Holiday cheer abounds as Rowan Big Band returns to Lee Street Theatre

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 29, 2018

SALISBURY — Big-band enthusiasts are in for a treat again this year when the Landis-based Rowan Big Band returns to Lee Street theatre Dec 14.

The concert is for one night only. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $22.90 and are available now.

The concert will be at the Tom and Martha Smith Event Center, 329 N. Lee St. Visit www.leestreet.org or call 704-310-5507 for tickets.

The Rowan Big Band All Stars is an 18-piece community big band with two featured vocalists in the tradition of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other early 20th-century bandleaders. The band specializes in Great American Songbook favorites and big-band swing.

The nonprofit band is dedicated to preserving this American music style and sharing it with others. Founder Ron Turbyfill’s vision for the band is to help support charitable causes in Piedmont North Carolina by providing quality entertainment for charity functions and fundraisers.

The Rowan Big Band All Stars includes:

• Saxophone: Ron Turbyfill (first alto), Michelle Lee Trivette (second alto), Ed Harper (first tenor), Tim Hedrick (second tenor), and Mary Ellen Williams (baritone).

• Clarinet: Tim Hedrick.

• Trombone: Chris Wilson (first), Randell Hastings (second), Charles Emrich (third), and Eric Shakespeare (bass).

• Trumpet: Van Rowell (first), Bill Hall (assistant first), Ned Weavil (second), Don Angel (third), and Conard Haywood (fourth)

• Keyboards: Nancy Sloop

• Drums: Austen Peters

• Bass: Craig Malz

• Guitar and banjo: Graham Carlton

• Tuba: Buddy Gragg

• Vocals: Nikki Jones-Bailey and Bill Bucher Jr.

Members of the band hail from towns including Charlotte, Salisbury, Winston-Salem, Concord and Huntersville. When they aren’t at work as teachers, financial analysts, lawyers or cosmetic and implant dentists, the love of great American music brings them together to rehearse and perform.

For more information, visit www.rowanbigband.com.