From the humble beginning of five musicians catching up in a room to playing packed out gigs across the state, Surf Coast Big Band (SCBB) have had a whirlwind year.
Formed in early 2024, the band slowly gathered momentum, filling out the ranks and building toward a hugely successful first performance at Blackman’s Brewery in September last year.
Since then the big band has played markets, country clubs and jazz festivals, often receiving standing ovations from sell-out crowds and received important funding from Surf Coast Shire and Torquay Community Enterprise Inc to buy sheet music and sound production equipment.
SCBB secretary Chas McPhail, who plays alto saxophone in the ensemble, said from the very first show the band had been surprised and overwhelmed by the support and feedback it received.
“The first gig at Blackman’s was fabulous, it was packed; there were people lined up out the front door to buy their drinks, it went down really well,” McPhail said.
“We’ve had people say what good memories out band has bright to them… its a good feeling for us in the band that we get so much positive feedback, how much enjoyment we give people.”
The 18-piece band performs this weekend in Anglesea Bowling Club, featuring three vocalists and with “hopefully a bit of room there to have a dance”, McPhail said.
“We’ll be playing some really great tunes, it’s quite varied, from the 30s and 40s to the 70s and 80s and more recent ones,” he said.
“It really surprises people on what fun you can have either listening or dancing to a big band.”
The show kicks off at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 15. Latin American food by La Caseta.will be available from 6pm.
Email surfcoastbigband@gmail.com for information on booking or playing with the band.
Matt Hewson
