Sentimental Journey Dance Band, an 18-piece band from St. Louis, to perform Saturday in Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Moonlight Ball Committee, in cooperation with the Hannibal Arts Council, will be the host a special evening of big band, ballroom and swing with the 18-piece Sentimental Journey Dance Band from St. Louis from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Quality Inn and Suites, 120 Lindsey Drive. Requested attire is formal wear or dressy casual.  

Participants will be ballroom dancing to a wide variety of tempos, reminiscing to old standards like Stardust, romancing to warm ballads such as Unforgettable, swinging to Jump, Jive and Wail and In The Mood, or just listening to big band favorites such as Dream. The Sentimental Journey Dance Band has been pleasing dancing and listening audiences for more than 30 years.

The roots of the band began with Russ Dieterich forming his first dance band at age 14 and continuing to have a band throughout high school and college. After completing medical school and training in obstetrics and gynecology, Dieterich formed the Sentimental Journey Dance Band while in the Air Force. The band was initially comprised of college students from Central Missouri State University. When Dieterich moved to the St. Louis area, the students were gradually replaced by local musicians, many of whom are school music teachers.

Due to limited space, tickets are being sold in advance. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by contacting the Hannibal Arts Council at 573-221-6545, stopping by 105 S. Main or going online to https://moonlight-ball.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be available at the door. A cash bar, desserts and a photo booth will be available for an additional cost.

For more information on this and other Hannibal Arts Council programs, call 573-221-6545, stop by 105 S. Main or visit hannibalarts.com.