The History of The Swing Sisters
as told by Gabriela Winkler
It all began one sunny morning during Thanksgiving week of 2005. I was sitting on the floor leafing through 1930-1940’s songbooks and 1940's Christmas music at Pender’s Music in Denton, TX, thinking about my recently deceased father. My high school Swing Choir pal, Judi Larson, called me and asked if I would like to team up and sing Christmas songs in nursing homes. I told where I was and what I was doing at that moment. I loved the idea and something phenomenal was born - the birth of The Swing Sisters in January 2006!
In January 2008 Judi and I were having one (or two) martinis when she suddenly had the inspiration to plan a surprise birthday party for our beloved high school choir/Swing Choir teacher Dorothy Powers. In June 2008 a fabulous party of over 250 Swing Choir members celebrated Dorothy's 80th.
As Swing Choir members from the 1960’s through the 1980’s came together, I was re-acquainted with Nancy (Van Lue) Entstrasser. As Paul Harvey used to say, “And now you know the rest of the story!”
Judi Larson (1956-2018) retired from The Swing Sisters in September 2012. After having a variety of Swing Sister "guests", Nancy (Van Lue) Entstrasser permanently came on board as of January 2014. How could she not want to be a Swing Sister!
Starting out in 2006 with a 30 minute program, The Swing Sisters have evolved into an energetic, dynamic and entertaining duo creating a new and seasonal monthly interactive program. Whether it’s trivia about the music or a storyline, the music is always where feet tapping and singing along occur.
