The Mark Humphries Orchestra will be performing at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in mid-November, this in support of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum located just north of Brandon.
The benefit concert will feature Big Band music from the 1940's with instrumental and vocal performances from Humphries and musicians from across Westman, as well as from eastern Saskatchewan.
Humphries has been sharing his love of orchestral jazz and swing music since a teenager back in his home country of England.
Do listen to Humphries' start in the music industry below, and more!
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum has been a favorite place for Humphries and his band to practice in for quite a number of years, rehearsing in their old canteen building.
"It was always a really nice partnership with the museum," explains Humphries. "They're always looking at different projects and rebuilds and money to go towards all those interesting things. So, this was a great way to collaborate, and we decided the band needed to be back up and running after Covid. Much like everyone else, we were given a 2–3-year hiatus off and now we wanted to get the musicians back. So, this is a benefit concert for them."
A special friend will be flying in from England to join Mark Humphries at the Brandon auditorium. Mark's son, Thomas, is the band's sound man, and this very dear friend from England will also be on site to assist. Stan 'the man' was the sound guy back in England in those early days. Now in his 80's the older gent will be in attendance at the Brandon concert on November 10th. Humphries says Stan's wife, Sandra, was one of the feature vocalists of the original Mark Humphries Orchestra but is now struggling with Alzheimer's and so is unable to travel.
So, it will be a very special reunion for Stan and Mark and the Manitoba version of The Mark Humphries Orchestra!
The Sunday afternoon concert, November 10th, will take place at the WMCA Brandon.
Humphries says the event brings attention to the music of 1940's, during the days of the Second World War. In addition, it is the 80th Anniversary of the disappearance of Glenn Miller, and Humphries will be performing some of Miller's song in their afternoon itinerary.
For more information, including ticket purchase visit the WMCA website HERE.