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Canadian star, Dinah Christie
Organizing Commitee Co-ordinator, Terry Mills has been part of the
Canadian Big Band Celebration for 13 of its 14 years.
"That first year, I came to see what I could do and said to Charlie Bell
... if you need any help just give me a shout and, here I am, thirteen
years later."
What began as an idea to get 'big band' music out into the community has
become a national and international event. According to Mills, "Bands
are now lined up waiting to get into the event and many just keep coming
back."
There are 11 venues throughout the weekend, beginning with local clubs
on Friday evening, and continuing on to the CAW centre in Port Elgin.
"Each venue has to pay its band half the cost, " says Mills, "and the
Big Band Committee pays the other half."
The weekend featured a Big Band dance on the Saturday evening and winds
up with a Jazz Buffet on Sunday catered by renowned chef Paul Johnston.
This year's buffet was sold out and featured Canadian musical theatre
star, Dinah Christie, performing with the Charlie Bell Quartet and her
guest artist, Stevie Vallance.
The Dancing Couple ... still dancing Sunday morning
Sheila & Don Mills, ballroom dancers from Kent,
England (next column)
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(continued)
Musical theatre performer Stevie Vallance
Dinah%20Christie%20&%20Stevie%20Vallance%20listen%20to%20Charlie%20Bell%20on%20Sax%20(Mike%20Grace%20on%20Bass).jpg)
(L) Dinah Christie & Stevie Vallance listen to
Charlie Bell on Sax (Mike Grace on Bass)
Pamela Forbes and Barnie McIntyre of London,
Ontario danced every dance
Barb Ribey, Director of Bruce County Museum, a Big
Band fan
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