Tag: Big Band

In Pictures: the University Big Band Swing-along-a-Santa

Images © Matt Wilson / University of Kent.

Santa’s nearly here…!

Conductor Ian Swatman on the perils of organising a Christmas gig from the safety of Easter, who’ll be Santa on the night and what’s in store… Back in the deep, dark days of March, a ‘Swing – along with Santa!’ concert seemed a long way off. ‘What a great idea’ were the words uttered from …

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Big Band Gala: what’s in store

This year’s Big Band Gala, on Wednesday 5 June, is going to be a particularly exciting occasion; conductor Ian Swatman explains why… —- The annual Big Band Gala – what a finale! The end of the academic always comes around so quickly and, this year, as with every year, there’s an element of sadness as …

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Bond to Basie: nearly there! The conductor’s view

Conductor of the Concert and Big Bands, Ian Swatman, looks ahead to Friday… Yes, it’s nearly here!! When we set off on the musical journey for 2012/13 back in the distant days of September, Friday 15th March seemed a long way away, but now a mere four days separate us from what, I’m sure, will …

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Big Band Gala at the Gulbenkian

The Big Band is hotting up for its rousing gala at the Gulbenkian Theatre on Wednesday 6 June, in company with some special guests and featuring our very own First Lady of Jazz, Ruby Mutlow, singing. Full details over on ‘Music Matters’ here: this promises to be a very special occasion indeed…

Big Band at Sounds New!

The University Big Band and Ian Swatman brought live music to the heart of Canterbury on Saturday, when they played as part of ‘The Big Bang!’ event in this year’s Sounds New festival, in Whitefriars. Out in the sunshine, thronging shoppers, tourists and passers-by were treated to a mixture of live big band swing and …

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In fine voice: Big Band singer announced

After a spate of applications and a two-stage audition process, we’re delighted to announce the singers with the University Big Band this year. Congratulations to Ruby Mutlow and Jo Turner, who will be gracing the stage at the various gigs with the Big Band. A seasoned veteran of the Jazz @ 5 series over the …

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On the beat: UKC Concert Band and Big Band blog

From jazz and funk to film music, swing standards, big band classics, Stevie Wonder and the epic film scores: the Concert Band and Big Band at the University of Kent have it all! It’s going to be a busy year for both bands, with an appearance at ‘Encore!,’ the Music Society Showcase in November, the …

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