Get in the swing with big bands in Port Townsend this week

PORT TOWNSEND — Lovers of big-band music have some uncommon opportunities this week: a jam session with the Northwest Big Band Workshop on Wednesday and a dance concert Friday, May 1.

A grand total of 33 musicians from six states plus Canada are taking part in the weeklong workshop in Port Townsend, with local jazz artists Craig Buhler and Chuck Easton leading the sessions.

The players will gather for a jam session, open to the public, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Manresa Castle, 651 Cleveland St. There’s no charge to come listen to the big-band sounds of the 1930s through the ’50s.

This Friday, dancers are invited to the Big Band Workshop’s culminating concert at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St. Admission will be a suggested $5 donation to benefit the Jefferson County Winter Shelter.

For more information, contact workshop coordinator Sally Rodgers at 360-379-3395 or srodgers@olympus.net.

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