Sounds of Swing Hope to Bring Big Band to a New Generation

They are called Sounds of Swing, but founder Jim Burge wants the public to know that this band showcased at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, plays much more than that.

With five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, a piano, bass, and drums, Sounds of Swing was formed in October 2010 at the request of several of the center’s own concert band members.  

Though he was already busy with several different bands, including his monthly program "Jazz with Jim," he jokes, “They pestered me and pestered me, and I finally said we’d do something in October.”

The band rehearses regularly on Saturday morning, and has performed at the center, at a local bar convention in Orlando and local church dances.

 “We do big band music. We don’t do just swing,” said Burge. “We do Latin, polkas, waltzes – more in the style of the 30's, 40's, and 50's big bands. We’re very much in the style of the USO bands.”

Burge is hoping to not only attract those that grew up listening to this music, but help introduce a younger generation to the classic big band sound.

“It’s harder to pull young people in because, of course, they have so much to do, but once they get hooked on it, they really love it,” explained Burge. “It’s out of the ordinary, something to do and relax.”

 Currently, Sounds of Swing is undergoing a slight change. They are seeking an experienced bass player who will have large shoes to fill.

“We’ve got this high school young man, a genius bass player, but he’s going off to college,” says Burge.

Interested bass musicians can contact Burge through the Center.

On July 30 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, the newest band member, a vocalist, will accompany the 16-piece band for what is billed as “a social dance for singles and couples of all ages.”  The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 pm.

“(The Center’s Ballroom Dance instructor) Anna Rubenstein gives a free dance lesson at the beginning of our show,” said Burge. “We’re finding that people really enjoy the lessons.”

Though it’s not suit and tie, Burge noticed one thing in particular about the patrons of Sounds of Swing events: “They dress nice.”

Carrollwood Cultural Center is using things such as social media to connect Sounds of Swing to the desired 20-30's demographic.

“We are going directly to the swing social clubs and organizations, and when colleges get back in, we’ll be reaching out to them as well,” said Richard Haerther, artistic director for the center. “We are also targeting the general public as well, using social media, Facebook, YouTube, those type of outlets. There are also still publications that that age will go through like Creative Loafing and TBT.”

The cost for the July 30 Sounds of Swing social dance event is $10 for members and $15 and non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at www.carrollwoodcenter.org or by calling 813-269-1310.