The Big Band - with Five Star wing

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Having been washed out of Weston Super-Mare's Playhouse Theatre a few months back (due to a flood), Five Star Swing are "back in the swim" at the Playhouse with their new show, The Big Band on Wednesday 6th September. As part of their national Poppy Appeal tour starting at London's Leicester Square Theatre, they promise an evening of Vintage Swing, featuring classic songs from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and many more. As seen on BBC TV "Children in Need" and Dame Vera Lynn's Charity Ball, the show is led by bandleader Chris Smith Jr, composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band and a former composer for Herb Miller Big Band – (Glenn Miller's brother). Along with Tony Bennett's trombonist also featured is vocalist and saxophonist Simone, who was taught to play alto saxophone in the 1980's by the famous bandleader Ivy Benson, whom she subsequently performed with. Simone has recorded with Paul Weller, the Paul Merton TV Show and the Russell Harty show. The band's local Double Bass player, Ben Markland says – "Fans have enjoyed this "feel-good" style of music for generations - following our extensive UK tour I'm excited to be bringing the sound of our big band brass, saxes, rhythm and vocalists back home!". Ticket from £16(conc') call 01934 645544 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk