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Crofton welcomes the Arrowsmith Big Band this Sunday

They’ll be swingin’ and groovin’ at the Osborne Bay Pub March 10
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The fat, lovely sound of a big band? Go hear Arrowsmith at the Osborne Bay Pub on March 10. (Submitted)

On Sunday, March 10, the 16-piece Arrowsmith Big Band is coming to Crofton’s Osborne Bay Pub.

The aggregation of musicians has been wowing crowds up and down the Island for more than three decades with its drive, power and precision.

The band heads for a performance at Pat’s House of Jazz at the pub on Sunday, March 10 with another repertoire of big-band ballads, swing, Latin and contemporary arrangements.

Arrowsmith plays a wide variety of compositions and arrangements by the 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. 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 Bush on trumpet.

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 Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.

It runs every Sunday from 2 p.m. at Pat’s House of Jazz at the pub at 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 for more info.