Artist Information
Biography
Founded in 2007, Swift Technique hails from the musically rich city of Philadelphia. Over the last four years, the six piece Funk Ensemble has relentlessly toured, performed and recorded throughout the US. The extremely positive chemistry shared by the band is translated when performing live. Swift Technique brings an electric energy and party style atmosphere on stage. Although the group draws from many world influences, their genre is uniquely Philadelphia.
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RESUME:
SUPPORTING ACT for Wu-Tang Clan, Keri Hilson, Kermit Ruffins, Questlove of the Roots, Wale, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Mr. Lif, The Fela! Band
MULTIPLE APPEARANCES at Brooklyn Bowl, Sullivan Hall (NYC), The Middle East (Boston), Double Door (Chicago), The World Cafe Live (Philly), 8X10 (Baltimore), The Rock & Roll Hotel (DC) & Nectar’s (Burlington, VT)
FESTIVALS PERFORMED: PEX Summer Music Festival (MD), The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival (VT), The Muddy River Jam Festival (NJ)
BOOKING: CEG (NYC), NOLA Funk (NYC), Hood Booking (DC), Rock On Concerts (Boston), Rocks Off Concert Cruises (NYC) and WXPN (Philly).
OTHER NOTABLE VENUES:
NEW YORK -
Brooklyn Bowl
Sullivan Hall
Bowery Poetry Club
Don Hill's
The Bitter End
Rose Live Music
Kenny's Castaway's
Fontana's
R Bar
Bar 13
Bar East
Uncle Mike's
Goodbye Blue Monday
The Baggot Inn
The Velvet Lounge (Long Island)
Funk N' Waffles (Syracuse)
Uptown Theatre (Utica)
The T-Burg Pourhouse (Ithaca)
Lansing School (Ithaca)
PENNSYLVANIA -
TLA
World Cafe Live
The Trocadero
Johnny Brenda's
The Northstar Bar
The Tin Angel
The M Room
The Sherman Theatre, Stroudsburg PA
Shadow Lounge, Pittsburgh PA
The Smiling Moose, Pittsburgh PA
The Fire
941 Theater
Millcreek Tavern
Connie's Ric Rac
TIME, Center City Philadelphia
The Note, West Chester PA
Milkboy Coffee, Ardmore PA
Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg PA
PJ Henry's
The Cherry Pit, Temple University
Yards Brewery
The Field House bar
The Tiberino Museum
Marathon Grill, Center City Philadelphia
Maxis, Temple University
Independence Dragon Boat Regatta
Lickety Split
Mixx, Villanova PA
Paddy Whacks
O.N.E. at Rittenhouse
Tiger Shark's
Temple University
University of Pennsylvania
University of The Arts
Penn State Main Campus (Samstock Music Festival)
Friend Central High School
Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center, North Philadelphia
MASSACHUSETTS -
The Middle East
Church of Boston
Harper's Ferry
The Western Front
All Asia Club
MARYLAND -
The 8 x 10
The Whiskey
Towson University @ the Recher Theatre
Joe Squared
PEX Summer Music Festival 2009
D.C. -
Rock N Roll Hotel
The Red and the Black
Grog and Tankard
Wonderland Ballroom
American University
The Rookery
VERMONT -
North East Kingdom Music Festival 2010
Nectar's
The Inferno
The Black Door
RHODE ISLAND -
The Spot Underground
The Blackstone
Bishops Lounge
CONECTICUT-
Wesleyan University
PITTSBURGH-
The Shadow Lounge
CHICAGO IL -
Double Door
OHIO -
The Union, University of Ohio
The Mad Frog, Cincinnati
NEW JERSEY -
Muddy River Jam Festival 2009, 2010
Cabanas Bar, Cape May
Terrace F. Club @ Princeton University
VIRGINIA -
Awful Arthur's (Roanoke)
NORTH CAROLINA -
Catch 22
SOUTH CAROLINA -
The Elbow Room
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-RECENT ACCOLADES:
Featured in Philly's JUMP music magazine spring 2012 issue.
Voted "Best New Artist" in December 2011 on BestNewBands.com.
Opened for Wu-Tang Clan at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA on New Years Day 2011
Selected for "Top 10 Live Performances and Top 25 Songs of 2010" in Philadelphia's Swollen Fox Music Blog.
Deli Magazine's "Top Voted Philadelphia Hip Hop Artists" 4/19/09:
The Roots
Jedi Mind Tricks
Spank Rock
Beanie Sigel
Gille Da Kid
Reef The Lost Cause
Peedi Crack
Tu Phace
The Last Emperor
Mike Knox
Swift Technique
Philadelphia's World Cafe Live "Cream of Philly" 2008 Finalists
215 Hip Hop Group Artist of the Week, 1/19/08
Instrumentation
Jake Leschinsky - Bass
Andy Bree - Guitar
Rich Agren - Drums
Greg Rosen - Trumpet
Matt Fischer - Trombone
Brian Blaker - Tenor Sax
Discography
Links
Video
Photo Gallery
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Opening for Wale at Philadelphia's Liacouras Center
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Rally w. President Bill Clinton at Temple University
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Opening for Keri Hilson
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Sullivan Hall, NYC
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Opening for Keri Hilson
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Opening for Wu-Tang Clan @ the Sherman Theatre
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Opening for Keri Hilson
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Press
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Swift Technique: Band On The Run! 3.6.12
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It’s another Friday night in Manayunk and six grown men don themselves in random costumes – everythi...It’s another Friday night in Manayunk and six grown men don themselves in random costumes – everything from lab jackets with axes in the pockets, to a pair of goggles with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes in each eye.
It’s just another evening with the guys of Swift Technique.
Bassist Jake Leschinsky shoots a smirk and says, “So, how would you feel about going across the street to ask the fire company if we can take pictures with their truck?”
A few moments later, the band is climbing on a fire truck and making their “serious faces,” which last but a moment, interrupted by gut-busting laughter.
The guys got their start in 2007 playing house parties while attending Temple University. Leschinsky had seen his fair share of North Philly basement parties and noticed there was a pattern.
“People were dying for loud music, and the bands I was seeing were pretty shitty,” he chuckles. “If these guys could do it, we could do it. And probably fucking kill it.”
And that they did.
The guys all came together after Leschinsky started making beats for a rapper he had met at Temple (now a former Swift Technique vocalist).
“We developed the philosophy of the band,” he explains. “Sort of live hip hop, jazz influenced.”
The album Jazzmatazz by former Gang Starr member Guru was the blueprint for Swift Technique’s sounds.
Leschinsky then got longtime friend and guitarist Andy Bree involved. The rest of the band slowly came together – drummer Rich Agren, trumpet player Greg Rosen, trombonist Matt Fischer and tenor sax player Brian Blaker.
“We are all musicians who have studied jazz music, so the improv sensibilities of jazz are just always present in our stuff,” Leschinsky explains.
After playing a ton of low-ceiling basement parties, Swift Technique landed their first big-time gig at World Café Live.
That show was what sent the process into full swing. They built a website and began recording, while continuing to perform regularly in the region as well as across the United States.
Swift Technique is known for their ability to put on a show, which they attribute to their tight chemistry and their ridiculous amount of energy on stage. They credit legends like James Brown, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and, of course, The Roots as influences behind their music and performances.
But the guys are adamant that it’s not just musical inspiration that makes their vibrant sound what it is.
“If you live in or around Philly, it affects you,” Leschinsky says. “The music we make is a direct result of Philly. Honestly.”
They also get a lot of ideas from touring, which they do constantly.
“This band was made on the road,” Bree explains. “It’s kind of cool because not a lot of groups that I know just hit it every goddamn weekend.”
With all this traveling, of course, this crazy, talented, comedic crew has stories to tell.
Like the time the guys played a house party in Washington D.C. on the night President Obama won the 2008 election. After their raucous set, they decided to meander down to the White House for some more celebrating.
