Opus 17 Miller Magic
An audience of over 100 fans enjoyed the Miller Magic tribute concert played by The Opus 17 Swing Band on Saturday at The Greneway School in Royston. Many chose to dress in 1940’s costume for the event adding to the atmosphere of the evening, and a prize for the best dressed 1940’s person was awarded to 10 year old Eleanor Marriage from Royston
Graham Smith, the band leader, said that it was very appropriate for the band to play music from the 1940’s, in this, the bands 20th anniversary year, the band having been formed in 1998 as a Forties band, and concentrating solely on that the repertoire for 15 or so years before diversifying. He also paid tribute to The Doodlebugs, a talent female vocal trio, for their authentic recreation of the sounds and performance of The Andrews Sisters. Jess, Maddie and Hannah are all professional musicians in their own right, who get together when occasion permits to perform Boogie Woogie, Bugle Boy, Rum and Coca Cola and other favourites from The Andrews Sisters Library. Their energetic and enthusiastic performance certainly appealed to the audience who were keen to join with the Lindy dancers on the dance floor.
As always, a full buffet supper prepared by Terry Veasey, the band’s alto sax player, was enjoyed by all. Judging by comments received at the end of the performance, everyone, both audience and performers, had an enjoyable evenings and are eagerly awaiting details of the bands next appearance in Royston which will be the Christmas Concert.
