BIO
LINEUP
High-energy, 5-piece, Reggae/Ska hailing from Northeast, PA. Elephants Dancing hits that sweet spot between catchy and angsty, 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 (Vocals/Guitar) focus on keeping their music unique and energetic, while maintaining a groovy vibe. While their albums boast catchy and melodically complex horn lines, dual-led vocals, and distinguished rhythmic moments, their lyrical content has been growing to the forefront of their skills. Lyrically, Elephants Dancing ranges from spreading good vibes and throwing down, to dealing with the realities of maturing, such as anxiety, loss, and overall change. Their unique blend of energetic live shows, relatable lyrical content, and passion for songwriting, coupled with their grit on the road, has made them an East Coast standout over recent years.
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!, Andy Frasco & the U.N, Badfish, Bumpin Uglies, The Wailers, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, Passafire, Kash’d Out, Joe Samba, Kyle Smith, Roots of Creation, Sun-Dried Vibes, and more.
After years of honing their sound, Elephants has released 2 full length albums, The Chronicles of Kevin & Ringo (2025) & Chill Like Penguins (2023). Their albums are dynamic, brimming with lyrical content, melodically captivating, and down-right fun. The group, committed to growth and spreading their roots through the community, has been touring the East Coast heavy since 2023. Incorporating the talents of Dan Sperlein (Trombone), Adam Jonkman (Sax), and Nate Montella (Drums), alongside singers Michael Iorio (Vocals/Bass) and Danny Sales (Vocals/Guitar), Elephants Dancing is ready for the future and coming in hot. Stay posted for touring dates and new content.
Also we have soft bananas.
Sincerely,
Kevin
To stay in the loop for upcoming shows and releases, follow us on our social media accounts or join our loving group, the Coconut Crew!
Mike Iorio - Bass/Vocals
Danny Sales - Guitar/Vocals
Dan Sperlein - Trombone/Keys
Adam Jonkman - Tenor Sax
Nate Montella - Drums
BAND INFO
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Genre: Reggae/Ska
Years Active: 2015-Present
Website: ElephantsDancing.com
TOURING SUMMARY
AWARDS/PRESS
ECMC 2025 - Reggae/Jam/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2024 - Artist of The Year
ECMC 2023 - Live Performer of the Year
ECMC 2023 - Reggae/Jam/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2022 - Reggae/Blues/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2021 - Reggae/Blues/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2020 - NEPA Locals Show of the Year
ECMC 2017 Reggae/Jam/Funk Band of the Year
ECMC 2016 Song of the Year - “Panic Static”
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Pineapple Cast - Ep. 123​
NEPA Scene Podcast - Ep. 140
Verse Apparel Podcast - Ep. 12
Popko Project - Ep. 129
CMB Reggae Interview with Elephants Dancing
Elephants Dancing, based in Wilkes Barre, PA, has been touring the East Coast since 2016. While spending years frequenting PA, NJ, and MD, the group transitioned to a much heavier touring schedule in 2023, determined to build themselves up in key markets down the coast. Since then, Elephants has done multiple independent runs down the coast stretching from New England to Florida, and the Midwest, playing over 150 shows in the 2 year span.
To date, Elephants Dancing has performed on bills with acts such as WAR!, Andy Frasco & the U.N, Badfish, Bumpin Uglies, The Wailers, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, Passafire, Kash’d Out, Joe Samba, Kyle Smith, Roots of Creation, Sun-Dried Vibes, and more.
