Construction of Villas/Bungalows Reformation of Flats/Apartments Finca Restoration Fencing of Land Extensions to your property (large or Small) Patios Brick Walls built and repaired
The immensely popular and renowned ‘Vic Reynolds’ Big Band’ held
another evening of ballroom dancing to that authentic Glen Miller
sound, on Friday, February 22, in ‘La Ruidera’ restaurant.
The band is now in its fifth year and regularly holds musical
evenings in one of the few places big enough to seat 300 people and
still have enough room for all the members of the band - 17 of them -
and leave enough space for dancing.
Vic and his dedicated band members work hard on perfecting the ‘Glen
Miller’ sound, so you can look forward to ‘Moonlight Serenade’ and
‘American patrol’ amongst others - although they also play Latin
American, Rock ‘n’ Roll and popular tunes. The band have been
rehearsing old favourites and a few new treats as well, such as ‘Can’t
take my eyes off you’ and ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’.
Also appearing are Ron Rogers, to get everyone singing along, John
Atkins, Moztly Mainztream, The Riconairs and Don Mather’s Dixielanders.
Tickets for these events go quickly so if you want to book your
place on the dance floor then call Vic on 966 720 517 or pop along to
Cards ‘n’ Things on the main road going through Quesada (617 688 893).
RON ROGERS - VOCALIST ‘Vic Reynolds’ Big Band’
Ron Rogers, born in South Wales, started singing during his time in the
Royal Navy, singing with the Royal Marine Band. After de-mob he pursed
a musical career singing in musical theatre, cabaret and clubs. Ron
sings in his own inimitable style and is a great asset to all the bands
he sings with.
Latin and Ballroom Dancing Tuition
EveryFri
Classes
for beginners every Friday from 10:00-12:00 and intermediates
11:00-13:00 at Asturias Restaurant on the N332. Contact Barry or Mary.
Tel: 966 760 043.
Latin & Ballroom Dancing
EveryMon, Wed, Fri
Dance
classes at La Bamba's Asturias restaurant on the N332 (next to the
Go-Karts). Every Monday there is a dance from 19:30, Wednesday
beginners 20:00-22:00 and Friday intermediates 11:00-13:00. €5 per
session. Contact Andrea or Brian Tel: 616 478 157.
Paso a Paso Modern Jive and Social Club
Every Tuesday Afternoon 4.30pm Basicbeginers class only at The Asturias Restaurant, N332 Orihuela Costa
(between Punta Prima and La Zenia) EVERY FRIDAY 8pm from Feb 13th 2009 class and Freestylers Disco at the
NONDUERMAS RESTAURANT,JUNCT 733 FROM AP7 FOLLOW CALLOSA,RESTAURANT IS NEXT TO
PETROL STATION. WEDNESDAY 7pm intermediates.SUNDAYS 7pm basic beginners
AT THE BAR CASTILLA,LEMON TREE ROAD CV895,CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR. SUNDAY
NIGHT free entry freestyle dancing after class with JIVE JUNCTION DISCO 50s 60s
70s.Music to listen or dance to.All welcome. NEW FROM SATURDAY 14TH FEB
2009 FRASERS (UPSTAIRS)LA SIESTA NR CAM BANK,TORREVIEJA.9PM FREESTYLERS DISCO
PLUS FUN TASTER CLASS FOR ALL TO TRY THIS GREAT DANCE KNOWN AS CEROC IN THE
UK.
