Jammin’ Jazz Night – May 26 – with the South Okanagan Big Band

The South Okanagan Big Band (SOBB) played to a lively and cheering full house in December for the Centre’s Christmas concert, and they’re returning to do another heckuva set with jazz standard favourites as well as a few more current tunes, and tunes from the 50’s!

The South Okanagan Big Band has been a staunch supporter of the Summerland Community Centre for years. The band remains a solid favourite in Summerland, and in recent years, has been in demand to play at Penticton’s Pentastic Jazz Festival. This May 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the Centre’s facilities, 9710 Brown Street, the band will once again fill the halls with favourite tunes, all danceable if you bring the right shoes!

The band began to form in 2011. At that time, leader Richard De Jonge moved from the coast to the valley and brought with him quite a number of big band charts. So he started inviting musicians he knew to join in and play. Back then, there were not enough musicians to fill all parts. It took a few years to fill out and flourish into a great-sounding band.

Big band music was hot in the 1940’s, so a lot of the music stems from that era, but not all of it. The band is finding arrangements for 50’s and 60’s music as well as a few more modern pieces, so the repertoire is diversifying. As an added feature, well-known singer Judy Rowe adds her passionate voice to several of the pieces, generally including some of Patsy Cline’s music as well. Most of the music is perfect to dance to, but it’s equally pleasing to sit and listen.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to a cafe style ambience and with a cash bar for wine and beer.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Artisans of the Okanagan, 13211A N. Victoria and at the door.  “Be there or be Square”!