The Portage Fill Big Band is Vashon's oldest "garage band" with their unique brand of dance music. With over 300 tunes to choose from, the Portage Fill promises an entertaining show for listeners and dancers alike.

Made up of almost two dozen current or former island residents, Portage Fill is a classic "Big Band" with full horn and sax sections, backed up by a complete rhythm section, and features 2 vocalists for the crowd's listening and dancing pleasure. Portage Fill is well known for their selection of Big Band swing tunes from the 30's and 40's, but is versatile enough to work in some blues, Latin, or even rock and roll numbers to put on a show for all ages and musical tastes.

The Portage Fill plays music primarily from the 1930s and ’40s, drawing from artists such as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. In a recent interview, trumpet player Lou Engels recalled the group’s first practice, which took place in his home. The year, “the best we can remember,” he said, was 1973. Originally a small combo started by his neighbor, pianist Bill DeGleria, the group was christened the Portage Fill-Harmonic. It later transformed into a big band under Seattle trumpet player and Vashon music store owner Monte Sewell. Engels, who has played the trumpet since he was 9, has played with the band since that first night the group met in his Portage living room — and, he said, the band is going strong.

Whether you're there to dance or listen, the Portage Fill is a band you don't want to miss!

Opening for the Portage Fill Band will be Vashon local James McCrackyn. James has always loved music and has been playing guitar since 2012. As a young man on the autism spectrum, he has his own way of expressing his connection to the music he loves, bringing the fortunate listener along in the experience. James will be playing some of his favorite songs, accompanied by at least one of his lucky music teachers.