The Buddy Koopmans Orchestra

 

     Roger (Buddy) Koopmans of Faribault, Minnesota started the band in 1948 when he was still in high school. This was the era when Swing Dances were a favorite social activity and Big Bands had "groupies" that followed them to ballrooms all over the territory...an era when many musicians could actually make a living (at least in part) playing.

 

     Buddy Koopmans band played regularly for almost 60 years until age caught up with some of the key members. I had played in the band from 1963 (I was 13 years old) so when Buddy asked recently, if I wanted to take it over, I said YES. My experience playing in Big Bands in Minneapolis made it clear that there is a new generation of fans that love this music and love to swing dance. There are also good musicians that love to play this classic music so I have been able to put together a great band.

 

     If you want to make an occasion very special, consider having 16 live musicians take you back to a simpler time with classic Big Band swing music.

 

- Gary Anderson

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Paradise Center for the Arts

 

Sat, April 28, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

 

321 Central Ave N

Faribault, MN 55021, USA

 

paradisecenterforthearts.org

 

A Faribault original and Southern Minnesota’s favorite Big Band returns for an even of swinging fun and fabulous music. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for an amazing step back in time for some toe-tapping tunes as this 16+ member ensemble takes Paradise stage. Free swing dance lessons before the show!

 

Saturday, April 28 at 7:30pm

 

Member: $16 | Non Member: $21 | Student: $12

 

 

 

 

Vintage Band Festival

 

Vintage Band Festival 2018 will take place in Northfield July 28, 2018. Music will run from 9am-10pm in Bridge Square.

 

Details of the 2018 festival can be found at:

https://vintagebandfestival.org/