Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Union County Community Concerts Association Board Member Florence Allen.
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Marysville Residents and friends welcomed the Little Big Band Classic jazz band to the Bunsold Middle School stage Thursday evening.
Director Mike Wright, announcer Chip Wright and the 20-piece band started their program “Just a Closer Walk” instrumental piece that started with a slow dirge sound and moved to a fast New Orleans tempo, which started the audience clapping and toe tapping. The woodwinds, trumpets, trombones, French horn and rhythm section set the stage for a fun evening of music. Many of the songs also showcased vocalists, Melissa Williams and Chip Wright.
The musical arrangements that they played dated from the 1930’s until today. The instrumental and vocals covered a varied genre of music mixing the program from many styles and time periods which included many of the audience’s favorite award winning songs that had been performed in musicals and movies.
The vocalists sang many songs throughout the program. The Blues songs sung by Melissa Williams were “Blue Flame” and “Every Day (I Have the Blues).” Chet Williams also sang several songs, including “Santa Claus Is coming To Town” and “Feeling Good”.
A very special treat for our audience was to hear the Flugal Horn featured in “My Foolish Heart.” The band performed several Latin pieces, “Manteca,” “Girl From Ipanema” and “Sway.” The guitar was featured in “Jumpin” East of Java” and Monogonucleosis.” The trumpets was featured in several songs, “Stardust,” “Mr. Zoot Suit” and “Zoot Suit Riot.”
The next concert will be on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Bunsold Middle School. Attendees will be entertained by Lone Ravenand its Celtic/world music sound featuring an eclectic blend traditional music and original compositions.
For more information , those interested may call Ted Howard at 937-243-3133.