Big Band duets with fundraiser and free concert

This weekend, the Wimberley Valley Big Band will present their next swinging dance concert: Wine and Unwind and Dine.

The concert on Saturday, Sept. 9 will take place at the Wimberley Valley Winery, beginning at 7:30 p.m. This free, family friendly outdoor event will feature popular instrumentals and vocals — all rated “highly danceable.” The audience will enjoy the big band sound from grassy grounds; attendees are highly recommended to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Since the event is held at the winery, no outside food or beverages will be allowed, but the winery will offer their own fare for sale.

According to the Wimberley Valley Big Band’s Mission Statement, they not only support “the musical enjoyment and nurturing of talented music lovers in our community, but also support young people who seek to further their musical talents through education.”

The latter part of that statement is relevant to the “dine” part of the musical program’s rhyming title. The Big Band’s supporters and others in the community who are interested in helping this nonprofit organization with that part of their mission can reserve a ticket for the VIP dinner at 6 p.m., which will be served before the free concert at 7:30 p.m.

“Chef John Sanderson will prepare a custom meal from entree’ to dessert from a wide selection of offerings in the inviting atmosphere of the Winery’s tasting room and dining hall,” the band’s board president, John Greer, said. “The $80 ticket to the fund-raiser dinner includes all food and beverages and preferred seating for the Big Band’s concert.”

“The cost of the dinner is being underwritten by the winery and owner Dean Valentine,” he continued.

“One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the dinner will go to the establishment of a Big Band Scholarship Fund for area high school students who wish to continue their music education in college for performance or teaching.”

Before Sept. 9, all inquiries for purchasing tickets for the VIP dinner can be handled by email to hillcountryjazzband. com or to wimb igband@gmail. com. Stay in tune with the Wimberley Valley Big Band’s future concerts by visiting its website at wimberleyvalleybigband. org or by following the WVBB on Facebook and Twitter.

The Wimberley Valley Winery is located at 2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd. in Driftwood.