
BIO
LINEUP
High-energy, 6-piece, Reggae/Ska hailing from Northeast, PA. Elephants Dancing hits that sweet spot between catchy and angsty while with the influences of Reggae, Punk, Ska, and Hip-Hop. With a diverse set of musical backgrounds, lead singers and songwriters Michael Iorio (Vocals/Bass) and Danny Sales (Vocal/Guitar) focus on keeping their music unique and energetic while maintaining a groovy vibe. Lyrically, Elephants Dancing ranges from spreading good vibes to throwing down, supplemented by catchy horn lines and careful voice leading.
Formed in 2015, Mike and Danny reunited on summer break and decided to start writing music together. The project started with the two spending time on the boardwalks of Jersey and Maryland and experimenting with songwriting styles and testing the waters. What started with a Singer-Songwriter/Reggae feel, over the next few years, blossomed to holster the upbeat and lively music the group creates today. Elephants Dancing has since supported acts such WAR!, Badfish, Bumpin Uglies, The Wailers, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, Passafire, Kash’d Out, Joe Samba, Kyle Smith, Roots of Creation, Sun-Dried Vibes, and more.
Incorporating the talents of Dan Sperlein (Trombone), Adam Jonkman (Sax), Isiah Ortiz (Trumpet), and Christian Hartman (Drums), Chill Like Penguins, a dynamic and exciting full-length album will be dropping July 8, 2023. In light of this album, Elephants Dancing will be touring the East Coast in the summer of 2023. ~Stay tuned <3~
Also we have soft bananas.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Mike Iorio - Bass/Vocals
Danny Sales - Guitar/Vocals
Dan Sperlein - Trombone
Adam Jonkman - Tenor Sax
Isiah Ortiz - Trumpet
Christian Hartman - Drums


BOOKING:
TOURING SUMMARY
AWARDS/PRESS
ECMC 2016 Song of the Year - “Panic Static”
ECMC 2017 Reggae/Jam/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2020 - Show of the Year
ECMC 2021 - Reggae/Blues/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2022 - Reggae/Blues/Funk Band of the Year
Elephants Dancing, based in Northeast PA, has toured ranging Maine to Maryland from 2017-2022. While frequenting PA, NJ, and MD, they have also played festivals and major supporting roles in NY, MA, and ME. To date, Elephants Dancing has performed on bills with acts such as WAR!, Badfish, Bumpin Uglies, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, Passafire, Kash’d Out, Tunnel Vision, Joe Samba, Kyle Smith, Roots of Creation, Sun-Dried Vibes, Higher Education, Of Good Nature, Oogee Wawa, Pilfers, and more. The group plans on touring the East Coast in the summer of 2023 and extending their resume all the way to the Florida area.
NOTABLE FESTIVALS & SHOWS
River St Jazz Cafe - Tropidelic (2023), Bumpin Uglies (2018), Of Good Nature (2018)
Lovedrafts - The Wailers (2023)
Weekend at Wolfie’s (2022)
River St Jazz Cafe (Headliner) - The Harbor Boys (2023), Higher Education (2022), Joint Operation (2021)
Froggy Daze (2022)
Gilson Summer Snow Day Rail Jam (2021)
Circle Drive-In - Badfish (2020)
The Paramount - WAR!, Oogee Wawa (2018)
Frozen Harbor Music Festival - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bumpin Uglies (2018)
The Sherman Theater - Badfish, Bumpin Uglies (2018)
Scranton Iron Furnaces - Badfish (2017)
The Saint, Asbury Park - “None Escape The LAW Tour” Kash’d Out, Tunnel Vision, Seranation (2018)
The Stanhope House - Passafire (2019), Ballyhoo! (2017), Roots of Creation (2017), Bumpin Uglies (2017)
Fine Arts Fiesta 2018 (Headline)
Ziontific Music Festival (2018)
Harry’s Hoe Down (2018)
Move Music Fest (2017)
Upcoming:
Bayville Music Fest (2023)
One Earth Reggae Fest (2023)
Maryland Legalization Celebration Festival (2023)