The Lucky Strikes (2)

The Lucky Strikes are a contemporary swing band which achieved mainstream success during the late 1990s swing revival movement. The Lucky Strikes were formed in 1989 by guitarist/vocalist Craig Marshall (Delta Rays/Craig Marshall Band) with friends Milan Moorman (trumpet), Brian Copeland (bassist) and Freddie Mendoza (trombone). The group, whose style was based upon the sounds of swing, jazz lounge and big band formed in 1989 in Austin, Texas. Singer Craig Marshall was an avid fan of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin Nat King Cole and Harry Connick, Jr. Freddie Mendoza, a native of San Antonio, Texas, previously toured and performed with a long list of artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Bill Watrous, Rob McConnell, Bob Mintzer and Harry Connick, Jr. During the late 1990s swing revival movement, The Lucky Strikes toured and performed at premiere events in Hollywood, California, celebrating the release of the 1996 comedy-drama film Swingers, which was written by Jon Favreau and directed by Doug Liman. The movie starred Favreau with Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston and Heather Graham. In early 1998, The Lucky Strikes visited Canada and New Zealand which included several consecutive sold out shows. The Lucky Strikes continue to tour the United States, New Zealand Canada and throughout Europe, depending on the availability of singer Craig Marshall, who is also active with his group The Craig Marshall Band. In 2000, The Lucky Strikes appeared in the motion picture "Just Sue Me," a American romantic comedy starring Tom Arnold and William McNamara. The film was directed by John Sheppird. The Lucky Strikes have toured and performed with artists such as Rod Stewart, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Royal Crown Revue, Cherry Poppin' Daddies and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.