BIO
LINEUP
High-energy, 6-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. 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.
After years of honing their sound, Elephants released Chill Like Penguins, a dynamic and exciting full-length album on July 8, 2023. The group committed to growth and spreading their roots through the community, started expanding their touring range in 2023 and completed their first East Coast tour. Incorporating the talents of Dan Sperlein (Trombone), Adam Jonkman (Sax), Isiah Ortiz (Trumpet), and Thommas Brennan (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
Adam Jonkman - Tenor Sax
Isiah Ortiz - Trumpet
Thomas Brennan - Drums
BAND INFO
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Genre: Reggae/Ska
Years Active: 2015-Present
Website: ElephantsDancing.com
TOURING SUMMARY
AWARDS/PRESS
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”
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 Northeast PA, has toured the East Coast ranging Maine to Florida from 2017-2023. While frequenting PA, NJ, and MD, they have also played festivals and major supporting roles in NY, MA, and ME and began expanding their touring range in the summer of 2023 to the full East Coast. To date, Elephants Dancing has performed on bills with acts such as WAR!, Badfish, Bumpin Uglies, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, Passafire, Kash’d Out, The Wailers, Joe Samba, The Ries Brothers, Tunnel Vision, Kyle Smith, Roots of Creation, Mighty Mystic, Higher Education, Of Good Nature, Oogee Wawa, and Pilfers.
NOTABLE FESTIVALS & SHOWS
Bayville Music Fest (2023)............................................................................................................................................ Bayville, NJ
One Earth Reggae Fest (2023)................................................................................................................................ Bethlehem, PA
Maryland Legalization Celebration Festival (2023) ............................................................................................. Little Orleans, PA
Lovedrafts - The Wailers (2023) ...................................................................................................................... Mechanicsburg, PA
River St Jazz Cafe - Tropidelic (2023), Bumpin Uglies (2018), Of Good Nature (2018)
River St Jazz Cafe (Headliner) - W/ The Harbor Boys (2023), Higher Education (2022),
Joint Operation (2021).................................................................................................................................................... Plains, PA
Weekend at Wolfie’s (2022) ......................................................................................................................................... Bedford, PA
Froggy Daze (2023, 2022) .................................................................................................................................. Narrowsburg, NY
Circle Drive-In - Badfish (2020) ................................................................................................................................. Scranton, PA
Stage West - Bumpin Uglies (2019) .......................................................................................................................... Scranton, PA
The Paramount - WAR!, Oogee Wawa (2018)...................................................................................................... Huntington, NY
Frozen Harbor Music Festival - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bumpin Uglies (2018) ................................................................................................................................................................................ Baltimore, MD
The Sherman Theater - Badfish, Bumpin Uglies (2018) ..................................................................................... Stroudsburg, PA
Scranton Iron Furnace - Badfish (2017) .................................................................................................................... Scranton, PA
The Saint - “None Escape The LAW Tour” Kash’d Out, Tunnel Vision, Seranation (2018) .............................................................................................................................................................................. Asbury Park, NJ
The Stanhope House - Passafire (2019), Ballyhoo! (2017), Roots of Creation (2017), Bumpin Uglies (2017) .................................................................................................................................................................................. Stanhope, NJ
Fine Arts Fiesta 2018 (Headline) .......................................................................................................................... Wilkes Barre, PA
Ziontific Music Festival (2018) ..................................................................................................................................... Russell, MA
Harry’s Hoe Down Festival (2018) ................................................................................................................................ Starks, ME
Move Music Fest (2017) ............................................................................................................................................... Albany, NY
Logos
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Photos for press use only.
Press Photos
