Frequently Asked Questions and their Answers.
*What instruments do you have in your band?
Tenor Saxophone, Trombone, Tenor Banjo, Sousaphone, Percussion and Singing.
*Are you a local band?
We are a national touring band.
*Where are you all from?
Performers currently reside in Bristol, Nottingham, Brighton (U.K.)
Founding member Stephane Spitz is based in Bury St Edmunds.
*How did you all get together?
Swervy World musicians are from a background of travelling street performers, having been either solo performers working and travelling year round as a way of life, or working with past travelling street bands such as Roxy's Tool Box, Urban Ravioli, Tragic Roundabout.
We all share a mutual interest in street music as a way of life and became known to each other through links, friends and traditional street performer get togethers such as Winchester Hat Fair, Stroud Folk Festival and Strawberry Fair.
Swervy World was officially launched in Tavistock, Devon, in the winter of 1995. Our first three month tour (1996) was by horse and cart!
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*Do you have other income sources to subsidise your work as musicians?
No. That is why, if we do not have a booking, you will see us playing in the street, either as a band, in breakaway groups, or as individuals.
*With the band so spread out, How do you get together to rehearse?
It is a problem! We usually put aside one whole day a week for rehearsals on weeks when we are touring. (usually a Thursday).
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*Do you do private bookings/weddings?
We do very occasionally take private bookings. For this to come about we will require a written referral from someone who is known to us.
*How do I book Swervy World?
In the first instance, all booking enquiries please email to swervyworld@hotmail.com
*Do you provide a PA? Stage lights?
Sadly our wonderful sound and lights engineer retired last year (2024) and we have not yet managed to find a suitable replacement.
Thus for the time being we are offering the band acoustic only, and relying on established venues to run there own sound equipment and engineer.
*Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes, we will also provide a risk assessment form when requested.
*Can you work with no electricity?
Yes. The instrumentation within the band is chosen specifically for the way these instruments sound in an acoustic setting.
*How long do you perform for?
For seated concerts 2 x 45 mins
For village hall Dances 2 x 1 Hour
For clubs pubs and events 3 x 45 mins
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Do you do street parades and street shows?
We do, but strictly speaking these shows come under a different banner and not under the band name Swervy Word.
Please check in at our partner site www.thatmellowsaxophone.com for all parade and theatre bands.