Dust off your dancing shoes, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to swing like it’s 1943 – because the Music Shed Big Band is bringing the golden era of big band music straight to your ears! Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover, a retro enthusiast, or just someone who can’t resist tapping your foot to a killer horn section, these upcoming performances are your ticket to an afternoon of pure musical joy.
Let’s start with the basics: what is the Music Shed Big Band, anyway? Imagine 20 experienced musicians – some professional, some semi-pro – coming together with one goal: to keep the sound of the big band alive. Add in a male and female vocalist, sprinkle in some decades of musical experience (Service Bands, rock bands, clubs, shows – you name it), and what you get is a powerhouse ensemble that’s as polished as it is fun. Their mission? To make audiences dance, sing along, or just sit back and marvel at the richness of a true big band sound.
And here’s the exciting news for Sydney-siders: you don’t have to imagine it. You can experience it live!
Mark Your Calendars
First up, Saturday, 1 November 2025, at The Willows Retirement Village, the Music Shed Big Band Combo will take you on a whirlwind tour of music history from 2:00 PM onwards. Expect hits from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, The Beatles, Queen, Tom Jones, Billy Joel, and more – basically a smorgasbord of tunes that will have your toes tapping and your heart singing. Whether you feel like dancing, singing, or just soaking in the sound, this show promises a fun afternoon for everyone.
Then, don’t forget Sunday, 29 March 2026, when the full 20-piece Big Band will hit Mortdale RSL from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for a tribute to Glenn Miller and The Andrew Sisters. Featuring the talented Meera Belle, Tony Creek, and the fabulous Starr Sisters, this is a concert that’s perfect for both swing veterans and curious first-timers. Tickets are just $20, and you can book through TryBooking.com – or call Mortdale RSL on 9580 3649 if you need help with tickets or Bistro bookings.
A Musical Journey Through Time
The Music Shed Big Band isn’t just about hitting the notes – it’s about transporting audiences to the glamorous days of the Swing Era, the stylish clubs of the 50s and 60s, and the golden memories of classic rock and pop. They cover everything from Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey to Count Basie, Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, all the way to contemporary favorites like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, and Michael Bublé.
Each performance is a carefully crafted journey through decades of music, designed to make you smile, clap, sway, and maybe even grab a partner for a spin on the dance floor. Their repertoire is so broad, you could be hearing the smooth swing of the 40s one minute, and belting out a Michael Bublé hit the next.
The People Behind the Music
What makes the Music Shed Big Band truly special is the musicians themselves. These aren’t just players – they’re storytellers. They bring decades of experience, passion, and love for their craft to every note. From service bands to rock bands to community performances, these musicians have done it all, and now they’re focused on keeping big band music alive for the next generation.
And let’s not forget the vocalists. Their dynamic male and female singers bring energy, charisma, and flair to every performance. Whether it’s a classic Sinatra number or a Queen anthem, these voices elevate the band’s already stellar sound to a whole new level.
Fun for Everyone
The best part? You don’t have to be a music scholar to enjoy these shows. Music Shed Big Band performances are about pure enjoyment – whether that’s dancing, singing along, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. They’ve performed at sellout events across clubs, fundraisers, community festivals, commemorations, and private functions since 2018, and audiences love every minute.
Recent highlights include appearances at the Bayside Seniors Festival 2023, the Dubbo Jazz Festival, and even a feature on A Current Affair in 2023, showcasing how retired professional musicians are keeping the swing era alive while connecting with audiences across generations. You could say they’re part history lesson, part concert, and all fun.
Why You Can’t Miss These Shows
If you love music that makes you feel something – whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or just the urge to get up and dance – then these performances are for you. They’re accessible, affordable, and bursting with energy. Plus, let’s face it, how often do you get to see a full-scale big band in action, performing with passion, precision, and just the right amount of flair?
For Sydney audiences, this is your chance to experience the sights, sounds, and energy of a classic big band, right in your own backyard. From The Willows Retirement Village to Mortdale RSL, these concerts promise an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, and community fun.
Don’t Wait
Tickets are moving fast, and seats are limited, so grab yours now! Come for the music, stay for the fun, and leave with memories that will make you smile long after the final note fades. Whether you’re a long-time fan of big band music or a newcomer ready to be swept off your feet, the Music Shed Big Band is where it’s at.
So Sydney, polish your dancing shoes, warm up your vocal cords, and get ready to swing, sing, and be swept away by the magic of the Music Shed Big Band!
Upcoming Shows to Remember
- The Willows Retirement Village – Saturday, 1 Nov 2025 | 2:00 PM | Music Shed Big Band Combo
- Mortdale RSL – Sunday, 29 Mar 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Tribute to Glenn Miller & The Andrew Sisters
It’s time to feel the music, embrace the swing, and join the party – because the Music Shed Big Band is coming to town, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.