SOUTH OKANAGAN BIG BAND – Spring into Jazz!

Our long-favourite house band returns to entertain its constantly growing fan base!  The South Okanagan Big Band (SOBB) rehearses regularly at the Summerland Community Centre and has become 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.  These “big bands” backed the likes of Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett singing the old jazz standards.  At the last SOBB concert, the unusual addition of 1940’s style “The Andrews Sisters” singers received enthusiastic response … so they just may make a return appearance!

The big bands of the day also performed instrumentals and featured talented soloists. But besides the old standards, the South Okanagan Big Band endeavours to include music 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.

We applaud that the SOBB 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 opportunity to participate in a 50/50 draw.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for members) and are available in person at Artisans of the Okanagan in Summerland. You can also reserve tickets via e-transfer to summerlandcommunitycentre@gmail.com. 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 for you!