A classic: Blast from the Past celebrating 40th anniversary Group plays tunes from the 1940s, 50s and 60s once a month at Greater Midland Community Center DAVE SHANE For the Daily News When the big band sound of Blast from the Past plays at the Greater Midland Community Center, it is usually a good evening of food, music and dancing. But this week’s appearance was even more special as it marked the 40th anniversary of the local group of musicians. “We love to do this. We love to play,” said band leader Larry Carbary, who joined the group in 1991. The group of about 20 members plays monthly at the community center, highlighting music from the 1940s and 50s, but also including a few more modern tunes — like Twist and Shout from the 1960s. Carbary says the all-volunteer band plays because the members enjoy it.
Larry Carbary of Midland plays tenor sax during a recent rehearsal of the Blast from the Past band. Carbary is the band leader for the local group that plays monthly at the Greater Midland Community Center. (Photo by Dave Shane/For the Daily News) 6
“The best stereo in the world is sitting in the middle of a big band,” he said. “We love to do this. We love to play.” The community center hosts seven performances a year — from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Monday of the month — beginning in October. A potluck dinner usually precedes. Carbary, who plays tenor saxophone, said the band likes to make things click, and that still takes practice. “At my age, I still work and practice all the time, and it’s a little bit harder to make progress than at 18 years old.” While the group was marking 40 years together, there’s been some discussion that the group has been around longer than that – perhaps
Tom Haynes of Midland plays the drums during a recent rehearsal. (Photo by Dave Shane/For the Daily News)
getting its start as early as 1978 or 1979. At least one band member believes former Midland High School Band Director James Stark put the group together in the fall of 1978, shortly after his retirement. Band members are asking the public if someone can confirm its startup date. The group typically has four trumpets, three trombones, five saxophones, bass, drums, piano, guitar and a vocalist. Its playlist includes such classics as: Blue Moon, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Mack the Knife and In the Mood. Member Paul Schultz said between the music and the talented ballroom
dancing that goes on, it is a great evening of entertainment. “I’m impressed by the talent of the people who attend,” he said. “There are some good dancers, and I enjoy that.” But not everyone is a senior, and not everyone is an expert dancer, he said. “It’s quite a mix of ages and abilities.” Carbary said he still enjoys the way his group comes together to produce the big band sound. “The best part about it is the group playing together and the teamwork, and using it to support some of the excellent music in the band.” The group’s next performance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
From left, Paul Schultz of Midland, Dave Selley of Bay City, Tom Rice of Midland and Tom Peterson of Midland make up the trumpet section during a recent Blast from the Past rehearsal. (Photo by Dave Shane/For the Daily News)
Jaren Wanttaja, a college student from Midland, plays bass during a recent rehearsal. (Photo by Dave Shane/For the Daily News) Senior Scope | November 2021
