Time for a spring fling?

We should think so. Come along to Coker's and get the floor boards moving with Christchurch's own barn dance band, Bantam Of The Opera.

Bantam Of The Opera comprises five musicians, Dave, Jane and George Hart, Sue Galvin and John Jones.

The band's caller, Trevor Robertson has a wealth of knowledge of English Country Dances, including the 17th Century Playford Dances. He is in every way a fine Dancing Master.

The Bantams play a range of instruments, including trombone, flute, tin whistle, piano accordion, melodeon, tea chest bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo and assorted percussive instruments. Most of the band have played in various groups over some years and the Bantam Band was formed in mid 1995. Dave, Jane and John have been involved in Morris dance and its music to quite an extent and this has given the band access to a large number of excellent dance tunes, and a certain degree of lunacy.

Playing for dancing is The Bantam's main area of expertise, and Trevor's calling abilities have proved invaluable. The band has never taken itself too seriously and their intention is very much to entertain. If bands enjoy themselves, this will always show through their music and infect the audience.

Bantam Of The Opera have performed as guests for dancing and concerts at Folk Festivals throughout New Zealand in the last ten years, playing at Whitestone, Canterbury, Wellington, Whare Flat, Cardrona, Auckland and Waihi Bush Folk Festivals.

Come along and shake off the tail end of the winter with what is always a fun night.