On Wednesday 7th August the Royal Air Force Squadronaires performed an exhilarating programme of big band music in RAF Northolt Officer’s Mess, which was streamed live on Facebook.
Under the direction of Sergeant Andy Mears the ‘Squads’ transformed the Old Dining Room into a Jazz Club, creating an intimate performance space for the live audience, whilst Sergeant Warren Ringham and his team worked hard to broadcast the concert on Facebook through multiple cameras.
The programme featured soloists from within the band; Corporal Matt Walker’s simultaneous drumming and singing for his own arrangement of Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer (which was performed by Sir Tom Jones with the RAF Squadronaires last November) was a particular audience favourite.
The star of the show however was ten year old Lara Mehmet who gave a stunning vocal performance of Fly Me to the Moon . It was Lara’s first appearance as guest soloist with the band and she received a standing ovation from the adoring audience in the room, not to mention a plethora of compliments on Facebook.
The evening was a huge success and has has had nearly five thousand views on Facebook and can still be watched if you click here. The RAF Squadronaires look forward to hosting more jazz club style evenings in the future.
Article written by Corporal Matt Edwardson
Image: Crown Copyright - RAF Northolt Photographic Section
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