Video: “Zonky” performed by the Zonky Jazz Band at Hamilton Studio, December 2025
ZONKY JAZZ BAND
Back in December 1928, Fats Waller and Andy Razaf composed a song about a dance and a party that became the inspiration for a dance band in Spokane, WA. The story goes that Fats was easily distracted by the revelry of night life in Harlem, and so Razaf “booked a session” at his mom's house in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He rented a piano, had it delivered, and the two of them composed three songs during those sessions, including the infinitely more famous, “Honeysuckle Rose.” Jealous honey bees don't dance - or if they do, they probably dance the Zonky, a dance Razaf seems to have invented for the song. “Other dances, they may come and go, but when you do the Zonky, you will want it to stay!” And here we are. The Zonky Jazz Band.
Zonky Jazz Band performs music perfect for swing dancing, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shim Sham, Collegiate Shag, and more. Influenced by the Kansas City 5, 6, and 7s, the Benny Goodman Sextet, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and of course, Fats Waller,
Zonky Jazz Band also celebrates and performs the music of Spokane's jazz icons, Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, and Al Rinker. All of our shows feature a selection of music that was performed or made famous or written by one or more of these pioneers of jazz from our region. We also stage a documentary film/live music experience called “Now You Has Jazz” that tells the story of Bing, Mildred, and Al, and their lives in the Spokane area.
Zonky Jazz Band has also become one of the most popular bands in the area for galas, fundraisers, classy events, anniversary parties, wedding receptions, and more. Please get in touch if you'd like to talk to us about performing at your event. We can be reached at zonkyjazzband@gmail.com
SHOWS
Zonky Jazz Band performs frequently at the Hamilton Studio Listening Room in the Kendall Yards neighborhood in Spokane, WA. You can also catch us at many of the local festivals and concert series, as well as at the best local galas and fundraisers. If you'd like to have us perform at your event, please get in touch at zonkyjazzband@gmail.com.
OUR LATEST ALBUM
Home: A Swingin' Tribute to Mildred Bailey
Mildred Bailey grew up in nearby Tekoa, WA and moved to Spokane in 1912. She became the first woman to front a national touring, broadcasting big band in 1930 when she joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Mildred Bailey earned her place as one of the nation's top jazz singers, and in 1946, she was named best jazz vocalist of the year at the Esquire Jazz Concert.
Our new debut album is now here and ready - you can also stream it on Apple Music and Spotify, and countless other online platforms.
We're honored to have these special guests on our recordings: Julia Rinker (Mildred Bailey's niece!) singing on Swingin' A Dream; Ken Peplowski on clarinet on Swingin' A Dream, Peace, Brother, and Don't Be That Way; and Dayan Kai on piano on our title track, Home (When Shadows Fall). Additionally, Jake Sanders wrote about half of the arrangements on the album.