Doors open at 6 p.m., and a buffet dinner will be served before the dancing begins at 7 p.m.
The rich, jazzy music reminiscent of Benny Goodman, the "King of Swing," and other big bands and orchestras, such as Count Basie, the Dorsey brothers and Artie Shaw, and performed by The Big Band Sound Orchestra, will fill the center.
Participants are encouraged to wear vintage attire.
The Big Band Sound is a 20-piece jazz orchestra that plays hundreds of compositions ranging from jumping jive to slow and sweet. While based firmly in the classic swing era of the 1930s and 1940s, the band also performs music from the 1950s through today while still maintaining the big band musical traditions.
Deputy County Executive Bruce Walker and his wife, Lisa, are regular attendees.
“Lisa and I enjoy ourselves at this event every year,” Walker said. “Brian Benedict and his military and history buffs go all out and host a delightful evening with fabulous music from that bygone but still popular era. I would encourage everyone to get their tickets. It’s a great and affordable evening.”
Brian Benedict, proprietor of The Duffle Bag, a military surplus supply store in Patterson, and his daughter, Jean, plan the popular dinner and dance event each year.
The Patterson Recreation Center will be decorated with World War II memorabilia. Antique military vehicles will be placed throughout, and special living historians will be dressed in the original uniforms worn by the United States and British military as well as the Allied Forces.
Dinner tickets ($35 per person) must be purchased in advance at either the Recreation Center or at The Duffle Bag, 1270 Route 311, Patterson. General admission tickets ($20 per person) will be available at the door starting at 7 p.m. or in advance at the both locales. The evening’s festivities will end at 11 p.m.
The Patterson Recreation Center is at 65 Front St.
For more information, call 845-878-7106 or visit: www.thedufflebaginc.com.
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