700 pm -dance lesson 8-1030pm - Live Music All are invited to wear your Halloween-Weekend Best!-4.png

Katia Cardenas

"The Fastest Rising Star on the Twin Cities Jazz Scene"

Katia & The Upswing

Katia & The Upswing is a dynamic ensemble, specialising in traditional swing and Latin jazz, celebrating the Great American Song Book, perforce for swing dancers of all stripes - lindy-hop, balboa, east- and west-coast swing and ballroom! Katia & The Upswing performs regularly at MN Swing events, including TC Swing events, and Eagle #34’s First Friday Swings, presented in partnership with Miss Shannon, appearing the first Friday of ever odd month in 2026 (Jan 2, March 6, May 1, July 3, Sept 4, Nov 6)..

Led by the magnetic multi-genre vocalist, Katia Cardenas, this classic jazz combo also performs classic pop, rock and R&B. Whether you’re looking for an intimate jazz trio for your cocktail hour, an evening of Swing dancing, or a high-energy dance party, we got you! Featuring the Midwest’s top players, you’re guaranteed to enjoy amazing music that’ll make your event unforgettable!

Katia & The Upswing is a jazz combo, specialising in traditional 20s-60s era swing music and Latin jazz, celebrating the Great American Song Book, perfect for swing dancers of all stripes - lindy-hop, balboa, east- and west-coast swing, ballroom and more!

Led by the magnetic multi-genre vocalist, Katia Cardenas, this classic jazz combo also performs classic pop, rock and R&B, upon request, or as they feel inspired. We are currently building our events calendar, and are available for festivals, Swing Dance Nights, weddings and more! Learn more about booking, below.

Eagles #34 Residency

Katia & The Upswing performs regularly at Eagle #34’s First Friday Swings, presented in partnership with Twin Cities’ favorite dance teacher and event host, Miss Shannon, appearing throughout 2026 on: Jan 2, March 6, May 1, July 3, Sept 4, Nov 6..

Learn more about events, here.

It all started when…

Jazz vocalist, Katia Cardenas was invited to sing with TC Swing band “Swinging on a Star,” in 2023, introducing her to the Twin Cities Swing Dance community. With shows at Eagles #34 in South Minneapolis, and The Wabasha Street Caves on the West Side of St. Paul, she was delighted to learn about the dances, the people, and the music that drives the local swing dance scene.

In Fall 2023, there was an opening for a new band at the Eagles #34’s First Friday Swings, and Katia & The Upswing was born. Since then, they’ve performed Eagles #34’s the first Friday of every odd month, in partnership with Miss Shannon.

They’ve appeared at TC Swing’s Friday night events at Mall of America, and First Saturdays, Miss Shannon’s Swing Dance Wednesday Night, ss well as weddings and other special events for the swing dance community.

Booking

Whether you’re looking for an intimate jazz trio for your cocktail hour, an evening of Swing dancing, or a high-energy dance party, we got you! Featuring the Midwest’s top jazz players, you’re guaranteed to enjoy amazing music that’ll make your event unforgettable!

For rates and availability, please reach out directly, here.