South Okanagan Big Band Springs into Jazz!

The South Okanagan Big Band rehearses regularly at the Summerland Community Centre and has become the Centre's "house band" as well as a community favourite. Each concert the band has put on has been enthusiastically received. Recent shows have all sold out!

The Big Band configuration - 5 saxes 4 trombones 4 trumpets and a rhythm section - has its roots in 1940's jazz and backed the likes of Doris Day Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett singing the old standards. At the last band concert the unusual addition of 1940's style "The Andrews Sisters" singers received enthusiastic response and they may just make a reappearance.

The bands of the day also performed instrumentals featuring talented soloists. But besides the old standards the South Okanagan Big Band endeavours to include music charts to entertain in other genres including some rockier tunes as well. New band leader the talented Neil Bateman now waves the baton to conduct the band. He has introduced the band to some of his own fabulous arrangements of music too.

Band members happily contribute their time and talents to this evening and all proceeds go to the benefit of the Community Centre. Wrap your heart in that!

Don't miss this entertaining show! Your ears will delight with full and rich sounds for a couple of hours the evening of Friday May 2 (7PM). You'll find a cafe-style ambience beer and wine for sale and you'll have the chance to participate in a 50/50 draw.

Tickets are $20 (or $15 for SCCA members who show their membership card) and are available in person at Artisans of the Okanagan in Summerland. You can also reserve tickets via e-transfer to [email protected]. Please include the date of the show and specify the number of tickets you wish to reserve.

And don't forget your dancing shoes. Just in case jiggling in your seat and foot tapping doesn't quite cut it! See you there!

Host or Publisher Susan Norie