The Up North Big Band is a group of 18 talented musicians from across Northern Michigan who come together to preserve the musical heritage of the Big Band Era.

 The Up North Big Band has been entertaining audiences at venues and festivals since 1996 with its authentic recreation of the sounds of the bygone era.

In keeping with its quest for historical accuracy, the band has procurred a genuine log cabin ballroom that was constructed in 1935 and billed as the "finest floor in the largest rustic building in Northern Michigan". The Rustic Ballroom is the site of the Saturday Nite Dance Series.

The Up North Big Band at the Rustic Ballroom - Photo by Scott Smith

Tight ensemble playing combined with exceptional solo features and live vocals authentically recreates the hallmark sounds of the Big Band Era.  The Up North Big Band plays swing, foxtrots, Latin, waltzes and even a polka or two. Their playbook contains over 300 songs from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.  To our knowledge, there is no other place in Michigan that hosts regular dances in front of a live Big Band, let alone in a vintage ballroom!

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