The Pranksters Big Band

The Pranksters Big Band is one of the oldest active Big Bands to have originated in the Portland area. It is a seventeen-piece band that performs ballroom dance classics from the 60s-80s, as well as a handful of more recent tunes adapted for a dancing audience. Directed by Gary Bong, the band features all local musicians and the vocal stylings of Claudia Knauer. Its music includes accessible jazz, blues, swing, latin, and pop, and is conducive to a wide range of dance styles, including swing, latin, foxtrot, waltz, rhumba, cha-cha, tango, and more. The Pranksters perform for local dances, outdoor events, and are available for hire for private or public events.