More than 100 dancers were swinging at the Chateau Nova on Saturday evening.
The Ragged Ass Swing Band, a local group of jazz and swing enthusiasts, hosted the event, its largest yet.
The band, which started almost two years ago, has grown considerably since its inception. It now boasts a full ensemble of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, rhythm section and singers, reminiscent of a jazz orchestra. The musical group plays a variety of swing, from the traditional tunes of the 1920s to the 1940s, to the more modern influences of rock and roll and Latin music.
“It’s a very satisfying experience to have live music that people can dance to and not just have it playing through speakers,” said Carmen Braden, one of the band members.
She spoke of the excitement generated “when you’re moving your body and you feel all these musicians on stage and you hear the whole air just shaking with it.”
She also said the band is a great opportunity for musicians of different skill levels and backgrounds to improve their skills on their instruments, or try a new one. She was playing the trombone for the first time in a concert, after usually playing the piano.
“This is a really nice thing for me also to challenge myself,” Braden said.
The band has performed at smaller venues before, such as the Top Knight, but this was their first time playing at Chateau Nova’s Caribou Room.
Founded by Al Jones, a former band teacher from Edmonton who moved to Yellowknife with his wife, the Ragged Ass Swing Band has grown from 13 to 18 members since its inception.
Jones, who was retired at the time, felt the need to continue his passion for conducting and organizing swing bands. He rallied local musicians and after a year of hard work and preparation, the band had their first show, which was a resounding success, selling out in just a couple of days.
Rob Wilkinson, who joined the band about a year ago, shared his excitement about the band’s growth and the community’s response.
“It’s been a hit with everyone,” he said.
Despite Jones leaving town last summer, the band has continued to thrive. A committee of dedicated individuals, including Braden, Mike Aie and others, has been working tirelessly to promote and organize the band’s performances.