10 years in the business

Apollo Big Band celebrate with a charity bash at Greenham

The Apollo Big Band are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a special charity concert.

Apollo formed in the early days of 2001, and to celebrate their continued success and progress, they are putting on a concert on Saturday, February 12, at New Greenham Arts.

The programme will reprise some of the band's favourite tunes from previous concerts, including Slaughter on 10th Avenue, Russian Patrol, The Woodchopper's Ball, tributes to Glen Miller and Count Basie, and many more. Apollo will be joined for the evening by vocalists Pauline Richings and Antony Ferraro.

Over the course of its history, Apollo has established itself as one of the leading Big Bands in the south of England. Past performances have included shows at the Hexagon, Reading; The Anvil, Basingstoke, The Theatre Royal, Winchester, and an annual showcase event at the Corn Exchange, Newbury.

The band's travels have also taken them to Holland, Switzerland and Germany.

Musical director Mike Lock said: “This concert is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that the band has achieved. As always, we promise to provide a wonderful evening's entertainment, with a programme packed full of big band hits”.

Profit from the concert will go to the Newbury Branch of Parkinson's UK, which itself is celebrating its 20th year, making the event a double celebration.

Founder member of the band George Wicks said: “It's amazing to think that Apollo has been going strong for a full 10 years. The band is proud to be a part of the community in Newbury, and we are very pleased that our celebratory concert will be raising money for such a worthy local cause.”

Tickets for Apollo's 10th anniversary concert are available from the Corn Exchange box office, telephone (01635) 522733.