If you were to ask most people which was the era most closely associated with the dance band sound, the likely answer would be the thirties - the sound of the Glen Miller Orchestra in America and Geraldo and Victor Sylvester in Britain. The heyday of these big dance bands however appeared all but over by the 1970s, due to a change in listening patterns and the expense of employing up to twenty full time musicians.

In the background it may have been, but the pleasure of moving in perfect harmony with someone else has endured and there is now a growing interest and increase in the numbers of people who love to dance to the sound of live big band music. The MERLINAIRES, Carmarthen's own 16 piece Big Band, offers a treat to anyone who appreciates the special feel of real brass instruments and rhythm. They play a wide selection of both swing arrangements or strict tempo for ballroom dancing and also include a good number of standards, jive and rock and roll in their repertoire.

Originally, the band offered musicians the opportunity to play once a week in a Big Band. This soon developed into a band that began playing engagements and now the band is very much in demand for functions and dances.

The band is made up of a number of people with interesting backgrounds ranging from retired University professors, doctors, accountants to plumbers, a wine merchant and even a tree surgeon who all have one thing in common, that is a love of the sound of a big dance band.

We play for your:

• Christmas functions
• Birthday parties
• Ballroom dance nights
• Anniversaries
• Weddings
• Company events
• ...or any other function.

The MERLINAIRES have a wide selection of both swing and dance arrangements in their repertoire, are able to play for dances and are reasonably priced. So if you like a good night out with a friendly atmosphere and lots of musicians for your money, this is the band for you.