Review: Eden Lane performs at Swing Wine Bar with special guest Susanne Layton

Published August 21, 2026

Throughout my time living in Thurston County, I have heard countless people rave about Swing Wine Bar and recommend that I give it a try. In the past, I would smile and nod, assuming they would not have anything that could accommodate either the people closest to me or me—particularly when it came to celiac-safe food and alcohol-free options. Thankfully, a recent opportunity to wine and dine there proved me wrong and allowed my loved ones and me to feel pampered and welcomed just as we are. Nicole Butigan and her staff were warm, kind, and gracious in accommodating our needs. Places like this are rare treasures, and I encourage you to experience their classy, elegant atmosphere whenever the opportunity arises. One such opportunity came up last night, with local jazz & swing group Eden Lane performing medleys that paired perfectly with my alcohol-free rosé.

Eden Lane is again one of those groups whose name has popped up frequently throughout my adventures in the arts, but whose schedule never seemed to align with mine—until now. I am so glad it finally did, because I cannot imagine a better listening experience than hearing them perform from the outdoor seating at Swing. Their presence in that space made everything feel right with the world. This particular performance was made even more special as Eden Lane’s Stephanie Layton got to duet with her sister, Susanne.

It’s funny: I’ve heard plenty of people say that they do not like jazz, which is fine…BUT I remain convinced that if they experienced jazz live, they might have a whole different outlook. When you listen to jazz on the radio, in an elevator, or on a playlist, you can hear the nostalgic sounds and vibrant musicality. Still, you do not get to witness the improvisation unfolding before you. That is what gives jazz its particular spark, similar to the pop of a champagne bottle.

I invite you to sit down with a glass of your beverage of choice as you read my review of Eden Lane.

The Review

Bringing back all the glamour and ritz of the Big Band era, Eden Lane dances between nostalgia and a sort of timeless decadence with every note they play. Their set list included the classics alongside gems I had not heard before. Performing songs from the Great American Songbook with lyrical references to various tourist destinations, Eden Lane transported us on a musical adventure across the United States.

Stephanie Layton has vocal chops that sound like a direct connection to the 1940s. I kept having to remind myself that I was seeing her perform live and not listening to a vinyl record in my bedroom. Perfectly polished, I have never heard anyone sing so flawlessly live before. It was extraordinary to behold!

Layton was joined by guitarist Tarik Bentlemsani, who gave a gentlemanly performance reminiscent of dancers Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. He knew how to shine in a way that complemented Layton and the duo as a whole, while still maintaining a balanced musical identity of his own.

Stephanie’s sister, Susanne, joined roughly halfway through the portion of the performance I attended—I swear their vocal harmony came directly from an angelic choir. It was stunning! Susanne’s voice reminded me of Disney Princesses Aurora and Cinderella, maintaining a charm and purity that added the cherry on top of an already luscious show.

Speaking of cherries on top, Eden Lane’s sound reminded me of Sofie's Scoops gelato's smooth, buttery texture. Much like the gelato, their overall flavor was nuanced, maintaining just the right balance between sweet, herbaceous, and savory. My musical palate was utterly delighted by it all!

I am so grateful for groups like Eden Lane, who continue to remind audiences of jazz's ever-present relevance and timelessness while simultaneously innovating the genre and making it their own. In a world that is constantly shifting, there is something deeply comforting about enjoying a style of music so rooted in human connection, expression, history, and artistry.

I cannot encourage you enough: make time in your schedule to intentionally listen to jazz, whether by attending a live performance or listening to a recording. It is medicine for our human hearts, keeping our souls engaged with our emotions. Besides, it is a perfectly delicious genre of music. As George and Ira Gershwin would say, who could ask for anything more?

To learn more about Eden Lane, click here.