“We got split up from the horn section,” Leschinsky remembers. ”The next thing you know, I hear ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ on horns.”
The horn section had accidentally started a parade of thousands of people through D.C., resulting in news footage around the world and YouTube videos within seconds. Fischer cracks up as he recalls that night.
“We started to walk home and all of a sudden,” he says, “we closed down an entire boulevard.”
Swift Technique prides themselves on bringing all they’ve got to each concert – even impromptu ones like in Washington D.C. or at 8 a.m. after falling asleep on Virginia Beach during a 5k… long story.
“We want to leave positive, memorable experiences,” Blaker says (to which his all his bandmates mockingly reply, “Awwwwwww.”).
Rosen feels it’s imperative to have new experiences while performing, to ensure the band stays fresh.
“If we aren’t interested, no one else will be,” he offers. “So I just try to keep it fresh in my mind, all the time.”
Leschinsky adds that the band constantly remembers what they have gone through as a group. One of the biggest hurdles they’ve had to overcome was the departure of their vocalist of three years, making them an instrumental band, which still stands today.
“The band has been together for four years,” Leschinsky says. “We have trekked through some muddy shit.”
The six-piece instrumental family has a lot of good things on the way, including their first full-length album, which is in the works. They have upcoming gigs scheduled in Vermont, New York, Chicago and Maryland.
“One of our main objectives is to represent Philadelphia everywhere we go,” Leschinsky says. “We’ll be back soon.” -
Artist of the Week: Swift Technique on BestNewBands.com Dec 2011
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Swift Technique is a funk band with Philadelphia in their bones. With a foundation in the roots of h...Swift Technique is a funk band with Philadelphia in their bones. With a foundation in the roots of hip-hop, drawing on inspiration from Led Zeppelin, James Brown, and the streets of Philly, this six-piece combines hip-hop, funk, jazz, soul, and rock to create their own fresh and unique sound that has gotten kids swinging from water pipes in basement shows in the shadiest parts of their hometown, and everyone dancing all out at their shows across the Northeast and beyond.
Bassist Jake Leschinsky and guitarist Andy Bree grew up playing music together, influenced by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and the aforementioned Zeppelin, started an AC/DC tribute band at the age of 12. They split up to go to different colleges in Pennsylvania, and Leschinksy started looking for an MC to collaborate with. “My original idea was to loop and layer bass lines to create textures for an MC to rhyme over,” he says.
He started connecting with different musicians at Temple University, and during a jam session Sean McCann came by to pick up a hi-hat stand. He heard the music in the basement, and went down to get on the mic. After that spontaneous jam and bonding over Jazzmatazz Vol. 1 by Guru, Leschinsky and McCann started what would eventually grow into Swift Technique. Pulling inspiration from local philly legends ?uestlove and Blackthought, as well as Guru’s combination jazz and hip hop, they began to form their live hip hop band. “I think the improv and melodic phrasing in jazz are a major part of the foundation of Swift Technique.” Leschinsky notes. This is when they pulled Bree back into the fold, and also recruited drummer Rich Agren.
Their first gig together - a open mic at World Cafe Live – set the bar high for the group. Their immediate energy precipitated the band being picked as a “stand out performer” by the venue, and offered another gig. That’s when they got serious, building on their energy and expanding their horn section. They began playing basement parties all over Philly, defining their live show with the wild energy the band exuded. "I just remember these basements being dangerously packed and seeing kids dancing and swinging from the water pipes thinking they were going to bust," Leschinsky recalls. From these experiences the group formed a philosophy of not separating the audience from the band. “Everyone is exchanging this positive energy together and we just happen to have the instruments.”
Since then, they’ve been elevating minds and making audiences get down at over 500 shows, sharing the stage with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Keri Hilson, Kermit Ruffins, Questlove of the Roots, Wale, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Mr. Lif & The Fela! Band, and they’ve received accolades such as being included in Deli Magazine Philly’s Top 10 Hip-Hop Artists list. Although since then they’ve parted ways with McCann and moved more in the direction of a straight up instrumental funk band, they’ve kept to their philosophy of traveling the world, representing Philly, and elevating spirits through their music, as well as keeping it fresh with their evolving creativity. Their immediate plans are to record their first studio full length, and they have dates lined up through the next few weeks in Boston, Vermont, DC, Annapolis MD, and Philly, including a big New Year’s Eve show in NYC. -
My Favorite Concerts & Top 25 Songs of the Year 2010
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My Favorite Concerts of the Year October 2 – Swift Technique @ Midtown Village Fall Festival and Oc...My Favorite Concerts of the Year
October 2 – Swift Technique @ Midtown Village Fall Festival and October 30 – Swift Technique @ The Bitter End (NYC)
I first saw Swift Technique in my friend’s backyard. They played for almost 2 hours straight (if you don’t count blowing out the PA in between). I was immediately hooked. I have never seen such an explosive and funky set, and I couldn’t believe these guys were only playing a backyard. A couple of weeks later I saw Swift Tech destroy the Midtown Village Fall Festival. It wasn’t long before they were one of my favorite live bands and I’d be telling everyone I know about them.
At the end of October, Swift Tech played a set that didn’t kick off until 1:30 in the morning at NYC’s The Bitter End. In addition to their normal cast of some of the most talented musicians in Philly, they brought in a friend from NYC to play some keys for the show. They then proceeded to tear the roof off of the bar (no, not literally). The hour and a half-long set was not just one of the best I’d seen all year, it’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get yourself to a Swift Tech show a.s.a.p… and then every subsequent show in your area.
25 Songs of the Year 2010
Swift Technique – “Who Ya With?” (download) and “Jermaine’s the Name” (stream at Myspace)
These two songs should give you a pretty good idea of why I rave about Swift Technique being one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. -
Swift Technique - Philly Weekly - 12.24.09
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Led by the showstopping bass grooves of Jake Leschinsky and the highly-improvisational lyrical fires...Led by the showstopping bass grooves of Jake Leschinsky and the highly-improvisational lyrical firestorm of Sean McCann, Philly’s own Swift Technique is set on one goal: bringin’ the funk. And damn, they bring it hard. The seven-piece band, which includes a three-man horn section, showcases their first-class musicianship, chemistry and never-ending supply of energy at every opportunity. The guys are currently finishing up work on several new tracks, which they hope to make available for release in early 2010. Until then, they’ll continue performing up and down the east coast, rolling with more rhyme and reason than anyone else in town.
- Kevin Brosky -
Spotlight: Swift Technique - 12.28.09
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Well its not everyday you run into a band that you can automatically feel is destined for greatness....Well its not everyday you run into a band that you can automatically feel is destined for greatness. Swift Technique does Philly proud with their eclectic vibes and funky tunes that just draws the crowd in. Their song "Lonewolf" is one of the funkiest tunes I have heard in a long time. Next time I see them live I am brining a can of fabreeze.
You have to see these guys perform live, they definetly know how to put on a show, especially from Sean doing handstands, and Jake and the crew dropping their instruments to all play the drums with Rich, it was just CRAzzzy!
Get your autographs and photo ops now, because in about 3 years, with the direction that these guys are going the only time you'll see them this close and personal is on TV.
- Christien Denzel -
Swift Technique - Cabana's, NJ - 12.28.09
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It took 30 seconds for me to realize I was the only one dancing. Well, that’s not really the truth. ...It took 30 seconds for me to realize I was the only one dancing. Well, that’s not really the truth. It took me 30 seconds to realize that it was embarrassing to be the only one dancing. I blame the band for my dancing, and the booze for my ignorance.
Swift Technique could be best described as Citizen Cope meets Rage Against the Machine. They are a band that blend jazz/funk-laden instrumentals with hip hop vocals, and as I returned from the bathroom and crossed Cabanas’ dance floor my body broke into uncontrollable, rhythmic spasms. I like to think I looked cool and coordinated, but after a couple of bartender Donny Piacentine’s wonderfully-strong vodka tonics, I’m sure the reality was that I looked a graceless, bumbling mess.
