Steeped in the tradition of the masters but forging ahead with a style all its own, “Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes” is an all-star, all-women jazz ensemble based out of the D.C. area. Laid back but hard swinging, the Bullettes bring all generations together to enjoy a dynamite performance.
The Bullettes began as a “dream” of DC jazz trombonist Shannon Gunn. Their first CD release, a five song EP, was the product of a successful Kickstarter campaign. Since then, the Bullettes released four albums and while continuing to wow audiences with swing, originals, and straight ahead jazz charts for audiences young and old.
The Bullettes are a musical organization that uplifts women in jazz, creates networking opportunities, and provides a positive role model for aspiring jazz musicians in the DC area. They are available as a full sixteen piece big band, an octet, a septet including singer, quintet, or duo/trio/quartet. The Bullettes are available for concerts, master classes, and educational performances.
Contact Information
Shannon Gunn, Band Leader and Manager
DM on Instagram with the profile @jazztothebone.
Past Venues
Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes have performed at the following venues:
- The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Washington Women in Jazz Festival
- DC Jazz Festival (quintet)
- Jazz on Jackson Place (quartet)
- Castleton Theatre
- Dardanella
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
- Northern Virginia Community College/Reunion Music Society
- Carlyle Club
- Nomadic Jazz
- Twins Jazz Club (sextet)
- CBS Morning Show Richmond
- WPFW-FM DC’s Jazz and Justice Radio Station
- DCTV
- WJLA ABC Morning Show DC (promotion for Dardanella)
- Great Gatsby Inaugural Ball
- Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club
- Goethe Institute as part of the Blue Note at 75 Series (quintet)
- Bohemian Caverns
- National Jazz Workshop at Shenandoah University (quintet)
- Jazz and Freedom Festival (octet)
- Gallery O on H St
Testimonials
Dear Shannon,
Congratulations on an outstanding performance last evening at Westminster Church! You and the Bullettes are the Greatest. You have acquired the Big Band Sound and you and the soloists were magnificent. The repertoire was varied offering new and old renditions. Adding the tap dancer further enhanced variety. Please inform me if I can be of any volunteer or promotional or other service to your group. Take care and God Bless!
-Geraldine Jackson, March 2013, Washington D.C.
Great Jazz release! Thoroughly impressed and am looking forward to catching this band live in the near future! Keep up the great work, ladies!
– Best Regards, Brian Wilson
Love the Bullettes and looking forward to another night of dancing to this great band!
– Debra Sternberg of Gotta Swing DC
I love this music! I want to get up and dance… How exceptional that it is an all-female recording of some awesome tunes!
– Amanda Paull, Williamsburg
Presentations and Programs
Tribute to Count Basie
Enjoy the sounds of Count Basie and the big bands of the bygone era as played by some of the top jazz musicians in the DC metropolitan area (who also happen to be women.)
History of Jazz
Sit back and relax as members of the Bullettes perform big band pieces ranging from small group hot Dixieland arrangements to the most modern jazz pieces while discussing the evolution of the jazz genre.
Bullettes 3 Horn Line
Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes can perform as a 3 horn-fronted combo, bringing out transcribed arrangements by Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Slide Hampton, Kenny Durham, plus originals. There is something about that three horn sound! With a little audience participation, something just might be created on the spot! From world premieres to standard classics, the Bullettes 3 horn line will impress audiences young and old.
Video audition: http://bit.ly/shannongunn