Barnstormer - roaring 20's band

Description

LIVE 5 / 6 piece Gatsby Band - A wow factor all around. Includes 1920's costumes, the switching of instruments, variety of feels, familiar songs, projected images if there's a backdrop/screen for that, a PA and soundtech is included when/if necessary.
Barnstormer is a high-energy, Gatsby-style 5–6-piece band that brings the Roaring Twenties to life with a genre-blending mix of jazz, country, and swing. Led by acclaimed recording artist Melanie Dekker and backed by Canada’s top studio musicians, the group delivers dazzling live shows featuring vintage instrumentation (banjo, ukulele, ... piano, clarinet, trumpet, upright bass, kazoo, guitars) and soulful vocals. With expertly reimagined 1920s classics, sharp style, and theatrical flair, Barnstormer offers a full-spectrum musical experience—perfect for parties, galas, festivals, and themed events looking for unforgettable, feel-good entertainment.
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Biography

Step Back in Time to the Roaring Twenties – With a Sound That Sizzles!
Barnstormer isn’t just a band—it’s a full-throttle, Gatsby-style musical experience that brings the roaring 1920s back to life in spectacular fashion. This dazzling 5–6-piece ensemble ignites the stage with a high-energy mix of vintage charm, show-stopping talent, and irresistible rhythm.
Led by acclaimed Vancouver recording artist Melanie Dekker, and backed by Canada’s finest studio musicians (who’ve shared stages with Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, and Michael Bublé), Barnstormer delivers a sonic spec ... tacle that’s as rare as it is electrifying. With a playful mix of banjo, ukulele, piano, clarinet, trumpet, upright bass, kazoo, guitars, and soulful vocals, they serve up a genre-bending blend of jazz, country, and swing that will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles.
You’ll hear timeless classics and deep cuts from the 1920s—some you didn’t even realize were from that era—reimagined with flair, finesse, and a wink of vintage mischief. The result? A musical time machine powered by expert showmanship, wild originality, and a whole lot of pizzazz.
Dressed to dazzle and ready to party, Barnstormer is your ticket to a night of high spirits, unforgettable melodies, and feel-good fun. Perfect for fans of live music, vintage vibes, and unforgettable entertainment.
Get ready to swing, sway, wiggle and step into the magic of the Gatsby Age—Barnstormer is bringing the party, and you won’t want to miss it.  Read More

Reviews     (1 Review)

Experience

Band Members have over 200 years of experience collectively.
Meanwhile, performed for Corporate Gastby flavoured events for over 1500 persons, and have fit into small spaces too for Whiskey Tasting events, and 100th year anniversaries.
Who are they?
MELA - Honey, short for Melanie.
LEAD VOCALIST, BANJO, UKULELE
Melanie Dekker, has a voice like chocolate & a vivacious spirit. A singer-songwriter & touring recording artist. Awards, hit singles & fans world-wide. She has a series of good-vibe youtube videos and tours over 100 concerts a year. Mela would say, “Do you think about me, wh ... en you stare at the rain?”
BABE RUTH - CLARINET. An iconic American baseball home-run hitter.
Tom Keenlyside is a woodwind pro! He has performed and recorded with a variety of international artists including Natalie Cole, Aerosmith, Mel Torme, Van Halen, Diana Krall, Motley Crüe, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He’s earned a star on the BC Entertainment Hall Of Fame Walk. As Babe would say, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
AL CAPONE - DRUMS. Gangster & business man during the prohibition, who ended up in Alcatraz.
Allan Rodger, a studio engineer, a record producer and fiery multi-instrumentalist. He focuses on keeping it real. While being simultaneously inspired by his Mother’s lovely voice & Stevie Wonder records, he built his first drum-kit at 9 years old & already had his first gigs as a pre-teen. Capone would say, “Once in the racket you're always in it.”
ALBERT EINSTEIN - GUITARS. German theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity.
Eric Reed, a multi-instrumentalist & studio engineer/producer whose talents have accumulated a Juno nomination, a Canadian Folk Music award, & a Gaylord Woods traditional roots/country award. Albeit he is mostly influenced by Jimi Hendrix & Ry Cooder :). Eric’s always on the move & often in the mountains. As Einstein would say, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
SALVADOR DALI - UPRIGHT BASS. Spanish surrealist artist & eccentric man, best known for bizarre images.
Jeremy Holmes has an impressive jazz degree and a young family. He spends his days as a hired gun in recording studios and many of his evenings on a stage. He met Mela while recording Secret Spot in Vancouver. His precision, drive & likability are no secret. His list of projects is a script too long for this occasion :). As Dali would say, “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” Read More

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Birthday Party (Adult) Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Corporate Event Festival / Outdoor Event Grand Opening Party HM Forces/Army/Navy/Military Event New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions

Meet the Act

MELANIE DEKKER tours extensively with her own 7 albums in tow. She had designed this 1920's project with a band leader in mind. His name was David Sinclair, renown guitarist and good friend, but when he passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, she needed to heal while inspiration to get on it, took a back seat. After going to a 1920s themed party in 2019, the burning desire to get it going came back! Mela then stepped up as band leader. Within 3 months she'd gathered her favourite suitable and enthusiastic pro players, and designed crafty feel-good set lists of 1920's material. Alas, Covid-19 ... marooned the band in March 2020 and shows were cancelled. We kept the iron hot by making an album, most of it live off the floor from the shows and the rest via flown in tracks from the isolated friend and musicians.
LEAD VOCALIST, BANJO, UKULELE, GUITAR.
Melanie Dekker, has a voice like chocolate & a vivacious spirit. A singer-songwriter & touring recording artist. Hit singles & fans world-wide. Though she often plays solo concerts with 7 self-penned albums in tow, this Barnstormer project is a 'cover' project that exaggerates her sassy nature, and range, while bringing a fabulous band together. Read More

Virtual Services Offer

Live Full Band Virtual Performance

My team at WHOOPEE brings your event forward with enthusiastic excellence. It is sonically brilliant & visually dynamic, while incorporating your message. Or if you like, it can just be our message. Live roaring 20's music. It is live & interactive and multi-camera recording.

We work together to achieve your goals and set up an online streaming platform which you can customize - and it integrates the following:

Pre-planned Insertion of Logo’s, your branding, engaging phrases, birthday or participant shout outs, thank you’s, sponsors!,
banners, feel good & keep on going phrases, upcoming events, favourite images, website homepages, order now, donate now announcements, tributes, screenshot insertions… you can choose SOME, NONE or ALL of these options.

And all of this while the CONCERT & MUSIC is performed JUST FOR YOU! We are not restricted by Covid Regulations as we have plexi-glass and sneeze screens and 2.5 meters between each of us. Performance time recommended: 22 minutes. (Best for attention span and wow factor!)