I was talking to drummer Rich Agren after Swift Technique’s second set when a man wearing a Miami Dolphins hat adorned with various buttons and a shirt fashioned from the print of a swirling American flag and the script of the Constitution came up to us. “That was great, really,” he started. “I’m over 50 years old and I loved it, but you need to throw the crowd a bone every once in a while. Your original stuff is great, but you have to throw the crowd a Kid Rock or a Faith No More.” I walked away trying to imagine a funk version of “Epic” or “Bawitdaba.”
Still, he had a good point. I had noticed two girls dancing after my opening performance, one of whom our group agreed could pass for no more than 16, but I later heard exclaim, “It’s my 21st birthday!” The point is that there was at least a 30-year age gap between the two. Everyone at Cabanas was loving this band.
Their talent was undoubted. During one of Jake Leschinkshy’s numerous bass solos, my friend Tanya Zotova remarked, “I didn’t know you could play the bass like a guitar.” Beyond the quality of the music, the band emanated an infectious energy. Trumpeter Matt Fischer danced across the stage and floor between playing and shouting the horn section’s response of catchy, antiphony vocal arrangements.
Kacey Hofstetter obviously felt the energy because as I went to order a round of seven Soco and Lime shots her friend, Holly Knapp, said, “Just make it six. Kacey is already pole dancing.” I turned and saw Kacey swinging around the square column in front of the stage.
Swift Technique (hailing from “Illadelphia”) are a great up-and-coming band. They had plans to make it back out this summer, and hopefully Will Knapp, Marketing and Promotions Director at Cabanas, managed to convince them to make it back for the Singer Songwriter Festival. Everyone should try and see them.
When I went to sign off on my tab, Laura Zeitler leaned over my shoulder and said, “Wow, that’s a pretty hefty bar tab.”
“It comes with the territory,” I thought. Though, in truth, it was a relatively easy night on my wallet.
- Dan Mathers -
Bronx priest Rev. Andrew O'Connor gives fashion design an organic twist (w/ Swift Technique)
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Goods for Conscience Charity Fashion Show w/ Swift Technique @ the Greg Lord Studio 12.03.09 ...Goods for Conscience
Charity Fashion Show
w/ Swift Technique
@ the Greg Lord Studio
12.03.09
"At a show at the Greg Lord Studio on W. 26 St., the other night where Swift Technique played, fashionistas sporting $300 shades raved about a cowlneck blouse that reverses to a bateau; khaki trousers draped like gabardine with a peekaboo of tattersal; a man's deep blue shirt with indigo and the very cool "Bronx Blazer," with lapels that snap over the throat." -
Swift Technque, "Original Sound and Dizzying Presence" - 11.10.09
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"Swift Technique, a six-piece band equipped with their own power horn section, broke through the clu..."Swift Technique, a six-piece band equipped with their own power horn section, broke through the clutter of the Philly music scene two years ago, mixing funk, soul and a touch of hip hop. Noted for their original sound and dizzying presence, they have been breaking into a spectrum of diverse music lovers."
- A. Marie, Deli Magazine Philadelphia Nov. 10th 2009
http://www.thedelimagazine.com/philadelphia/ -
Swift Technique surprises and energizes - 5.18.09
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The Wonderland Ballroom" is one of my favorite bars in Northwest DC. I spent much of 2007 and 2008 ...The Wonderland Ballroom" is one of my favorite bars in Northwest DC. I spent much of 2007 and 2008 living in a basement apartment up on 14th St. NW -- about a mile and a half away from the neighborhood bar, which is located on the corner of Kenyon and 11th St. NW. "Wonderland" used to be the first place I'd stop at on my way out for the evening or the last spot I'd stop at on my home. There are many reasons to like the bar: it's got a laid back attitude -- one which is set by the friendly bartenders, bouncers, and other employees of the establishment. It sits alone -- a real neighborhood bar, in the truest sense of the word.
There is a patio that sprawls out from the side door; a perfect spot for a happy hour date or meeting with friends on a warm Spring evening. The sun sets just over a soccer field, across the street. On most evening nights -- Spring through Fall -- men play pick-up games on on the large field. During the weekend, the games start earlier and they all play longer. The patio is a favorite spot for many 20 and 30 somethings, who generally comprise the bar's population. More than half are from the Columbia Heights neighborhood which surrounds the bar.
On the weekends, the bar is generally filled to capacity, or somewhere near it. A friend and I have always noticed how there seem to be a few regulars, but other than that, there's a different crowd just about every weekend night. The two-floor establishment features a jukebox and booths, with couches on either side -- seemingly removed from back seats from different vans and caravans. The bar is generally crowded, but there's more of a chance of getting into a conversation downstairs than upstairs. The second floor is packed on Friday and Saturday nights -- the closer one gets to the DJ, the hotter the temperature rises. Upstairs in the back, there is another bar, probably a bit less frantic than on the first floor, but crowded, just the same. DJ's spin different types of dance music -- from Hip-Hop and Crunk, to House and Disco, depending on who's in charge of the steel wheels on any given night.
During my many nights frequenting this bar, there's NEVER been a live band that has even come close to grabbing my attention for more than a moment or two. During the week, they have various acts perform, usually on the second floor. The short ceiling and limited room don't make it a great place for a band to perform -- the acoustics are far from ideal. On the night of Thursday April 23rd, this stereotype of mediocre musical talent changed. There was a band playing upstairs who I'd never seen or heard before. They had three brass players: Matt "Fish" Fischer on Trombone, Alex Roysdon on Alto Saxophone, and Greg Rosen on Trumpet. Behind the brass section, three others kept the the rhythm and percussion driving throughout their two-set performance: Andy Bree on Electric Guitar (playing both rhythm and lead); Jake Leschinsky on Electric Bass (whose Flea-like solos without a pick made my fingers hurt just watching); and Rich Agren, who used every inch of his Jazz Drums -- amazing the audience with the sounds he was able to get off such a minimal drum kit . Right away, I noticed that the crowd was engaged with not only the energized showmanship, but also the great songs and various solos that the band pulled out time and again.
Barring the 9:30 Club, which really only attracts big-time, national acts these days, "Swift Technique" (an appropriate name for this group) was one of the tightest, most original acts I'd seen in The District in a long time. With one microphone -- front and center -- the brass players seemed to trade off, each dancing when not soloing or accompanying the others. "The Temptations" would have been proud!
They managed to work the Thursday night crowd into a bit of a frenzy by the time they took a quick intermission. Outside on the patio, I approached Jake and Matt ("Fish") to pass on my approval and appreciation for their act. I found them to be friendly, passionate musicians. They informed me that they had driven down from Philadelphia for the gig and planned on loading up their van and driving back up that very same night. I exchanged some general information with the guys. I didn't sense one bit of pretension from any of them while we spoke. How refreshing!
Their second set didn't disappoint. Sean McCann (MC/Vocals) led the way through a few numbers, but also stepped aside on others, content to just sit -- or dance -- and watch his friends play to the cheering crowd. I figured that there had to be somewhat of a weak link in the band -- they were all talented. I have to say, though, that as they passed solo's around, jamming in what can only be described as a free-form, jazzy, hip-hop sound -- "Swift Technique" is not an easy band to pigeon-hole. Many different musical influences were present, but they didn't sound like any one group I've ever heard. Instead, it was more like a self-contained musical free-for-all. Everyone got their chance, but they all played for the greater good: the band itself. The only comparison I can think of -- though not sonically -- but more in the way they shared talent and the spotlight, would have to be "The Hawks," Ronnie Hawkins backing band in the days of Rockabilly. "The Hawks" went on to back Bob Dylan and eventually change their name to none other than "The Band."
