Big band sound will fill park on Fourth of July

Visitors to the coulee area over the July Fourth "Festival of America" festivities will get to hear the "Big Band" sound at the park below the Visitor Center.

Tuxedo Junction, a 21-member band, is made up mostly of "teachers," according to music director Craig Catlett.

There will be an added twist to the band's appearance; there could be up to five Lake Roosevelt High School band members playing during Tuxedo Junction's second set at the park. "I still have some things to get settled before I can name them," Catlett said last Friday.

"That's who we are," Catlett added. "We like to bring others from where we play into our performances," Catlett said.

He plans to send the appropriate music to them soon so they can practice the pieces.

The band plays out of the Spokane-Coeur d' Alene area and was formed in 2001, and plays in both concert settings and special occasions.

Tuxedo Junction is noted for its charity performances.

Look for the classic swing, latin style, waltzes and modern rock sound when the band performs. The band makes the music of Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington, come alive again.

Dr. Ruth Pratt is the featured soloist.

The band not only plays for charities, but provides scholarships so college students can pursue musical careers.