Plan to cut a rug at the Big Band Bash

The annual Big Band Bash is coming.

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band will perform for the Bash at the Houma Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 p.m. until midnight.

The Stage Band, consisting of 17 band members, will provide that “big band sound” for the audience’s dancing and listening pleasure.

The band will play classic selections from smooth waltzes and ballads, lively cha-chas and jazz, and driving rock and Latin at the semi-formal, 18-or-older event.

The bash will also feature dance contests. Those couples who can get down and cut up a rug will have a chance to walk out with prizes for the best couple in waltz, cha-cha and jitterbug.

And for those who don’t think they have two left feet or have no experience with these dances, Lenar’s Dance Company will offer lessons before and during the bash.

And if that doesn’t work, door prizes will also be given out.

The Big Band Bash has been around since 1986. It was the first major fund-raiser for the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band, which was conceived back in March, 1984.

For that first performance/fund-raiser, the Municipal Auditorium was packed. The event saw the sale of 435 tickets.

Last year, the event drew about 300 people. The event coordinators are aiming to draw 400 this year.

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band is comprised of the Stage Band and the Concert Band, which has 35 members.

Their rehearsals are open to the public. The Stage Band rehearses on Mondays at 7 p.m., and the Concert Band rehearses on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

To keep up with changing times, the Stage Band has gradually added more modern music to its repertoire (think disco!).

Big Band Bash event-goers may bring their own party food and drinks, but cups, ice and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the bash may be purchased in advance at a discounted rate of $10. They cost $12.50 at the door.

All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band, a non-profit organization.

Advance tickets are being sold at:

– Fabregas Music Store at 7821 Main Street, Houma, (985) 873-7461 or 446-7643

– Hoffman Music and Electronics, 630 Jackson Street, Thibodaux, (985) 447-4050

– Uni-Kut Hair Cutting, 6476 West Park Avenue, Houma, (985) 868-8034

– Any member of the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band

For reserved seating, contact Brett Bourg at (985) 594-2266. Reserved seating is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.