There was no sense of ego. The impression that came across was that of seven individuals working towards one common goal: to let the music do the talking and the reviewers do the labeling. Around and around they went, each member soloing, showing off their chops, but nothing over-the-top. No competitiveness -- they brought each other up to another level.
After the show, Jake let me in on some names of a few songs which have become staples in their sets, like 'Takin' it Back', 'Swift Technique', 'Rollin on the 'El', 'Chief' and 'Jermaine's the Name'." He went on to inform me that "Jermaine" is played in their promo video on their MySpace Page (www.myspace.com/swifttechnique).
Fortunately, I was able to keep in touch with "Swift Technique" through a series of emails, in the weeks that followed. Bassist, Jake Leschinsky, helped me get a better feel for how the band came together when responding to one of my messages: "Basically, Sean (McCann) and I met at a basement party in North Philly near Temple University," he stated. "I was playing in the house band, and Sean came to hop on the mic. He had a band and was looking for a bass player at the the time, and I was looking to hook up with a vocalist. Right around this time, we started writing music together in the North Philly area," he continued. "I'd played with and known (Guitarist) Andy Bree for 15+ years, and we had started playing with (Drummer) Rich Agren when we got to college. Eventually, Sean and I brought some of the music we wrote to Rich and Andy and we put the foundation in place. Rich then recruited Alex Roysdon and Matt "Fish" Fischer to play, and they began working on the horn parts to all the music. This was about 2 years ago -- then we added our trumpet player, Greg, about a year later. It's tough to find quality horn players in a school or professional environment that really want to be a part of a band these days. We're lucky because these guys are devoted to the group. We all contribute equally to the overall sound. I think that's a special thing for a seven piece group." -
Experimental Band Brings the Funk - 4.28.09
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The Roots should watch out. Swift Technique is exactly the type of harvest you’d expect to reap from...The Roots should watch out. Swift Technique is exactly the type of harvest you’d expect to reap from a purely organic, Philadelphia funk band. But truth be told, the band’s only half in bloom.
The seven-piece funk group, Swift Technique, has performed on Temple’s campus numerous times, including shows at The Cherry Pit, Maxi’s and a recent performance at the Bell Tower during Spring Fling (Kevin Cook/TTN).
“Our music is kind of like a pleasant slap in the face,” said lead vocalist Sean McCann. “It’s surprising but still beautifully poetic.”
Ranked by Deli Magazine as one of the top 10 bands in Philly after playing at a block party near South Street for local entertainment and fashion elite, Swift Technique seems to be on the up-and-up.
So far, the band has played nearly 90 gigs, and the invitations keep coming in.
The seven-member band has been operating as a unit for about two years. Members of the vocal, drum, guitar and horn sections make up one tight group that produces its music together.
Hence, the group has the ability to improvise on stage, as audience members at the Cherry Pit witnessed at the band’s April 10 show. Swift Technique’s instrumentals are strong on some tracks, often evoking strong emotion from audience members.
When it comes to the Philly experience, members of Swift Technique are alchemists – turning rough, blue-collar history into inspirational art.
McCann has worked in carpentry his whole life and now works as a mechanic, fixing pool covers for notable moneymakers like Jon Bon Jovi.
But hold onto any accusations of nepotism. Swift Technique has been recording all its music independently. The band combines compelling lyrics with strings, thick bass and funky, jazzy horns. “Recording has been a struggle,” said junior BTMM major Jake Leschinsky, bass player for the band. “We’ve done most of our work with small, independent recording studios or out of our friends’ homes, but since there is seven of us, it’s hard to find a place that can fit all of us.”
Swift Technique doesn’t have a full album compiled yet, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing down the group’s momentum. Students might be familiar with the band since its members more recently took home the first place title at the sold-out Temple and TUVonline.com collaborative event, Battle of the Best. The group also played on stage during last Wednesday’s Spring Fling festival.
Quentin Williams can be reached at quentin@temple.edu.
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Philly.com - Swift Technique - 11.29.08
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Few bands embody the soul and showmanship needed to be a true funk band. The Swift Technique is one ...Few bands embody the soul and showmanship needed to be a true funk band. The Swift Technique is one of those few. They play straight up funk, and are damn good at it. I caught up with them at the Tin Angel and watched as they delivered one of the best performances I've seen in a while. The power behind their music is intensified by their stage presence, and gives them an edge over many other bands fronted by MCs.
The Swift Technique is Jake Leschinsky, bass, Andy Bree, guitar, Rich Agren, drums, Alex Roysdon, alto sax, Greg Rosen, Trumpet, and Matt Fischer on trombone. The band is fronted by lyricist and MC Sean McCann, however he was not present at the Tin Angel show. They played an instrumental set and demonstrated just how good of musicians they really are. These guys are relatively new on the Philly scene, but have grown their music and stage show into something they can really be proud of.
The band came together when founding members Leschinsky and McCann met at a basement party at Temple University. Both were looking to start a band, and realized that they could give each other what they were looking for. They envisioned a sort of James Brown format, and sought out the proper musicians to make this possible. Leschinsky turned to his friend and U. Arts student Andy Bree to play guitar.
Bree recruited musicians from U. Arts to join the band. They found a drummer, but the hard part was finding a horn section devoted to being a part of a band. "It didn't seem like many kids were into putting a band together and sticking with the same group of people," said Leschinsky. "We were lucky that the horns that ended up joining had that mentality, they really viewed themselves as a part of the group and not just a horn section."
While many bands struggle to find a balance between rock and rap, this band is straying farther from the hip hop genre, and progressing into a more refined soul and funk band. "Our genre is organic, purely Philadelphia," said McCann. "It's a collection of all the guys in the band…It's as real as it could be."
This transition is particularly evident when no vocals are present, but that doesn't mean McCann isn't on board with the rest of the group. "I try to incorporate the whole band when we play…It's not just me as a front man," said McCann." I try to involve every aspect of our band…You know, put the horns at the fore front, where as other MCs out shadow the other parts of the band." Leschinsky agrees. "The thing that really separates our singer is that he has a good singing voice as well," he said. "Collectively as a group I think we are naturally moving toward a soul/funk band rather than just hip hop."
One of my favorite songs is the self titled "The Swift Technique." The recorded version features McCann on vocals, but it was played as an instrumental that evening. It opens with some very soft melodic bass chords before the rest of the band joins, and the horn section lays down the head. During the breakdowns, the horn section crouches simultaneously, and brings the volume down to the floor with them. They slowly stand back up, swinging their horns from side to side until they explode back into the same melody the song began with. They continue to do this throughout their set. This really makes their show more of a performance, as opposed to six musicians playing their instruments.
With no vocals, the soloing possibilities are endless. In the final tune, each member was called upon to lay down some defining licks. They each took turns playing their hearts out, much to the audiences delight. Even though the last song went on for what seemed like 20 minutes, I felt like their set was too short, and I wanted more.
Currently the band is putting together a tour of the Northeast up to New England with some possible dates down south as well. They've got an EP, and are working on putting together a full length LP. Even though the band wants to break out of the Philly scene, Leschinsky believes the talent and musicianship found in this area is comparable to any other city in the country. However, with all the great music here in Philadelphia, he feels that the support for these budding bands is not always there. "You can't deny good music," said Leschinsky. "There's just so much good music being made right now, and it's not necessarily being recognized, so tell your friends, spread the word." -
Oct. Swift Technique @ World Cafe Live Upstairs - Oct/2008
[+ Show ]
Oct. Swift Technique @ World Cafe Live Upstairs "My biggest holy sh*t live moment of the year when ...Oct. Swift Technique @ World Cafe Live Upstairs
"My biggest holy sh*t live moment of the year when I just happened to be at World Cafe Live where Swift Technique was playing a showcase set. Absolutely amazing, They blew me away with what’s best described as a horn infused blend of funk and hip hop. One of the tightest bands I have ever seen. Their set at the November Bag Of Songs night was equally as impressive and left quite a few more believers in it’s wake. Watch for these guys to explode in 2009 as the word spreads."
