Dhahran Big Band

Ithra Theater brings the Dhahran Big Band—a group of like-minded, adventurous individuals who put together a band to play jazz and swing music—on January 23, 2020! The eleven member band performed their first gig on the spring evening of April 17, 2013.

Before long, the group of eleven grew to the size of a classic band: 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a 4-piece rhythm section. The band rehearsed every Sunday evening and performed at more gigs. With time, practice, and the addition of 2 vocalists, the repertoire and proficiency of the group grew. The band currently has 22 musicians who hail from different countries.

Over the next few years, the Dhahran Big Band played shows across the Kingdom, including events at the British Embassy in Riyadh and at the first ever jazz festival in Saudi Arabia at KAUST in Jeddah. By the winter of 2018, they recorded their first professional session and the following year saw the release of several music videos.

From humble beginnings, the Dhahran Big Band has emerged as a proficient and thoroughly entertaining musical group. A large, extended family brought together by their love to play great jazz and swing music, and to share it with their audiences.