The Chewin’ the Fat star belted out Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon with The Michael Brawley Big Band.
Karen Dunbar with at The Michael Brawley Big Band at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust.(Image: ugc)
An award-winning Lanarkshire big band hailed as “magic” by TV’s Karen Dunbar is marking the end of its 30th anniversary year by performing at two charity events.
The Michael Brawley Big Band, which was set up in 1995, will appear at Glasgow’s Central Station on December 8 and at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on December 16.
The Central Station performance is in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the hospital gig is simply to bring festive joy to patients, visitors and staff.
Musician Gary Mitchell, who plays trumpet in the band, said: “We’re thrilled to be back spreading joy this Christmas.
“We have performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital many times before within the main public Atrium area.
“It’s such a lovely thing to do, especially at this time of year.
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“We’re asking commuters to dig deep at Central Station to support the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.”
The band which plays solely to raise money for well-meaning and worthy causes has raised over £60,000 for charity over the years.
Karen Dunbar with at The Michael Brawley Big Band at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust.(Image: ugc)
It was originally set up by Hamilton musician Michael Brawley to allow school-leavers to continue to play their chosen instrument.
He sent out a call to players in the Hamilton Advertiser in April 1995 in the style of First World War minister Lord Kitchener, which read “(Your) Swing Band Needs You”.
Michael, who has a distinguished career as a musician and music teacher, still plays with the band on occasion.
The group has been run for many years by a committee of players and is currently led by musical director Duncan Parkinson.
The band perform at Summerlee Heritage Museum.(Image: ugc)
Comedian Karen Dunbar gave an impromptu performance with the band at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust in July.
The Chewin’ the Fat star belted out Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon with no rehearsal… and had the crowds singing along.
As the band struck up, Karen grabbed the mic and beamed: “How cool is this? It’s brilliant!
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“I don’t want to blow my own trumpet… but I can carry a tune. Thanks to the Michael Brawley Band – they are magic.”
*Catch the band at Central Station on Monday, December 8, at 6.15pm and at QEUH on Tuesday, December 16, from 6.30pm. For more information see the band’s Facebook page The Michael Brawley Big Band | Facebook or email brawleybigband@yahoo.co.uk
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