Fall upon us signifies the end of summer. This summer was one of wonderful weather, great music and community for the Bruce James Orchestra – the Tri Cities’ hottest Big Band.

We at the Bruce James Orchestra would like to thank the Maple Ridge Times and the Maple Ridge News for helping us promote big band music in our community, and for running articles about our 3^rd annual Summer Serenade – a free community concert series which occurred every Wednesday night throughout July and August at Spirit Square in Pitt Meadows.

The success of the Bruce James Orchestra Summer Serenade would not however, be possible without our patrons! This summer, over 1,000 big band lovers from all over the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley came out to enjoy our music in Spirit Square. We anticipate next summer will bring out even more audience members, and more great swing dancers!

On behalf of the Bruce James Orchestra, I would also like to acknowledge the tireless work and support of Danielle Toth, Kathryn Baird, and all of the members at the Parks & Leisure Services Department of Ridge Meadows. Further appreciation goes to Deb Walters, Mayor of the City of Pitt Meadows for the Certificate of Thanks from the city to the Bruce James Orchestra for organizing and performing at Summer Serenade 2013. Summer may be over but the Bruce James Orchestra plans to keep it hot by continuing to perform great music!

Thank you to everyone for your on-going support of the Bruce James Orchestra! Looking forward to Summer Serenade 2014, and a year of great music ahead!

Sincerely,

Bruce Flello,

Band Leader

The Bruce James Orchestra

The band will accompany a mass choir in Powell River in July of 2014. There will be more detailed information coming, but here is a taste:

The International Choral Kathaumixw is a 5 day choral festival filled with concerts, common song  singing, choral & vocal solo competitions, conductor’s seminars and social  events. For the most part, the Bruce James Orchestra would be
accompanying the chorus, AND the Bruce James Orchestra/Chorus would be
directed by Paul Cummings and likely Fred Sjoberg (from Sweden) who is famous in
Sweden as a singer, director, TV show host etc.

Now that Pitt Meadows has built a concert area (Spirit Square, 12027 Harris Road) this is now the time to start entertaining the community with local/ interesting talent. We would hope this will grow into an annual event, and become an event the people will look forward to each year.

This is the 3rd annual event in Pitt Meadows. Bruce Flello is a Pitt Meadows resident and leads the Bruce James Orchestra (www.brucejamesorchestra.com). He plans to have his group play for some of the events, but to keep it interesting for the audience, plans to mix in numerous other groups.

Event Schedule:

• Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
• Set-up at 6:00, clear from stage starts at 9:00 PM
• If it rains, the performance will be cancelled (as there won’t be an audience) Bruce will make this determination each Wednesday by 5:00 PM

Dates to include:

• July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• Aug 7, 14, 21, 28