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Some of Our Best Friends are Singers V2

Join the Wednesday Night Big Band at Ironwood for a fun night of big band jazz, featuring vocalists Wendy Lomnes, Erin Elies, Kevin Waites, and the ‘Here Comes Treble’ vocal ensemble.

We’ll be performing selections from Joni Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Harry Connick Jr., Diane Schuur, Shirley Bassey, and more!

The Ironwood Stage And Grill
All Ages
Cover Charge: $20
Make a reservation for your table by calling 403-269-5581 (ticket price added to your bill)

Band members
Vocals: Wendy Lomnes, Erin Elies, Kevin Waites, and the 'Here Comes Treble' ensemble
Saxes: Larry Blenkin, Erin Elies, Paul Evans, Karen Heaton, Mireille Robinson
Trombones: Jacqueline Abbott, John Abraham, Shelley Langdon, John Towell
Trumpets: Michael Hynes, Jon Mossing, Dave Prentice, Keven Waites
Rhythm: John McRory (guitar), Alex Netelenbos (bass), Bryan Niblock (drums), Rod Schmidt (piano)

Send this page to your friends! If you're on Facebook, please let us know you're coming.

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December 13th Christmas Big Bands and Dickens

We are at Dickens Pub at 7PM on Wednesday, December 13th. $15.

We are so excited to share some wonderful songs with you! We are sharing the stage with the Westwards Gold South band. Mari Jo is singing some great songs. There will be some Christmas music.

Hope to see you there!

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WNBB Fall Show is October 18th at Dickens

We're excited to be starting up the band in early September, and our first show is at Dickens Pub on October 18th, 2023. Hope to see you there! Save the date, and stay tuned for more details.

WNBB is back in action for the Iconic Holiday Show Dec 15 Dickens

The Wednesday Night Big Band is back! And, to celebrate 2 years of hope, we’re coming back to Dickens for a Iconic Holiday Big Band Show. $15. Dec 15, 2019. Our amazing vocal ladies vocalists MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes will sing some of our favourite Christmas songs. We have original arrangements by Come enjoy Dickens and the band, music makes the season!

Please respond on Facebook to help us spread the word!

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WNBB Christmas Concert Dec 11 2019 at Dickens

The Wednesday Night Big Band is coming back to Dickens for a "Christmas and More" show. $15. Dec 11, 2019. Our amazing vocal ladies vocalists MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes will sing some of our favourite Christmas songs. John de Waal will be playing drums for us this gig, and we’ll let him show off. A couple of Dave Prentice original arrangements are planned, including the Easter Christmas favourite Jesus Christ Superstar. Come enjoy Dickens and the band, music makes the season!

Please respond on Facebook to help us spread the word!

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Supporting Ambrose at Ironwood tomorrow

We are supporting Ambrose at the Ironwood on November 12th and have five amazing tunes for you. All thriller, not filler! Come out and support jazz in Calgary, including the up-and-comers from Ambrose.


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WNBB October 23 At Dickens

The Wednesday Night Big Band returns to Dickens Pub for our fall opening show. MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes will both be there on vocals.

8PM, $15 at the door. More details to come!

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WNBB May 22 Season Ending Show at Dickens

Don’t forget about the WNBB Big Band show at Dickens Pub this Wednesday! We’ll have our amazing vocalists MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes, and Kevin Waites will be singing a song too! Selections include funk favourite "Raisin the Roof", Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s "The Look of Love", Henry Mancini’s "Meglio stasera" (known in English as "It Had Better Be Tonight" and recently made famous by Michael Bublé), the misnamed "One Note Samba", and "Sister Sadie". Fifteen dollars at the door, 8PM start.

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WNBB Upcoming show May 22 and a crossover DSPB show May 10

Two exciting news items from the Wednesday Night Big Band:

First, this Friday, May 10th, three of the WNBB members will be performing with Delirium Street Party Brass at the Blind Beggar Pub. If you haven’t seen Kevin, Dana and John hit the pop and songs hard with a brass band (no guitars!), you should treat yourself to this. It’s a fundraiser for Inn From The Cold and there are four other bands, including a Green Day tribute band "Bleeds Green" and other cover and punk bands. Three featured vocalists with Delirium! More information and a ticket link on Delirium’s website.

Second, we are pleased to announce the WNBB’s season ending show at Dickens Pub on May 22nd. We’ll have a great selection of big band instrumentals and vocals. A Stan Kenton tune "Decoupage" in 5/4 (think "Time Out" but Kenton), Skylark, perennial funk favourite "Raisin' The Roof", Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "The Look of Love", "Sister Sadie" , "Start A Fire" from the movie La La Land, and many more! More information next week.