Setlist
Swift Technique's current originals repertoire:
Swift Technique (Self Titled)
Chief
Sugar
Lifted
When Your Hot
Takin’ It Back
Rollin On The El’
On a Mission
Who Ya’ With?
Lone Wolf
Trophy Roll Call
Capicolla
Grateful Entertainer
Distant Connection
Route 1 to Route 1
Word Is Bond
Jermaine's the Name
European Trips
Let Me Get That Bike
Capital B
Jungle Groove
Newsies
Maintaining A Balance
Sir Funk
Basic Requirements
Calendar
| Date | Time | Venue | City | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2012 Friday | 10:00 PM | Reggie's Rock Club | Chicago, IL, US | |
| May 30, 2012 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Wilbert's Food & Music | Cleveland, OH, US | |
| Jun 2, 2012 Saturday | 8:00 PM | ArtsQuest | Bethlehem, PA, US | |
| Jun 8, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | Snugs Harbor | New Paltz, NY, US | |
| Jun 13, 2012 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Jun 14, 2012 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Boone Saloon | Boone, NC, US | |
| Jun 17, 2012 Sunday | 4:00 PM | Motorco Music Hall | Durham, NC, US | |
| Jun 19, 2012 Tuesday | 9:00 PM | Blind Tiger | Greensboro, NC, US | |
| Jun 20, 2012 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | The One Stop | Asheville, NC, US | |
| Jun 21, 2012 Thursday | 9:00 PM | The Camel | Richmond, VA, US | |
| Jun 23, 2012 Saturday | 9:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Jun 29, 2012 Friday | 7:00 PM | The Philadelphia Experiment Festival | Darlington, MD, US | |
| Jul 27, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | The 8x10 | Baltimore, MD, US |
| Date | Time | Venue | City | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2012 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Johnny Brenda's | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 2, 2012 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Sullivan Hall | New York, NY, US | |
| Apr 28, 2012 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Inferno | Brattleboro, VT, US | |
| Apr 27, 2012 Friday | 10:00 PM | Black Door Bar and Bistro | Montpelier, VT, US | |
| Apr 21, 2012 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Bacchus | New Paltz, NY, US | |
| Apr 20, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | Red Square | Albany, NY, US | |
| Mar 31, 2012 Saturday | 10:00 PM | The Spot Underground | Providence, RI, US | |
| Mar 30, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | Black Door Bar and Bistro | Montpelier, VT, US | |
| Mar 8, 2012 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Arlene's Grocery | New York, NY, US | |
| Feb 21, 2012 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Feb 4, 2012 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Bishop's Lounge | Northampton, MA, US | |
| Feb 3, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | Black Door Bar and Bistro | Montpelier, VT, US | |
| Jan 27, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Velvet Lounge | East Setauket, NY, US | |
| Jan 21, 2012 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Palombaro Club | Ardmore, PA, US |  |
| Music for the Arts Breast Cancer Benefit | ||||
| Jan 13, 2012 Friday | 9:00 PM | Kung Fu Necktie | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Jan 12, 2012 Thursday | 7:30 PM | The Whiskey | Annapolis, MD, US | |
| Jan 11, 2012 Wednesday | 10:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Dec 31, 2011 Saturday | 9:00 PM | 92Y Tribeca | New York, NY, US | |
| NYE in NYC | ||||
| Dec 23, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Hard Rock Cafe | Boston, MA, US | |
| Dec 13, 2011 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Dec 2, 2011 Friday | 9:00 PM | Shadow Lounge | Pittsburgh, PA, US | |
| Nov 30, 2011 Wednesday | 11:00 PM | Underground Wonder Bar | Chicago, IL, US | |
| Nov 29, 2011 Tuesday | 10:00 PM | Double Door | Chicago, IL, US | |
| Nov 26, 2011 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Nov 23, 2011 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | Sullivan Hall | New York, NY, US | |
| Nov 4, 2011 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Oct 28, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Oct 22, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Nectar's | Burlington, VT, US | |
| Oct 21, 2011 Friday | 10:00 PM | Copperfields | Boston, MA, US | |
| Oct 19, 2011 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| w/ Questlove | ||||
| Oct 6, 2011 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Rock N Roll Hotel | Washington, DC, US | |
| Sep 21, 2011 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Sep 17, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | The Electric Company | Utica, NY, US | |
| Sep 16, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Funk 'N Waffles | Syracuse, NY, US | |
| Sep 15, 2011 Thursday | 8:00 PM | UMAF (Utica Music Festival 2011) | Utica, NY, US | |
| Sep 10, 2011 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Rocks Off Concert Cruise | New York, NY, US | |
| Sep 3, 2011 Saturday | 10:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Aug 27, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Snipes Farm | Philadelphia, US | |
| Aug 24, 2011 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Kung Fu Necktie | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Aug 17, 2011 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Club Metronome | Burlington, VT, US | |
| Aug 12, 2011 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Spot Underground | Providence, RI, US | |
| Aug 11, 2011 Thursday | 9:00 PM | The Middle East (Upstairs) | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| Aug 11, 2011 Thursday | 9:00 PM | The Middle East (Upstairs) | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| Jul 16, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Jul 14, 2011 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Hiro Ballroom | New York, NY, US | |
| Jun 29, 2011 Wednesday | 10:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Jun 25, 2011 Saturday | 10:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Jun 18, 2011 Saturday | 3:00 PM | Carroll Park - BoCoCa Arts Fest | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| Jun 5, 2011 Sunday | 7:00 PM | The Theater of the Living Arts (TLA) | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 27, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Shadow Lounge | Pittsburgh, PA, US | |
| May 26, 2011 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Mad Frog, The | Cincinnati, OH, US | |
| May 25, 2011 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Double Door | Chicago, IL, US | |
| May 22, 2011 Sunday | 8:00 PM | Private Event @ Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT, US | |
| May 21, 2011 Saturday | 12:00 PM | Private Event | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 7, 2011 Saturday | 1:00 PM | Market Street Live - Philly | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Apr 30, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Sullivan Hall | New York, NY, US | |
| Apr 23, 2011 Saturday | 9:00 PM | The Draught Horse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Apr 22, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | The Velvet Lounge | East Setauket, NY, US | |
| Apr 20, 2011 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | The Grape Room | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Apr 9, 2011 Saturday | 3:00 PM | Market Street Live! | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Apr 1, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Inferno | Brattleboro, VT, US | |
| Mar 31, 2011 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Nectar's | Burlington, VT, US | |
| Mar 26, 2011 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Mar 24, 2011 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Mad River Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Mar 19, 2011 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Gutierrez Studios | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| Mar 18, 2011 Friday | 7:00 PM | Rock and Roll Hotel | Washington, DC, US | |
| Mar 5, 2011 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Uptown Theatre | Utica, NY, US | |
| Mar 4, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Funk 'N Waffles | Syracuse, NY, US | |
| Feb 26, 2011 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Velvet Lounge | East Setauket, NY, US | |
| Feb 25, 2011 Friday | 11:45 PM | Sullivan Hall | New York, NY, US | |
| Feb 10, 2011 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ, US | |
| Feb 9, 2011 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Feb 4, 2011 Friday | 8:00 PM | Kenny's Castaways | New York, NY, US | |
| Jan 15, 2011 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Awful Arthur's - Towers | Roanoke, VA, US | |
| Jan 1, 2011 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Sherman Theater | Stroudsburg, PA, US | |
| Dec 29, 2010 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Dec 18, 2010 Saturday | 11:45 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Dec 17, 2010 Friday | 9:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Dec 15, 2010 Wednesday | 5:00 PM | Philadelphia City Hall | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Nov 20, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | The Fire | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Nov 19, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Nov 18, 2010 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Philly International Records (TSOP) | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Nov 10, 2010 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Rock n' Roll Hotel | , DC, US | |
