THE SWIPPERSThe year was 1980 and Disco was dead. A changing musical climate and fate brought musicians Joanne Calabrese (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Laurie Swerlin (lead guitar, backing vocals) together.
Before they became The Swippers, Calabrese and Swerlin were the musical architects of various groups such as “Last Licksâ€, an all-female pop/rock band whose indie release EP, “You’re Ruining My Love Life†won rave reviews from The Star Ledger’s then music critic, George Kansler. In addition, the EP’s single “Kiss Me with the Lights On†landed a spot on Billboard’s “Singles to Watch†list. Last Licks were also featured artists in The Bergen Record and The Aquarian magazine, which led to performances on the cult TV shows “Uncle Floyd†and “The Joe Franklin Showâ€.
In the 90’s, Calabrese and Swerlin went on to form the band “Where There’s Smoke†along with powerhouse drummer, Debbie Magguilli. Together, they played the NYC club circuit, numerous LGBT charity events and as the winners of New Jersey Pride’s “Battle of the Bandsâ€, were the opening act for comedian Lea Delaria when she performed at the reopening of the historic Paramount Theater in Asbury Park New Jersey.
Today, Calabrese and Swerlin continue to play their distinctive blend of original indie/folk rock/alternative music as the dynamic musical force called “The Swippersâ€.
Recent performance:
Ninety Six West, Allendale, NJ
The Crossroads, Garwood NJ
The Stanhope House, Stanhope NJ
Riverspace Arts Center, Nyack NY -Openers for Lea DeLaria
Watchung Arts Center-Opened for Tret Fure; Singer-Songwriter Ellis
Music at The Mission, West Milford NJ
Greenfest, West Milford
Reality Bites, Nyack, NY
P.O.P.'s Cafe, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ
The Twisted Tree Cafe
Rockin' Joe
