Zara Bode's Little Big Band performs classic American swing to delight the ears, eyes and feet. Inspired by the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, the Little Big Band was founded by top shelf chanteuse Zara Bode (of The Sweetback Sisters) and clarinetist/arranger Anna Patton (of Elixir.) From chic to cheeky, the Little Big Band digs into the classics with aplomb and affection creating vibrant new takes on the old radio hits. Dancing is not required, but be forewarned your feet may be inspired.

Zara Bode found a great love for singing through the recordings of Ella Fitzgerald. She attended a performing arts high school where she starred in the musical Cabaret, and went on to study at the University of the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. On a European tour with traditional vocal ensemble, Northern Harmony, Zara met Emily Miller with whom she founded the country honky-tonk outfit The Sweetback Sisters in 2006. They were featured on A Prairie Home Companion, toured internationally and got the chance to open for Loretta Lynn. More recently she has written and performed music for a documentary (The Bearded Lady Project), a kids company (Sockeye Media) and a video game (Cozy Grove), produced her own streaming Christmas Show, and was music director for a show in Wilmington, VT. With the formation of the Little Big Band Zara has been able to dive back into the sound that inspired her to sing in the first place.

Anna Patton is best known in East Fairfield Vermont as the daughter of musician Will Patton and guest musician with the Will Patton Ensemble. Starting with her childhood in her musical family, Anna has pursued an eclectic musical education in jazz, classical, traditional and world music. She has a masters degree from New England Conservatory where she focused on early Jazz and composition. Her innovative dance band Elixir has toured all over the US and in Canada and Europe and is one of the most in-demand bands in the contradance festival circuit. Anna also plays with the Julian Gerstin Sextet; teaches clarinet, aural skills, and improvisation; and directs the swing harmony choir "The Soubrettes" based at the Vermont Jazz Center. Getting to arrange for a swing band with a horn section has been a dream of hers, and so this project is a kind of stylistic homecoming for her as it is for Zara.

While these powerhouse performers have traveled in the same orbit for decades, it wasn't until the pandemic of 2020 that they began flirting in earnest with starting a band. 'Our admiration for one another knows no bounds.' says Zara of her co-director Anna. Both women come from an eclectic musical backgrounds, but are drawn together by a deep love for and dedication to the early big band form.

Zara and Anna have rounded up an all-star septet. The rhythm section includes Stefan Amidon on drums (Sweet Back Sisters, Devil Makes Three) and Alton Lathrop on guitar (Silverback Swing), and they are delighted to be joined for this performance by guest bassist Will Patton (of the Will Patton ensemble and countless other projects). The horn section features Ron Kelly on tenor sax (Ron Kelly and the Hot Noodles) and Don Anderson on trumpet (The Jazz Marauders).

While logistically it hasn't been easy to start a new musical group during these days, the players and tunes have fallen into place and the Little Big Band's music has been gobbled up by audiences. Their first album will come out in early 2023, so keep an eye out for that. Zara and Anna thank you for spending the evening with them enjoying these great old songs!
On the Meeting House Green in E.Fairfield. $10 Good Food/Fine Music 802-827-6626