| Nov 10, 2010 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Rock n' Roll Hotel | , DC, US | |
| Oct 31, 2010 Sunday | 9:00 PM | Rose Live Music | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| Oct 30, 2010 Saturday | 5:00 PM | South Philly Block Party | South Philadelphia, US | |
| Oct 29, 2010 Friday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Oct 28, 2010 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Hamilton College - 198 College Hill Road | Clinton, NY, US | |
| Oct 16, 2010 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Smiling Moose | Pittsburgh, PA, US | |
| Oct 15, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Shadow Lounge | Pittsburgh, PA, US | |
| Oct 9, 2010 Saturday | 6:00 PM | Connie's RIc Rac | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Oct 2, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | The Rookery | Washinton, DC, US | |
| Oct 2, 2010 Saturday | 12:00 PM | Time | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Sep 30, 2010 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Recher Theatre | Towson, MD, US | |
| Sep 3, 2010 Friday | 9:00 PM | Awful Arthur's - Towers | Roanoke, VA, US | |
| Sep 2, 2010 Thursday | 10:00 PM | The Elbow Room | Columbia, SC, US | |
| Aug 28, 2010 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Aug 13, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Salem County Fairgrounds - 735 Rt. 40 | Woodstown, NJ, US | |
| Aug 6, 2010 Friday | 8:00 PM | The Chilly Ranch | Albany, VT, US | |
| Jul 28, 2010 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Jul 21, 2010 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | The T-Burg Pourhouse | Trumansburg, NY, US | |
| Jul 17, 2010 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Public Assembly | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| Jul 4, 2010 Sunday | 12:00 PM | PEX Summer Festival | Darlington, MD, US | |
| Jul 3, 2010 Saturday | 2:00 PM | 219 Mercer St. | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Jul 2, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Jul 1, 2010 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Goodbye Blue Monday | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| Jun 30, 2010 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Church | Boston, MA, US | |
| Jun 12, 2010 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Cabana's | Cape May, NJ, US | |
| Jun 11, 2010 Friday | 9:00 PM | Millcreek Tavern | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 22, 2010 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Brooklyn Bowl | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| May 21, 2010 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Fire | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 14, 2010 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Blockley Pourhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| supporting the Blue Method for Swift Technique's first performance at the Blockley Pourhouse in West Philly. | ||||
| May 8, 2010 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Lickety Split | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| May 7, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Bar East | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique Presents - BR and Timebomb Swift Technique other special guests TBA | ||||
| Apr 23, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Penn State | State College, PA, US | |
| Private Event at Penn State for Blue and White Weekend | ||||
| Apr 17, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Mixx | Villanova, PA, US | |
| First performance in Villanova. | ||||
| Apr 10, 2010 Saturday | 9:00 PM | The Elbow Room | Columbia, SC, US | |
| First performance in South Carolina. Rescheduled from Winter '09. | ||||
| Apr 9, 2010 Friday | 8:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Swift Technique's first stop through DC in 2010! | ||||
| Apr 3, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | All Asia | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| First stop through the Boston area in Spring '10. | ||||
| Apr 3, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | LaSalle University | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Private event at LaSalle University in Philadelphia | ||||
| Apr 1, 2010 Thursday | 10:00 PM | National Underground | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique's first performance at the National Underground, downtown in Manhattan. | ||||
| Mar 20, 2010 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Late set from 1 - 3 w/ Swift Technique. | ||||
| Mar 19, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Cabana's | Cape May, NJ, US | |
| 3 sets w/ Swift Technique in Cape May. | ||||
| Mar 13, 2010 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Cabana's | Cape May, NJ, US | |
| Three sets w/ Swift Technique. First stop through Cape May in Spring 2010. | ||||
| Mar 12, 2010 Friday | 8:00 PM | The World Cafe Live (Downstairs) | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Philly's finest live music venue and restaurant. w/ Black Landlord and the Hustle. | ||||
| Feb 26, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | Awful Arthur's | Roanoke, VA, US | |
| First appearance in Virginia. | ||||
| Feb 20, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | MarBar | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| MarBar February follow up show sponsored by Ropeadeope. W/ the Groovement | ||||
| Feb 11, 2010 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Joe Squared | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| Thursday nights hosted by 2econd N8ture | ||||
| Feb 6, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Private Party | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Private Party in Philadelphia, PA | ||||
| Jan 29, 2010 Friday | 10:00 PM | MarBar | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Ropeadope Friday Night Jam in West Philly. | ||||
| Jan 22, 2010 Friday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique at the historic Bitter End in the East Village! | ||||
| Jan 9, 2010 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Bowery Poetry Club | New York, NY, US | |
| Supporting BR and Timebomb in Swift Technique's first show at the Bowery Poetry Club. | ||||
| Dec 31, 2009 Thursday | 11:00 PM | Marathon Grill | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| NYE w/ Swift Technique | ||||
| Dec 27, 2009 Sunday | 9:00 PM | The World Cafe | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Tech's first appearance at the World Cafe in over a year! | ||||
| Dec 27, 2009 Sunday | 8:00 PM | The World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| First appearance at the WCL in over a year! | ||||
| Dec 19, 2009 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Awful Arthur's | Salem, VA, US | |
| Winter Tour continues in Salem, VA. | ||||
| Dec 18, 2009 Friday | 9:00 PM | Awful Arthur's | Roanoke, VA, US | |
| First appearance in Roanoke. | ||||
| Dec 17, 2009 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Joe Squared | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| Kicking off Winter Southern Tour in Baltimore, MD. | ||||
| Dec 13, 2009 Sunday | 9:00 PM | Harper's Ferry | Boston, MA, US | |
| First appearance at Harper's Ferry. | ||||
| Dec 3, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Private Party | New York, NY, US | |
| Fashion Show in Manhattan. | ||||
| Nov 28, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Cabanas | Cape May, NJ, US | |
| First performance at the Jersey Shore. | ||||
| Nov 25, 2009 Wednesday | 12:00 PM | Time | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Thanksgiving show in Center City Phila | ||||
| Nov 15, 2009 Sunday | 9:00 PM | Fieldhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Roller Derby National Conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center | ||||
| Nov 14, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Private Party | New York, NY, US | |
| Private Party in NYC | ||||
| Nov 10, 2009 Tuesday | 10:00 PM | Silk City | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| First performance at Silk City, w/ SELA | ||||
| Nov 4, 2009 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Joe Squared | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| w/ 2econd N8ture | ||||
| Oct 30, 2009 Friday | 11:00 PM | Marathon | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Mischief night in Philly, with DJ Handsome Sam. | ||||
| Oct 29, 2009 Thursday | 8:00 PM | R Bar | New York, NY, US | |
| Happy Hour Set w/ HeyLady | ||||
| Oct 23, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Goodbye Blue Monday | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| First performance in Brooklyn. | ||||
| Oct 23, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Goodbye Blue Monday | Brooklyn, NY, US | |
| First performance in Brooklyn. | ||||
| Oct 17, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT, US | |
| Second performance at Wesleyan University | ||||
| Oct 16, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | All Asia | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| First Boston area show of the Fall. | ||||
| Oct 9, 2009 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Red and the Black | Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| First performance at the Red and the Black. W/ Andalusian Dog and other guests TBA. | ||||
