Big Band Music and Hits of the War Years
22nd August 2008
The Historic Dockyard Chatham will truly swing to the Big Band hits of the war years when it holds a Blitz Ball dance night on Saturday 20th September. An inspirational venue has been chosen for this first time event - the mezzanine floor of the historic No. 3 Covered Slip with its awe inspiring roof structure.
As part of the amazing Salute to the 40’s weekend, the Blitz Ball has been introduced by popular demand from the host of re-enactors and visitors who converge on The Historic Dockyard each year for a weekend of nostalgia, wartime memories and top notch entertainment!
From 7.30 to midnight, forties revellers will be treated to the very best sounds of the war years courtesy of the ever popular ‘Straight No Chaser’ Big Band and the “voice in a million” Fiona Harrison who will perform her wonderfully colourful ‘Stars and Stripes’ show.
Military and civilian attire of the war years will be a must as the hits are belted out and equally important, or possibly even more so, will be the dancing shoes - as the feet start tapping it will not be long before even the most left-footed will be up and dancing the night away!
Under its Leader Alex Bondono, the ‘Straight No Chaser’ Big Band has earned itself an enviable reputation for the sheer energy, colour and professionalism of its performances. At venues throughout the south of England and beyond this seventeen-piece big band has regularly brought to life the hits that kept British spirits up during the war from the imitable Glen Miller, through the hits of Benny Goodman, Joe Loss, Count Basie, and Cole Porter.
Making a very welcome return to The Historic Dockyard, “voice in a million” Fiona Harrison, has built a reputation second to none for her many polished performances at leading venues throughout the UK. It will be Fiona’s first evening engagement in Chatham having previously led the hugely popular daytime concerts for the Salute to the ‘40s event. Visiting the unique venue earlier this year Fiona confessed to being “Absolutely stunned by the sheer majesty and scale of the place. What a venue!” she enthused.
Tickets for this one night only concert of big band hits are on sale direct from The Historic Dockyard Ticket Office priced at £12.50 each and there will be free car parking on-site. A licensed cash bar will operate in the venue so no drinks will be permitted to be taken in. However, revellers are able to bring their own ‘food rations’ with them. All seating will be in true wartime fashion at trestle tables.
Tickets are selling well and with only 450 available they are sure to sell-out fast!
Tickets can be purchased by phoning The Historic Dockyard Ticket Office on 01634 823826 or by calling in to the Ticket Office between 10.00am and 5.00pm seven days a week.