Chase away the winter blues by tapping your feet and clapping your hands during the special performance, Swing Fever happening on Feb. 10 at the Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria.
This musical event will feature the 80 outstanding voices of the Starlight Pops Choir singing hits of the swing era from Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong to Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra.
This is the first large-scale fundraiser put on by Queen City Chapter #5, Order of the Eastern star. “We have never done anything at this scale,” said organizer Willie Taylor. “Five years ago we had a concert at the cathedral which was very successful and fun. This one is much bigger though. With capacity for 800 we can seat a lot more, and there are a lot more expenses involved and a lot more people involved.” But the group is banking on a love of swing music to bring in the crowds.
The Swing Dance Association of Victoria will put the excitement on stage with a fun and upbeat swing dance presentation and guest performer Dave Flello. An accomplished jazz musician and Reynolds High School band teacher, Flello will swing into action with his exceptional trumpeting skills.
“He’s phenomenal, we’re pretty excited to have him play,” said Taylor.
Other musical guests include soloist Sue Doman, founder and director of the Starlight Pops Choir. “She has an incredible three octave range. The sound in the venue is going to be out of this world,” said Taylor. “If we have a full house it will be wonderful.”
The entertainment includes a silent auction which features a Robert Bateman print, luxurious hotel stays, restaurant meals and other exciting offerings. “It’s going to be really good show. Fun for all ages,” said Taylor.
Proceeds from the show benefit the B.C. Cancer Foundation, the fundraising partner of the B.C. Cancer Agency.
“The funds will go specifically for Patient Navigation research at the B.C. Cancer Agency (Vancouver Island),” said Taylor. “It’s a new computer system that will be housed in the new wing of the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre.” They system will allow patients and their family members to access important diagnosis and treatment information.
“We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting musical event and are happy to support the B.C. Cancer Foundation with proceeds from this toe tapping community event benefiting cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency right here in Victoria,” said Taylor.
Tickets are $25 and available at McPherson box office at 250-386-6121 or go to rmts.bc.ca.
