Get into the swing of big band music at the theatre

Eggington based band Five Star Swing perform at their home town venue on Wednesday May 25 as part of the group’s national Poppy Appeal tour.

The Big Band concert features an evening of vintage swing by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and many more famous faces bought to life by the Five Star Swing multi-instrumentalists and singers.

As seen on BBC TV Children in Need and Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Ball, the show is led by bandleader Chris Smith Jr, composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band.

He is a former composer for Herb Miller Big Band – (Glenn Miller’s brother).

Along with Tony Bennett’s trombonists also featured is vocalist and saxophonist Simone, who was taught to play alto saxophone in the 1970’s by the famous bandleader Ivy Benson, whom she subsequently performed with.

The concert features Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra,

Simone has recorded with Paul Weller, the Paul Merton TV Show and the Russell Harty show.

Chris said: “ We used to back Bob Monkhouse on hiscabaret performances and now enjoy living in Eggington, where he hailed from.

“Following our extensive UK tour I’m excited to be bringing the sound of our big band brass, saxes, rhythm and vocalists back home!”.

The concert starts at 7:30pm and tickets are £12 for concessions and £13 for adults.

For more details or to book tickets in advance call the box office on 0300 300 8125 or visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure/leighton-buzzard-library-theatre/event.aspxFor further information about the band and to see examples of their work visit www.fivestarswing.co.uk.