WAIMEA — Club Kahilu Dance Night returns for an electrifying evening of swing, jazz, and big band classics at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Big Island Swing Band, featuring Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient Jesse Snyder, takes the stage at Kahilu Theatre for a high-energy night of music and dancing.
Step onto the dance floor for a dazzling evening of live music and a swanky cabaret experience as the theatre transforms into “Club Kahilu.”
For this special event, seating will be arranged cabaret-style on the Main Stage and in the Mike Luce Studio, with a dedicated dance space right on stage by the band, bringing guests closer to the music in an intimate, lively setting.
This configuration blends the energy of a classic dance hall with the ambiance of a jazz club, setting the stage for an exhilarating night of music and dancing, according to the theatre.
Led by Snyder — a former horn arranger, saxophonist and clarinetist for Kahulanui — the newly formed Big Island Swing Band features some of Hawaii’s finest swing-era musicians. Their setlist spans the golden years of jazz, from the roaring 1920s through the 1950s, bringing to life classics such as Benny Goodman’s “Oh, Lady Be Good,” Artie Shaw’s “Frenesi,” Tommy Dorsey’s rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and Duke Ellington’s “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me.”
Swing music naturally evolved from jazz as the 1920s ended and the 1930s began, gaining widespread popularity during the post-war era. As big bands grew to fill dance halls, the rhythm and horn sections became the driving force behind this lively, feel-good genre — a tradition that the Big Island Swing Band proudly continues.
So, you ain’t misbehavin’ by grabbing your dance shoes and hitting the floor with this fantastic lineup of musicians: Jesse Snyder (tenor, baritone saxophones, clarinet); Farley Sangels (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Sherbundy (keyboard); Dustin Toma (drums); and Jenny Brown (trombone).
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love the sound of classic swing, this is your chance to move and groove in a vibrant, club-style atmosphere. Gather your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and visit the Kahilu for a night of rhythm, fun and fantastic live music.
Tickets are $40/$30/$25 per person (plus applicable fees). Purchase tickets online at kahilu.org, by calling (808) 885-6868, or in person at the Box Office at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea.
