The stars were shining and the music was swinging as the Slidell Symphony Society kicked off its 2007-08 symphonic season with a salon concert Sept. 29.
"Swinging Under the Stars" was held at Bayou Oaks Plantation, the elegant Slidell home of Chuck and Kay Sabadie who co-chair the Symphony Society. Members and guests of the nonprofit organization enjoyed a delectable gourmet dinner while delighting in the magnificent sounds of Leif Pederson's 1944 Big Band performance.
Chuck Sabadie said the concert at his waterfront home was a tribute to the classics, and the 14-member full big band kept guests out of their seats and practicing their swing skills. "Where else can you go to enjoy big band music, with our own view of Bayou Liberty?" he said.
Members of the Northshore High School Dance Club also entertained the group with their ballroom dancing talents.
A New Orleans native and Slidell resident, Pederson's accomplishments include performances for the late President Ronald Reagan and Norway 's crown prince, and at the Blue Room in New Orleans, Disneyland, Disney World and the Waldorf Astoria.
Pederson said he hopes the salon concert helped to grow the popularity of big band music. "The more things we can do, the more people will remember how great the music is," Pederson said.
Providing piano entertainment indoors was musician and composer Danny Holley.
The Symphony Society provides quality symphonic music to people of all ages in St. Tammany Parish, with special emphasis on providing educational opportunities for children. Salon concerts help raise money to fund events for children that foster a love of music, such as Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concerts for elementary through high school students and Lollipop Concerts for preschoolers.
"The main thrust is to do education in the schools," said Salon Concert Committee Chairman Russ Westfall.
According to Sabadie the Symphony Society also will entertain older citizens in the community this season, as plans are being made for performances at senior centers. "We can bring to our seniors what we bring the children," he said.
The Symphony Society currently has about 250 members. "Members want to help raise funds by enjoying music ourselves," he said. "What we try to do is expand the presence within the community."
