Michael Brawley Big Band swings into action
An award-winning Hamilton big band raised a whopping £1764 for charity at their sellout annual dance.
The Michael Brawley Big Band took to the stage at The Alona Hotel on Friday (April 21) for the gala event. They wowed the audience with big band standards and popular hits such as Georgia On My Mind, made famous by Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin’s Respect. Ticket sales raised £1390 and the remainder, £374, came from a raffle on the night. It’s the fifth year in a row the band have held the glittering
event at the hotel in Strathclyde Park, Motherwell.
Spokesman Gary Mitchell said: “We’re thrilled at the success of the dance and delighted that people have decided to dig deep to support worthy causes.
“We’re donating £500 to Cancer Research this week and the rest will be donated in £500 instalments to other deserving charities.
“It’s really satisfying to be able to make a difference through music.”
The 22-strong band give their time freely, simply to support well meaning causes.
Since they set up in 1995, the group have raised more than £50,000 for charity.
Gary said: “We’d like to thank everyone who helped make Friday’s event go with a bang.
“We really appreciate the support from the public and from local businesses such as Tunnock’s in Uddingston and Motherwell Football Club, and in particular midfielder Chris Cadden, who donated raffle prizes.
“We couldn’t do it without them.”
The musicians are stalwarts of the National Concert Band Festival and have been awarded Platinum certificates many times in recognition of the high standard of their musical performance and individual talent.
You can catch their next performance at East Mains Baptist Church, East Kilbride on Tuesday, May 23.
For more details on the band. check their Facebook page: Michael Brawley Big Band or alternatively email them at brawleybigband@ yahoo.co.uk .