To Book the Band speak to Rod on 01795 590912 or email him at ratmount@talktalk.net
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The Beverley Big Band was formed in the Autumn of 1994 by Jane Beverley and David Forbes to play the music of the 30’s and 40’s in the style of that era, such as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
Initially a Concert band of amateur and semi-professional musicians from Herne Bay and Whitstable, performances were often for charitable causes in village halls and churches until, in 1998, the band began to play for dancing, which proved extremely popular as the opportunity to dance to a big band was a rarity!
The band expanded to 20 musicians plus singers Angie Wicks from Chatham and Colin Grainger from Herne Bay, and it was time to invest in new illuminated music stands, portable sound amplification and uniforms. To fund this investment it was decided to hire Canterbury’s Westgate Hall and promote a series of “Dance Parties”. The combination of live Big Band music and “American Supper” catering (guests bring their own food) proved to be a winner, and very soon a database of over 300 dance fans was established.
Function bookings gradually materialised in larger venues such as Margate Winter Gardens, Canterbury University, Herne Bay King’s Hall and Broom Park Country Club.
The band continues to impress, playing for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball at Higham Park, Canterbury Cricket Ground, and Jarvis Great Danes Hotel, as well as concert dates at Herne Bay Bandstand, Margate Theatre Royal and Whitstable Playhouse and recently for the delegates to the Lambeth Conference in the Shirley Hall, King’s School, Canterbury.
The band repertoire has expanded greatly, encompassing a larger range of music to appeal to a wider dance audience, wedding functions and other celebrations (usually held in large marquees), and a 15-track CD has been recorded for retail sale.
Young vocalist Stevie Lee has joined the band, and after 15 years, the Beverley Big Band is now unquestionably the premier dance orchestra in the area, even teaming up with East Kent Ballroom dance champions Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence to provide an opportunity to dance to a Big Band and watch dance demonstrations at Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall.
Most recently a new Musical Director has taken up the baton. John Myhill, from Ramsgate is an experienced musician, composer and conductor, and plays in his own Modern Jazz Trio.
The band continues to rehearse every Monday at the Hampton Bay Yacht Club in Herne Bay.
Thank you for a very enjoybable gig on Sat 10 Dec, the Band is clearly a well
Organised machine , I have awarded Myself a 7. For the add on during the
Come dancing theme.
Keep music live! Best wishes John Slade Willis DRUMMER.
im lookingf tto join a band has lead sax
John,
Thank you for your interest. I’m afraid we have a rather over subscribed Sax section at the moment and are not looking for any more. Good luck in your search though.
Mandy