The 16-piece Arrowsmith Big Band has been wowing crowds up and down the Island for more than three decades with its drive, power and precision.
The band returns for an encore performance at Pat’s House of Jazz at the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton on Sunday, March 10 with another eclectic repertoire of big-band ballads, driving swing, groovy Latin and contemporary arrangements.
Arrowsmith plays a wide variety of compositions and arrangements by band members Rick Hirsh and Greg Bush and many other great composers and arrangers.
Based in Oceanside, with five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass and drums, the ensemble attracts some of the Island’s finest jazz musicians from five Island communities.
It boasts an impressive mix of professional musicians, school and university instructors and some of the area’s best student musicians from the mid-Island under the direction of Dave Stewart.
The concert will feature many great soloists such as alto saxophonist Claudio Fantinato, tenor saxophonist Dan Craven and trumpeter Bush.
The band has had a student mentorship program since its inception in 1976, with some of its past notables such as Phil Dwyer, Pat Collins and others who have gone on to play professionally in Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and internationally.
The tradition continues — Sunday’s show will include performances by two very talented young players, trumpeter Lachlan Craven and saxophonist Steve Carson.
The concert is one of a Sunday afternoon jazz series presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.
It runs every Sunday from 2 p.m. in the all-ages Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton. Admission is $20.
Reservations are recommended. Tables will be held until 1:30 p.m.
Phone 250-324-2245 or visit http://osbornebaypub.com.