With support from three bands, the local musicians entertained a full house, playing music from traditional jazz of the 1920s and '30s, big band swing of the '40s and '50s, and R&B and soul of the '60s, testament to the sounds' enduring appeal.

MC Kevin Mcleod introduced the evening, reminiscing about Jim and highlighting the spirit of the event to give generously to charities which tackle cancer of which Jim was a victim.

The Caithness Big Band, appearing in swing-era American Army Air Force uniform, kicked off the evening with their signature classic "Opus One", following through with a feast of Glenn Miller favourites such as "Tuxedo Junction", "In the Mood" and "String of Pearls".

The band has had a busy gigging season and trained in the autumn with esteemed professionals David Patrick, Todd Gordon and Carole Sutherland to deliver that extra bit of musical polish.

The musicians were delighted to see the dance floor fill early, mainly due to the infectious enthusiasm of Steve Hicks who is doing much to promote modern jive and salsa in the county.

With the departure of ace trumpeter and band stalwart Stuart Whitely to family in the sunny south, Katrina Gordon, John Morrison and Kathleen MacDougall made an excellent job of filling the big principal position.

The Caithness Big Band played out their first set with a dynamic bounce through "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and handed the floor over to the Sunday Night Band, led and fuelled by the boundless inspiration of Katrina Gordon.

The group wowed the crowd with the very cool "Pink Panther" and cranked up to full chat with "Chattanooga Choo Choo". Katrina welcomes all abilities to her band where total beginners are taken underwing by the more experienced and quickly build confidence.

The evening moved on to traditional style with the North Coast Jazz Band treating the toe-tapping crowd to Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller favourites such as "Basin Street Blues" and "Ain't Misbehavin".

Later, the jazz band conjured up a relaxing club scene, melting into the likes of Mark Edward's alto sax solo performance of Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You". With Ian Sinclair sitting in for Donald MacNeil, everyone was carried back to old Virginia.

Members of Caithness Big Band play 'Sunny Side of the Street' to a packed Weigh Inn at the annual Night to Remember. Duncan McLachlan

Frontman and clarinetist Bob Morrison paid tribute to a dear friend and drummer Mike Rand who recently passed away and introduced new man on the skins Ross MacIntosh. New for this year, After Hours were invited to do a short early spot to show their all-new doo-wop group. Supported by Hugh Boyd's solid bass vocals, the group delivered "The Boy From New York City" in impressive four-part harmony.

Returning to the stand for a final set, the Caithness Big Band blended different musical hues with sensitive renditions of "Lil' Darlin'" and "Endless Love", and upbeat "Splanky", "Two Timin'", "25 or 64" and Booker T's "Green Onions". Celia McDougall sang a funky "My Funny Valentine" popularised by the film Pal Joey, then eased into a laid-back Les Brown/Doris Day number - "Sentimental Journey". The group indulged in a rousing sign-off with Sinatra favourite "New York, New York".

The evening's programme then moved from swing to the rockin' and rollin' 60s, when After Hours Rhythm and Blues Revue took the stand again.

They pulled off endless classics such as "Tell Him" by The Exciters and James Brown's "Night Train".

With powerful vocal harmonies, ripping sax and guitar solos and that Memphis horns sound, the energy kept the dance floor full and grooving until the small hours.

Organisers are keen to maintain the annual event as a highly-sociable experience. Many from the audience commented on the ability to enjoy the music while comfortably allowing for conversation. Caithness Big Band's musical director Andy Wymer was delighted with the group's new stereo layout, tight punctuation and dynamic performance, which kept the energy and excitement pumped up without pushing the volume too high.

The event's raffle pulled in £425 and, together with ticket sales from the capacity crowd, the evening earned over £1315 to benefit Macmillan nurses, Cancer Research UK and Maggie's Cancer Care. The raffle prizes were generously donated by local businesses, friends and members of the bands.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Caithness Big Band or would like to learn to play through the Sunday Night Band can visit www.caithnessbigband.org. S.F.

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