Big Band Dance to Mark Veterans Day

It might not have the same impact as the GI Bill, but local and area military veterans will be admitted free of charge at the annual Veterans Day Big Band Dance on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the New Lafayette Club in Bloomington.

Illinois State University’s Jazz Ensembles I and II will perform swing and Latin dance styles from the 1930’s and ’40s by composers including Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and others.  Ballroom dancers will enjoy a wide variety of styles including cha-cha-cha, rumba, waltz, swing, salsa, samba and even a bit of ’80s rock.

Dress for the Veteran’s Day Big Band Dance is semi-formal, no jeans or t-shirts.  Admission is $10, free for veterans, and the doors will open at 6:40 p.m. with the dance from 7 to 10 p.m.  All proceeds from the event, including donations, support the jazz program at Illinois State’s School of Music.  A cash bar will be available.

For more information about the event or the Jazz Ensembles, contact Tom Marko 438-2541 or tjmarko@ilstu.edu