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PS. if you want a better feel of what Delirium Street Party Brass is all about, here’s a video:


Spring Concert at Dickens

The WNBB Big Band has a great show planned for you for the first day of Spring on March 20th, at Dickens Pub. We will feature two new arrangements: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar by our own Dave Prentice, and This Could Be The Start Of Something Big by our own Dana Kaukinen. Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal will be singing with us. We’ll also be reviving some old favourites, including Spain and Chuck Mangione’s Land of Make Believe. Mr Pat Beliiveau will be joining us!




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Christmas and More with the WNBB at Dickens

The WNBB Big Band plays Dickens Pub on December 12th. Come out for great big band jazz including some of your favourite Christmas songs.







Fall 2018 Concert at Dickens October 24

Join us on Wednesday for our fall show! Dickens Pub, 9th Ave and 9 St SW Calgary, $15, 8PM.




Movie and Broadway Big Band Music tomorrow night at Dickens

A reminder from the WNBB that our concert of TV, Movie and Broadway music is at Dickens Pub in less than 24 hours, Tuesday the 12th of June at 8PM.

We have music from La La Land, including our version of Start A Fire:



Hope to see you there!

Here are some pick up lines from "Start A Fire" to try out at Dickens to see if they work:

"I don’t know what your name is but I like it."
"I don’t know what you came to do, but I want to do it with you".
"Feel the heat of passion, baby, light up the night"


Big Band Movie and Show Music June 12 — updates

We’re hard at work preparing our songs for Big Band Movies and Shows Featuring La La Land at Dickens Pub. Curating the event has been great fun. Of course we want to focus on great jazz music, and feature La La La Land, while ensuring the music shows off our vocalists, soloists, and the genre. Here are some of the shows, can you guess the names of the songs?

  • La La Land original arrangements by John Abraham and Dana Kaukinen featuring Wendy Lomnes, Mari Jo de Waal and Kevin Waites on vocals
  • The Pink Panther featuring Mari Jo de Waal
  • Jumbo featuring Dana Kaukinen on Bass Clarinet
  • West Side Story featuring Bryan Niblock on Drums, John Towell on trombone, and others
  • Funny Girl featuring the trombone section
  • The Detectives arranged by our own Dave Prentice
  • White Christmas — a duet featuring Wendy and MJ on vocals

Video below. Please share. See you on June 12th 13th at Dickens Pub. More Info



Movie music Featuring La La Land June 12

Come to Dickens Pub June 12 13. We are excited to announce our Movie themed concert. We’re playing a number of original arrangements of songs from the La La Land movie, with Wendy Lomnes, MJ de Waal and Kevin Waites singing. Ron Wrigley will be tinkling the keys playing Ryan Gosling’s role in the movie.

2018-06-12 20:00:00 2018-06-12 22:30:00 America/Edmonton WNBB movie music featuring La La Land WNBB Big Band features the music of La La Land and other movies and shows. http://wnbb.ca/news/files/la_la_land_june_13.html Dickens Pub http://wnbb.ca info@wnbb.ca

Other songs from these shows and more!

West Side Story
Tango and Cash
Funny Girl
The Detectives
Wizard of Oz
Sweet Charity
Girl Crazy
Gay Divorcee
Daddy Long Legs
Jumbo
Roberta
Swing Kids
The Pink Panther

Facebook Event

June 13 w Kevin

LA Themed Poster June 12

Spring Concert March 21 at Dickens

Join us on March 21st 2018 for our special spring concert at Dickens Pub. Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal will be singing with us. Mark your calendars and save the date! More details to follow as we finalize our program!

2018-03-21 20:00:00 2018-03-21 22:30:00 America/Edmonton WNBB at Dickens Pub A Concert For Spring with the WNBB Big Band, Wendy Lomnes and MJ de Waal. http://wnbb.ca/news/files/20180321.html Dickens Pub http://wnbb.ca info@wnbb.ca


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WNBB Big Band at Dickens November 1

The Wednesday Night Big Band returns to Dickens Pub on November 1st. We’ve been working on a great set of new songs and old favourites. Wendy Lomnes and MJ de Waal are both singing with us!

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Door: $15.

Great food, staff and beer at Dickens, so come early and say hi!

Jazz Walk at Ironwood June 18

The WNBB big band has been invited to play Calgary’s Summer Jazz Festival. We are playing as part of Jazz Walk generously sponsored by TD Canada Trust and the Inglewood BIA. Popular, family-friendly, free events throughout the beautiful Inglewood/9th Avenue Strip.

