Arrowsmith Big Band to play Capitol Theatre in Port Alberni

Jazz lovers in Port Alberni will have an opportunity to hear one of Vancouver Island’s finest music ensembles in concert when the Arrowsmith Big Band from Oceanside plays the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 pm. 

The Arrowsmith Big Band was formed about 30 years ago by well-known former Port Alberni swing trumpeter, Bill Cave. The band continues to meet once a week in Qualicum for rehearsals. Membership includes professional musicians from the communities of Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Parksville, and Courtenay. Some are retired and a number are presently teaching music in the secondary and university education systems.  Keeping with the tradition of having one or two student musicians play with the group, this year the award-winning trombonist Julian Telfer-Wan from Kwalikum Secondary School’s jazz program is a member. 

Selections featured will be by some of the best musical arrangers in the business. Chosen arrangers include Bob Mintzer, Sammy Nestico, Don Menza, Don Sebesky, Bob Florence, and Tom Kubis. The talented Vancouver composer Fred Stride will be represented with two arrangements - Something For Ernie and Missing You and will showcase alto saxophonist Claudio Fantinato who grew up in Port Alberni and now resides in Qualicum.  For those who remember the big band era of the 1940’s, Glenn Miller’s hit In The Mood will open the second half of the program.

Personnel for the Port Alberni concert will be Claudio Fantinato, Dan Craven, Rachel Fuller, Trevor Hooper and Zack Jamieson-Mills (Saxophones); Michael Irving, Dave Stewart, Greg Bush, Susie Craven (trumpets); Paul Nuez, Greg Falls, Julian Telfer-Wan, Andrew Gray, (trombones). Tying it all together is the rhythm section of Barry Miller (piano), Bryan Stovell (bass), Colin Campbell (Guitar) and Michael Wright on drums.

With solos from most of the band members, the concert will be an exciting evening! If you enjoy big band jazz and swing music you will want to get tickets ASAP. Tickets are now on sale (Adult $12 and Senior/Student $10) at Rollin Arts Centre, Echo Centre, Somass Drugs and Salmonberry’s. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Proceeds from the concert are in support of a music scholarship awarded annually by the Port Alberni Orchestra & Chorus Society to an Alberni Valley music student.

The winner last year was Christina Wynans.