BIG BANDS BRING DOWN THE HOUSE

On November 17th Amica at Somerset House presented the 2nd Annual Big Band Bash showcasing three of Victoria’s top Big Bands for a charity dance at the Victoria Edelweiss Club in James Bay. The funds raised will support the hearing loss prevention services offered at Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC). These include in-services to high school and university music students, and the general public on the importance of looking after their hearing.

You may wonder what the connection between music and hearing loss is. People with hearing loss grieve the loss of easy communication with others, but in addition many also grieve the loss of ability to appreciate music.  Music is a very important part of our culture and a powerful form of expression whether making music, moving to the music, or in just appreciating where the music will take us. Using music as a fundraiser for those with hearing loss is a good fit for IDHHC and from all accounts this event was hugely successful.

The dance floor was rocking and rolling all evening as many from the swing dance community, friends of the centre, and supportive family members turned out to dance and listen to the music of The Island Big Band, The Commodores and The Swiftsure Big Band who graciously donated their time to support this fundraising event. For those wanting to learn some fancy dance steps, a complimentary dance lesson was provided by the Swing Dance Association of Victoria (Swing Victoria).

The Big Band Bash is the brainstorm of Roy Reynolds, a well known jazz player who played with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and someone who has a profound hearing loss. The highlight of the evening was when Roy, who was a guest soloist with The Swiftsure Big Band, brought down the house with his tunes on the saxophone.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Amica at Somerset House (Presenting Sponsor) Cooper Financial Services Group, Inc, Namdor Reinforcing Steel, Broadmead Hearing Clinic, Tycon Steel, David Billingham – Pemberton Holmes, Harley J. Crabb & Co Inc., Unity Business Systems and Times Colonist. As well, a big thankyou to our prize donors: Thrifty Foods in James Bay, Metroliquor and Home Depot.

Here's a video of the show!