The 23rd annual Canadian Big Band celebration got people on their feet at Unifor’s Main Assembly Dance Hall.

September 7 to 9 is the annual Canadian Big Band Celebration (CBBC) now in its 24th year. The CBBC festival with four events, celebrates annually, the dance pavilions that once graced the shores of our beaches. A cherished period of music, friendships, summer breezes and romance.

Friday Night Jazz 7:30 to 11 p.m. with eight jazz and blues bands at seven venues in both Port Elgin and Southampton. Using the SS Trolley or Shuttle Bus, you can travel to any venue safely and in style with other patrons for free.

Port Elgin venues include Queens Bar & Grill with Noodle Factory Jazz Project (Jazz & Swing), Chester’s Bar & Grill with Robin Banks and Richard Whiteman (Jazz & Blues), Wismer House with Bobby Dean Blackburn & Sons (Rhythm & Blues) and Port Elgin Dance Club at RCL (Swing & Jazz).

Southampton venues include Duffy’s Bar & Grill with Roberta Hunt (Jazz & Blues), Walker House with Mary Catherine Pazzano Quartet (Jazz), Southampton Golf & Country Club with Heavyweights Brass Band (R&B, Jazz) and Charlie Bell Trio and Guests (Jazz).

Saturday’s Big Event – Afternoon Show 2 to 5 p.m. is a big band dance party at the beautiful Unifor Main Assembly (Dance) Hall featuring vocalists Rebecca Binnendyk and Dean Hollin with the Canadian Big Band whose membership includes many of the finest big band and jazz players in Canada today.

Saturday’s Big Event - Evening Show 7:30 to 11 p.m. will be a continuous dance party also at the Unifor Main Assembly (Dance) Hall. This is non stop dancing to Classic Rock, R&B, and a bit of kicking country music featuring The Lulu's Band with the Men in Black Brassline. Trading sets with Lulu’s and the Men in Black is the ever-popular Tyler Yarema singing and playing up a storm of blues and jazz.

Sunday Jazz Brunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring jazz violinist prodigy and Juno award winner Drew Jurecka with Adrian Farugea on keys and Clark Johnston on double bass. Unifor's Executive Chef Jason Stewart has created a complete gourmet brunch, bringing a few new twists and layouts to this popular event. Check out CBBC's menu link for a tantalizing look at what's on offer for the Sunday brunch.

Tickets and more information at www.canadianbigband.com.

The CBBC has transitioned to online electronic tickets through Ticketscene which is working well and our volunteers are ready to take your electronic ticket at all venues. Also, cash admission will be available at the door for all events.

The CBBC volunteers and sponsors hope to see you for a great weekend of music and fun.

Source: CBBC media release