| Oct 8, 2009 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Joe Squared | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| w/ 2econd N8ture | ||||
| Oct 3, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| w/ Days of Wild | ||||
| Oct 2, 2009 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cherry Pit | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| w/ All Crazy | ||||
| Sep 18, 2009 Friday | 8:00 PM | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Welcome Week Event | ||||
| Sep 12, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 PM | Private Party | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Private Party at Temple University | ||||
| Sep 9, 2009 Wednesday | 11:00 PM | The North Star Bar | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Blame Drew's Cancer and Livestrong Benefit Show | ||||
| Sep 5, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | The Tiberino Museum | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Sean's Birthday Party | ||||
| Aug 29, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Opening for Keri Hilson @ McGonigle Hall Temple University for Welcome Week | ||||
| Aug 28, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Private Party | Hopewell, NJ, US | |
| 8/28 Party @ the 828 House | ||||
| Aug 27, 2009 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Time | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Thursday Night Hosted by Swift Technique @ Time in Center City Phila | ||||
| Aug 12, 2009 Wednesday | 10:00 PM | Joe Squared | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| w/ 2econd N8ture | ||||
| Aug 7, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Muggs | Doylestown, PA, US | |
| 2 sets w/ Swift Technique, first performance in Doylestown | ||||
| Aug 6, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Outdoor Set. Final DC Performance of Summer '09 | ||||
| Aug 5, 2009 Wednesday | 8:00 PM | The 8X10 | Baltimore, MD, US | |
| w/ Grilled Lincolns | ||||
| Aug 1, 2009 Saturday | 12:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Steely Dan After Party | ||||
| Aug 1, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 AM | Snipes Farm | Morrisville, PA, US | |
| Muddy River Jam Festival, featuring Swift Technique, Telepath, The Juice, Bodega and others. | ||||
| Jul 4, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 AM | PEX Summer Festival | Darlington, MD, US | |
| Philadelphia Experiment Summer Festival @ Ramblewood | ||||
| Jul 3, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | All Asia | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| CNC Music Productions Presents | ||||
| Jul 3, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | All Asia | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| CNC Music Productions Presents | ||||
| Jul 2, 2009 Thursday | 7:00 PM | The Pourhouse | Ithaca, NY, US | |
| First performance at the Pourhouse in Ithaca. Two Sets | ||||
| Jun 28, 2009 Sunday | 9:00 PM | Theatre of the Living Arts | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| w/ Black Landlord. First appearance at the TLA | ||||
| Jun 28, 2009 Sunday | 8:00 PM | Dave and Buster's | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Phila Indie Film Festival Wrap Party, w/ Black Landlord | ||||
| Jun 27, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York City, NY, US | |
| w/ Days of Wild, P.I.C, Soulfatronic and others | ||||
| Jun 26, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Tiberino Museum | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Hosted by Swift Technique | ||||
| Jun 19, 2009 Friday | 8:00 PM | The Piazza at Schmidts | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Philadelphia's new, "80000 square foot plaza where culture and community converge." | ||||
| Jun 10, 2009 Wednesday | 10:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| w/ Special Guests TBA | ||||
| Jun 6, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 AM | Dragon Boat Regatta | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Philadelphia Dragon Boat Regatta @ Boat House Row on the River | ||||
| May 28, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Time | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique hosts Thursday night, May 7th, in the Bohemian Lounge @ Time in Center city Philly. | ||||
| May 23, 2009 Saturday | 9:00 PM | PJ Henry's | Ardmore, PA, US | |
| First appearance at PJ Henry's. | ||||
| May 21, 2009 Thursday | 10:00 PM | The Western Front | Cambridge, MA, US | |
| w/ Business for Pleasure | ||||
| May 16, 2009 Saturday | 11:00 PM | Uncle Mike's | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique @ Uncle Mike's in Tribeca. | ||||
| May 9, 2009 Saturday | 3:00 PM | Private Party | Ashland, MA, US | |
| Private Party on campground 20 minutes outside of Boston. | ||||
| May 2, 2009 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Catch 22 | Greenville, NC, US | |
| Swift Technique's debut appearance in North Carolina. | ||||
| Apr 30, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Bill's Bar | Boston, MA, US | |
| First appearance at Bill's Bar in Boston. W/ Dopapod | ||||
| Apr 24, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Marathon | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Phila Film Market Launch After Party in Center City. Open to public | ||||
| Apr 24, 2009 Friday | 7:00 PM | Yards Brewery | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Philadelphia Film Market Launch Party. Closed to public | ||||
| Apr 23, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | NW Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| Headlining set at the Wonderland Ballroom in D.C. | ||||
| Apr 18, 2009 Saturday | 5:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| All day private party at the Sigma Epsilon house at UPenn. | ||||
| Apr 10, 2009 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cherry Pit | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| w/ Blue Sinatra | ||||
| Apr 3, 2009 Friday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Two late sets at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village. | ||||
| Mar 28, 2009 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Lansing High School | Ithaca, NY, US | |
| Fundraiser show at Lansing High School. | ||||
| Mar 27, 2009 Friday | 9:00 PM | All Asia Club | Boston, MA, US | |
| All Asia Club in Cambridge MASS, featuring other local Funk Groups. | ||||
| Mar 14, 2009 Saturday | 9:30 PM | Johnny Brenda's | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| supporting Black Landlord | ||||
| Mar 11, 2009 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Milkboy Coffee | Ardmore, PA, US | |
| Taking it back to Andy and Jake's hometown for a start of spring show. | ||||
| Feb 21, 2009 Saturday | 9:00 PM | The Cherry Pit | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Owl Drop Presents: Swift Technique The Once Was | ||||
| Feb 18, 2009 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Bootlegger's | Woodlyn, PA, US | |
| Original music Wednesday's at Bootleggers, with Da Rezarekt! | ||||
| Feb 13, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Uncle Mike's | New York, NY, US | |
| First appearance at Uncle Mike's in the Tribeca section of NYC. | ||||
| Feb 10, 2009 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | The North Star Bar | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Performing as part of a new music showcase at the North Star Bar, presented by HeyDay Entertainment. | ||||
| Feb 5, 2009 Thursday | 9:00 PM | PhilaLIVE at Patterson's Palace | Philaldphia, PA, US | |
| At Temple University | ||||
| Jan 29, 2009 Thursday | 10:00 PM | TIME | Philadlepiha, PA, US | |
| 13th and Samson | ||||
| Jan 23, 2009 Friday | 10:00 PM | Maxi's (Temple University) | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Two sets at Temple University's Maxi's Bar in the center of Liacouras Walk. | ||||
| Jan 14, 2009 Wednesday | 10:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Performing for the Sigma Epsilon fraternity at UPenn. | ||||
| Jan 10, 2009 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Lansing School | Ithaca, NY, US | |
| First appearance in Ithaca - band showcase fundraiser at the Lansing School. | ||||
| Jan 2, 2009 Friday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Late night set with Swift Technique at one of the Village's most historic establishments. | ||||
| Dec 27, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | All Asia Bar | Boston, MA, US | |
| Swift Technique's first appearance in Boston, MA at the All Asia Bar. | ||||
| Dec 18, 2008 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Time | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique set at the new bar and restaurant, Time, in Center City Philly. | ||||
| Dec 13, 2008 Saturday | 9:00 PM | 941 Theater | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Opening for Black Landlord in Northern Liberties at the 941 theater. | ||||
| Dec 5, 2008 Friday | 11:00 PM | The Society Hill Playhouse | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Formal appearance at the Society Hill Theater in Philadelphia. | ||||
| Dec 5, 2008 Friday | 8:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Supporting Boy Wonder for his birthday/CD release show. | ||||
| Dec 4, 2008 Thursday | 10:00 PM | The Wonderland Ballroom | Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| Swift Technique back in DC with the Black and Tan Fantasy Band. | ||||
| Nov 26, 2008 Wednesday | 9:00 PM | Milkboy Coffee | Ardmore, PA, US | |
| Thanksgiving with Swift Technique at Milkboy Coffee. | ||||
