Crewe entertainers The VCO Big Band to play charity show in Whitchurch

Sep 7 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Crewe entertainers the VCO Big Band put in a local performance at Whitchurch Civic Centre this month.

The band, established for nearly 30 years, are part of an event called Ancient & Modern, and share the bill with Con and Dec from the original Irish Bachelors.

The band will be playing a mixed selection of traditional big band favourites from the likes of Glenn Miller and Count Basie, as well as more modern hits, with vocals from Gail and Gary.

The 20 piece VCO will later follow with music for dancing.

The VCO Big Band was formed in 1982 and was known as The Versatile Concert Orchestra.

Spokeswoman Glenys Huntington says: “The versatility of styles is still evident in the band’s repertoire, but the newer title of VCO Big Band was chosen to reflect more accurately their music being much more in the style of the traditional big bands, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller.

“However, more newly written numbers are also played, as well as styles such as Latin American or varieties of dance arrangements, when called for.

“Geoff Seals, one of the founder members, is still the leader of the 20-plus musicians. There are both male and female members in the band, with the usual line-up being at least five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets and four rhythm and percussion.

“Enthusiasm and ability over-ride other considerations and result in a wide age-range amongst the instrumentalists, ranging from 20s to 70s.

“Regular vocalists add variety to the repertoire, with standard favourites, as well as more current hit numbers, such as those favoured by the likes of Norah Jones and Michael Bublé.”

The evening in Whitchurch starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 24.

Tickets are £10, with proceeds donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance and Hope House Hospice. To book tickets call 07951 101244 or 01948 665403 or for more information call 07792 179861.

South Cheshire fans can also look forward to the VCO Big Band playing at their annual December event at the Wesley Centre in Sandbach on December 15.

For more details visit the band website, www.vcobigband.com.