The acclaimed swing band Dock Side Drive will be returning to perform in Osoyoos on Thursday, March 12 at the community theatre at Osoyoos Secondary School. (Photo supplied)
When the talented swing and show band Dock Side Drive played in Osoyoos three years ago, they wowed the audience and received more than one standing ovation.
Due to that response, they have been asked to return and they graciously accepted and will return to the stage at the Community Theatre at Osoyoos Secondary School on Thursday, March 12.
This will be the fourth and final concert in this year’s Osoyoos Concert Series.
“They are an eight-member band that are very talented and very entertaining,” said Pat Philpott, publicity director for the Osoyoos Concert Series. “They put on a great show three years ago and a lot of our supporters wanted them to come back, so we invited them and they gladly accepted. It should be another fantastic show and will be a great way to wrap up this year’s concert series.”
Dock Side Drive (formerly The Ford 7) is one of the West Coast’s most popular swing and show bands.
They play swing music from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s and have gained a loyal following across British Columbia and Canada.
The band features Victoria musicians Don Leppard, Joey Smith, Anita Bonkowski, Heather Burns (rhythm section); Dave Fiello, Paul Wainwright (horns); Chris Newstead, Fran Bitonti and Angela Ireland (vocals).
They offer a blend of vocal and instrumental tunes that will usher audience members through three decades of song, including the music of such legends as Ray Charles, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and other favourites.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see and hear this ensemble playing well-known swing, blues, jazz and show tunes as you will be guaranteed to be swinging and singing along, said Philpott.
Dock Side Drive has established a reputation as a show band that features outstanding singing and instrumentation and have built a repertoire of great tunes, including such classics as Train Kept a Rollin’, Mac the Knife, Route 66, Blue Skies, What’ll I Do, Hit That Jive Jack, Hallelujah I just Love Him So, Jive and Wail and Sweet Georgia Brown.
Philpott promises music lovers will love this band.
“Dock Side Drive does not disappoint,” she said.
Tickets for the show are available at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and Sundance Video in Oliver. Tickets are $23 in advance or $25 at the door. Students can purchase tickets for $17. Anyone needing a ride to and from the show should contact Donna Kelso at 250-495-7701.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
