The Compaq Big Band is enjoying a well-deserved September break after a great Summer 2022 season, but…we’re happiest gigging. So, it’s time to get back to work, and no better way than on Saturday October 22nd when we’re honored to be featured in the Maple Street Church Artists Series of concerts in Danvers, Massachusetts.

This is a public event presented by Maple Street Congregational Church, UCC. Although admission is FREE, capacity is limited, so on-line registration is required to guarantee entry – go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/compaq-big-band-tickets-420441230037. Unregistered walk-ins will be welcomed ONLY if space permits.

The show runs 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All seating is General admission. Doors open 7:00pm. The venue is the sanctuary of the church, which is located at 90 Maple Street in downtown Danvers.

The extremely talented Marina Evans from nearby Cape Ann will be the band’s vocalist, out front channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Tierney Sutton, Natalie Cole, and more. In addition, we’ll be doing some powerful swing and jazz instrumentals from such notables as Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis, and others.

This concert is presented in memory of Larry Drouin, a beloved music educator in the Beverly, Massachusetts public schools for 36 years, as well as a talented musician and longtime, very active member of the Maple Street Church. Upon his passing three years ago, his wife Judy established a fund in his memory, and it was her wish that these monies be used for special events that would celebrate Larry's lifelong dedication to music. Donation boxes for cash and checks will be available for contributions to sustain the fund to present future concerts.

Check out www.compaqbigband.com and www.marinaevansmusic.com, and Like both the band and Marina Evans Music on Facebook!

As is the case whenever they perform, the Compaq Big Band will be featuring a complete, honest, REAL big band configuration of 18 instrumentalists (17 is THE modern big band standard) – no compromises. They rehearse in this configuration (and not in any other smaller format) EVERY week.

And as is also the case wherever they go, the band will be bringing their state-of-the-art traveling sound system and professional mixing technician. Listeners will love the clarity of the sound throughout the venue, as well as the band’s absolute passion for professional technical support details.

In the last few decades, the Compaq Big Band has risen to prominence throughout New England as one of the most accomplished full-size big bands in the region, featuring a cookin’ rhythm section and 14 horns that achieve an ultra-tight sound, with terrific instrumental soloists. To complement this high-powered ensemble, they showcase a rotation of talented jazz vocalists, carry a comprehensive, modern sound reinforcement infrastructure and experienced, full-time sound engineer, and are ultra-focused on unmatched big band production quality.

The Compaq Big Band’s ‘book’ is one of the best in the Northeast. While they’re faithful to traditional Swing Era classics, they really dig their chops into challenging swing and jazz arrangements played by the most approachable yet progressive big bands of the last four decades. They’re busy year-round, performing at commercial/nonprofit/collegiate swing dances, as well as fundraisers, celebrations, theaters, jazz clubs, multi-jazz band nights at area high schools, arts festivals, outdoor summer concerts, and more.