Jenny Swoish, vocalist

Jenny Swoish is a vocalist and songwriter with a lifelong passion for performing. A native of Southern California, she began studying piano, theater, voice and dance at a young age.

After singing “stage” versions of works by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, her interest in jazz blossomed through the classics of the Great American Songbook. She was inspired when exploring different interpretations by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sara Vaughn and Dinah Washington along with modern vocalists such as Jane Monheit and Peter Eldridge.

Jenny earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from California State University, Long Beach. She studied with critically acclaimed vocalist and educator Christine Guter as well as performed in multiple award-winning ensembles.

Because of her passion for the sound, texture and energy of big band music, Jenny loves singing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Moreover, she delights in the chance to see and experience so much of the world while on tour. But what gives Jenny the most joy is bringing the nostalgic sound of Glenn Miller to the thousands of fans who express their thanks and happiness at hearing the songs that evoke such pleasant memories.

When not singing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jenny performs her original music and works as a voice over artist in Nashville. She is excited about the upcoming spring 2023 release of her latest album of classic and original jazz music, “Tonight…in Dreamland.”

Erik Stabnau, Music Director / Saxophonist

Tenor saxophonist Erik Stabnau brings his lifelong enthusiasm for big band music to each performance of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Having grown up with a love for the music of the swing era, Erik naturally gravitated toward Glenn Miller, drawn to his recognizable melodies and the distinctive sound of his reed section.

A Western New York native, Erik learned to play the saxophone, flute, and clarinet in a variety of disciplines before developing an interest in the large ensembles of Ellington, Basie, Dorsey, Miller and others. Excited to pursue a future in music, he attended college at the Eastman School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, earning a bachelor’s of music in Jazz and Contemporary Media. Intent on broadening his education, Erik went on to study music business and recording with a masters degree in Audio Arts from Syracuse University.

Prior to his time with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Erik performed and recorded as a bandleader and sideman throughout the Northeast, adding to his credentials experience as an educator, clinician, writer, and arranger. He was thrilled with the opportunity to join the orchestra in June 2017 on tenor saxophone, playing the music and solos that Tex Beneke first made famous in the 1930’s and 40’s. As a member of the band, Erik has performed across the US in 48 states and abroad in Canada and Japan and now is honored to step in front of the orchestra as its music director.