Prima Swing Riot was formed by leader Pete McGregor in 1999. Pete had always wanted a Louis Prima band after hearing recordings of Prima when he was a teenager. He fell in love with the Louis Prima Keely Smith sound augmented by the raspy sax of Sam Butera.

This band was hugely popular in Las Vegas during the 50’s and 60’s performing to packed houses 6 nights a week and on the way having numerous top 20 hits like Just a Gigolo, Angelina, Buona Sera, Jump Jive and Wail, That Old Black Magic.

Pete was lucky to find a bunch of very talented people who were also keen on the project, with Louis Prima’s trademark trick arrangements and musical humour.
Prima Swing Riot was formed also partly to take advantage of the worldwide popularity boost for Swing music round that time, (Neo Swing) influenced by several movies which were extremely popular in Canada, USA and UK. Unfortunately those movies only made the second tier movie theatres in NZ meaning the swing movement never kicked in here like it did overseas.
However Prima Swing Riot were a significant success on the Auckland music scene with performances on TV, America’s Cup Celebrations, and many balls, concerts and large corporate functions. To add to their appeal Prima Swing Riot took their line up and turned it to popular covers for dancing with a name change to “Prima” for that market.
This concert brings together the original band with Adrian Keeling and Jane Horder on vocals, horn players Merv Thomas and Roger Manins, and rhythm section including Mike Walker, Bruce King andleader Pete McGregor.

They will perform largely the Music of Louis Prima but will include some more modern swing music from the Neo Swing era. You may also get a few rock covers to end the night.

A rare chance to see and hear this iconic band in action

Door Charge: 
Members $5.00
Non Members: $15.00