Published September 6th, 2015
Chill to cool big band sounds under shady trees in Lafayette
By Pippa Fisher
The Lafayette Big Band at Lafayette Christian Church Photo provided
For world-class jazz, Lamorinda residents need go no further than their own backyard. Or more specifically, the back patio of the Lafayette Christian Church.

Residents will be able to relax under the shade of the beautiful oak trees at the church located at 584 Glenside Drive in Lafayette and enjoy the professional big band sounds of The Lafayette Big Band from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.

Comprised of top-notch Bay Area musicians and guided by bandleader and drummer Steve Snyder, the band plays in the Count Basie style and covers all the favorites through modern day big band jazz.

Snyder says their new vocalist Johnny Staton Jr. will be singing favorites this year from Nat King Cole, Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra.

Snyder added that the band has been playing together every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the church since 2010. The rehearsals are open to visitors. This will be the band's sixth fundraising concert for the church, which supports charities in Contra Costa County.

The suggested donation for this event is $25, which includes all refreshments and snacks. No reservation is required.

The event is being coordinated by the church's Concert Committee Chairperson Marie Williams who says that last year around 110 people attended.

Williams said concertgoers last year commented that the band was "extremely professional" and "upbeat."

The musicians in the band have played with many famous names in the past, including The Temptations, Judy Collins, Bob Hope and many more. A full and impressive list is available on their website www.lafayettebigband.com as well as audio samples.




Reach the reporter at:

back
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA