By Amanda Hatfield
Staff writer
BREVARD -- Swing dance back to yesteryear Friday, Feb. 8, and celebrate the season of love with your special someone.
The Henegar Center for the Arts and Swingtime Jazz Band will jointly host a fabulous evening of "Big Band" music, as they raise funds that will benefit facility upgrades to Melbourne's beloved theater.
"We have been discussing this collaboration for quite some time," said Kathy Kett of the Henegar Center. "With the recent success the Henegar Center has had with both the Glenn Miller Band last July and the Orlando Jazz Orchestra's Big Band Tribute in December, we realized that our patrons are enthusiastically supporting Swingtime and the Big Band sound."
The collaboration between the two community staples will prelude Valentine's Day for audience members, as they dance "A Romantic Evening" away.
Attendants will enjoy the classic sounds of Big Band masters like Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, and many more. Sally Hart and Len Fallen, popular local vocalists, will also be preforming.
The Swingtime Jazz Band is a section of the Melbourne Municipal Band.
"The Melbourne Municipal Band expressed an interest in performing in the Henegar's 476-seat, Broadway-style theatre," Mrs. Kett said. "The Henegar is excited to showcase some very talented local musicians, many whom have performed in the orchestra pit at the Henegar over the years."
With the building rapidly approaching its 100th birthday, the Henegar Center of the Arts will be using funds raised from this "Romantic" event to help pay for upgrades throughout the theater.
Carmen Bright of Marketing Communications Associates, Inc., said the Henegar Center has an ongoing program of upgrades and renovations to enhance the audience's experience.
"The fundraiser is focused on additional sound system and acoustic enhancements," Ms. Bright said. "Phase one of our sound system campaign has been realized with the purchase of an $11,000 digital sound board."
Phase two of updates will focus on purchasing and replacing microphones, speakers and monitors.
Swingtime's conductor, Art Martin warmly extends an invitation to all those interested in attending.
"Come join us for an upbeat and romantic evening of well-known Big Band classics," Mr. Martin said. "Selections will range from 'Moonlight Serenade,' 'Come Rain or Come Shine' and 'Satin Doll,' to 'Sweet Georgia Brown' and 'Little Brown Jug.'"
Tickets are $20 each and are still available.
To purchase tickets from the Henegar Center, call (321) 723-8698, or visit www.henegar .org.
For more information about Swingtime, the Big Band ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band, call (321) 724-0555 or visit www.melbournemunicipalband.org.