didn’t ‘dress to impress in 50s style’, what did Wendy do (WDWD)? She brought Darlene and vocalist Laura Mills into a changing booth and transformed Darlene into a Silver Belle! Among the audience were talented and accomplished musicians from the Culpeper, Warrenton, Philadelphia, and San Francisco areas. They all said the Silver Tones are among the best performers they ever experienced! Sunday Morning: And there is still more. Before a Sunday morning brunch, Wendy and Dave, her husband and lead band member, returned to Airlie and displayed an large THANK YOU banner to our friend who made the Airlie weekend possible. This is what I define as MORE. Will the Silver Tones Swing Band be our choice for future special gatherings? Absolutely!
~ Tom Konopka, Culpeper, VA
I want to thank Wendy, Dave, and the entire Silver Tones Swing Band for providing Acca Shriners with a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration. We have had a lot of bands come through our facility the past several years and very few can match the quality of musical entertainment that the Silver Tones provide. Thank you, Silver Tones, for making our evening so much fun!
~ Brian LaFontaine, Potentate, Acca Shrine Center, Richmond, VA
We had the good fortune of having the Silver Tones play at our daughter’s wedding in May. During the entire process, from the beginning of our correspondence 7 months before the event, to the end of the wedding reception, the band leaders were exceptionally professional and courteous. Wendy and Dave were so patient with us during the COVID months, as we had to change, cancel, and reschedule our venue. The band and singers are incredibly talented musicians. They played three sets of music: one for the cocktail hour and two dancing/party sets. Their entire performance was classy, magical, and completely entertaining. The band streamed in soft dinner music from a pre-set list through their excellent sound system, made all the introductions and announcements, and streamed music later in the evening while they were packing up. The Silver Tones played from their phenomenal list of songs: classic, swing, and modern. Our guests had a fantastic time dancing to all the incredible music. People were on their feet dancing all night, and all of us were impressed by the quality of the band and their music. We cannot express how happy we are that we chose the Silver Tones for our special day. They really made magic happen! Their talent, class, and grace couldn’t be topped. We got dozens of compliments about the band, and we wholeheartedly recommend them for whatever occasion you may have!
~ Amy and Rick Storey, Front Royal, VA
The Silver Tones brought an extra measure of class to our daughter’s wedding reception. The band had an amazing sound and were both professional and fun. Our guests, folks of all ages, filled the dance floor the entire night. Dave and Wendy not only are excellent musicians, but are easy to work with. Their repertoire has something for everyone and they worked with us to create a great playlist for our event. In addition, they prepared members of the wedding party who performed special songs with the band at the reception. Our guests are still talking about how great the Silver Tones are! Most importantly, the bride and groom were thrilled!
~ Jeff and Karen Adams, Staunton, VA
The Silver Tones Swing Band is a great, big band style, orchestra. Complete with soaring horn and toe-tapping rhythm sections, the band continues the traditions of legendary bands such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Count Basie Orchestra. They produce wonderful music as they take listeners down memory lane, creating everything from high-energy, jubilant hard swing to romantic ballads. To top it all off, the orchestra showcases an Andrews Sisters-style vocalist trio who add another wonderful dimension to the ensemble. As swing dancers, we love dancing to their music because we feed off the wonderful energy the band puts into their songs. Living in the Northern Virginia area, we are lucky to have many wonderful musicians, but the Silver Tones Swing Band combines wonderful artists to produce amazing quality music that everyone will enjoy!
~James Martin & Theresa Werner, Swing Dance Community, Manassas, VA
Darlene, my wife celebrated her 65th trip around the sun in mid-August 2022. Early in the year, working with a close friend, we started planning for a 1950s themed weekend gathering of family and friends. This brought us to Airlie in Warrenton, Virginia, and an introduction to the Silver Tones’ lead vocalist Wendy Marie. Five minutes into my conversation with her I decided the Silver Tones Swing Band included the “hand-in-glove” performers that would meet my expectations. Why? Wendy listened to my wants and needs and offered a tailored-made three-set performance and MORE. Here's the More. Before the celebration, Wendy: 1) Created much-needed electronic invitation graphics; 2) Worked with a local Culpeper printer to produce posters and other print materials; 3) Recruited the daughter of one of her band members to provide child care for a one-year-old boy on the evening of the party; 4) Developed a personalized playlist with a vignette from Grease including costume changes. Saturday Evening: Because Darlene’s birthday celebration was a surprise and she didn’t ‘dress to impress in 50s style’, what did Wendy do (WDWD)? She brought Darlene and vocalist Laura Mills into a changing booth and transformed Darlene into a Silver Belle! Among the audience were talented and accomplished musicians from the Culpeper, Warrenton, Philadelphia, and San Francisco areas. They all said the Silver Tones are among the best performers they ever experienced! Sunday Morning: And there is still more. Before a Sunday morning brunch, Wendy and Dave, her husband and lead band member, returned to Airlie and displayed an large THANK YOU banner to our friend who made the Airlie weekend possible. This is what I define as MORE. Will the Silver Tones Swing Band be our choice for future special gatherings? Absolutely!
