I have been in love with music, and the history of music, since the third grade. It was in high school that I noticed that traditional music training doesn’t do justice to one of the most important eras in modern music history, the 1930s. It was an era that created Swing music and the roots of rock and pop can be traced directly to it. I have endeavored to pass the torch of swing era music to vocalists with my Swing Era Vocal workshops, to keep the spirit and technique alive for listeners for years to come.

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.

“If you love swing era music, Alan Gresik is the real thing. 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