A dance band brought together by Brett Lowe – a gentleman fast becoming known as ‘Katikati’s 1920’s man’, who revels in everything from the early era – is hosting two upcoming festive events.

The Katikati All Stars Dance Band will host a night of Christmas musical hits from the 1910s through to the 1950s – an era when social dancing was a major form of entertainment across New Zealand and worldwide – on December 21 from 8.30pm-10.30pm at Karangahake Hall. Entry is gold coin donation, and musicians free admission.

On December 31, the band is to host a New Year’s Eve ball at Katikati War Memorial Hall from 8pm to midnight. Tickets cost $10 each, $15 for a couple, or $20 for a family, from the Arts Junction, or on the door.

Lowe brought the 12-piece band together earlier this year to perform at a family-friendly free-for-all Settlers’ Dance in Katikati on September 13, which was part of the events programme to mark the town’s arrival of Irish settlers 150 years ago.

September’s dance was so well-attended – with more than 150 people dancing the night away through the decades from 1875 to the 1950s while dressed in eras from the present right back to Victorian times – it got the organisers thinking about hosting future similar offerings.

The Katikati All Stars Dance Band at their fist big gig, a family-friendly free-for-all Settlers’ Dance in Katikati on September 13. Photo / Merle Cave

“We’ve got saxophones, violins, trumpets – all sorts of instruments [which will be played] by the 12-piece band,” said Lowe, a multi-instrumentalist himself, before the September event.

“A lot of band members will play more than one instrument and they’ll be swapping them around. Most of the band is made up of locals, from as far away as Tauranga and Waihi, but we’ve got a few coming from Auckland too.”

Lowe said the same 12-piece band would perform in early era costumes at both events this month.

“Expect everything from the lively energy of the jazz age, to the art deco elegance of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, through to the full swing of the big band era.

“And not only are we playing the songs – we’re playing them in the styles in which they were originally heard.

“As a 12-piece band, we can capture a wide range of sounds, from the Charleston to the tango and the big bands of the 1940s.”

A half-hour of light-hearted dance practice would be offered on December 31 in Katikati War Memorial Hall at 7.30pm for anyone who wants to refresh their memory, brushing up on basic waltz and foxtrot steps.

“This is not Dancing with the Stars – although they are very welcome. Social dancing can be relaxed and friendly, all you need is the music. And just try to sit still once the band gets going … Or just come along and enjoy the music.

Katikati’s 1920s man’ Brett Lowe lead the entertainment for Katikati’s Settlers’ Dance in September. Photo/ Brydie Thompson

“Everyone is welcome! Let’s ring in the New Year with a foxtrot and support these talented local musicians.”

Lowe said he hoped to gauge community interest from the two events in making social dances a regular feature, potentially including monthly tea dances or themed dress-up events.

“It’s been such fun not just to play this great music, from a time in our history when partner dancing was what you did, but also to see people get up and enjoy dancing to it!”

To follow the band on Facebook, search for ‘Katikati All Stars Authentic Dance Band’.