RAN Band hot stuff

The South Australian detachment of the RAN Band entertains the crowd during Australia Day Celebrations.

Searing temperatures didn’t stop Kangaroo Island locals from dancing for hours to the South Australian Navy Band’s Australia Day long weekend performances.

The band visited Kangaroo Island at the invitation of the Cygnet River Jockey Club for a weekend of racing and Australia Day activities.

The January long weekend is a special time on the island as it incorporates the first race meeting of the year at the Cygnet River Racecourse.

Many of the island’s residents attended the event, as did hundreds of visitors from the mainland. A feature of this year’s event was a series of performances throughout the day by the Navy Band.

“The band’s mix of soul, blues and rock proved to be too much for many patrons who couldn’t help but get up and dance in the 40-degree plus temperature,” said CPO Musician Andrew Stapleton, who has led the detachment for the past six months.

“The weekend continued on Sunday with an Australia Day breakfast at the Kingscote Yacht Club where once again the band performed to good crowds.

“The breakfast brought together locals and visitors to the island who had attended Australia Day celebrations in Kingscote and the event also coincided with the K.I. to Adelaide Yacht Race.”

CPO Stapleton said the band’s final performance was on Sunday evening at the Penneshaw Town Hall.

It was billed as a cabaret show and the organisers went to great lengths to dress up the hall and create a club-like atmosphere, which set the scene for a truly memorable night.

The band’s reputation had filtered throughout the community and this ensured a packed house.

As well as the usual selection of popular music, the band played practically every swing tune in their repertoire.

“Soon after the show began, the dance floor was packed and stayed that way throughout the entire show,” said CPO Stapleton.

“The weekend was seen as a great opportunity to bond and get the band quickly up to standard early in the year.

“In particular, the Sunday evening performance proved the RAN Band - South Australia detachment is a top class ensemble and will continue to provide excellent musical support to the Naval community and the people of South Australia throughout 2003.”

• By Deanna Nott

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