Come see us at Ironwood Stage and Grill at 2PM, after the wonderful young JazzYYC lab band.

Pat Belliveau will be joining us to reprise his seminal role as our baritone sax player. Wendy Lomnes and MJ de Waal will be appearing on vocals.




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Less than 24 hours until our show at Dickens

Don’t forget about The Wednesday Night Big Bands concert at Dickens Pub in less than 24 hours! We have a great set of music and vocals for you, with Wendy and Mari Jo singing with us. Say hi to spring and enjoy the food, drinks, service and music at Dickens!

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May 31 at Dickens

The Wednesday Night Big Band returns to Dickens Pub on May 31, 2017, 8:00PM, Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal singing.

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From Jazz With Love Feb 15 at Dickens


Calgary’s WNBB Big Band invites you to "From Jazz With Love" at Dickens Pub February 15th 8:00PM $15. Our wonderful vocalists Mari Jo de Waal and Wendy Lomnes will be interpreting your Valentines Day feelings. 8:00 PM start, but come early for cheap beer, good food, and to say hi to the band!

2017-02-15 20:00:00 2017-02-15 22:30:00 America/Edmonton WNBB at Dickens Pub From Jazz With Love with the WNBB Big Band, Wendy Lomnes and MJ de Waal. http://wnbb.ca/news/files/from_jazz_with_love.html Dickens Pub http://wnbb.ca info@wnbb.ca

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Big Band Christmas Show Dec 21 at Dickens Pub

Ladies and Gentleman, all of us from the Wednesday Night Big Band wish you a wonderful holiday season. We hope to see you on Wednesday, at Dickens Pub. We have an exciting show with Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal singing with us. Of course we’ll have some holiday favourites and some great big band tunes including standards, original arrangements, and fan favourites. 8PM to 10PM. Come early for food and Christmas Cheer.

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WNBB Dickens Jazz Big Band Christmas moved to Dec 21

The Wednesday Night Big Band’s show at Dickens Pub has been moved to Wednesday December 21st. We’ll still have Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal singing for us. We’ll throw in a few extra Christmas tunes!

If you need to schedule a Christmas Party, please contact Chris at Dickens! Dickens has room for your dinner party, and tell Chris you want to stay and listen to big band jazz at 8PM.

WNBB at Dickens Dec 21 with MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes

The Wednesday Night Big Band will return to Dickens Pub on Dec 21 2016. We will have both of our amazing vocalists, Mari Jo de Waal and Wendy Lomnes. With both vocalists on the bill, and a few Christmas and holiday songs in the mix, this will be a show not to miss.

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Dickens Pub
8PM
$15
Dec 21, 2016



2016-12-21 20:00:00
2016-12-21 22:30:00
America/Edmonton
WNBB at Dickens Pub
Big Band sounds with Wendy Lomnes and MJ de Waal on vocals. http://wnbb.ca/news/files/dec7_first_ann.html
Dickens Pub
http://wnbb.ca
info@wnbb.ca



WNBB Big Band begins its 35th Season Oct 19, 2016

Calgary’s WNBB Big Band, a.k.a. the "Wednesday Night Big Band", begins its 35th season with an instrumental show at Dickens Pub on October 19th.

Some highlights:
  • the trombone solos of John Towell on "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" and the famous "Tall Cotton"
  • our lead trumpet Dave Prentice’s arrangement of The Detectives
  • our fearless leader Brian Thorlacius on the sweet ballad "When Two Are One"
  • Pat Metheny’s tune "In Her Family" interpreted by Ron Wrigley on piano
  • a bunch of short solos in Hugh Fraser’s blues song "Thank You Very Much"
  • a number of bottom-end baritone sax solos by new member Bill Mandryk on baritone sax and by Dana Kaukinen who this year triumphantly returns to the bass trombone chair

$15 at the door, 8PM start. 1000 - 9th & 9th SW, Calgary AB.


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Mari Jo with WNBB Big Band Dickens June 8

The amazing Mari Jo de Waal sings with the Wednesday Night Big Band on Wednesday June 8 at Dickens Pub.

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MJ will be singing I Want to Be a Sideman by the witty and clever Dave Frishberg, the Gordon Goodwin arrangement of Too Close for Comfort and the lovely Diane Schurr version of Only You by Bob Florence, plus many more.

Instrumental songs include "The Great Debate" (trumpet duel), Lady From Oregon (band favourite from the archives), Bath Time Blues (Prentice original), In Her Family (Metheny Ballad), Cruella De Ville (Kaukinen arrangement), and Cherokee (Towell trumpet finish).

