THE New Orleans street music inspired William Street band is back at Coffs Harbour’s King Tide Brewery, performing live in the lounge on Saturday 20 May, from 7pm ‘til late.

The five-piece band, with four horn players and a drummer, are all Coffs Coast locals; three members living in Coffs and two from Bellingen, who have been playing throughout the region for many years.

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“At King Tide Brewing our performances provides a unique, entertaining and high energy experience as we play and sing our way through a variety of refreshing new material ranging from well-known pop songs, through rock and blues, to ‘second line’ jazz,” tenor sax and clarinet player Chris Frater told News Of The Area.

The William Street Band is developing a reputation for high quality musicianship, improvisation and collective expression with a captivating groove.

Talented and experienced, the musicians wield diversity drawing from lifetimes of performing.

Let’s meet the band members.

Spokesperson, Chris, on the tenor sax/clarinet, has been performing in the region since 1987 and teaches at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.

Chris has been directing the Bellingen Big Band since 1998.

“I enjoy playing with William Street because it has a great vibe, a unique line up and sound but mostly it’s just fun to play in a horn band with such fine players,” he said.

Trumpeter Tim Egan has been mastering his horn with gusto for the past forty years.

He has contributed to community and professional music pursuits since graduating from the Sydney Con last century.

Tim is an experienced maestro, conducting and music directing for countless theatre productions and community orchestras.

“He loves being a member of William Street as it is money for jam as a trumpet player and definitely gives the chops a workout,” quipped Chris.

Ethan Penny plays trombone and enjoys funky, jazz tunes “that make you move”.

He’s performed with the Gatsby Band, Bellingen Big Band and Coffs Harbour’s Musical Comedy Company.

Ethan has played at national and international functions including Special Children’s Christmas events.

He loves playing music and is stoked to share his talent with audiences.

Sam Penny plays ‘Barry’, the Baritone Sax.

“You may see the trombonist and think you are seeing double, all is well, that’s Ethan, he is my twin,” said Sam.

Lawrence Pastro on drums has been performing at festivals, events and gigs all along NSW East Coast since 1995.

He plays jazz, R&B, country, folk, rock, reggae and Americana and is currently performing regularly with local band, Panache.

Lawrence brings a wealth of knowledge in “drum line” to every William Street performance.

“I think we are very lucky to have such a thriving live music scene in this region,” said Chris.

“I love playing live because people are reacting in real time and every gig is different because of this dialogue.

“People want to hear a full live band and be part of that night’s fun.

“We strive to make every performance memorable, so each audience member has a chance to be part of something special with singalongs and ‘call and response’ throughout the night.”

By Andrea FERRARI