Little Ole Big Band returns with a "Sentimental Journey"

Visit our Little Ole Big Band Photo Album with pictures from the Tryouts and the Rehearsals Courtesy of Iain D. P. Karroll, Production Stills

Little Theater on the Bay will present the 6^th annual Little Old Big Band Show the evenings of  November 13 and 14 and with a matinee on Sunday, November 15. A cast of over 20 singers will join dancers and the Little Old Big Band under the direction of Steve Simpkins to take their audience on a “Sentimental Journey ” as they explore the theme of travel in big band music spanning the 1920’s through the 1960’s.

 

The show is designed to showcase big band music in several styles, and this year will cover an even broader range of music than before, from early blues to swinging rock and roll. The seven piece band, composed of prominent local jazz musicians, will be high on a platform over the stage and will swing their way through the great melodies and jazz styles of songs from “Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe,” through “Basin Street Blues,” and continug wih “Beyond The Sea” on a “Slow Boat To China,” being just a few of the familiar and memorable songs in the show.

 

Jim Thornton and Connie Nipgen will provide introductions and commentary  between songs, and  the audience will enjoy several group numbers that include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Lullaby of Birdland,”  arranged by Charles Perkins, a prominent Florence jazz musician and teacher who has penned many of the band arrangements, and Linda Sweatt, one of the show’s directors, who created the vocal arrangements. Janice Kendall serves as musical director and Luanne May is the show producer.

 

November 13, 14, and 15 promise to be wonderful entertainment for music lovers of all ages as this special American music is brought to life on the LTOB stage.