Overview
Get ready to swing and jive as the Toronto All-Star Big Band takes the stage, bringing to life the classic hits of the ’30s to the ’50s with their energetic performances. Comprised of young and emerging local musicians, this talented ensemble infuses the timeless tunes with fresh energy and enthusiasm. In collaboration with Swing Toronto, the event offers swing dance lessons, providing a fun and interactive opportunity for attendees to connect with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Suitable for all ages, including young children and families, these dance lessons promise a memorable and inclusive experience for everyone.
About the Toronto All-Star Big Band
One of the most exciting bands around, the Toronto All-Star Big Band revives the spirit style and sound of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s – that golden age of the big bands.
Armed with brilliant programming, choreography and engaging cultural nostalgia, this vibrant cast of awesome young talent has earned its position at the top of list of presenters throughout Ontario and in the USA. Theatrical engagements are far reaching, and recent gigs have included the Glenn Miller festival in Clarinda Iowa, the Villages and the Snowbird Extravaganza in Florida, the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Art Park in Lewiston N.Y. and Toronto’s famed Palais Royale, Casa Loma and the Old Mill.
At the heart of the musical matter, the TABB provides one of the most intense and stimulating youth music programs in Canada. Behind their extraordinary entertainment, they engage cream of the crop young musicians from across the GTA in a rigorous regime of rehearsals, workshops and fantastic skill-building performance experiences with such international stars as Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Eddie Daniels and Larry Elgart. The band has also worked with wonderfully talented Canadians…Peter Appleyard, Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, Tommy Ambrose, Phil Nimmons and the great Jackie Richardson. In June 2009 TABB had the great pleasure of performing with Legend Benny Golson. His gifts of music will “not soon be forgotten”. All of these wonderful performers are a part of TABB’s legend series and have graciously shared their talents with these young musicians.
The band has enjoyed workshops with band leader Howard Cable, trombonist Al Kay, saxophonists Alex Dean, John Dankworth and Benny Golson, trumpeters Clark Terry and John McLeod. Our touring cool yule show, “A Swingin’ Christmas with the Toronto All-Star Big Band” offers up swinging arrangements from the likes of Les Brown, Louis Armstrong, the Andrew Sisters and Harry Connick Jr., a refreshing departure from the usual Christmas concert fare.
About Swing Toronto
At Swing Toronto we take pride in offering a welcoming atmosphere to everyone, from the most inexperienced novice to long time social dance enthusiasts. Our events are among the most established and terrifically fun dances in the city of Toronto, and many would agree that they’re among Toronto’s best kept secrets.
About Simon Threlkeld, Dance Teacher
Simon teaches and loves Lindy Hop, 1920s dances, Ragtime dances, 19th century dances, traditional Viennese Waltz, Polka and Cross-step Waltz. He also teaches and loves Air Steps, lifts, drops, dips, floorials, and thinks this is some of the best and most fun stuff in dance.
Simon has been teaching dance for over 20 years, co-founded Toronto’s Lindy Hop scene in late 1995 and 96, has taught many classes and workshops, has presented many live band swing dance parties, has organized many dance workshop weekends since the mid 1990s, and has attended many workshops with the world’s most highly regarded Lindy Hop teachers.
Simon is the coordinator of Swing Toronto and of Waltz Toronto.
Dates & Times
July 2
12pm – Dance Lesson
12:30pm – 1:30pm
2:30pm – Dance Lesson
3pm – 4pm