Big Band Jazz at Dickens Pub March 9

Wednesday Night Big Band at Dickens Pub
Wed March 9


Sammy Nestico Arrangements


Coastline Cruise, Whirly Bird, and The Great Debate
by the accomplished arranger for the Count Basie Orchestra

Local Artist compositions and Arrangements


Blow Out original song by Jan Mulder
Bath time Blues original song by our lead trumpet player Dave Prentice
Walking Shoes arranged by our bari sax player Dana Kaukinen

Fan Favourites


The Lady from Oregon
The Diver
Cabeza de Carne

And more


Debating trumpets, trombone choruses, fast sax lines, hot rhythm section...


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8PM. $15. Dickens Pub 1000 9th Ave SW.

Great food and beer.
Come early and say hi before the music starts.

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Holiday Big Band Show Dec 15 Dickens

December 15 we’ll return to Dickens Pub. We have Wendy Lomnes joining us on vocals, with a stellar collection of big band Christmas songs mixed in with some fantastic instrumentals. Check Facebook or subscribe to the Mailing List for last minute information. Invite your friends!

Show is at 8PM. Dickens is at 1000 – 9th Ave SW, Calgary.

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Dickens Wed Nov 4 Dueling Trumpets Fast Blues Rainbows and Fat Cat

Your Wednesday Night Big Band returns triumphantly to Dickens Pub on Wednesday. All instrumental big band music. We have some great things planned for the night:

  • Jon Mossing and Dave Prentice duelling on trumpets
  • Fast "Blues 1, Band 0" try to keep up
  • The incomparable Pat Belliveau joining us on tenor sax, and one of his original compositions
  • John Towell taking us "over the rainbow" on trombone
  • A "Funky R&B Groove-Shuffle"
  • The aforementioned Mr Mossing pining for Nicole in a Sammy Nestico ballad
  • A band and crowd favourite classic from Chuck Mangione
  • Comfortable "Fat Cat" blues to keep your toes moving
  • Other songs by great big band composers/arrangers Louis Bellson, Ian McDougall, Chuck Mangione, Frank Mantooth

The music starts at 8PM. $15. Dickens is at 1000 9th Ave SW. Great food and beer at Dickens so come early and say hi before the music starts.

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The mysterious and incomparable Jon Mossing

Dickens Nov 4 Save the Date

Wednesday Night Big Band fans it’s ONE MONTH to our first show of the 2015/2016 season, at Dickens Pub, November 4, 2015. Stay tuned for more updates. We have lots of great songs in the works. This will be an instrumental show.

Please put it in your calendar.

We’re also pleased to announce that the members in the band in it’s 34th year are nearly the same as the members from it’s 33rd year.

(PS if you can’t wait until November 4th to get your big band fix, the Prime Time Big Band is at Ironwood on October 10th)

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Reminder: Thursday 25 family friendy outdoor big-band jazz

A reminder everyone Thursday (tomorrow) night at ContainR is our outdoor show. It’s a family friendly Big Band Show. Here is what you need to know:

  • Starts at 6:30 (music at 7:00)
  • Weather forecast is hot! Hello summer! Bring a hat.
  • Map and venue pictures below (so you can find us), 1020 2nd Ave NW
  • The LRT is right there! Bike path too! If you really want to drive there is street parking, or a City lot a block and a half away at 1056 Memorial Dr NW.
  • Pay What You Can cover charge -- don’t stay away just because you are broke and can’t make rent! Satisfaction guaranteed or you don’t pay!
  • Wendy and Mari Jo are singing.
  • We are very excited about our setlist, we have great songs in a number of styles.
  • This is the first in a series of events over the summer, with different genres and focus, see poster below.
  • Bicycle powered sound from OpenStreets! If someone in your family needs some exercise, bring them along to pedal the generator. They are also bringing their "Fender Blender" in case you need a bicycle powered beverage.
  • Our business friends in Kensington have been super supportive, so please wine, dine, and shop in the 'hood before and after.

We can’t wait to see you!

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[Original announcement]

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New outdoor Music & Market Series opens June 25 with WNBB

UPDATES HERE

Next week on the evening of Thursday June 25 we are proud to open the brand new Music and Market Square. This is a unique summer event series for Calgary:
Outdoor
All Ages
Pay What You Can cover charge
Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30
Together with local vendors
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Stay tuned for the official announcement in the next few days. There are eight Thursday Night events planned for this summer, we get to be first!

We have a great music lineup for this event. Wendy and Mari Jo will be on vocals. Bring your sweetie, your folks, your children, some dancing shoes. No barrier, no tickets, no prices, consider this your opportunity to directly support community local music.