~ Tom Konopka, Culpeper, VA
I want to thank Wendy, Dave, and the entire Silver Tones Swing Band for providing Acca Shriners with a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration. We have had a lot of bands come through our facility the past several years and very few can match the quality of musical entertainment that the Silver Tones provide. Thank you, Silver Tones, for making our evening so much fun!
~ Brian LaFontaine, Potentate, Acca Shrine Center, Richmond, VA
We had the good fortune of having the Silver Tones play at our daughter’s wedding in May. During the entire process, from the beginning of our correspondence 7 months before the event, to the end of the wedding reception, the band leaders were exceptionally professional and courteous. Wendy and Dave were so patient with us during the COVID months, as we had to change, cancel, and reschedule our venue. The band and singers are incredibly talented musicians. They played three sets of music: one for the cocktail hour and two dancing/party sets. Their entire performance was classy, magical, and completely entertaining. The band streamed in soft dinner music from a pre-set list through their excellent sound system, made all the introductions and announcements, and streamed music later in the evening while they were packing up. The Silver Tones played from their phenomenal list of songs: classic, swing, and modern. Our guests had a fantastic time dancing to all the incredible music. People were on their feet dancing all night, and all of us were impressed by the quality of the band and their music. We cannot express how happy we are that we chose the Silver Tones for our special day. They really made magic happen! Their talent, class, and grace couldn’t be topped. We got dozens of compliments about the band, and we wholeheartedly recommend them for whatever occasion you may have!
~ Amy and Rick Storey, Front Royal, VA
The Silver Tones brought an extra measure of class to our daughter’s wedding reception. The band had an amazing sound and were both professional and fun. Our guests, folks of all ages, filled the dance floor the entire night. Dave and Wendy not only are excellent musicians, but are easy to work with. Their repertoire has something for everyone and they worked with us to create a great playlist for our event. In addition, they prepared members of the wedding party who performed special songs with the band at the reception. Our guests are still talking about how great the Silver Tones are! Most importantly, the bride and groom were thrilled!
~ Jeff and Karen Adams, Staunton, VA
The Silver Tones Swing Band is a great, big band style, orchestra. Complete with soaring horn and toe-tapping rhythm sections, the band continues the traditions of legendary bands such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Count Basie Orchestra. They produce wonderful music as they take listeners down memory lane, creating everything from high-energy, jubilant hard swing to romantic ballads. To top it all off, the orchestra showcases an Andrews Sisters-style vocalist trio who add another wonderful dimension to the ensemble. As swing dancers, we love dancing to their music because we feed off the wonderful energy the band puts into their songs. Living in the Northern Virginia area, we are lucky to have many wonderful musicians, but the Silver Tones Swing Band combines wonderful artists to produce amazing quality music that everyone will enjoy!
~James Martin & Theresa Werner, Swing Dance Community, Manassas, VA
The Silver Tones would play any music well, but they are truly remarkable with swing numbers. Our 19- and 20-year-old daughters liked them so much that after their first dance with this orchestra, they gladly join us without any persuasion. They have brought boyfriends who are now learning to swing dance. If things were not wonderful enough with the great musicians, the vocalists are just great. We have attended many functions to hear this group and people of all ages can't sit still in their seats and get up and dance, some for the first time in many years. I can also attest this group as friendly, nice people you would just love to have for supper. What did I just get for my birthday? A large blow-up of a photo Dave and Wendy sent us dancing with my husband at one of the concerts-- hair and dress blowing in the wind to the beat and my husband's twinkle toes...what a fantastic gift. Give them a try...You will not be able to go just once!
