Approaching Rectory, the sound of traffic will give way to the sounds of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. A full stage. The summer sun. The unparalleled sound of big band. You’re going to want to bring your dancing shoes. With thanks to Russell Hendrix and Royal Oak Homes this stage is on the north side of Dundas Street directly across from Aeolian Hall. Under the shadow of the Aeolian, guests can enjoy the best that big band has to offer in the open air. Admission is by donation.

“I got everything I wanted. When I was young in Kansas City, I knew nothing about Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald, of all those concert halls, of all those countries. I did not know what it was like to direct a band… All I wanted was to be big, to be in show-business, and to travel…and that’s what I’ve been doing all my life.” – Count Basie

Saturday Line-up

1:00 p.m. Enchanté with Laurraine Sigouin

3:00 p.m. Seth McNall Sextet

5:00 p.m. Big Bandemic with special guests Denise Pelley and Bruce Hoadley

See the Full Event Guide Here