Heading into the ‘dog days’ of summer it’s difficult to think of cooler temperatures and Fall, unless you think … Canadian Big Band Celebration then it’s exciting.
September is only a few weeks away and the Canadian Big Band Celebration (CBBC) is ready to kick into high gear for the big band extravaganza from September 19th to 21st.
If there is any doubt that people want to listen and dance to the sounds of live music, the annual Canadian Big Band weekend dispels any of those doubts. Visitors come from far and wide to ‘trip the light fantastic’ and listen to some of the world’s best musicians.
In September, the entire community of Saugeen Shores comes alive with music of every genre for every musical taste … jazz, blues, rock and, of course, the big band sound of bygone eras where people take to the dance floor.
Charles (Charlie) Bell, who launched the Stardust Big Band with nine members in Walkerton in 1986, when he was the Bruce County Board of Education’s Music Coordinator, and who was a member of the founding committee for CBBC weekend, says, “I think big band music in this day and age is still in great shape. It comes from a time when music was cherished, the words in beautiful vocals and beautiful melodies. New generations are now revisiting this music today.”
“It’s always an exciting time of year,” adds Bell. “While it’s a lot of work and logistics, it always comes together at the end for both the musicians and the visitors. I know people who make the Big Band Celebration an annual vacation destination and who have been coming now for many years.”
Beginning on Friday, September 19th, the musical weekend continues in a variety of venues until the final day of brunch and New Orleans style jazz on September 21st.
For a full schedule of events, click on image