| Nov 25, 2008 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | Tin Angel | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| First performance at the Tin Angel, for a party celebrating our signing to Temple University's new label, The Owl Drop. | ||||
| Nov 15, 2008 Saturday | 8:00 PM | Private Party | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| email for info | ||||
| Nov 4, 2008 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | Private Election Party | Washington DC, DC, US | |
| Private Election Party in the nation's capital! | ||||
| Oct 30, 2008 Thursday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Back in NYC at the Bitter End for a Halloween party! | ||||
| Oct 18, 2008 Saturday | 4:00 PM | West Chester University | West Chester, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique's first performance at West Chester University for the Univeristy Homecoming. | ||||
| Oct 17, 2008 Friday | 11:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | University City, PA, US | |
| Kickin off the school year at UPENN. | ||||
| Oct 6, 2008 Monday | 9:00 PM | World Cafe Live (Upstairs) | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Philadelphia Grammy Recording Academy Kick Off Event | ||||
| Oct 6, 2008 Monday | 7:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadlephia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique will be performing at the Philadelphia Grammy Recording Academy Event. | ||||
| Oct 4, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | 941 | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Opening for local group Black Landlord at the warehouse 941 club in Northern Liberties. | ||||
| Sep 27, 2008 Saturday | 11:00 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique performing once again at one of Greenwich Village’s finest and most historic venues: The Bitter End. Swift Technique will be doing two late night sets after another Philly group: Edible Grey. | ||||
| Sep 26, 2008 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cherry Pit | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Opening for local band Downtown Harvest as part of live music Fridays at the Cherry Pit on Temple University’s Main Campus. | ||||
| Sep 25, 2008 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique back at Temple University for an outdoor homecoming performance. Stay tuned for more Temple private party performances, as well as other local colleges. | ||||
| Sep 23, 2008 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | The Trocadero Balcony | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Fundraiser show for New Orleans. | ||||
| Sep 20, 2008 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Friends' Central | Wynnewood, PA, US | |
| Outdoor music festival at local Philadelphia high school, featuring other local Philly acts TBA. | ||||
| Sep 14, 2008 Sunday | 2:00 AM | Chuck's Harvest Farm Festival | State College, PA, US | |
| Closing out Chuck's Harvest Farm Festival near Penn State Main Campus in State College. | ||||
| Sep 13, 2008 Saturday | 7:00 PM | Broad St. Ministry | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Avenue of the Arts Block Party in Philly from 5pm to 10pm, headlined by Swift Technique | ||||
| Sep 5, 2008 Friday | 9:00 PM | Tiger Shark's | Southampton, PA, US | |
| Performing near Fish’s hometown at Tiger Shark’s, a new live music venue located in the suburbs of Northeast Philly. Looking forward to seeing everybody out there! | ||||
| Aug 30, 2008 Saturday | 11:00 PM | Psi Upsilon Fraternity | Middletown, CT, US | |
| Swift Technique kicking off the school year at Wesleyan University in Conneticut for the Psi Upsilon Fraternity (XI Chpater). | ||||
| Aug 29, 2008 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Blackstone | Pawtucket, RI, US | |
| Opening for Stalemate for Swift Tech's first appearance in RI. | ||||
| Aug 28, 2008 Thursday | 10:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Kickin off the school year at the Sig Ep fraternity house at UPenn. | ||||
| Aug 19, 2008 Tuesday | 10:30 PM | O.N.E at Rittenhouse | Philadelpihia, PA, US | |
| Aug 6, 2008 Wednesday | 7:00 PM | Fontana's | New York, NY, US | |
| Back in NYC for a final summer performance in the city. | ||||
| Aug 2, 2008 Saturday | 9:00 PM | The Fire | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Opening for Orbit to Leslie (featuring Chris Wood of Grimace Federation) for our first appearance at the Fire in Northern Liberties. | ||||
| Jul 17, 2008 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Wonderland Ballroom | Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| Swift Technique back in D.C. for a dance party at the Wonderland Ballroom in the NW section of the city. | ||||
| Jul 11, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | Shocker's Pub | Fishtown, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique back in Fishtown for an all night party, with a DJ spinning between sets! | ||||
| Jul 5, 2008 Saturday | 11:30 PM | The Bitter End | New York, NY, US | |
| Swift Technique headlining at the historic Bitter End in Greenwich Village for a two set show! | ||||
| Jul 4, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | Lickety Split | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| July 4th Party with Swift Technique at Lickety Split on South St. in Philadelphia. | ||||
| Jun 28, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Doc Watson's | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Heading to South Philly with Spanish Blue. | ||||
| Jun 28, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Doc Watson's Pub | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| TruePhilly co-bill with Dephonic and Spanish Blue. | ||||
| Jun 27, 2008 Friday | 8:00 PM | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Back at World Cafe for a downstairs (Main Stage) Performance. | ||||
| Jun 27, 2008 Friday | 8:00 PM | World Cafe Live | University City, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique performing at Philadelphia's premiere live music venue: World Cafe Live Main Stage. | ||||
| Jun 13, 2008 Friday | 8:00 PM | Milkboy Coffee | Ardmore, PA, US | |
| Back in Swift Tech’s hometown, with old buddies The Great Divide...featuring Teddy Grossman. | ||||
| May 30, 2008 Friday | 9:00 PM | The Top 5 Bar and Grill | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique performing all night, presented by Tier 1 Entertainment. | ||||
| May 30, 2008 Friday | 11:00 AM | Friends Central | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Special all school performance at Philadelphia school Friends Central. | ||||
| May 24, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Doc Watson's | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Our first appearance at Doc Watson's, supporting Spanish Blue. | ||||
| May 16, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | Shocker's Pub | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| First appearance in Fishtown. | ||||
| May 16, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | Shocker's Pub | Fishtown, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique's first appearance in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Fishtown. | ||||
| May 9, 2008 Friday | 8:00 PM | Millcreek Tavern | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique with Spanish Blue and the Dave Quicks Band. | ||||
| May 2, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | Penn State Main Campus | State College, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique performing at a Private Party on Penn State's Main Campus in State College. | ||||
| May 1, 2008 Thursday | 9:00 PM | Belvedere Lounge | Collingdale, PA, US | |
| Original music showcase in Delco. | ||||
| Apr 23, 2008 Wednesday | 12:00 PM | Private Party | Manayunk, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique will be performing at a private party in Manayunk. | ||||
| Apr 18, 2008 Friday | 12:00 AM | SamStock Music Festival | State College, PA, US | |
| Swift Tech’s first trip to Penn State Main Campus, performing at the all day music festival SamStock. | ||||
| Apr 11, 2008 Friday | 5:00 PM | University of Pennsylvania | University City, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique appearing at UPenn's Spring Fling. | ||||
| Apr 10, 2008 Thursday | 10:00 PM | Grog and Tankard | Washington D.C., DC, US | |
| Swift Tech will be playing their first show in the D.C. metro area. The show will be the first of many east coast dates currently being planned for the summer. | ||||
| Apr 4, 2008 Friday | 12:00 PM | PhilaFunk | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| An early spring event with a huge lineup: Ropeadope Digital artist Bodega, Reggae group Trouble City All-Stars, and Benjamin Tinsley will start the night off. Swift Tech will be playing a late night set and ending a great night of music in West Philly. | ||||
| Mar 29, 2008 Saturday | 9:00 PM | Don Hill's | New York, NY, US | |
| Back in Greenwich Village at Don Hill's. | ||||
| Mar 21, 2008 Friday | 10:00 PM | The Cherry Pit | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Backyard Booking and Design presents: Swift Tech back at Temple University, supported by Spanish Blue and Benjamin Tinsley. | ||||
| Mar 15, 2008 Saturday | 12:00 PM | Milkboy Coffee | Ardmore, PA, US | |
| Swift Tech heading back to Jake and Andy's hometown for a spring break throwdown. | ||||
| Mar 3, 2008 Monday | 10:00 PM | The Mansion | Philadelphia, PA, US | |
| Swift Technique back in Rittenhouse Sqaure, supporting the HYPE! production group and Boy Wonder. | ||||
| Feb 9, 2008 Saturday | 10:00 PM | Private Party | N/A, PA, US | |
| N/A | ||||