LIVE MUSIC SHOULD FEEL ALIVE.
We believe that every performance should be filled with energy and passion as well as being precise and true to the style. Our commitment to 1950's music goes beyond the sound and includes a true 50's look, complete with suits and an upright bass.
Our biggest influence is Bill Haley, and it's apparent in our style, rhythm and stage show. However, you can expect a mix of songs from various artists, such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
I have been following The Makeshifts for quite the time! I remember when they first started out, and to see them now blows me away. They are a truly talented group of musicians who know how to entertain! I love their shows -- it's a guaranteed good time!
Keith Jones and The Makeshifts put on a fantastic show, they are very personable, down to earth and interact with the crowd and not above speaking to individuals in the crowd during breaks. I couldn't have asked for a better experience than Keith and the crew gave us. The music was spot on and the stage show was electric! I will be inviting the band back to our event every year!
These guys are great!! I saw then in Louisville in summer of 2012 as a three piece and I thought they were amazing! While on break, I asked them if they could play a 50s dance at our church. They were great to work with. Real Pros!! They all have a fun, dynamic stage presence. They were very flexible about set times. Their show is appropriate for all ages. I will have them back to our venue as well as recommend them to anyone!!
This is the band to see if you are looking for authentic Swing Bebop! They are NOT the Cheesy oldies band.
I really enjoyed this band they were great. I also enjoyed watching the swing dancing.
I have seen Keith perform many times. They also played at our wedding. If you love to swing dance this is definitely the band for you.
Excellent sound to swing dance to. Super show!
Price Range: $400-5000
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Keith Jones and the Makeshifts provide a show that is hard to come by in this day and age. They focus on the show in its entirety - from image to sound to stage presence and performance. Careful consideration is made to maintain the look and sound of the 50's without any of the cheesiness that so many modern 50's acts have misrepresented the era with. The incredible energy and quality of their performance will leave audiences wanting more - and wanting to tell their friends.
The audience will expect to hear a lot of jump blues and rockabilly.. and a mix of the two. Keith Jones and the Makeshifts' main influence is Bill Haley, and you'll see it in their playing style.
Keith Jones and the Makeshifts are perfect for a range of events. They're family friendly, high energy, and extremely well versed in the music of the era.
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Keith Jones and The Makeshifts, out of Cincinnati, Ohio, are truly a throwback to the late 40's early 50's. Taking their inspiration from the early jump blues artists along with traditional rockabilly, they create a sound, that, while fresh, seems to channel these great decades of the past. The Makeshifts are influenced by greats such as Buddy Holly, and Elvis as well as Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris and Big Joe Turner, to name a few.
The Makeshifts' songs are jam-packed with quick and creative guitar solos, soulful singing, swingin' bass walks and solid, thumping drum beats. Every song they play, while respectful to the original, is tweaked into the Makeshifts' style, which is filled with raw energy and emotion.
The Makeshifts have played all over the country. Performances include, oprys, dances, clubs, festivals,and private parties, but Keith Jones and the Makeshifts have a special love for playing swing dances. They've played around 20 different swing dance clubs, including ones in Charleston, SC, Chattanooga, TN and Washington DC.
See our official website - (link hidden)
Our performance requires very little space, but can be larger if needed. Our band is 4 pieces, and we can do our own sound. We do not have our own lights.
| December 11, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Get Hep Swing Dance - Lakewood Masonic Temple, Cleveland, OH |
| November 25, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Gulfport Casino Swing Dance - Gulfport, FL |
| October 26, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Clemson University Swing Dance - Clemson, SC |
| October 25, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Hot Jazz Swing Dance Club - Charleston, SC |
| October 10, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Tin Roof - Cincinnati, OH |
| October 02, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Second Friday Cincinnati Lindy Exchange - Molly Malone's, Covington, KY |
| September 10, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Capital Senior Living - Mishawaka, IN |
| September 05, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Outpost - Armington, IL |
| September 04, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Two Brother's Roadhouse - Aurora, IL |
| September 03, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Mr. Roberts - Madison, WI |
It would be ridiculous to list every song that we do, because our repertoire is huge. Here are some popular ones, though.
Rock Around the Clock
Blue Suede Shoes
That'll be the Day
Blue Moon
That's All Right
Hound Dog
Crazy Man, Crazy
Honey Don't
All I've Got to Do is Dream
Shake Rattle and Roll
Whole Lotta Shakin'
Don't Knock the Rock
| Keith Jones | Guitar and Vocals |
| Kyle Rowsdower | Upright Bass |
| Gary Turner | Drums |
| Jeff Porada | Sax |
Bill Haley and the Comets, Elvis Presley, Wynonie Harris, Big Joe Turner, The Everly Brothers, Roy Brown, Jackie Wilson, Hank Williams Sr, Eddy Arnold, Buddy Holly.
Sound and lights for large shows.
Cincinnati, OH 
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