RIPON — Community members are in for a big treat this Thursday as the Ripon Arts League presents the Trade Winds Big Band at the Ripon High School Multi-purpose Room. 

The Trade Winds Band has been a regional fixture since 2004 and is under the direction of Lou Barton. This versatile group is known for its musical prowess and ability to handle music of the 1930s thru the ‘90s, from Jazz, Oldies to Pop with power and feeling.

Thursday night’s concert will feature music of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s — a time when music led folks through the Great Depression, the War Years, the Explosive ‘50s and Turbulent ‘60s.  Originally formed in 2004 when Modesto Junior College downsized its daytime jazz course—students from MJC and Stanislaus State as well as several community musicians joined together because they loved the sounds of Big Bands.  Joining them, as well, were music teachers from area schools who relished the opportunity to play a local or regional gig. Today the group is composed of a seasoned group of area musicians.

Opening the show for Thursday’s performance will be a 13-song medley of hit swing tunes including: Stardust, Tuxedo Junction, Moonglow, Fools Rush In and On the Street Where You Live.  Several special arrangements will be featured that bring out the patriotism of the era including a well orchestrated arrangement of America.

The final portion of the evening’s concert sponsored by RAL takes a different twist with songs and instrumentals of the “Rat Pack” including singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Other tunes will include Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime popularized by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra’s Witchcraft and Ain’t That a Kick In The Head.

Tickets for the Thursday concert are $30 which provides concertgoers entrance to this show and three other concerts later this season. 

Still to perform are Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band in November, Sister Swing at the end of January and High Sierra Jazz Band in mid-March. Ticket sales have already exceeded 500 for the season but room is still available. 

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. with show time at 7:30 p.m.. The venue is located at 301 N. Acacia Avenue in Ripon. For additional information call Jackie at 599-3176 or Kit at 599-3408.