PALM SWINGS
PALM SPRINGS, CA
Band Members
Aj Wilder
Brady Swank
Zack Blandon - Smalaj
Brandon Rivera
Drake Leuschner
Brandon Baez
Nathan May
Christian Nicholas
Casey Burke
Malakai Wilder
Truman Arteche
Contact Info
Email: palmswingsofficial@gmail.com
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Social Medias
Instagram: @palmswingsofficial
Facebook:
@palmswings
Youtube:
@palmswings
Tiktok:
@palm.swings
Background On Our Band!
Palm Swings is a modern swing band that originated from Palm Springs, California, with a unique history of collaboration among teens who share a love for swing music. The band aims to revive and popularize swing music in todays world, by performing at venues and posting music on social media! With inspiration by many swing band groups who had started up when swing came back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Palm Swings is covering songs by them as well as composing and arranging orginals to match a similar feel with a more modern and creative approach. The bands biggest inspiration is the band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy as it was the main contribtuion to getting us to take this seriously as well as start to strive in the right direction.
Aj Wilder
Operator/Organizer
Arranger/Transcriber
The Band
AJ Wilder is the founder of Palm Swings and serves as the band’s lead and screamer trumpet player. His musical journey began at the age of six with the piano, his primary instrument, and expanded in high school when he picked up the trumpet. Over time, AJ developed a deep appreciation for the instrument and has grown into a passionate and dynamic performer. Music has always been a powerful force in his life, and his love for it continues to evolve with every passing year. AJ has a particular passion for swing music, drawing inspiration from groups like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Motivated by the joy and energy their performances brought him, he founded Palm Swings with the goal of delivering that same excitement to audiences. His musical influences include acclaimed trumpet players such as Adam Rapa, Wayne Bergeron, Wynton Marsalis, Glen Marhevka, and Mitch Cooper. With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, AJ looks forward to the future of Palm Swings and is excited to continue this journey alongside his talented bandmates.
Zack Blandon-Smalaj
Zack Blandon-Smalaj is the lead trombone player for Palm Swings. At 17 years old, Zack has been playing trombone since the age of 11. His musical journey includes a notable early achievement—participating in the California All-State Symphonic Band at just 13 years old. Since then, he has remained active in his school’s jazz band as well as various local honor ensembles, continually refining his skills as a brass musician. In addition to his musical pursuits, Zack will be attending Rice University to study Mechanical Engineering. Despite his academic focus, he remains committed to Palm Swings and plans to continue contributing to the band’s future projects and performances.
Arranger/Transcriber
Drake Leuschner
Drake Leuschner, 17, is a dedicated saxophonist whose musical journey began at the age of seven with guitar lessons. At eleven, he discovered his true passion—the saxophone—and has since devoted himself fully to mastering the instrument. Drake’s commitment to music is reflected in his daily practice and deep engagement with jazz, drawing inspiration from legends such as Charlie Parker, Michael Brecker, Eric Marienthal, and Hank Mobley. Fulfilling a long-held dream of forming a band outside of school, Drake is proud to be a part of Palm Swings and considers it a defining chapter in his musical journey. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a college education in music to continue developing his craft and passion.
Brandon Baez
Arranger/Transcriber
Brandon Baez, 18, is the alto saxophonist for Palm Swings. While he is a versatile player capable of performing on baritone, tenor, and soprano saxophones, alto remains his preferred instrument. Brandon has always sought a way to continue his musical journey beyond high school, and Palm Swings has provided that opportunity. He finds great joy in performing with the group and values the camaraderie of making music together. For Brandon, one of the most rewarding aspects of being in Palm Swings is witnessing the audience’s reaction and energy during each performance.
Brandon Cruz
Brandon Rivera is a dedicated musician who has been playing the trombone for approximately four years. Throughout his musical journey, he has achieved significant honors, including selection for the CASMEC All-State Symphonic Band and the All-Southern Orchestra. In addition to the trombone, Brandon is a multi-instrumentalist proficient in guitar, bass, and drums, reflecting his deep passion for all aspects of music. For Brandon, being a part of Palm Swings is both a privilege and a highlight of his musical experience. He values every performance and the camaraderie shared with fellow members on stage. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue cherishing these moments and carrying the joy of music with him for years to come.
