Dance the day away

Mike Harrison, left, and his wife Nancy dance at the Chattanooga Market on Sunday afternoon. Contra dancing was the theme of the day and live music was provided by the Dismember Tennesseans.

Photo by Staff Report.

Lively music by Sweet Georgia Sound will keep things hopping for Coca-Cola Big Band Day at Chattanooga Market on Sunday, Nov. 11.

The 20-member ensemble plays a variety of listening, dance and ballroom dance music that includes classic and modern big band, swing, Latin and waltz tunes.

The group was formed in 1994 and has played the market "many times over the years," said bandleader Mike LaRoche.

"We always have the dance floor out, and it's almost always full," he said. "It's really special to look out and see that sea of people."

LaRoche, who started playing big band/jazz music while in high school, said Sweet Georgia Sound started working closely with the local dance community in 2000 to build a reputation as a dance orchestra. It's a style of music that everyone loves.

In addition to the dedicated musicians who make the band a success, LaRoche said he's proud of the singers who often perform with the band, including Greg Glover, Katherine Pody and Melanie Willetts.

There's one song that local fans can't get enough of: Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo."

"I almost always have that on the playlist for the market," LaRoche said. "It's a great tune with a local tie, and Greg Glover does a great job on the vocal. It's another real crowd pleaser."

In addition to the music, Chattanooga Market sponsor Coca-Cola will present its popular memorabilia show. There also will be local produce, arts and crafts.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazorhill. Subscribe to her posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen nazorhill.