On August 16th at 7 p.m., the Arrowhead Center for the Arts will host the unique sound of the North Shore Swing Band as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The evening will provide a substantial dance floor for those who want to dance, and plenty of seats for those who just want to sit and enjoy. The setlist is chock-full of timeless classics, and entry to the event is included with admission by donation, with all proceeds going to the Grand Marais Playhouse. 

Bandleader Kathy Bolstad has been with the group since their first rehearsal and recounted how the 25th anniversary milestone is as much of a triumph for the group as it is a celebration of the community who have supported them. 

“I have been with the band since day one and am so proud of what we have become!” Bolstad said. “We are now a true ‘Big Band’ with 20+ members, very talented instrumental soloists, and two fine singers. This has fulfilled my dream as a musician and band leader.”

This growth didn’t happen overnight, however. Over the past two decades, the band has taken on many different forms, evolving its sound, size, and goals. They began as a community concert band comprised of around 20 members, began transforming into a smaller ensemble, even dabbling in a Dixieland-style of around 10 people, but finally have grown into the band their fans know and love today. While their configurations certainly have shifted over time, the heart of the group has always remained about the music they share and the connections they create. 

One of Bolstad’s best memories came from the band forming its identity in the early days. 

“Becoming an official organization with an amazing amount of support from this community—and especially being asked to play for the Care Center’s events—was huge,” she said. “Seeing those folks so excited hearing this style of music… a huge ‘Thank you’ to Bill Burchardt and his ‘Swing Session’ on WTIP for giving them and us the desire to keep ‘Swing’ music alive.”

One unique hallmark of this group is how connected they are to the community and how reciprocal the relationship has grown to be over the years. Fans turn up at all kinds of performances in any season, and the band provides countless memories. This means that their shows aren’t just concerts; they are places where people can come together. The 25th anniversary concert is designed to be just that. 

“This anniversary concert is a tribute to and ‘Thank You’ to all community organizations and individuals who have supported and encouraged us over these 25 years,” Bolstad said. “It’s also a celebration of the efforts and amazing talents of our musicians, who have come and gone and helped build this outstanding group.”

On the night of the event, the auditorium will be in “thrust” configuration, meaning the stage will extend into the audience space. The band will set up both on the stage and the floor, creating a more comprehensive sound and experience to make sure that dancers and listeners alike can enjoy. 

“It will be an amazing, fun night of ‘Big/Swing Band’ music to listen and/or dance to,” Bolstad said. “We’ll be playing tunes that have become favorites of both the band and our audiences over the years. Some are newer to our repertoire than others.”

The music will align mostly with the typical golden-era swing sound, but Bolstad noted the band isn’t afraid to stray a bit and add their own character to the songs. “Our tunes stay pretty true to the original Swing Style, but our own flavors and ideas are added periodically,” she elaborated.

Never been to a swing dance? No problem!

“You are invited to come and enjoy an amazing night of listening and/or dancing to a music style that is like no other—and to get caught up in the North Shore Swing Band’s excitement of performing traditional ‘swing’ tunes at a professional level,” said Bolstad.

Swing music holds a special place in history, both nostalgic and timeless. It thrived in the 1930s and 40s, but has endured until today. Its endurance is rooted in the passion of musicians for this form of expression. 

“What keeps me excited about performing swing music after all these years? The band itself and the passion we all have for playing, enjoying, and caring about this style of music—and each other,” Bolstad said. “We are a family.”

That family is both the musicians who have been there since day one, but also the newer members who have added a new, special energy. Their relationship and camaraderie can be heard in the music, with every vocal solo, bass line, and blast of the horn a representation of the joy that these musicians share, doing what they love every night. 

In addition to the celebration of their amazing milestone, this concert also has a purpose: raising money for the Grand Marais Playhouse, a fixture of the community. All proceeds made from donations at the door will go towards ensuring that the arts are supported and thrive in Cook County. Bolstad hopes that the celebration will be about the audience just as much as the musicians. So whether you’ve been attending their performances for years or just want to have a fun night out, the concert will deliver.