Yes - finally! Sandy Cameron and his ShuHorns are coming back to Song Sparrow Hall in Salmon Arm for another hot night of live big band swing dance music. The event, hosted by the Salmon Arm Jazz Club, takes place Thursday, April 17, 2025, with support from Song Sparrow Hall, City Dance Studio, and Acorn Music.
Those familiar with the local music scene already know Sandy's incredible range on saxophone, clarinet, and flute, and his penchant for assembling a top-tier who’s-who of local talent to blow the rafters off. With noted band leader and trumpeter, Nicholas Dyson as musical director, the ShuHorns bring Sandy's love for big band swing to life. The group features Sandy Cameron (tenor sax), Chris Startup (alto sax), Mike Scharf (baritone sax), Nicholas Dyson (trumpet), Liam Nadurak (trumpet), Bob Rogers (trombone), Jordan Dick (guitar), Darko Cuk (bass), Jim Johnston (piano), and Gareth Seys (drums).
The show will feature a night of musical arrangements from the greats of big band swing music including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and more. Acoustically designed for a high-end performance experience by co-owners, Craig Newnes and Clea Roddick, Song Sparrow Hall will showcase the ShuHorns at their very best.
“Performing at the Song Sparrow Hall is a real treat for us," says Sandy Cameron. "It's a concerty show for those who just want to listen, with a dance floor centre stage for lots of movement for those who want to dance." Having the talents of band leader and trumpeter, Nicholas Dyson, guiding the band really allows the musicians to elevate their performance, notes Cameron.
This year, the Salmon Arm Jazz Club is including an opportunity for folks to learn a little swing dance and fox trot to help strut their stuff to the big band. Doors open at 6:00 pm with a pre-show swing dance lesson open to all ticket holders with Jens Goerner and Heather Stranks from City Dance Studio.
Jens and Heather are well known for their work coaching the dance teams at the annual Dancing with the Shuswap Stars Hospice fundraiser. They will provide a crash course for beginners and a refresher for those with some experience. Expect a little east coast jive and foxtrot ready to swing when the band kicks things off at 7:00 pm.
For those wanting to take their dancing to the next level, be sure to watch for details at in the News section on the home page of our website regarding additional pre-event swing-dance workshops to be hosted in late March and early April.
The Salmon Arm Jazz Club wants everyone to attend, so a three-tier ticket option allows you to Choose your Price to best fit your situation: $30 student/lower income (because everyone needs to dance!); $40 General Admission (cover costs and make it swing!); $50 Supporter (kick the band into double-time by subsidizing a student/lower income ticket). Admission covers pre-show and half-time dance lessons and all the swing music you can handle! Cash bar and snacks by donation. This event sold out in 2023, so get your tickets early, either online at the Songsparrow Hall ticket portal, or old-school in-person at Acorn Music (cash only).
The ShuHorns Swing Dance takes place Thursday, April 17 at Song Sparrow Hall (180 Lakeshore Dr NW, Salmon Arm). 6:00 PM Doors and Pre-Show Swing Dance Lesson (all ticket holders welcome). Show 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (plus mini-dance lesson at intermission).
Dust off your dance shoes, brush up on your swing dance moves, and come on out to listen, to dance, and to celebrate live music!
