Dean Hollin, accompanied by the Canadian Big Band, serenaded the crowed at Unifor during the Saturday Afternoon Show during the 24th annual Canadian Big Band Celebration September 7 to 9.

Hub Staff

The 24th annual Canadian Big Band Celebration once again came and went with a bang as it celebrated throughout two communities and got people up on their feet for the three day musical event September 7 to 9.

With the annual Friday Night Jazz filling up local establishments, jazz music could be heard by attendees and passersby as they travelled up and down the streets in Saugeen Shores. Port Elgin's Queen’s Bar and Grill, The Wismer House, the Port Elgin Legion and Chester’s Bar and Grill as well as Southampton's Duffy's Fish and Chips and the Walker House opened their doors to host musicians. A new participant this year, the Southampton Golf and Country Club, also hosted two acts to ensure non-stop music throughout the evening with many music lovers taking the S.S. Trolley from venue to venue.

Singers Rebecca Binnendyk and Dean Hollin crooned over the many couples to take to the dance floor during the Saturday Afternoon Show that also saw the Canadian Big Band perform songs from the 1920s through to the 1980s.

The Lulu’s Band, Men Black Brassline and Juno Award winning pianist Tyler Yarema all performed in front of the largest crowd at Unifor Saturday evening and Juno Awarding winning and Grammy nominated jazz violinist Drew Jurecka played for attendees who also had an opportunity to feast at the Jazz Brunch which was held in the Unifor Dining Room September 9.

Event Organizer Debbie Bell said they’re already gearing up for the 25th year and have a few secrets up their sleeves. Bell said they have been listening to suggestions but were overall happy with the turnout and acts that came from far and wide to play at the this year's Celebration.

Bell said that the Unifor Hall is what really makes it. "The music and this beautiful Unifor Hall and the way that staff are so helpful to make sure things happen," she said, noting that there are plenty of accessible pathways to gain access at the Unifor Hall, making dances and the Jazz Brunch accessible for many.

Friday Night Jazz saw many people tour by trolley, which was being driven by a musician Bell said, and entertained 75 percent capacity crowds at most restaurants. Bell added that a lot of fun people seemed to be taking part Friday night and that they "loved the downtown vibe."

Bell remarked that musicians are drawn to perform year after year at the Canadian Big Band Celebration as they are paid the scale wage and the committee makes it a point to pay attention to the expectations that musicians have. “Then once they get here, if they’ve been here before, they’re clamouring to come. They see the Unifor Centre and they see the beach and they realize they can spend a weekend here," she said.

Beloved songstress Rebecca Binnendyk, formerly of Saugeen Shores, jazzed it up for the crowd during the Saturday Afternoon Show September 8.

The Canadian Big Band performed a waltz that brought many couples to the dance floor September 8.

The Canadian Big Band are touted as some of the finest jazz and big band instrumentalists in Canada.