Remembering Rob...

Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers everywhere were saddened by the recent death of Rob McConnell. For many musicians, Rob led the way with his exciting trombone style, his stellar compositions, his challenging arrangements and warm , witty personality. Pictured above with Rob at his 2008 reunion concert are Swing Shift stalwarts Rob Williams, Ed Ould and Mike Coulson; and below, Swing Shift leader Jim John. Everyone in the band had tremendous respect for Rob McConnell - we will miss him. The world is a brighter place for his music - Cheers, Rob!

Scroll down the listings for our line-up of Swing Shift spring and summer events...

Humber College, Saturday March 6th, 2010
Swing Shift Big Band is presenting a Live Concert CD Recording Event on Saturday March 6, 2010 at Humber College Auditorium, located at 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. West (Student Residence Building) in Toronto.

Everyone is welcome to join the band for this live recording of the band's next CD, featuring Dave Statham and Larisa Renee on vocals along with all 17 pieces of one of this city's finest big bands. Tickets are only $10 general admission, $8 for seniors and Jazz FM members, $5 for children under 12, and are available the evening of the concert starting at 7 pm. The doors open at 7:30 and the concert starts at 8 pm.

Scarborough Retirement Centre, Saturday March 20th, 2010
It's a dance, folks! But it's a private event . Listen to our CD instead!

The Rex, Saturday April 10th, 2010

Dave Statham does his Sinatra repertoire and so much more in the funky confines of the storied Rex Hotel. The Rex has featured artists from Rob McConnell to Don Byron and back - you'll hear why Swing Shift belongs on their stage. Not to be missed - 194 Queen St. W. 3:30 to 6:30 pm, no cover!

The Rex, Saturday May 15th, 2010
Featuring the beautiful voice and personality of the stunning Larisa Renée. Not to be missed - 194 Queen St. W. 3:30 to 6:30 pm, no cover!

Thursday May 27th, 2010
Private corporate gala event...

The Rex, Saturday June 26th, 2010
This engagement features the vocals of Dave Statham - it is part of the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival . We'd like to dedicate this year's performance to the late, great Canadian bandleader and jazz master, Rob McConnell. Rob's spirit is alive in all great swing bands like ours. Come out and show us you care! 194 Queen St. W. 3:30 to 6:30 pm, no cover!

Bowmanville Rotary Park,Thursday July 29th, 2010
Swing Shift Big Band will make it's 13th annual appearance at the Bowmanville Rotary Park concert, rain or shine, from 7-9 pm. Dave Statham will be manning the microphone for all of your favourite big band male vocals, including Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble. Bring your own lawn chairs!

Here's what one critic had to say about Dave's vocals with the band:
"Swing Shift is firmly established as one of Ontario’s finest big bands and they have been wowing audiences with their “Tribute to Frank Sinatra” show, playing Frank’s greatest hits from his early days as a musical heart throb to his Vegas “Rat Pack” years, and they play Mr. Sinatra’s songs the way he intended them to be played."

Saturday August 7th, 2010
Private wedding ...

The Rex, Saturday August 14th, 2010
This is a regular venue for us - but anyrthing but a regular gig! This time we have a very special guest vocalist performing with us - her name is Barbra Lica. She was recently featured on Joe Sealy's latest CD and she is terrific...
Be there and see for yourself! 194 Queen St. W. 3:30 to 6:30 pm, no cover.

Sunday October 31st, 2010
Swing Shift Big Band makes it's 12th annual appearance at the Scarborough Civic Centre, a free concert from 2-4 pm. We love playing this event - we play some rousing stuff that everyone can get into. A dance floor will be available. Come early to get a good seat - it's always packed!