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The concert is free and presented by the Springfield Arts Council.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy drummer/percussionist Kurt Sondegren said swing is an outward description of the group’s music, and when the band gets going it evolves beyond that.
“It’s a feeling, not playing on or behind the beat,” he said. “You get in a groove and it just feels right, then the audience gets into it, dances, taps their toes and sings along.”
The band’s career took off when it appeared in the hit 1996 film “Swingers,” playing themselves and contributing several tracks. This coincided with a swing revival and the group was in demand, which Sondegren said was fortunate.
This led to doing title songs for TV shows, appearances at the Super Bowl, performing for U.S. Presidents, having their music used in an Olympic gymnast’s gold medal-winning routine and even appeared on an animated episode of “Scooby Doo.”
What began as a trio has grown to nine members, who has expanded their artistic growth and made it easier to arrange the songs. And with the group managing its own business it brings a different feeling of freedom.
The band has recorded 11 albums, the latest, “Louie, Louie, Louie,” was released last month. It’s a tribute to the music of Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan and Louis Prima, who made New Orleans jazz and ragtime popular and also reflects early rhythm and blues and rock and roll.
“These artists were all big influences on us. We add our own flair on some of these and we like to help others discover these artists,” Sondegren said.
The concert will include some of the new songs and a lot of songs that represent all phases of the band’s career.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy loves playing outdoors and for various age groups. They also like meeting those people after the show, which they’ll do at the concert’s finish.
“It’s one thing to see people from 200 yards away, but to get to know the fans is so much better, the people are always super friendly,” Sondegren said. “We’re really excited to share the new songs but also representing a little of everything we’ve done. Things are going really well for us, and we’re going to have a blast together.”
Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.
How to go
What: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Where: Turner Pavilion, Veteran’s Park, Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15
Admission: Free
More info: 937-324-2712 or www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org
Week 6 of the Summer Arts Festival
Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15, 5 p.m.: BBQ and Brew Blast
Thursday, July 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Live on the Terrace, Mike Mingo
Thursday, July 13, 8 p.m.: Let's Hang On — The Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Friday, July 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Live on the Terrace, Down Deep Band
Friday, July 14, 8 p.m.: Masters of Soul
Saturday, July 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Live on the Terrace, GoodVibes
Saturday, July 15, 8 p.m.: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
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