Hello all!

As the nights draw in, what could be better than getting out and about listening to The Front Row Big Band? We love to share our latest news and events with you and hope that you can come along to our shows and encourage your family and friends to join us.

We’d like to thank those of you who came to see us perform our Front Row Curtain Up show at Gorleston Pavilion on September 27th. The band were on top form and so was the audience, listening to songs from across the Broadway spectrum and including the original arrangements of One, from A Chorus Line and All That Jazz from Chicago, both of which celebrated their 50th birthday this year.

It was interesting (and surprisingly difficult) finding arrangements to fit the bill and trying to feature songs from across the decades in all styles. We were delighted to have the fabulous Laura White and Lauren Dove singing with us.

We are very excited to announce that our February Star Guest concert will feature the brilliant clarinet & saxophone virtuoso Alan Barnes with the aptly named ‘Barnestorming’ show. It will be an Afternoon of Big Band Magic with some all-time classics and some of Alan’s original compositions. Tickets are on sale now, so book early.

On October 30th, we were back at The Eaton Suite at Dunston Hall. This was our acoustic session, so there was a microphone in sight. We had a sold-out house, and they were a wonderfully responsive audience. Thanks to those of you who came along. It was an eclectic programme, literally music from the 1930s to the present day. Our lead trombonist, Matt, was a star performer on the night with superb solos on West Side Story and MacArthur Park, plus evoking the spirit of Tommy Dorsey on Song of India.

We were lucky to have one of the best jazz guitarists in the country, the man we call ‘The Master’, Phil Brooke, with us, and he contributed 2 arrangements as well as his fantastic solos and superb rhythm section playing.

On Friday, November 14th, we are playing a Swing Dance at The Belvedere Centre in Norwich from 7.30-10. For £15, you will get two and a half hours of non-stop music with FRBB and our special guest DJ AndyAV8. Not only is Andy a great DJ, but he is also a Swing Dance teacher of note.

If you come along, there will be experienced dancers who will be delighted to help you improve your style. The Belvedere has a sprung dance floor, which will help the evening go with a swing.

Finally, for this year, we return to Dunston Hall to The Sunningdale Suite on the afternoon of Sunday, December 21st, for our A Swingin’ Christmas Show. With all your Christmas favourites played in the. Big Band style. If you come along this year, you will find out what might have happened if George Michael had ever sung with Count Basie!!

Thanks again for following us and supporting local musicians and singers. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Martin

(MD The Front Row Big Band)

The Big Band sound is Alive & Swinging with

The Front Row Big Band