May 19, 2014

“Let It Be a Dance!” will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island (UUCWI). Triptych, an instrumental trio with John Leaser on tenor sax, Leanne Long on piano and Richard Hughes on string bass, will perform familiar favorites from the big band era of the 30’s-50’s.

This engaging group of musicians got their start with the Freeland Senior Center where their “Fun Band” performances always bring smiles and memories of the big band era.

For “Let It Be a Dance!” Triptych has added drummer Rick Miller and vocalist Jim Carroll, whom they met while playing for the WICA musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” last December.

John Leaser has played saxophone in big bands for 20 years, including 14 years with the SeaNotes Big Band in Oak Harbor. Leanne Long, a retired music education teacher who now coaches and accompanies high school students, has lately ventured into the popular music world by joining the Fun Band and now Triptych. Richard Hughes, a versatile guitar and string bass player, performs with several small vintage jazz, folk and ethnic ensembles on the Whidbey Island. Jim Carroll is an experienced vocalist and actor with several WICA musicals to his credit. Rick Miller has recently moved to the Island where he has continued his involvement with music, playing with the Island Community Orchestra.

Tickets to “Let It Be a Dance” will be available at the door for $10. UUCWI is located about two miles north of Freeland at 20103 State Route 525.