Do you ever think about what it was like to be around when life was simpler? Let’s say in the 1920s when everyone was not rushing to hurry from one appointment to the next or seeing just how much you can cram in one weekend? Well we have figured out how to go back in time. To a time of music that makes you feel good, makes you want to dance and to sing along with a smile on your face. The VCC and VenuWorks are so excited to bring big band music back to Vicksburg on July 24. Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will put on an unforgettable show as they premier their big band sound for Ritz on the River.

What is a definition of big band music? It is a type of musical ensemble that originated in the United States and is associated with jazz and the Swing Era. It usually consists of percussion, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately 12 to 25 musicians. The terms jazz band, jazz ensemble, jazz orchestra, stage band, society band, and dance band may describe this type of group. The Equinox Orchestra consists of an 18-piece band. You will be witness to a one-of-a kind, high-energy stage show featuring some of the best entertainers and musicians the industry has to offer. We could even possibly have the likes of some of Harry Connick’s band members from New Orleans to assist in adding to the professional offerings of musicians that will be performing that evening.

Now another thing that will be music to everyone’s ears is that on top of being a first class community event, it will also serve as a meeting planner FAM event. “FAM” stands for “familiarization” tour. It is bringing meeting planners (in this case, 100 individuals) to Vicksburg to experience what the city has to offer first-hand. They will tour our beautiful city during the day, be witness to a premier event in Vicksburg that evening, and wake up the next morning with a renewed interest in our city. The planning of this event has brought together a huge amount of community partners, all working together to make things happen. From the backing of 17 sponsors, to the hotel properties, and other partners that took a huge step forward to assist in it all, I personally could not ask for anything better.

Now again I say, this is music to your ears. The offering of big band music, city and community partners working together in such a unified way and meeting planners coming from many organizations to become more familiar with our city. What an exciting time to be living in Vicksburg, the city that is making things happen every day.

Annette Kirklin is the executive director of the Vicksburg Convention Center. She can be reached by email at Annette@vicksburg.org or by phone at 601-636-1664.