A swinging good time
Anastasya Korol (left) dances with Jacquelyn Forester (right). (Alex Larsen)
Saddleback College’s annual Big Band Swing thing was sold out last week in the Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo. The event was held to help raise money for student scholarships in the arts.
The 1940s-era swing dance party featured Saddleback’s Big Band, led by jazz instructor Joey Sellers and vocalist Adryan DeLeon, who provided musical entertainment.
The dance concert was organized by Angels for the Arts, a fundraising and support organization for the performing and visual arts in Saddleback College.
“We are thrilled to have this year’s Big Band Swing Thing.” Dean Bart McHenry said. “It’s fun to have all these people here to celebrate what it is going on in Saddleback “It’s been growing every year.”
Vocalist Adryan DeLeon credits her time as a Saddleback student with the Big Band for her musical start.
“When I was going to Saddleback College, I auditioned for the Big Band,” DeLeon said. “I really started my career in Saddleback.”
Before the last dance of the night Tom McCandess, of San Juan Capistrano, won $500 in a raffle give-away, which was presented to him by McHenry.
“[I like that] ticket sales go for the arts scholarships,” Diane Hooper, a retired SOCCCD faculty member said.
The Dance Department featured numerous choreographed dance performances.
“I’m really excited to see how it turns and look forward to the next show,” Jessica Morton 18, psychology said.
After the prize money was given away, the night came to an end with two slow romantic songs, performed by the Big Band.
(Alex Larsen)
(Alex Larsen)
Adryan DeLeon performs on stage. (Alex Larsen)