John Nilsen & SWIMFISH

John Nilsen was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of
Fame in October, 2024.

It’s sometimes surprising when a band writes some of its
own material. SWIMFISH is a colorful band featuring high
quality, original folk/rock music. The line up is bass, drums,
guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica & vocals, but their focus
lies in first class songwriting. Of course they play some cover
tunes, but they are full time musicians/recording artists who
also compose great music and Yamaha Piano Artist/band
leader John Nilsen’s one million plus record sales warrant it.
SWIMFISH has a unique sound. Singer/songwriter originality
based on cultural experience separates them. The debut CD
by SWIMFISH, John Nilsen & SWIMFISH, was played
throughout the USA on radio to positive reviews. Late
founding member of the major rock band, AMERICA, Dan
Peek, wrote, “ Major kudos on your CD. The music is superb,
the lyrics inspired and the production/arranging are top
notch. The songwriting hangs together well and the tracks
flow, carving out a groove like a river carves a canyon. You
deserve to be heard.” The Oregonian says, “John Nilsen’s
career is the envy of many musicians.” John Nilsen &
SWIMFISH released, The Future of the Past, their 5th CD in
Jan. 2026.

Consisting of John Nilsen - guitar, piano, vocals / Don
Woodward - guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals / Mike
Snyder - drums, percussion / Dave Captein - bass / Bob
Logue - guitar, vocals, SWIMFISH came into existence as
John Nilsenʼs guitar and vocal band when taking a break
from his demanding international piano career. Don
Woodward was the first SWIMFISH member to sign on as
the two had grown up as next door neighbors and taught
each other to play guitar as teenagers. Mike Snyder, who
has played with many of the finest musicians in the NW and
had been on numerous John Nilsen recording sessions
joined the band when it was formed in 2006. Oregon Music
Hall of Fame bassist Dave Captein joined the band for their
2nd album. Guitarist & vocalist, Bob Logue, a longstanding
veteran guitarist/vocalist of the NW music scene, also joined
the band for their 2nd album. John Nilsen and SWIMFISH
are finding their groove again with all new material. That
comes as no surprise.

www.johnnilsen www.magicwing.com

Seat Map is VIEW only, for those who are new to the venue!