Big Band party

Mar 14 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE search is on for big band fans throughout West Yorkshire – to help Huddersfield Big Band Society celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Members old and new are invited to join the party at the New Oakes Club in Huddersfield on Wednesday, April 2.

Chairman Cyril Vicars said: “Over the years literally hundreds of people have enjoyed recorded music with us and we hope as many as possible will come along for this special occasion.”

The anniversary will be marked by two swinging programmes, one featuring the world’s top bands chosen by members over the years and the other spotlighting the tunes most played at the society’s monthly meetings.

Since 1978 members have listened to nearly 10,000 tunes from more than 800 different bands worldwide.

They include bands heard only once or twice in the past 30 years to giants of the music who have appeared nearly 400 times.

The society prides itself on having something for everyone – from the classic swing of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman via the progressive jazz of Stan Kenton to big bands playing today.

Cyril said: “Everyone is welcome to come along and find out if their favourite bands and top tunes are among our pick of the year.”

The society meets at 8pm every first Wednesday at the New Oakes Club.