GRAND RAPIDS — Due to popular demand, The North Coast Big Band will return for their 23rd appearance as part of the Rhythm on the River Arts Series in Grand Rapids on Sunday at 4 p.m.
The series is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society, and the band will be performing in the Wright Pavilion located on the towpath between the canal and the Maumee River at the end of Lincoln Street behind LaRoe’s Restaurant.
The 16-piece Big Band, under the direction of Gary Keller, was formed in 1987 by members of the North Coast Concert Band. The group’s repertoire includes traditional big band music from bands led by Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. They also perform swing, jazz, and pop music from different decades and tunes arranged by local artists. The band includes five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, bass, piano and drums.
The Historical Society reports the following members for their sponsorship of this performance: Marilyn Buehrer, Paul and Becky Chamberlin, Gary and Barb Loboschefski, Joe and Lynne Long, Stephen and Bonnie Noblet, Judy Peper, Bill and Priscilla Pixler, The Shoppes at Carson Block, and Bob and Bonnie Smigelski.
Many of the shops and restaurants will be open on the Sundays when River on the River concerts are held.
The programs are free to the public. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the Old Fire Station, farther west on Front Street.