The venue is ContainR, right near the Sunnyside LRT Station. It’s an Art Park.

Does anyone remember 20 years ago when the WNBB played the band shell in Riley Park? This will be like that, only 1) A Weeknight, 2) Kickstarted by a community donor, but sustained by your Pay What You Can cover charge, and 3) A few blocks further east.

Come support the band and show your love for the musicians and for live outdoor friendly urban music events!

UPDATE: Here is the Facebook event page and the weather forecast looks great! We will have Pedal Powered Sound from Open Streets Calgary.


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Dickens Pub Tomorrow!

Please support the Wednesday Night Big Band and Dickens Pub by coming out to hear us tomorrow night, Wednesday May 13th 8PM. We have a number of Canadian compositions on the play list, including some by members of the band, as well as some favourites. Wendy and Mari Jo will be on vocals. Great food and drink at Dickens.

Band at Dickens Playing Small

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Shows next week - Free show and Dance

The Wednesday Night Big Band is playing two shows next week


First, on April 30th, as part of International Jazz Day, we are joining the Westwinds Orchestra at Festival Hall for a FREE concert. The show is at 7PM and each band will play one set. It’s a double bill and we’ll play the second set. We’re excited to play Festival Hall for the first time.

The very next night, on May 1st, we’re playing with our friends the Jazz Niks, for their annual big band dance. This is a dance focused event, for $20 with a bar and light food. It’s "Members and Invited Guests", and if you’re getting this through our mailing list or our Facebook page this is your invitation!

Two different shows with different emphasis. Concert jazz and dance jazz. We hope to see you at one, or the other, or both!

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February 25 Reminder - Dickens

Hello to all of Calgary’s Jazz Fans! Just a reminder that the Wednesday Night Big Band will be at Dickens Pub again on February 25th. We have been working hard on new songs. Hope to see you all there. Tickets are $15 at the door and showtime is 8:00 PM. Come early for food!



WNBB Big Band at Dickens February 25

The Wednesday Night Big Band will be returning to Dickens Pub on February 25th, 2015. Hope to see you!

Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal will be joining us on vocals. We have a number of new songs for your listening pleasure including a couple by New Zealand’s Alan Broadbent. Great food and good times at Dickens. $15 Cover, 8PM downbeat (come early for food, drinks and socializing.)
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Stars of Christmas Dec 7 —More information

Here’s more information about Sunday’s big "The Stars of Christmas: Community Winter Festival".

The 'Stars of Christmas' is a FREE afternoon of indoor/outdoor winter family fun for the entire community!

* Food
* Live Entertainment for Adults (Jazz Trio, Big Band, Improv)
* "Frozen" Sing-Along
* Kids' Indoor Winter Wonderland
* "Polar Express" Model Railroading
* Outdoor Street Hockey (sticks provided)
* Petting Zoo and Live Nativity
* Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
* Calgary Dream Centre "Festival of Trees"
* Outdoor Tree Lighting Finale .... and more!

Everyone is welcome. All ages public event.

The Wednesday Night Big Band is playing in the Main Theatre between 3:00PM and 5:30PM. In between the band’s three short sets of Christmas music there will be a
Frozen sing along in the theatre and a 12 Days of Christmas comedic sketch. Or you can head elsewhere on the site for a sleigh ride, snacks, other music, visit the petting zoo, play some Xbox or foosball, decorate some cookies, etc. etc.


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Nov 26 Dickens and Dec 7 Free Afternoon Christmas Show

Our dear friends and fans, we hope you join us this Wednesday Nov 26 at Dickens Pub, where we have a great selection of new and familiar tunes. The band’s been working hard and you’ll love this show. We’ve thrown a few Christmas songs in the mix, to get you in the mood for the upcoming season. Please invite your friends.


We are also pleased to announce that we will be joining First Alliance Church for their Community Winter Festival, Sunday December 7 between 3 and 6 PM, at 12345 - 40 St SE. Call the church at 403-252-7572 for more information. FACDec2014

Next show Nov 26 at Dickens

The next public performance by the Wednesday Night Big Band will be November 26 at Dicken’s Pub. We’ve been working on some new (and previously neglected) songs from our library. Wendy Lomnes and Mari Jo de Waal will be on vocals. Please save the date and invite your friends. Here is the Facebook Event, please do the Facebook "Join" and "Invite" routine. Thank you, and we'll see you there.

June 4 Dickens Pub

We are playing June 4th at Dickens Pub. Mari Jo de Waal and Wendy Lomnes will be joining us on vocals. Show will be at 8:00 PM. This will be our last show before our summer break, so we hope you all come out.


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