Saturday, Sept. 1, at Coolidge Park, three swing bands made up of local musicians from three different generations performed, to the delight of a very large and appreciative audience, from 5:30 p.m. to almost 10 p.m. The band played many of the original arrangements from the big band era and featured some of Chattanooga's top musicians.
I was privileged to lead the second band, the Swingtime Orchestra, and as always the pros in our band and our three outstanding singers were great and I appreciate them very much.
Compliments should go out to Carla Pritchard and the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership and their sponsors for making this event possible free of charge to the audience, which was largely made up of young people. This is most encouraging to the bands to see these fine young folks having a great time.
Also compliments to Mike LaRoche, Jeff Sandy and David Payne of the Sweet Georgia Sounds for all their labors setting up risers, stands, lights and much, much more to make the stage ready for the bands and to Jim Ransom, the members of the Uptown Big Band and all the good folks in the Sweet Georgia Sounds for sharing their talents and performing so well. Everybody worked hard to make this an important event in Chattanooga.
I hope next year we can have an even larger audience. If you missed Swingfest this year, plan to be there next year and tell everybody you know not to miss it. Remember it's free, it's swing and it's at Coolidge Park the Saturday before Labor Day.
Ralph Miller
rimmil@aol.com
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Indeed, Swingfest was a blast. It is an event not to be missed.
The ageless big band music appeals to all ages, and is extremely well received by the young - who danced the night away. How proud I am to be a Chattanoogan with such a lovely evening to look forward to each year.
My thanks to all who made the evening possible, especially the musicians who turned musical notes into magic.
Sarah Hogan
Chattanooga