Big Band performs at Birmingham Dragon Boat Race

Part of the fun of being in The People’s Big Band is finding out where you’ll be performing next. Musicians love the variety of playing jazz and swing at unique locations and the latest gig took them on a cultural adventure.
Birmingham’s Snobs nightclub and the international Comicon convention at The NEC are just a few of the exciting venues where members have entertained passers-by, but this week, they made a splash with a new audience.

Members of the community band were centre stage at the popular Chinese-inspired Dragon Boat Race in Birmingham city centre.
Despite the heatwave mixed with bursts of rain, they turned out in force to perform at Central Square in Brindley place in the build up to boating teams battled it out on the water from Gas Street Basin. Hundreds of visitors turned up to the event in aid of Birmingham Hospice on Saturday June 27, and all the while hearing the jazzy tunes from our Big Band members.
They were picked to be in the line-up along with another local performing group, doing a traditional wǔ long Chinese Dragon Dance to a sound of thumping drums and Chinese cymbals.

Will Hampson, Assistant Orchestra Manager at The People’s Orchestra (TPO), which runs The People’s Big Band, said: “We reached out to the events team at Brindleyplace, who were lovely and offered some opportunities to help raise the profile of The People’s Big Band.
“We like to get the band out in the community as to be heard is to be seen, in terms of music groups.
“That means they get to perform at a variety of places. They always go down well with people at Snobs nightclub in Broad Street, but they’ve also done an outdoor gig at the MAC, Comicon events and many more are planned.

Dragon Boat Race Courtesy of Birmingham Hospice

“It was a fantastic afternoon with a very appreciative audience. After the gig, a couple of small boys came over to have a look at the instruments, seemingly fascinated by Marcus’ bari sax more than anything else.
“It shows how getting out into the community is always a great thing to, so we’re immensely grateful to Brindleyplace for making it happen.”

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Along with the rising temperatures, the band also had to cope with a last-minute hiccup when they didn’t have enough trumpet players available on the day.
Friendly Big Band members are nothing put resourceful and were saved by the actions of one of the musicians.
“Not to be defeated, trombonist Josh sight-read the entirety of the trumpet parts,” explained Will. “Talk about resourceful.
“We got ourselves comfy and opened things up with Earth, Wind and Fire’s In the Stone. A funky classic to start off proceedings as the crowd sat back into the deckchairs and enjoyed the music.

“The first half of the set had a mixture of jazz classics like George Gershwin’s hit Summertime, which was apt as temperatures were as high as 29C on the day. They also performed Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing.”
Will added: “During the break, it gave me a chance to speak to some of the audience, who were very appreciative of the music. Several of them came up to me and said how much they enjoyed having live music in the square.
“Some others were interested in finding out more about the group, either for themselves or a friend or family member, which was great to hear and what it’s all about.”
Showing off what the Big Band is all about, there was a vibrant, eclectic soundtrack with many original arrangements of popular songs.
Baritone saxophonist Marcus also had all ages delighted when he changed into a Batman costume for a performance based on the movie’s soundtrack.

Other highlights included a film-noir style arrangement of Seven Nation Army and a new arrangement of Mr Blue Sky, arranged by tenor saxophonist Paul.
Michael Phillip Mossman’s latin inspired Dance of Denial, AWB’s Pick Up the Pieces , Toto’s Africa and Herbie Hancock’s Chameleon were among the tunes performed, but it was Champs’ classic Tequila that proved the most interactive with the crowd.
“Hearing the piece’s sole lyric bouncing off the high rises surrounding Central Square as it was shouted by all those watching on was a source of much amusement,” added Will. “The final piece of the afternoon was Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke – a classic to end what had been a great afternoon.”

The People’s Big Band is made up of around 20 pro-amateur musicians, but they are always keen to hear from more people who love to play swing and Blues. Members rehearse every two weeks on a Sunday at Trefoil House in Birmingham city centre from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Find out more here about how to get involved and trying it our with two free taster sessions.

Questions this post answers

What is it like to perform with a community big band?

Joining a community big band is about far more than weekly rehearsals. Members perform at concerts, festivals, community celebrations and unique events such as Dragon Boat Races, creating unforgettable experiences while making friends, improving their musical skills and becoming part of a welcoming musical community.

Why do community bands perform at local events?

Community bands perform at local events because music brings people together. Whether entertaining spectators at festivals, supporting charities or celebrating local culture, these performances help musicians connect with their communities while giving audiences memorable live music experiences.

Can joining a big band give you unique musical experiences?

Yes. Community big bands regularly perform in places many musicians never expect, from concert halls and festivals to sporting events, recording studios and cultural celebrations. These varied experiences help members build confidence, create lasting memories and enjoy a rich musical life beyond rehearsals.

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