The Cape Ann Big Band will celebrate the start of its 11th Season at the Shalin Liu Performance Center as part of the Rockport New Year’s Eve Celebration! In honor of its return to where it all started, the band will feature a set highlighting the Golden Age of Swing! Audience members can expect to hear classic favorites such as “In the Mood” and “Fly Me to the Moon” and a mix of contemporary hits with a touch of jazz-fusion! In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band has become one of the most sought after ensembles in the North Shore. The Band was formed in December of 2010 when director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potential of starting up a 17-piece big band. Driven by the talents of local musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with its local community. This is a group that truly operates as a family. This diverse big band entertains and delights audiences with danceable music infused with jazz, swing, New Orleans street bands, soul, and rock n’ roll that will bring you back in time. The Cape Ann Big Band prides itself with having a repertoire that has no boundaries. The Band currently features: Trombones; Ben Tuck, Tom Madore, Paula Burns, Dana Cohen Saxophones; Nick Capello, Henley Douglas Jr, Ed Biggs, Steve Silva, Carlos Menezes Jr. Trumpets; Shawn Lowe, Arthur Adamson, Daniel Fleury, Brian Cogger Drums; Rick Geraghty. Piano; Christopher Bodek, Bass; Gary Wolsieffe and Surprise Guest Vocalists!