Hello! My name is Alan Gresik. I am a professional musician. Piano is my instrument, and I run the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, an extremely authentic pre-WWII swing band radio styled show, including original commercials written by David Sherman and news read by Lou Rugani of short articles from Vintage DownBeat music newspapers 1935 thru 1946. Our music has helped several combat veterans from modern wars cope with depression due to PTSD and other emotional issues as well as individuals with Klinefelter’s Syndrome, Bi-Polar and Extreme Isolation. We want to thank University of Arizona to use the Artie Shaw Collection, Yale University, Benny Goodman Papers, Library of Congress, Charlie Barnet Papers and the Harold Washington Library.
What makes the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra stand out as one of the finest swing orchestras in America?
It’s the repertoire he has meticulously crafted through years of research and exploration. According to David Sherman:
“Alan is kind of like the Indiana Jones of Swing.”
He scours the collections of libraries and estates across the globe in search of arrangements that are unique and authentic, delving deep into previously inaccessible archives. Alan rediscovers “lost” arrangements and brings them back to life using Sibelius Ultimate music notation software. Often this requires hours of painstakingly rescoring the arrangements so that they can be played by his trademark 15-piece orchestra. It is not uncommon for Alan to resurrect an arrangement that has not been heard for over 90 years!
Whether it’s an obscure stock arrangement from The Balaban and Katz collection or a precise replication of an all-time favorite, Alan Gresik has become an expert understanding the deep knowledge of swing music. Listen and find out for yourself!
of Bare Naked Ladies
Start Listening!
Allow Alan Gresik Music to enhance your next celebration, party, or special event.
Contact (708) 860-1933 or email [email protected] for booking.
Updated contact information: Call (708) 860-1933, or email [email protected]
Booking Inquiries
Book the music for your event.
Listen
Hear some samples of music.
Videos
Watch concerts and festivals.
“If you love swing era music, Alan Gresik is the real deal. I’ve seen the sparkle return to the eyes of those who connect with this music and with Alan. It’s a beautiful thing! Alan lives and breathes music of the swing era with precision and authenticity. And it shows.”
– Laura Witt, Entertainment Director, Oak Trace Senior Community
Calendar: Updates on Performances
The Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra at Green Mill Lounge since 1998: (Click here for venue information)
Every Thursday, 8:00 pm to 12 Midnight, $10, 4802 N. Broadway (Broadway and Lawrence).
Satisfied Customers:
Heidi Lucky Entertainment
MGM Motion Pictures – “Return To Me” – 2000
Shedd Aquarium – “Penguin Party”
Racquet Club of Chicago
Saddle and Cycle Club
Chicago Summer Dance
Private Weddings
Menard’s
Mariano’s
Special Thanks to:
Benny Goodman Papers – Yale University
Artie Shaw Collection – University of Arizona
Charlie Barnet Papers – Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Harold Washington Library, Chicago, IL
Bio
Solo Piano by Alan Gresik recognizes that each performance space has its own set of acoustics. Therefore, the implementation of silence and room energy dictate what styles are used per melody. Classic rock songs by Elton John or the Beatles work well using waltz grooves. Alan Gresik is able to take any popular melody into another realm of interpretation that is easy to comprehend and easy to follow. Exciting Melodic Adventure combined with Alan’s personality.
Alan says, “I have been playing in the Chicagoland area for four decades. I was the first musician to regularly perform at the original location of Chicago-based Potbelly’s Sandwich Store in Lincoln Park circa 1995. According to Peter Hastings, Potbelly’s original owner, I was responsible for over 10,000 musicians being hired for the franchise.
Chicago Jazz Magazine and WGN Radio are just some of the media outlets that have interviewed me. I never tire of sharing my story, and the story of the greatest music era in history, with a wider audience.”
Music
Keep guests enthralled with Alan Gresik’s piano work, ranging from traditional and international, to Swing Era and more. Complete the party atmosphere in any room with instrumental piano. Mixing retro styles and new hits, it’s soothing and exciting at the same time.
For more samples, or if you have any questions, please contact Alan Gresik: call (708) 860-1933, or email [email protected].
Booking Inquiries
Allow Alan Gresik to tailor an ensemble to reach your needs and budget.
~ PA and Audio Support available
~ Decades of performance experience
~ Special Events and Weddings (Although we are not a traditional Wedding Band, many times we are hired just because we are so different).
~ Choose Alan Gresik Solo Piano, or the ensembles Ballroom Beatles or Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra.
Price list available on request. Feel free to call me to set up an appointment in person or on Zoom. Call (708) 860-1933 or email [email protected].
CONTACT
Have a question? Just ask!
(708) 860-1933
[email protected]
Thank you!
Alan Gresik Music
Chicago, IL
A Note from Alan
Hello! My name is Alan Gresik.
I am so glad to see you checking out my website.
As a professional pianist/live music broker my most complex and ongoing project has been Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra. It’s one thing to form a top flight 1937 swingband, it’s another thing to create a live radio broadcast including cleverly tailored commercials within one package. Quite an illusion!
When: Every Thursday since 1998 can such an outfit be witnessed.
Where: Green Mill Lounge 4802 N. Broadway at Lawrence in Uptown Chicago.
The Jazz Capital of the Universe.
8pm to 12 midnight, $10 cover. Our focus is to see how close our 15-piece ensemble can get to 1936-37 United States of America Hot Dance Music uncovering concepts that have been buried and forgotten for decades.
So far so good. It has only taken me 40 years to get to this point. Lots of moving parts.
Solo Piano is my other forte. Although I don’t consider myself a jazz pianist, all my melodies are fresh and creative mixing multiple genres and time signatures together.
Sound Sculpting is my specialty. Every room has its own unique acoustic characteristics. Your event is too important to leave the acoustics to someone who isn’t an expert. Hire Alan Gresik!