Craig Gildner, Band Leader, Piano, Guitar, Vocals (continued)

On a band break, Craig’s dad approached Tom to compliment the band, and upon noticing the band had no piano player, immediately started advertising Craig’s talents. Within a week, Cunningham had a new pianist and vocalist who occasionally played guitar.

Seeking more artistic flexibility, Craig formed Blue Sky 5 in 1999 with musician friends who frequent the swing scene’s dance floor. The quintet became an instant hit on the D.C. and Baltimore swing dance scenes.

In addition to Blue Sky 5 and the Tom Cunningham Orchestra, Craig has had the pleasure of performing with regional and national swing artists, such as Bill Elliott, Paul Cosentino, Casey MacGill, Big Joe Maher, and Johnathan Stout.

When not hunched over his Baldwin upright working out an arrangement, Craig enjoys the pursuit of refining his dance style a la Dean Collins, cycling, cooking, collecting old movies, and adding items to his arsenal of vintage clothing.