Fling into spring with a big band dance

Headingley

St. Charles

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This article was published 10/05/2023 (970 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The St. Charles Headingley United Church will hold its first Spring Fling party on Saturday, May 13, a fundraising event in partnership with the St. Charles Big Band.

The 20-strong musical group, founded in 2016 by Randy Dalton, has been in partnership with the church for some time now, often rehearsing in the basement and performing at their events.

“It’s a great opportunity to highlight (the band) as well as a chance to engage with the wider community in the Headingley and West Winnipeg Area,” said Dayna Weiten, vice-chair of the church board. “They’re a fantastic group, (and) there’s not a lot of opportunities to get people out to just have a nice evening listening to music.”

This is very much a community event — the organizers are all very familiar with one another, Weiten said, and the visitors will be from all around the area.

Since the event will be held at Headingley Community Centre (5353 Portage Ave.,) there will be a lot of space for visitors to both dance around and sit back and enjoy the music.

Dalton, 67, said he’s excited for the event, as he is with any performance. They practise regularly, but it all has to be for something, he said.

They don’t play the city’s biggest venues, but are around often enough, he said. Earlier this year, they performed a gig at Park Theatre, and will be returning to the Red River Ex for a set in June.

“We’re starting to be known in band circles around Winnipeg, local band communities,” Dalton said. “We’ve got a healthy (group,) we’re just starting to thrive.”

In traditional big band fashion, the group tries to keep to 20 or so members and there isn’t a rigorous audition process, Dalton said. If someone likes the music and can pick up an instrument, they’re in.

“I can’t believe the level of camaraderie in a new band,” he said. “It’s such a thrill.”

He said that he hopes they can practise over the summer, when they usually take their break, and have start strong next year.

“This band is my baby,” Dalton said.

The St. Charles Big Band plays a selection of 1930s-40s swing music, with and without a lead vocalist.

The Spring Fling will include a catered dinner by Merv’s Pitchfork and Fondue, with a choice between chicken supreme and rib-eye prime roast meals, and all proceeds will go towards the several charities the St. Charles Headingley United Church supports, such as the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund, among others.