The Orillia Big Band is set to play its Fall in Love show this Saturday in the ballroom of St. James Anglican Church.
Organizer Heidi Hoover says proceeds will be used to buy fresh ingredients to make soup every Wednesday for the Loonie Lunch program that supports vulnerable and senior participants.
"The Sharing Place also supports the Loonie Lunch, which provides 120 frozen meals each week for people to take with them," she said. "Sometimes paying a dollar isn't always possible for everyone, but nobody is ever turned away."
The Loonie Lunch program has supplied food to those in need for over 25 years. It also often supplies vulnerable participants with clothing and other necessities.
The Orillia Big Band is set to play hits from the 1930s this Saturday, which will get people dancing in the waltz, the foxtrot, the cha-cha, and the swing and tango in the historic room.
Orillia welcomed 1,200 young recruits to Camp 26 during the Second World War. They often gathered inside the former Maple Leaf Club inside St. James Anglican Church which became a place of safety and comfort for the young soldiers.
"It's really a place that connects people to entertainment and safety," Hoover said. "The Loonie Lunch provides that now as well as social interaction."
Singing for the Orillia Big Band on Saturday night is Christina Bosco, a well-known local musician who teaches at Twin Lakes Secondary School.
"The band consists of about 20 players with five saxophones, five trumpets, five trombones, a rhythm section and our singer," Hoover explained.
There will be three spot dances on Saturday with prizes donated by local merchants. The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $30. The event is 19-plus and beer and wine sales will be available.
"The band is going to be in black and white," Hoover explained. "So, dress up and bring comfortable shoes to dance in."
To reserve your tickets, click here.
