Band Bio

From its humble beginnings as the house band for a church-sponsored monthly swing dance, the New Memphis Hepcats have quickly become one of the premier show bands in the Mid-South. Since 1997, the Hepcats have dedicated themselves to presenting only the finest in big band music. From the energetic swing of Count Basie, to the popular tunes of Glenn Miller, and crooning vocals of Frank Sinatra – this band does it all! Their music enthralls all ages, and no one can resist hitting the dance floor (especially when the band plays hits like Fly Me to the Moon, In the Mood, and Beyond the Sea.)

For over nine years, the group has entertained crowds at some of the best nightspots and most coveted event locales: Automatic Slims, the Hi Tone, Woodland Hills, Memphis Botanic Gardens, just to name a few. The “Cats” are also regulars on the festival circuit, appearing at Arts in the Park, the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, Collierville’s Sunset on the Square series, even the Italian Festival. The sixteen-member band always leaves a grand impression; so much of their calendar is filled with engagements for galas, weddings, and opening ceremonies. Their reputation is not contained to the Memphis area. The Hepcats have brought their big band sound to such far away places as Little Rock, St. Louis, Knoxville, Washington, D.C., and Columbia, S.C.

In 1999, the band released their first album, Live at the Hi Tone. This high-energy night is actually two nights and was captured during the band’s regular Monday night gigs. That same year, the cats delighted guests at the Premier Player Awards, the signature event of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS. They were also nominated for the chapter’s Newcomer Award. The band continued to perform at many high-profile events. In 2001, they officially kicked off the Memphis Redbirds season and in 2003, they opened for comedian Bob Newhart at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre. Earlier that year, they released their second album, Swingopoly, which delivered a larger band with more of the great big band sound that they are famous for.

Local media has also given attention to this impressive group of musicians. The band has been featured in live performances on Fox 13’s Good Morning Memphis and WKNO’s Friday Live Lunch. Several publications, including the Memphis Flyer and the Commercial Appeal have written about the band and the impact of their music. We think one Mid-South columnist summed us up best: “a fun, even romantic, group whose supple mastery of swing music will have even the most lead-footed of listeners tapping their toes . . .” (Mark Jordan, Memphis Flyer). We know you’ll agree – dazzle your guests with the fun, dynamic swing of the New Memphis Hepcats!