About us

In Full Swing is a 22 piece community big band who has been performing in the Canberra region for over 30 years. We deliver high-energy, entertaining performances regularly in Canberra and surrounding regions for any occasion.


Musical Director

Since 2013 In Full Swing has been led by Beth Way, an experienced musician and music educator, who has been teaching music in Canberra schools for almost two decades. Beth is a dedicated leader and prides herself on executing high quality entertaining big band music. Beth has collaborated with guest conductors such as John Morrison, John Mackey, Leisa Keen, Neils Rosendahl as well as guest singers such as Paul Capsis. She has worked closely with local groups like the Canberra Swing Katz and Canberra's QWIRE.


Calendar and upcoming gigs

29 March 2026 || Wrinkles and rhythms

Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz and dancing with In Full Swing, a 20-piece big band bringing to life the classic sounds of the 1920-1940s and beyond. We invite you to listen, dance and relive the golden age of big band music. Presented by COTA as part of the UPSTAGEING Festival Canberra.

Entry by donation - please RESERVE A TICKET
https://events.humanitix.com/wrinkles-and-rhythms


3 MAY 2026 || Canberra Big Band Collective

Featuring In Full Swing and TraXion Big Band in an afternoon packed with great music from two powerhouse bands. Formed in 2017, the Canberra Big Band Collective features some of Canberra’s finest community jazz bands. Their concerts have become a mainstay of our capital’s jazz calendar. 
Sunday 3 May, 4-6pm, Belconnen Community Theatre.

5–8 June 2026 || Merimbula Jazz Festival

In Full Swing will entertain crowds and swing their socks off at the 44th edition of the annual Merimbula Jazz festival

Event information and tickets

Past events

24 January 2026 || Flight: Drone Skyshow

In Full Swing plays at FLIGHT 

24 January 2026 at 5.30pm

Queen Elizabeth Terrace (near Questacon)

23 November 2025 || Triptych

One night only!

Celebrate the end of the year with a night of Jazz, Swing, and Funky tunes! Three great swing bands, Sonus, In Full Swing, and TraXion are celebrating the end of the year with three sets of awesome music, Join us for a great evening of music!

Harmonie German Club 5pm

14 September 2025 || Floriade Stage 88

In Full Swing is pleased to present a swinging set of music made to entertain, on the opening  weekend of Canberra's favourite open air event! Catch us at Stage 88 on 24 September 2025, at 11.15am.

17 August 2025 || JAZZ Karaoke

In Full Swing Presents: Jazz Karaoke Night!

After our sold out shows in 2023 and 2024, we're back for another evening of jazz karaoke with a live big band!

18 vocalists will take to the stage, backed by 22-piece big band In Full Swing, to bring us their best rendition of the most popular jazz hits of the 1940s and beyond.


More info in the program -  find it here!

8-9 June 2025 || Merimbula Jazz Festival

In Full Swing played to amazing crowds at the 43rd edition of the annual Merimbula Jazz festival – thanks to all who came and made it a great success for us. See you all in 2026!

4 May 2025 || In Full Swing and YMS concert band

The second annual joint concert of In Full Swing and our very own youth band, Belconnen Musicians YMS Concert BandThe concert band kicked off the event with a variety of contemporary songs and pieces in preparation for the Australian National Eisteddfod.

Then In Full Swing finished the evening with a swinging big band set.


6 April 2025 || Canberra Big Band Collective

The first Canberra Big Band Collective event for 2025, featuring In Full Swing and TraXion Big Band in an evening packed with great music and entertainment Live at the Polo.