The Mercury Bay Community Choir is letting loose and having some fun with the Mercury Bay Big Band this weekend.

So put on your boogie woogie dancing shoes and get down to the Whitianga Town Hall where the two talented groups will be collaborating for a jazzy evening of song and dance on Saturday night.

The Mercury Bay Community Choir rehearsing with conductor Carolyn Medland for their upcoming Concert & Tea Dance with the Mercury Bay Big Band which is taking place on Saturday. Photo: Supplied

Ever-popular guest conductor Carolyn Medland will direct this upcoming Tea Dance which will features some of the greatest music to come out of the big band era.

'We thought, mistakenly as it turns out, that music of the big band era might be a bit easier,” says choir member Anna Horne with a laugh. 'Now we are grappling with syncopations and harmonies quite new to us as a choir. But there's no doubt about how much we are enjoying this experience.”

The Mercury Bay Big Band, led by inspiring musician Helen Lee, will consist of about 20 members who are as talented as they are experienced.

It was Helen who suggested the idea of a Tea Dance and the choir 'leapt at the idea,” she adds.

Anna says one of the most exciting things about the band is that it includes several talented young musicians from Mercury Bay Area School.

These students recently took part in workshop with Rodger Fox who is leader of New Zealand's most famous big band, the aptly named Rodger Fox Big Band.

'Wow! Do they boogie!” exclaims Anna. 'We can see a big turnout for this event which will feature favourites such as ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', ‘Chatanooga Choo Choo', Duke Ellington and Irvine Berlin songs and much, much more.

'There'll be a high tea, and the chance to dance as well as good listening. Plus, the 5pm start time should make this a very accessible and popular event.”

The Mercury Bay Community Choir and The Mercury Bay Big Band proudly presents Concert & Tea Dance Whitianga Town Hall on Saturday, November 21, from at 5pm.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children, $40 for families, and are available from Whitianga Paper Plus.