NED RIFKEN has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of “standards” and traditional pop music in Southern California.
NED has headlined in highly successful, extended engagements for over 600 performances as the "AMBASSADOR OF SWING" for CARNIVAL , HOLLAND AMERICA, REGENT SEVEN SEAS and SILVERSEA Cruise Lines. He has also performed in Las Vegas and for several Arts Organizations with his part-time singing partner NANCY OSBORNE in their original show “SWINGIN’ VEGAS IS BACK”!
Over the past 10 years he has performed and been associated with well-known studio musicians who have been associated with almost every iconic music organization in the 20th Century. These mentors of all ages have worked with the likes of Brian Setzer, Manhattan Transfer, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart and many more!
NED has been the lead male vocalist with the best studio musicians in Hollywood with the following:
Randy Van Horne's Alumni Association, Johnny Vana's Alumni Band, Decades - Rock Tribute Band, Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights, Bill Webster's Unabridged Big Band, Tim Davies Big Band, Geo Valle's Swing City, Paul McDonald's Big Band, Rex Merriweather's Not Your Father's Big Band, and The Bob Noval Orchestra.
Recently he was chosen to be the lead male singer in an upcoming production of "A Bing Crosby Christmas Concert" where he will the lead male vocalist with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.
On land, Ned heads up the quartet Ned Rifken and the Hipmunks, a handpicked classic jazz combo made up of top musicians from the Los Angeles area. They've performed at countless events at top venues in the Southern California region. In 2007 they completed their first CD called “No Worries” featuring Ned’s original song of the same title. The CD also features legendary actor/artist/comedian/musician Martin Mull playing guitar on Ned’s version of Martin’s song “Flexible.”