Photos: Supplied.
If the sound of Big Band music gets your toes tapping and your hips moving, if the strains of swing classics like Sheikh of Araby or Basin St. Blues make you smile, or if your face lights up at the mention of Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey or Glenn Miller – well, keep smiling, because the Redland City Big Band has a night for you!
Swing, jive, jazz, Latin – and for the more sedate or less energetic, an occasional waltz – will be the order of the evening on July 20th at the band’s Winter Magic dance night at Cleveland. Era-appropriate costumes are always welcome.
“There are quite a few dance groups around, and people enjoy really getting into the swing with clothes from the ’30s and ’40s,” says Stephen Phoenix, a long-time Big Band member.
“The women lead the fashion stakes, but we occasionally have men turn up in peaked caps, braces and knickerbockers – it all adds to the atmosphere and the fun.”
The Big Band is one of the music groups under the aegis of the Redland City Bands, which also includes the Concert Band, the Beginner Concert Band, the Wind Ensemble and the Smith Street Jazz Band.
“A number of musicians in the Beginner Concert Band are experienced musicians who are trying their hand – and perhaps their embouchure – at a new instrument,” Stephen says.
As for brass, woodwind and rhythm players, the Big Band is certainly the place to settle into. A 22-piece band under the direction of Dr. David Salisbury, it boasts seven saxophones, three trombones, five trumpets and a rhythm section that would get the shyest dancer onto the floor.
If you’re tempted to dig out the petticoats and flared skirts, the bobby socks and dance shoes, you can get more information by calling Joy Lovey on 0400 529 451, or go to https://redlandcitybands.org.au.
