From HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GRAND RAPIDS
The North Coast Big Band will return for its 24th appearance as part of the “Rhythm on the River Arts Series” in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m.
They will perform in the Wright Pavilion, located on the towpath between the canal and the Maumee River, at the end of Lincoln Street, behind LaRoe’s Restaurant. Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the old fire station, farther west on Front Street. The series is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society.
Under the direction of Gary Keller, the 16-piece big band was formed in 1987 by members of the North Coast Concert Band, when some members of the band stayed after rehearsal to read through big band music. The group’s repertoire includes traditional big band music from bands led by Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. They also perform swing, jazz, and pop music from different decades and tunes arranged by local artists. The band includes five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, bass, piano, and drums.
Sponsors of this performance include Judy Beal, Russ and Nancy Everitt, Tom and Denice Huth, Gary and Barb Lobochefski, Joe and Lynne Long, Bonnie and Steve Noblet, Judy Peper, Norma Roberts, and Chet Vollmar.
