The Vancouver Sun has described him as 'the town favourite… the dance band king', while the Province announced in a 'Best Entertainment' poll, dance band category that 'Dal Richards was a run-away winner, with the next band a distant second'. The Jazz Review in the Ottawa Citizen came on board with 'good news for those who enjoy dancing to a smooth jazz oriented big band'.
Today — Doctor Swing — as he is affectionately referred to in recognition of his honorary doctorates — is performing even more gigs than he did when Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Glenn Miller ruled the nation's jukeboxes and network radio.
Dal is one of the hardest working bandleaders in the business, with his energy and stage presence generating enthusiastic responses and ovations from fans and critics everywhere. Trumpet-playing vocalist Jamie Croil and talented singer - keyboardist Diane Lines complement the vocalizations of the former boy singer and now mature crooner — Dal Richards — as he leads some of Vancouver's most experiences musicians, and introduces talented newcomers, in his band.
Dal Richards and his Orchestra
at the Orpheum Theatre, Nov 11, 2006
Dal Richards & his orchestra have an enviable reputation for playing the most prestigious gigs around. Whether it's the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame's annual Remembrance Day concert at Vancouver's historic Orpheum theatre or the Arts Club's Annual Fundraising Gala, Tourism Vancouver's Big Band Christmas Party, the Vancouver Art Gallery's 75th Anniversary Gala or the Hotel Vancouver's incomparable Dicken's Christmas Buffet, Dal Richards is the name Vancouverites call on for memorable occasions and memorable music.
Today, young and old enjoy Dal's contemporary sound at venues such as the Chan Centre at UBC, Vancouver's Canada Place, the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, the ACT Theatre in Maple Ridge and the River Rock Resort and Casino in Richmond.
Dal has also combined big band swing with the classics in guest appearances of his band with the Vancouver and Victoria Symphony Orchestras and with the CBC Concert Orchestra. Continuing a tradition, Dal and his orchestra play a seventeen-day run every August at the Pacific National Exhibition.
Interested in booking Dal and his band for your wedding, gala or other special event? Click here for booking information.
"For two consecutive years Dal and his Orchestra received standing ovations from audiences in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area at what many say was one of the best entertainments of the year. We are hoping Dal's visit to Maple Ridge will become an annual tradition!"
- Mark Taylor, Executive Director, The ACT Maple Ridge.
