What do you get when you pack 18 uniquely talented musicians into one room?
In Squamish, you get the Sea 'T' Sky Big Band, a concept put together by music teacher Michael Perkins.
I've been in Squamish for about four years and early on I met a few local music teachers and musicians and realized there wasn't much going on out here, he said. I've worked with all sorts of different groups through teaching and I figured I might as well look for a band to play with here. I put the word out and gradually everyone started drifting in and we got started back in September.
Band members come from all different musical backgrounds, have different experience levels and range in age from 18 to 80. The group is gearing up for its first big show at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG) on March 31 at 7 p.m.
I think everybody's really excited, Perkins said. It's a community thing not a semi-professional group so there's some people who have some experience and lots who don't. There's probably some who are a little nervous but as I say, the only reason I practice is to perform so at some point we had to get out there and this is it.
The band is planning to play two sets and a total of about 10 songs. They're also bringing along local singer Eliza Carter for vocals and will be performing everything from swing to funk to rhythm and blues.
Perkins admitted that things might be a little cozy on stage at the BAG but he's looking forward to performing in the venue.
It's going to be tight on stage but it's going to be really loud for the audience, he said. We needed a venue where people can drink and bring their kids and I think it's going to work great.
He said he's unsure when the group's next performance will be but he'll gauge the mood of the group following their debut performance
We're taking it one step at a time, he said. The big step was to get a little pressure on everyone to step up and do a gig and we'll see how everyone feels after that. We're going to keep working on some new tunes and look for another gig later on.
Perkins, who plays the flugelhorn in the group, said the band is always looking for new members and is seeking a trombone player to join them.
At the moment I think we'd entertain just about anybody within reason to join us, he said. All you need is a little experience.
Tickets for the concert are available at the door or through band members.
Lots of kids are playing instruments these days in school so it's a neat opportunity for people to bring their kids and see us play, he said. I'm hoping the band is around a long time and does a lot of shows in Squamish and we're all excited this is our first show.
