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The Palm Court Dance Orchestra is a 10-piece band based in Yorkshire. Our aim is to recreate the unique British Dance Band sound of the 1920`s, 1930`s and 1940`s with our combination of violins, saxophones and rhythm section.
We play for dinners, dances and various other functions, as well as taking part in concerts. During 2004, we provided the music for a very successful 1940`s evening held in Dewsbury; earlier in the year we took part in the WW2 weekend at Haworth, as well as performing in the historic Piece Hall in Halifax.
2005 saw a return visit to Haworth for the annual WW2 weekend, this time performing for a dance on the Saturday evening.
As 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, it was a busy year; we provided the music for many functions celebrating this anniversary across the north of England.
Highlights included:
- A Grand Victory Ball at Rotherham
- A village celebration at Newton-on-Ouse, near York
- A wartime tea dance at Oakwell Hall Barn, Batley
- Another wartime tea dance, at Northallerton Town Hall
- A fantastic 1940`s Supper Dance at Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge
Tickets for most of these events were sold out.During 2006, the orchestra continued to be involved in 1940`s events, including a very successful 1940`s evening at Langthorpe, North Yorkshire, in March. During the summer, there were several performances in Yorkshire parks such as Canal Gardens and Roundhay Park in Leeds. The orchestra played at a photography exhibition in Castleford, featuring the work of Roy Hampson, who takes a lot of our band photographs. Castleford was also the venue for a charity event in October, when the orchestra raised funds for Ian Clayton`s charity `Billie`s Violin` which helps local children to learn musical instruments.
We also often work with vocalist Paul Harper, who has delighted our audiences with his authentic renditions of songs originally sung by legends such as Al Bowlly and George Formby. Paul is a very experienced singer and entertainer, and also offers his own solo cabaret act.The band is mainly in demand for private functions, but we do also take part in public events. See the Concerts & Performances page for more details.
If you are interested in music from the 1920`s to 1940`s, and would like to be kept up to date with our events, please click here to join our mailing list.
Please note: We operate in the North of England only: Yorkshire, Lancashire, Manchester, Durham, Teeside.
HOW TO MAKE A BOOKING
1. Contact us by email or telephone for a quotation, and to check that the date you require is available.
2. You can book the full band, or just a quartet.
3. Send a booking form and your deposit cheque to our office address. Cheques should be payable to `Musica Viva`.
4. We will send your copy of the contract within 7 days of receiving your deposit.