Bend swing dance brings big band era alive

On the first Sunday of every month, the Bend Senior Center hosts the Notables Swing Band for an afternoon dancing and entertainment, bringing the sounds and fun of the past alive — and not just for seniors, either.

Gloria Doherti says she goes to the Senior Center every Thursday for dancing, but this was her first Sunday swing dancing.

She was all smiles as she reminisced about her younger days.

“I used to jitterbug as a teenager,” Doherti said, adding that it’s relaxing and she always has a lot of fun.

Dawn Boone and her husband have been visiting the Senior Center for several years.

“It’s really neat to connect with people who lived through that era, and then they’re thrilled to see younger generations picking it up and carrying it forward,” she said with a smile.

For $5 per person, you can enjoy an afternoon of dancing from a variety of music from The Notables Swing Band from 2-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.