Big band across the bay

The Patonga Sport and Community Group will host a day of big band swing music at the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday, May 23.

Event publicity officer Ms Jill Tweedie said the Patonga group was "very excited" to introduce The Swamptown Strutters Picnic to its annual calendar.

"This event will be run along the same lines as our well-established and much-loved Blues Across the Bay but with a different genre of music - big band swing," Ms Tweedie said.

"We have enjoyed some great days at Blues Across the Bay and felt that we would like to present a similar event which might appeal to a different audience.

"Our club is a very enthusiastic and social group, actively involved in the local community, and this will be a great opportunity for others to join us for a great day."

Ms Tweedie said the event featured the Simon Heffernan Sextet with Sandie White on vocals, Steve Russell on piano, Ronnie Papps on drums, Paul Chaplin on guitar, Jason Morphett on tenor saxophone, Simon Frenchie on trumpet and Simon Heffernan on double bass.

"This is one hot band," Ms Tweedie said.

"We thought it would be fun to bring along swing dancers to show us some moves and demonstrate and teach us some of the basics of swing dancing, so dancers from the Nuroc Dance Company will be there to start off the afternoon's entertainment."

According to Ms Tweedie, the event hopes to present something that has never been done in the area before and capture the interest of a wide range of people.

"We realise that the blues is not everyone's cup of tea and some of our more senior residents expressed an interest in dance music," Ms Tweedie said.

"Hence the idea was born.

"It is hoped that Peninsula residents and visitors will support this event so that it becomes another annual event on the calendar.

"We put a lot of effort into the organisation and presentation and we just hope that people will come and enjoy a great day."

Participants are encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch and drinks since there will be no shops at the venue.

Tickets are available from $25 for children under 15 years and $35 for adults.

Ticket prices include ferry trip from Patonga wharf to Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre, entry into the Mess Hall and entertainment.

"The venue at Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre is spectacular," Ms Tweedie said.

"For people who have never been there it is worth the trip just to see the beautiful grounds and facilities.

"The Swamptown Strutters Picnic will be held in the beautiful sandstone building used as the Mess Hall.

"There is a lovely timber dance floor with wide, covered verandas with views across Broken Bay.

"Access is by boat only and the easiest way is to catch the ferry from Patonga at 10.30am, returning around 5pm.

"For people using their own boats, there is a sheltered bay for mooring but you can only use the wharf to set down and pick-up passengers.

"This event is not advertised on the website so please email for more information or phone the Swamptown Hotline to purchase tickets on 0417 671 261."

Profits made from the day will go towards funding local projects such as providing picnic furniture in the Patonga Pavilion and installing an irrigation system for Patonga Oval.

Press release, 29 Apr 2009 Jill Tweedie, Patonga Sport and Community Group