By Amanda Hatfield
Staff writer
MELBOURNE -- It's here... clear, blue skies illuminated by the crisp sun, an array of color bursting from the ground, shaking off the sleepiness of winter. Spring time has officially arrived!
What better way to celebrate the season of new beginnings than with the Swingtime Jazz Band?
Jazz enthusiasts and dancers alike can enjoy this springtime treat as the Swingtime Jazz Band presents "The Only True American Art Form" concert at 7:30 p.m. on March 13 and 14, and the wildly popular annual "Spring Fling Ball" at 7 p.m. on March 15, both hosted at the Melbourne Auditorium.
"The 'Spring Fling Ball' has been an annual March dance event for a number of years," said Art Martin, conductor of the Swingtime Jazz Band. "It's our way of welcoming the new season with some upbeat dance tunes."
With tunes ranging from swing to Latin and even a few Irish medleys to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Martin describes the "Spring Fling Ball" as a "perfect stepping-stone to your St. Patrick's Day celebration weekend."
The Swingtime Jazz Band will be accompanied by local vocalists Sally Hart and Len Fallen at the "Spring Fling Ball."
As part of its many performances around Brevard County each year, "The Only True American Art Form" is the title selected for the Swingtime Jazz Band's show at the Melbourne Auditorium this year.
"'The Only True American Art Form' is a phrase that describes jazz because it originated in the United States," Mr. Martin said. "This free concert features some great jazz standards, like 'I'm Confessin'' and 'April in Paris.'"
'The Only True American Art Form' will also feature vocalists Sally Hart and Len Fallen.
"We encourage people to come out to these events to enjoy some great music from local performers and, of course, swing into spring," Mr. Martin said.
"The Only True American Art Form" is Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. and is a free event, with no tickets required.
"Spring Fling Ball" is Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Table reservations are available for groups of six or more. There is no cost to reserve a table.
Dance lessons by Laura Beers will also be available prior to "Spring Fling Ball" on Friday, March 15 from 6-7 p.m. Cost for dance lessons is $5 per person. For more information about dance lessons, visit www.adancersvoice.com.
Melbourne Auditorium is located at 625 E. Hibiscus Ave., Melbourne. For more information about the events, visit www.melbournemunicipalband.org or call (321) 724-0555.