Here in the Kootenays, it’s common to hear of folks heading off to Spokane or Kelowna, Calgary or Vancouver to taste the “good life.” Theatre, concerts, restaurants, special events. But there is a hidden treasure right here amongst us that is good enough to tempt the city folks to visit US!
Just try to find live music to dance to in the city, and you’ll find that most of the bands have faded away.
The Kootenays however, have a first-class dance band, called the Swingsations, that plays the same music as the great dance bands, like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo, Glenn Miller to name a few. Several times a year this talented bunch of high-class musicians strut their stuff and play all the most inspiring music for an evening of dancing and listening pleasure.
This band was once known as the Novatones, and the name changed to Swingsations under the leadership of band leader Clark White. This past fall they played for the RCMP Regimental Ball, and you may know them from their gigs at Chocolate Jazz and other special occasions. Their music includes a little something for everyone, with swing, jazz, rock, polkas, waltz, rhumbas, and tangos - all played masterfully. Many numbers are sung beautifully by our vocalist and some of the band musicians take time from their instruments to find their way to the microphone.
Dancers range from past champions to diehard enthusiasts, to complete beginners, and some folks don’t dance at all, and come just to listen to the band and enjoy an evening with friends. People come from Grand Forks and even Kaslo to share this hidden gem. Join us, have a glass of wine and dance the night away!
Your next chance to indulge is Jan 21, 8 p.m. to midnight at the KP Hall above Shoppers Drug Mart in Trail.
Tickets are $15 at Mallards in Castlegar and Trail Coffee and Tea Company or call 367-6115 to reserve.