Christian Nicholas
Christian Nicholas, 19, is the drummer for Palm Swings and has been immersed in jazz from a young age. His natural rhythm and early love for music were evident even as a child, when he would tap along to songs on the radio from his car seat—an early sign that he was destined to become a drummer. Christian is passionate about continuing his musical journey and plans to pursue music as a meaningful side endeavor alongside his primary career. His dedication to drumming and love for jazz remain central to his identity as a musician and performer.
Truman Arteche
Truman Arteche moved to the Coachella Valley at the age of 8 and quickly grew to appreciate the area’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Shortly after relocating, he began guitar lessons at Marquee in Palm Springs and has now been singing for over five years. Truman’s passion for music is deeply rooted in his aspiration to become a choral professor. In addition to performing with Palm Swings, he is an active member of the choir at Saint Margaret’s Church, an experience that has played a significant role in shaping his vocal abilities. Through a scholarship awarded by his church, Truman has been able to further his musical education by pursuing both piano and vocal lessons, continuing to grow as a well-rounded musician.
Casey Burke
Casey Burke is a 17-year-old bassist for the band Palm Swings. He began playing bass at the age of 12, building on a musical foundation that started with piano lessons in the fourth grade. Initially inspired by an interest in DJing, Casey’s passion for music quickly evolved into a deep appreciation for jazz, which now serves as the primary influence behind his bass playing. He is especially drawn to swing music for its upbeat energy and the creative expression it demands from musicians. For Casey, Palm Swings is more than just a band—it’s a tight-knit group of friends who share a mutual love for performing and creating music together. Dedicated to both his craft and his fellow bandmates, Casey views his time with Palm Swings as an opportunity to make lasting memories while laying the foundation for a future career in music.
Nathan May
Nathan May, an 18-year-old musician, plays both baritone saxophone and clarinet for Palm Swings. He began his musical journey in sixth grade with the clarinet and expanded his repertoire by taking up the baritone saxophone during his sophomore year of high school. Nathan’s passion for music was sparked when a middle school ensemble visited his elementary school to perform—an experience that left a lasting impression and inspired him to pursue music. Since then, he has performed with a variety of groups, with Palm Swings standing out as both his favorite and most rewarding ensemble. Nathan remains dedicated to his craft and looks forward to continuing his musical journey well into the future.
Brady Swank
Brady Swank, a 16-year-old musician, currently serves as the second trumpet in Palm Swings. From a young age, Brady has dreamed of being part of a band and sharing music with others, making the opportunity to join Palm Swings especially meaningful. Originally brought on as a bass trombonist—his primary instrument—Brady transitioned to trumpet due to unforeseen circumstances. Embracing the challenge, he dedicated himself to mastering a new instrument and taking on the demanding role of soloist. Although the experience has presented difficulties, Brady’s commitment and passion for the ensemble have never wavered. Being a part of Palm Swings remains one of his greatest joys, and he looks forward to the group’s continued growth and success.
Malakai Wilder
Malakai Wilder is a 15-year-old pianist for the band Palm Swings. He began playing piano at the age of four and has since expanded his musical abilities to include the violin, which he started at nine, and both alto and tenor saxophone, which he picked up at eleven. A seasoned performer since the age of five, Malakai brings a strong background in solo performance to the group setting of Palm Swings. He values the band not only as a creative outlet for developing his unique musical style, but also for the close-knit bond shared among its members. For Malakai, joining Palm Swings has been a rewarding transition from solo work to collaborative musicianship, allowing him to contribute to a unified sound while still expressing his individuality. He draws inspiration from legendary musicians such as Gordon Goodwin, Bud Powell, and Art Tatum. Looking ahead, Malakai is excited about the band’s momentum and envisions continued success, with hopes that Palm Swings will one day reach audiences around the world.