‘A Big Band Christmas’ dinner gala at the Temple Theater
Imagine drinking cocktails around a cabaret table in an art-nouveau theater, while a 30-piece big band plays Christmas tunes by Bing Crosby. No, you haven’t time-travelled to the 1930s — it’s Rich Wetzel’s annual “Big Band Christmas” show. Held this year in Tacoma’s historic Temple Theatre, it will have cabaret-style seating, buffet and no-host bar to go with your jazz.
Also appearing this year with Wetzel’s Groovin’ Higher Orchestra are vocalists Steve Stefaniwicz and Stephanie Anne Johnson. Around 30 other musicians — including French horns, tuba, timpani and chimes — will play big band standards and holiday tunes from Stan Kenton to Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr.
Wetzel, a Tacoma trumpeter, band leader and clinician, has played with top bands in Seattle and Los Angeles, as well as for artists like Natalie Cole, Wayne Newton and Smokey Robinson. His Groovin’ Higher Orchestra big band plays at local festivals, including the Tacoma Jazz and Blues Fest.
Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568, @rose_ponnekanti
“A Big Band Christmas” dinner gala show
Who: Rich Wetzel and his Groovin’ Higher Orchestra.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Temple Theatre, 47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma.
Also: 21 and over, includes buffet. Drinks available for purchase. Christmas cocktail attire.
Tickets: $50 general admission (group reservations possible in advance for tables of 10)
Information: ticketmaster.com, tacomaslandmark.com.
This story was originally published December 9, 2015 at 7:18 AM with the headline "‘A Big Band Christmas’ dinner gala at the Temple Theater."