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FARMINGTON – For the fourth year in a row, hundreds of people will be inspired by the Big Band sound of the 14-piece Al Corey Orchestra and the talent of the 22-piece Mt. Blue Jazz Band to fox trot, swing and lindy hop the night away at the Fourth Annual Autumn Dance 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday night at Mt. Blue High School.
The annual big night of great music, dance and, yes, fountains of flowing chocolate, will all go to benefit a spring trip to the Heritage Music Festival and other sites in New York City that the Jazz band’s director Karen Beacham is eager for her students to experience.
Gary Smith, a 35-year veteran teacher who manages four Arthur Murray Dance Studios in New York City and on Long Island will lead a dance class for one hour from 6 to 7 p.m. on the basic techniques of both slow and fast dance for couples.
“I’m going to prep ’em so they can dance the night away,” Smith said. Smith, also known locally as the owner of The Ugly Moose general store in Industry, and his wife Denise, will demonstrate and help a line-up of couples move from slow dance to the faster versions all in one hour.
“Gary gets everybody dancing,” Beacham said.
Throughout the evening, couples of all ages will be dancing in style to the classic Big Band sound of 1940s for which the legendary Al Corey Orchestra is so well known. It’s also a chance for the high school musicians to play their own mix, sharing the stage with professional musicians.
“It is a really, really valuable experience for the students,” Beacham said of the fund raising event she started for her student-musicians four years ago.
And the chocolate that flows from two fountains?
“I like chocolate,” Beacham said smiling. Pam West at Mountain View Chocolate Shoppe supplies the flow of milk and dark chocolate, along with good dipping things to keep the dance energy going.
“It’s a wonderful time,” said Brian Nadeau who now directs the Al Corey Orchestra since the founder’s passing at the age of 86 in 2003. “Thanks to Karen Beacham, all ages are dancing and the kids love the band.”
Nadeau’s orchestra will play some of their favorites, the Mt. Blue bands plays of few of theirs and both merge to play Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.”
“These kids are really special at Mt. Blue. We’re hoping they’ll be inspired by this style of music and carry the torch onto the next generations,” Nadeau said. “It’s a great education for them and a great night for all.”
Admission/donation is $15; students and seniors $10. Tickets available at Everyday Music or at door. For more, call Karen Beacham at 778-3561.
Al Corey Big Band is, on sax: Rick Gordon, John Morneau, Glen Sargent, Lanissa Nadeau and Bob Totman; on trumpet: Brian Nadeau, Andrew Forster and Les Nadeau; on trombone: Lee Prager, Jim Winters; piano: Gerry Wright; bass: Al Doane and drums: Mark MackSoud.
Mt. Blue Jazz Band/Al Corey Big Band Autumn Dance sponsors:
ANGELS: Anonymous, Clearwater Veterinary Hospital, Linda and Russ Hill, Mt. Blue Music Boosters, Mountain View Chocolate Shoppe, Pinellas Foundation, Poland Springs and The Ugly Moose
SAINTS: Stewart and Kathy Durrell, Family Optometry, Richard and Leona Forster, Franklin Savings Bank, Robert and Doris Hamilton, Mills and Mills, Paul H. Mills; Otis Federal Credit Union , Dr. Robert and Joan Patterson and Tyngtown Dental.
COOL CATS: Dead River Company, Dummer’s Beach, Gordon Dummer Camps, Inc.; Kyes Insurance Agency, Shiretown Insurance Agency and Wilton Blueberry Farm.
DANCIN’ FOOLS: Bean and Smith Real Estate, Falls Veterinary, Good Times Unlimited, Inc., Hammond Lumber Company, Mr. Tom Saviello and Taylor Made Homes.
