THE SWIPPERS
The 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 Licks”, 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 Show”.
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 Bands”, 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 Swippers”.
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-Openers for Tret Fure in 2007 and Ellis in June 2008
Music at The Mission, West Milford NJ
Greenfest, West Milford
Reality Bites, Nyack, NY
P.O.P.'s Cafe, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ
Bombasco - was listening to Wilco while driving home last night and crackin' up w/the tune "Hate it Here." Every time I hear it I think of Dr. Fisher. "I HATE IT HE-AAAH!" Then, I got home, discovered the doctor's Christmas card in my mailbox, opened it and found a reference to Old Man Baby. What a night...
Cali's great - but there are no Bombossco's here and that part totally bites. Miss you and so does the boy! Was thinking last night that I want to revive PT next year. This year will be the first in five that I'm not going. And that just aint no fun.
Hey Laurie, Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I really enjoyed The Swippers set at The Crossroads too!! Your guitar playing is always so great!! I had a lot of fun meeting your friends and family, very nice crowd!!We'll see you guys at Greenfest! Loret
Hey Joanne, It was great to finally meet you too! So thanks for the note & compliment. Yes, even (quietly) hurting I was glad I could support Deb and her Divas while Jonnie is out sick in the hospital.
Although I'm sure I couldn't hold a candle to their regular set, ironically, I'd sure hope to have the same coverage for me and am currently seeking help too for certain shows that require dancing now. Sheesh! (At least I'm not hospitalized) which certainly puts things in perpective!) So it was a pleasure to be a helper to my long-time friend, and new ones made--even 1-footed-lol! Here's a cheer that Jonnie gets well soon!
Plus their band is great, I had lots of fun, most importantly: We DIVAS need to stick together!!
Glad to have finally met yet another Diva in you & hope to come to one of your Swipper shows when I'm more mobile. Keep in touch new friend, All the Best, Chimene
Hey, Swippers! Great job last night! Just goes to show that being able to SEE your instrument is SO overrated!! Sorry I won't see you at the Mission tomorrow. Don't forget--the Stones movie opens today!!
