'Sound Investment' Jazz Ensemble to Play at Town Hall Theater, 4/18

Swing dancing is in again. That's no surprise, as anyone who's heard a swinging big band will tell you. When you listen to the great big bands of yesteryear, you simply have to get up and move. The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble, made up of the best music students from Middlebury College, will play for a swing dance at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Friday, April 8.

"One of the great things about our theater is the huge dance floor," says THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "The seating risers and chairs completely disappear, clearing this large beautiful space for dancing."

The annual event draws people from both the local community and the college community. "The students from the college swing dance club love to come here," says Anderson. "They mingle with local dancers, including kids from the high school who are just learning. It's a joy to just sit back and watch everyone dance." Anderson points out that for those who don't dance, THT's balcony is a perfect place to just sit back and take in the concert.

The Sound Investment is directed by Dick Forman, a well-known figure in Vermont jazz. He takes the group through everything from classic charts by Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington to contemporary jazz.

The event is on Friday, April 8, at 8 pm. Tickets are $10/$6 students, and may be purchased at 382-9222, www.townhalltheater.org, at the THT Box Office (Noon-5, Monday-Thursday) or at the door. Drinks and snacks will be available.