Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts - Rocus Big Band

Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts presents Rocus Big Band. Under the baton of Paul Radford, Rocus Big Band was born in the 1960’s as a result of Dutch immigrant, Rocus van Yperan who had great aspirations to become a drummer. Like all Dutch men aged 17 to 40, he was rounded up by the Gestapo who, recognising his drumming talent, forced him to ride his bike, festooned with drum set, to entertain Nazi chiefs. Rocus left his beloved Rotterdam with family and 300 musical scores settling at The Gap in Brisbane. He formed a band of 8 musicians performing at dance halls around the City like Cloudland, Riverside and South Brisbane growing to a full big band. Rocus Big Band have continued on to this day, arguably the oldest big band in Brisbane playing hit songs and many new ones acquired over the years. Some of the players have been with the band for many years and Rocus lives on. This Lord Mayor's City Hall Concert is produced by Viva La Musica - Rhonda Davidson-Irwin. Image credit: Viva La Musica