About
Start spreading the news! A Swingin’ Affair features the most sought-after all-star professional performing artists in greater Boston, convened in swing and song, under one roof - a rare opportunity! Revel in this big band’s 16 inspired instrumentalists as they dive into the toe tappin’ Great American Songbook, exploring the legendary tunes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and the timeless Rat Pack. Don’t miss the huge swingin’ sound of professional frontman vocalist Donnie Norton, and special guest vocalists, as bandleader Steve Bass brings all the class, fun, and excitement of Sinatra’s soundstage to you!
Hit songs include “Fly Me To the Moon” and “I’ve Got The World On A String”, “New York, New York,” and so much more. Bask in your favorite tunes of the swing and American jazz standard eras blended with sentimental stories about the legendary artists, delivered with a twist from the circa-authentic stage set. No swinging performance would be complete without a little dancing in the aisles, so wear your dance shoes and sway the night away!
Donnie Norton - Frontman and Lead Vocalist
Donnie Norton has been singing the songs of Sinatra and the Great American Songbook professionally for the last 17 years. He recently completed a successful and critically-acclaimed run as Nick Bottom in “Something Rotten!” at the Company Theatre in Norwell for which he was awarded Broadway World Boston's Best Performer in a Musical. Donnie is an arts educator and has spent the last 15 years as the artistic director for the multiple time state champion and multiple award-winning Weymouth High Theater Company. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild.
Sarah Bass - Featured Guest Vocalist
Sarah Bass is a professional Boston-based singer, dancer, and actress. After graduating from Rhode Island College with a degree in musical theatre, Sarah began her career as an actress and singer in New York City. She has sung in several renowned New York cabaret venues such as 54 Below, Don’t Tell Mama, Pangea and the Plaza Hotel. As an actress she has performed in several regional theatre productions across the country and appeared on television for the Apple TV + Series Little Voice.
Steve Bass - Music Director and Pianist
Steve Bass has a Doctorate in Composition and Jazz Piano from the New England Conservatory and is currently working as a freelance musician and educator in Boston. He has worked as a music director, conductor, arranger, and pianist in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for the last 10 years.
He is the creator and composer of Swan Lake In Blue, an original jazz ballet, scored for a 17-piece jazz big band and staged for 12-15 tap, jazz, and lyrical dancers. Swan Lake In Blue is having its world premiere at Greater Boston Stage Company in February 2020.
Previous credits as a music director include Company Theatre, Norwell, MA: Ragtime (IRNE nomination for Best Music Director), Greater Boston Stage Company, Stoneham, MA: Swan Lake in Blue (World Premiere); Onegin (US Premiere), Being Earnest (East Coast Premiere); Norwood Theatre, Norwood, MA: Hairspray (Broadway World winner of Best Musical, Best Creative Team, and Best Ensemble); Peabody, MA: Big Apple Circus (National Tour, Keyboard 1). Steve has been a guest performer with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Cape Symphony Orchestra.
Michelle McGrath - Managing Director
Lifelong artist and musician Michelle McGrath, serves as A Swingin’ Affair’s managing director in tandem with her role as founding president of McGrath PR. She’s coordinating band bookings, manages marketing and public relations campaigns, and developed A Swingin’ Affair’s Educational Collaboration model, enabling school systems in Eastern Massachusetts to engage in unique enrichment programs for music students in grades 6-12, while simultaneously creating support funds from benefit concerts that support the school, a win-win!
McGrath PR, established in 2009, championing the arts, culture, and nonprofit industries. Michelle takes a creative approach to business as a designer, illustrator, instrumentalist, and vocalist – facets of her authentic applied art form. She is a devoted arts advocate, collaborating with, founding and serving Massachusetts’ South Shore region’s cultural committees and organizations. She is a founder of Plymouth's Spire Center for Performing Arts and was appointed to collaboratively originate Plymouth Bay Cultural District. Most recently, she served two consecutive terms on Scituate Cultural Council as its PR chairperson. A performing artist herself, Michelle sings year-round with Pilgrim Festival Chorus and Friends in Song a cappella ensemble. She previously served as PACTV’s PCN Community News founding arts & entertainment correspondent. Tap A Swingin’ Affair’s booking schedule and other client events in seasonal entertainment previews at mcgrathpr.com.
