The Wimberley Valley Big Band will perform a free concert dubbed “April Foolin” on Saturday, April 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the well-kept “backyard” of the Cypress Creek Cafe.
The outside venue has plenty of open bring-your-own seating. That BYO option is open to food and beverages, as well. Like all of their concerts, there are plenty of danceable tunes, so the site’s concrete dance floor is a plus.
John Greer, a band member since 2018, has been president of the nonprofit since 2019. He also plays alto and tenor saxophones in the band.
“Wimberley had been the home of a swing band in years past, but WVBB was established in 2018 to refocus the group as a not-for-profit organization,” Greer explained. “We took advantage of an all-volunteer band to create a mission statement providing free concerts to the public throughout the year and promoting music education in the area. The band fulfills that dual mission with as many as five concerts a year, free to the public, and with the establishment of a scholarship opportunity for a Wimberley High School student wishing to pursue their instrumental music education at the college level.”
“This is all possible thanks to the robust support of the community through donations and our annual fundraising dance coming up on April 20 at Old Glory Ranch,” he added.
Besides playing a woodwind with the band, Greer lends his “Route 66” kind of crooning to the group’s big band sound. He said, “Our music director, Doug Gillory, has generously found charts made popular by artists like Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and even Asleep at the Wheel for me to perform. I believe there will be a chance to try out one of those songs on April 1.”
“The WVBB has given me the chance to enjoy a long-dormant pursuit,” he continued. “I’m far from being the most talented player, but I’m undoubtedly the most grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a band like the WVBB.”
To stay in tune to the Wimberley Valley Big Band’s future concerts or to support the organization via donation, visit their website at wimberleyvalleybigband. org. Follow the WVBB on Facebook and Twitter. The concert will be held at 320 Wimberley Square, just off of RR 12.
