July 28, 2014 – Southampton, Ontario – Department of Canadian Heritage
The Government of Canada is providing $5,900 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program to support the 20th edition of the Canadian Big Band Celebration.
The event showcases the heritage of dance pavilions and big band music along the Saugeen Shores of Lake Huron.
Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament (Huron–Bruce), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Quick Facts
- This year’s event will take place from September 12 to 14 and will include big band and jazz performances by local artists.
- From the 1920s to the 1960s, dance pavilions across Ontario regularly drew thousands of revellers throughout the summer and attracted renowned performers such as Guy Lombardo and Don Messer.
Quotes
“Our Government recognizes the value of local arts and heritage activities. I applaud the organizers of the Canadian Big Band Celebration for bringing Canadians together through arts and culture and contributing to the economy.”
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of the Canadian Big Band Celebration for 20 years of showcasing our talented artists. I’m proud our Government is supporting this unique event, which celebrates our vibrant local culture.”
—Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament (Huron–Bruce)
“The funding provided by Canadian Heritage is a critical support, enabling our local community in Port Elgin and Southampton to celebrate the wonderful Lake Huron dance pavilion heritage we shared with the communities of Sauble Beach, Inverhuron, Oliphant, and Kincardine from 1920 to 1970. This was a time when listening and dancing to bands performing the popular music of the day, in a beautiful setting, was a popular and cherished weekly activity which would begin on the May 24 weekend and end on Labour Day.”
—Charlie Bell, Chairperson, Canadian Big Band Celebration Committee
src:news.gc.ca