By Jody Iverson
Published: April.6, 2012
There wasn’t much room on stage or in house on March.31, Saturday, at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG).
As many as 17 local musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds, both musical and social, make up the Sea ‘T’ Sky Big band. Their ages range from 17-80. The youngest member, Naiomi Lu, plays the trumpet and attends Howe Sound Secondary. The oldest, Dick Grooms on saxophone, is a retiree. They have also recently added vocalist, Eliza Carter, to the mix.
The band is led by Michael Perkins, a Squamish resident of four years. He is a lifelong trumpet player. Rather than commute to the city to play the music he loves with fellow aficionados, he saw a gap to fill in Squamish. He put the word out, and has since assembled this diverse group of local talent.
“I thought of starting a band for the last couple of years, but being new I didn’t have many contacts. Then, I started to hear of the talented musicians in Squamish,” Perkins said.
The band came together and started working together in September of 2011, and have been rehearsing twice a week at Howe Sound Secondary since. Part of the proceeds from Saturday’s performance went to benefit HSS’ music programs.
Their debut last Saturday, March 31st took place as part of the Brackendale Art Gallery’s “Village Music at the BAG” series. On the first Saturday of every month, the BAG features “local talent in the most local of venues”.
Perkins expressed that it can be really challenging to find venues to play with such a big band in such a small town, and is very appreciative of Thor and the Brackendale Art Gallery for the opportunity.
The show was definitely a hit with the audience. As I looked around the room, I saw a lot of familiar local faces, young and old, enjoying the wide variety of tunes. They played songs ranging from the 1930’s to 2010 in their wonderful warm and smooth style. Band members and audience alike were smiling and enjoying themselves.
At one point, Perkins joked that people were welcome to get up and dance in the small floor area in front of the stage, but that there was probably more space to dance on the tables.
Perkins said the BAG events was “great.”
It was sold out, and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was wonderful to showcase some of the excellent musical talent here in Squamish,” he said.
The Sea ‘T’ Sky Big Band has only just begun. They are open to new members, and are specifically seeking trombone players.
The band is also seeking venues to play in.
Trombone players and venue bookers are welcome to contact Michael Perkins at 604-788-9082
Band members:
Saxophone Section
Cheyenne Smith
Nadia Sorban
Stan Thomson
Keith Junkin
Dick Grooms
Kris Miles
Trumpet
Michael Perkins
Nick Herder
Shannon Grantham
Naiomi Lu
David Carlin
Dr. D
Rhythm Section
Colleen Koop
Unti Marchant
Mike Damgaard
Vocals
Eliza Carter
Soundman
John Bright
Ron Atkins says
Would this be the same Micheal Perkins who grew up in Windsor On.