~Colleen Burket, Rixeyville, VA
~Colleen Burket, Rixeyville, VA
The band and the dancing brings the Marshall community together like no other event. All ages, all incomes, all sizes and shapes, all colors -- all Americans dancing to the quintessential American music. It is great fun and terrific exercise. A community that dances together is a good community -- a caring community. We are so lucky to have such a treasure close to home!
~Tom Davenport, Independent Filmmaker, Delaplane, VA
~Tom Davenport, Independent Filmmaker, Delaplane, VA
I’m always “In the Mood” for the Silver Tones Swing Band! Their Big Band music and vocals are wonderful for listening, but for me it is all about the dancing: Fox Trot, Cha Cha, and Swing, Swing, Swing to Sing, Sing, Sing. My feet start moving when the band starts playing favorite selections from Glenn Miller classics to Andrews Sisters Boogie Woogie and a few fun surprises. I usually drive to Northern Virginia to find this kind of music and dancing. So I was very happy to find it right here in Warrenton. My hometown band can get the streets of Old Town Warrenton hopping, fill the floor at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo, and take WWII Veterans back in time. ‘Tis the friendliest band around with a "gas" sound!
~Valerie K. Pyle, Swing Dance Community, Warrenton, VA
Fun to the max! As a professional swing dance instructor, I’m constantly looking for bands that play danceable, fun tunes. As well, a good mix of tunes that allow for mostly swing but also related era music for similar dance steps. Timing is crucial for good dancing and the hepcats from the Silver Tones Swing Band put all this together to form an exceptional night of fun and dance. From a slow foxtrot to jumping swing jams, they have it covered. They also make it fun with some theme songs and costumes. Top that off with Andrews Sisters sing-a-like and some wonderful soloists, and you’re guaranteed an evening of fun and song. Whether you're a dancer, you love 1940s era big band music, or both, the Silver Tones consistently knock it out of the park. If you get a chance to go here them, make the effort—you won’t be disappointed!
~Royce White, Professional Dance Instructor, SwingDanceVA, Haymarket, VA
The band was swingin', the girls were singin'....the Silver Tones are one fine musical organization. Pure joy to work with.
~Jim Barnett, Live Sound Engineer, Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo, MD
The Silver Tones Swing Band has a beautiful sound and is made up of awesome musicians. They are also the best swing band in the area and always put on a lively, toe-tapping, highly charged concert! I highly recommend them for large events and all venues, big or small. For the past several years, they have continued to draw an excited audience to the Marshall Community Center each month and for special holiday concerts. They are a joy to work with!
~Alicia Ward, Programs Manager, Fauquier County Parks and Recreation, Marshall, VA
The Silver Tones’ renditions of big band-era songs bring back many good memories of my childhood when my parents played and danced to the sweet sounds of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and the like. And as for the Silver Tones vocalists, all I can say is ‘Wow’! Close your eyes and you’d swear that LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty [Andrews] had just stepped to the mike.
~Bud Good, Winchester, VA
The Silver Tones are an exceptional band and play a broad spectrum of the old standards. As a bonus to a great instrumental band, led by an excellent trumpet player, David Shuma, there are three young ladies billing themselves as the Andrews Sisters, who really make it quite an enjoyable show and a totally fun dancing event. I must say an evening of dancing or listening to the Silver Tones brings back memories and takes all your worries away. Yep, I think all ages should attend a dance where the Silver Tones are performing; they’re that good.
~Roy Francis, Warrenton, VA
This band is incredible, for young and old. Fun to dance to, and fun to just sit and enjoy! Watching my Mom and Dad immerse themselves in the great music they grew up with was priceless. What a lot of serious, fun, talented musicians dedicated to spreading the love of big band music. Everyone should hear these folks!
~Pat Morris, Esmont, VA
We absolutely loved having the Silver Tones Swing Band play at our wedding at Brandy Hill Farm. The ambiance created by the Silver Tones’ catchy swing and jazz music paired with the rustic barn set the tone for an unforgettable night. With their easy-going spirit and brilliance, they offered a stress-free musical experience. We are very grateful for the wonderful music the Silver Tones brought to our special day and their insight in the planning leading up to it. Family and friends raved about the unique and exciting atmosphere of the night. The quality of the setting created, and music and skill demonstrated, by the Silver Tones is unmistakably superior to any band or disc jockey available. It was a dream come true for us both to have a live band play at our wedding, and the Silver Tones fulfilled that dream in a way we could not even have imagined.
~Matthew and Maria Boyles
The Silver Tones Swing Band would like to hear from you! Please e-mail us at [email protected] with any comments or feedback about our performances.