By Cindy Whitehair and Perry Whitehair
Last night was date night for Perry and I and we decided that Draper Arts Council’s Dancing in the Stars – A Big Band Tribute at the Draper Amphitheater in Draper would be a fun way to spend it. We were not disappointed.
The Draper Amphitheater is a relatively new facility (built in 2010) and it is simply perfect for this kind of event. They have limited assigned seating and then general admission seating in the terraced lawn. It makes for a very relaxed, intimate interaction with the performers.
There is a 30-minute pre-show that features the Riverton Jazz Band, who provided the music for the evening. This 16-member ensemble really knows how to swing. The saxes are tight, and their drummer is nothing short of amazing. His drum solo in “Sing, Sing, Sing” is reminiscent of the great Gene Krupa.
The vocal portion of the program is styled like the old USO shows, where a variety of performers come on to sing. All of the performers are wonderfully talented and the songs they perform really showcase their individual talents. But what really stands out are the harmonies and sound balance. There are several group and ensemble numbers that require tight harmonies and the harmonies are perfect. Of the group numbers, “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon” (Grace Hamner, CoryEllen Nelson, and Luana Parkes) and “Mambo Italiano” (James Belcher, Mike Handy, and Todd Horne) stand out. The choreography is spot on as are the vocals. Of the individual numbers, Kevin Gunnell’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is perfection. He doesn’t try to be Frank Sinatra – he makes the song his, and it works. Serena Mackerell’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” and Christopher Stockslager’s “Somewhere” are simply breathtaking. Addie Wray beautifully belts “Almost Like Being In Love” and Chris Morales’ rendition of “Sway” is hypnotic.
One of the things that Perry appreciated is the diversity of the music. The music selections were not overly heavy in any one band or genre. They even include one mambo and two sambas, and of the sambas, “It Had Better Be Tonight” brought the house down with the vocals and the dancing (Horne and Jessica Yergensen).
If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening with dancing and music, Draper Arts Council’s Dancing in the Stars – A Big Band Tribute at the Draper Amphitheater is the place to be. Whether you are a big band fan (like me) or new to the music, you will not regret going. You will dance, you will tap your feet, and you will have an amazing time. If you come, bring a blanket or jacket as it will get chilly once the sun goes down and shoes you can dance in! You will also want a blanket or chairs if you plan on sitting in the lawn.
Draper Arts Council Presents Dancing in the Stars – A Big Band Tribute
Draper Amphitheater, 944 E. Vestry Road, Draper, UT 84020
September 7-8, 10, 2018, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $7-10 sold online or at the venue
Draper Arts Council Facebook Page
Dancing in the Stars – A Big Band Tribute Facebook Event
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