+34(0)-662-541-688 pasoapaso@hotmail.co.uk
In
the mood with Vic Reynolds
The
Big Band sound is one of very few styles of music to have stood the
test of time. Forever associated with such legends as Glen Miller, this
type of music helped to define an era and perfectly encapsulated the
post World War II mood of celebration, particularly in America. It was
the sound, the spectacle and the sheer excitement of the music that
made it so appealing. Nowadays, it is also about nostalgia and that too
has endeared the music genre to the hearts of many. The golden age
of the Big Band is now experiencing somewhat of a resurgence right here
on the Costa Blanca and we recently had the privilege of meeting Vic
Reynolds who, with his band of talented musicians, is breathing new
life into the music form. Born in Battersea, England in 1921, Vic
began performing at the young age of 10 with a tap dancing and violin
act. He toured in variety shows throughout the UK, from theatres to
working men’s clubs. Not certain whether he wanted to be an actor or a
musician, Vic also spent some time as a student with a repertory
company. Performing is in Vic’s blood and, as he humorously remarked
“if a fridge door is opened and the light goes on, I will do 20
minutes”. Touring in variety shows meant that Vic’s schooling was
somewhat disjointed. However, as his talents obviously lay elsewhere,
this was not a major problem and Vic went on to join a juvenile band
which had been formed by a Canadian band leader. With the onset of
the war, Vic joined the army and this saw him posted to North Africa,
the Middle East, Italy and Austria. Towards the end of the war, Vic
joined an army entertainment unit and played the saxophone in an
accompanying band. That was to prove the perfect training ground and he
recalled performing to troops in far from ideal conditions. Early
morning performances in muddy fields at the side of the road were the
order of the day but Vic looks back with fond memories as he
“blacked-up” and did his ‘By the light of the silvery moon’ routine.
While in Austria, Vic went on to lead a band of Austrian civilians.
Also, it was there that he met the love of his life, Heidi. The war
soon ended and Vic returned to the UK with the aim of starting a new
life and then sending for Heidi. After a few weeks, it was definitely a
case of ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ and Vic turned his
thoughts to returning to Austria. Vic is a wonderful story teller
and he vividly recalled the details of his journey. There were many
adventures en-route, not least his encounter with a French guard at one
of the many control zones in Austria. It was only when he explained the
amorous intentions of his journey that the guard allowed Vic to pass
through. At times sounding more like the plot of a movie, Vic was
eventually re-united with Heidi and they were to enjoy 50 years of
happy married life. Vic resumed his musical career in the UK and
played with many bands throughout the 50’s and early 60’s. However,
with the advent of the Beatles style of music, the big bands were no
longer fashionable and Vic decided to join Equity. Following the Noel
Coward rule of acting “learn the words and don’t bump into the
furniture”, Vic went on to feature in such TV series as The Bill,
Eastenders, The Sweeney and Minder (who will forget George Cole as the
infamous Arthur Daley). Vic returned to the big band scene in the
80’s and as he remarked “over time the signposts were leading me in a
certain direction”. In fact, he was led to becoming a born again
Christian and this marked a turning point in his life. During the
course of our long conversation, Vic recounted many amusing stories of
his life ‘on the road’ and one humorous episode in particular remains
firmly etched in his mind. It was when they were making their way home
after a performance in Durham University and in blizzard conditions. At
about 3am and badly in need of a break, a roadside café emerged from
the snow storm and the band members decided to avail of its warmth.
Vic went on to paint a vivid picture of the inside of the café, with
its naked light bulbs, the debris of past meals littering almost every
table and grease thick on the floor. The owner eventually emerged from
some dim recess and if the sight of his grimy string vest and the
dangling woodbine was not enough, he proceeded to clean their table
with some deft swishes of a cloth that had obviously seen better times.
He then asked the by now speechless band members what they would like
to order. In a flash of sardonic wit, one of them uttered the immortal
words “may we see your wine list”. Just one of many hilarious asides to
a bygone era. While one would assume that at 87 years of age Vic
Reynolds would now be enjoying happy retirement in Spain, nothing could
be further from his mind. He is once again back doing what he does best
and, together with his fellow musicians, he is re-kindling the Big Band
sound. Vic’s next ambition is to play in Benidorm Palace. With the
drive and determination of a man half his age, we have no doubt that he
will soon realise that goal.
El Flamenco en
Alicante We are in a street without traffic in the centre of Alicante, and welcome you
daily from 12:00 onwards. Our food is traditional Spanish fare - paellas that
are fully made inhouse, local and mediterranean cooking. Ample parking space
available close by
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