Big Birthday Bash

The Big Band played for Colin Toomer's 65th birthday part on Saturday. He organised every musical group he plays with plus a few more to play back to back at Onerahi Community Hall. A good turnout, the carpark was chokka and watch out if you parked in the wrong place, the parking warden soon had you sorted out. The big band played on the stage and by crikey it was loud, probably due to the low proscenium arch. After a few pieces everyone figured this out and dropped their volume a little to compensate. Colin, seated centre stage in front of the band opened the set with some loud drumming on "Sing, Sing, Sing." Musical Director Ray Palmer lead from the back on bass. Highlights of the band's performance were some grunty bari sax playing by Luka Grbavac on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and the dulcet tones of Sara Harris singing Barbra Streisand's "Evergreen." Other notable performances during the event were the Red Arrows brass quintet playing dixie with special guest, Jim Thorne playing a mean clarinet, and the Whangarei District Brass Band led by Brent Stephens. Photos below courtesy of Eric Parker.

The birthday boy

Basin City Big Band with Sara Harris. Must be a long note for the trombones because two of them are turning red!

Terence singing one of his numbers. Only two trumpets at this gig, no-one noticed except for Dianne and Stephen (alto sax) who were grateful.

The internationally famous Red Arrow Quintet comprising Derek Hopper, Ray Palmer, Ian Mason and Barbara Mason and Jim Thorne (out of picture). Do trombone players ever do any work?

Players for next gig

Here is the list of players for the next gig. As you can see we have had to replace some players who were not up to scratch and added some string players and extra management.

Gig at L'affaire

Last Saturday the big band played a four hour gig for a corporate function at L'Affaire, Whangarei. Despite some difficulties with a cramped setup the band played well and was appreciated by the crowd. John Drake took some pics before the evening got underway:


 Luka with his mean machine.

In the back are three of the trumpet section, one warming up, the other two reading articles on how to play the trumpet. Is there a more studious section in the band?

Sara looking glamorous as usual, and she made it to the gig on time.

Sax section discussing the finer points of the first chart.

Photos from the archives

Here are some historical pics of the band. Someone from those eras will have to email me the names of the band members, and maybe the venue the band was playing at. At least 7 of the middle photo are still playing with the group today.