DJs
Brennan Bowman
Brennan Bowman was introduced to swing dancing back in his middle school years and has been hooked on the dance and music ever since. With a constantly expanding musical taste and a deep need to find the perfect song for that perfect time (preferably after the midnight hours), he has found a deep need to share his passion with others. He is on the weekly rotation for the Anderson University Swing Dance Club and has also spun tunes at CodeBlue, Bluetopia, ISLX.
Jordan Hawker
In 2006, Jordan Hawker discovered the life-changing experience that is...Swing. He began DJing at local swing events in early 2008, creating sets for weekly dances and impromptu blues nights in his apartment parking lot. Since then, he has pounced on opportunities at a Regional level, DJing for several Midwest events including the Peoria Blues and Jazz Exchange, CU Swing's Winter Blues Workshop and Spring Formal, Bluesalicious, Show-Me Blues, and the Bradley University Lindy Exchange. Variety is the spice of life, and Jordan takes that to heart in his music, mixing modern R&B and Swing with classic Jazz and Blues tunes. He especially enjoys playing songs from regional talent such as Kim Massie, The Sugar Prophets, and several well-known Chicago bands. Returning to ISU for the second time this year, Jordan's diverse musical style will delight you and keep you on your feet until the lights go out! Jordan would like to dedicate his sets this weekend to everyone who was part of the movie Leading Ladies.
Current favorite songs: "All Night" by Havilah Rand and "Sure Thing" by Miguel
Jeff Mundinger
Jeff Mundinger has been a dancer and DJ in the Midwest for more than five years. He started dancing at the University of Illinois and has since moved to Paris where he dances with Fuse Dance Crew. His favorite styles of music are soul and blues, two things you can be sure to hear from him this weekend.
Savannah Smith
Savannah Smith is a sister of the blues. She hip waggles her swag down Bourbon St. and wants ya'll to join. She has two years worn into her blue suede shoes and one big scale DJ event under her belt. After DJing at ISLX in September, she really likes to let the floor groove to the awesome sounds of obscure artists. As president of Ball State Swing Society, her campaign is "shake a tail feather and never lend money to Minnie."
Bryan Sykes
I Started DJing in 2006 at a friend's wedding, and I enjoyed it so much that I did 4 more weddings that year alone. In 2009, I started traveling with swing dancing when I was also introduced to blues at Purdue University's "Blues in the Nite" and Blues Shout 2009 in Chicago! My mind was blown!!! Ballroom, Drag, Jookin! Seeing the dynamics and freeform of blues dancing forever changed how I listen to music. Since then I have combined my passions of DJing and dancing. I am currently Djing and teaching collegiate swing scenes in the Midwest, other local events and house parties more and more often. I pride myself on knowing my music library and constantly growing it. As a DJ, I enjoy combining the classic and the unexpected into cohesive sets that give plenty of variety and keeps dancers grooving and growing in their dancing!
Current favorite song: "Do I move you" by Nina Simone
Matthew Vazquez
Matthew Vasquez, a 12 year veteran lindy and blues dancer/instructor, got his start into DJ’ing through the necessitation of music for all the laghtnight lindy and blues parties being held at his house. Although he has specialized in the nuances of blues and jump blues, Matthew has successfully blended everything from the poppy-fast styling of 20’s & 30’s jazz to the more modern and diverse deep-bass styling of hip-hop and R&B. Matthew Is the regular house DJ for PALSwing’s monthly dance at the Contemporary Arts Center, but has gotten the opportunity to play all around in the Peoria area including venues such as Body Fitness, 5-Points in Washington, Red-rock Bar and Grille and Peoria Park District. He has been invited to mix for workshops and exchanges ranging from local and near-by events (PB&J 1 & 2, BULEX, Bubble City Balboa, CULX and Chambana Blues) to events as far away as St Louis (BYOBlues) and Memphis (Snap Crackle Lindy-Hop). Matthew continues to strive to integrate new and different music from all styles and genres to broaden the horizons of dancers.
Current favorite song: “Blooz…First Thaingh ‘Dis Moanin’” by Wycliffe Gordon