Last Updated on Thursday, 13 October 2011 14:45 Written by Christina Gordon Thursday, 13 October 2011 13:32

October 12, 2011

ROANOKE RAPIDS - Santa's Place will be swinging at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre Dec. 3 when the Tar River Swing Band brings its brand of jazz with a holiday flair to the Roanoke Valley.

The band, under the direction of Jonathan Wacker, will be bringing the classic sound of big band swing jazz and Christmas, kicking off the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at the beautiful theater for young and old alike.

"It's the classics you remember and the holiday ones too," said concert promoter Jim Babson. "The band plays for the love of music, and they're really good."

Wacker will lead the 22-member ensemble doing the music of Glenn Miller, with vocals mixed in as well and featuring additional selections by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Tommy Dorsey and many others. The concert is a celebration of the danceable swing style of band leaders from Count Basie to Benny Goodman and recently revived in the performances of Vegas headliners Michael Buble, Rod Stewart and Harry Connick Jr.

Hilton Concerts, which brought the successful Keith Henderson "Illusions of the King" to The Roanoke Rapids Theatre last spring, is proud to present "Swingin at Santa's Place." Tickets are available at www.hiltonconcerts.com or by calling the Hilton Concerts Ticket Line at 252-410-1375 between the hours of Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m until 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, located on Premier Boulevard, beginning Oct. 17. Tickets range from $20 to $30, plus applicable fees.