Dandy Wellington Brings Vintage Jazz to Galveston's Beach Revue Weekend

Over the weekend, the charm of yesteryear met the rhythm of Harlem when Dandy Wellington and his band took the stage at Galveston’s annual Beach Revue Weekend. Known for his signature blend of vintage jazz with a modern edge, Wellington delivered a series of unforgettable performances that perfectly complemented the event’s celebration of retro culture and seaside nostalgia.

Raised in the heart of Harlem, Wellington draws deep inspiration from the legends of early jazz and swing. “Our music lifts up artists like Duke Ellington, Noble Sissle, Louis Armstrong, and Fats Waller,” he explains. “Alongside those legendary musicians and their vast catalogs, our original music adds to the canon, giving new voice to the sound of the Jazz Age.”

Over the three-day celebration, Wellington and his band created the soundtrack for a vibrant weekend steeped in vintage glamour. From welcoming revelers at Galveston’s historic seaport to serenading guests at brunch and even backing burlesque performers during the Queen City Cabaret, their performances wove music, style, and community into a seamless experience.

Wellington sees the Beach Revue as more than just a festival—it’s a living tribute to history and style. “There’s a real synergy between what we do and the ethos of Revue Weekend,” he says. “It’s about entertainment, vintage sartorialism, and building community.”

This year’s Revue also continued Wellington’s collaboration with longtime partner Gin Minsky and the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Will Wright, bringing even more depth to the event’s mission: to preserve and reimagine the charm of Galveston's past.

Perhaps most striking was the sense of welcome Wellington and his ensemble brought to new audiences. “At the heart of this event, amidst the music, style, and frivolity, is community,” he shares. Whether guests were first-timers or long-time attendees, everyone was invited to step back in time and join the celebration.

For those lucky enough to attend, Dandy Wellington’s Galveston performances were more than just a musical treat—they were a time-traveling journey into the heart of jazz, fashion, and camaraderie.