Return to "Chatham Big Bands" page

The Chateau Gai Orchestra

The Chateau Gai Orchestra was formed in 1946 at the home of Walter King in Blenheim Ontario. The original members were Mac McCutcheon piano, Leighton Rumble bass, max McGregor drums, Gord Tricker & Claire Scafe trumpets, Phil Carney trombone, Jack Trotter Walt King saxophones. Other players were Bus Bowers, Stan Betts, Sam Ryan, Bill King, Ray Macdonald.

The Chateau Gai Orchestra was noted for its sweet sound and danceable music often related to the sound and style of the Guy Lombardo band. The band played at many popular sites e.g. the Hi-Neighbour dances at the Kinsmen auditorium in Chatham for many years, Rondeau Park's new and old dance halls, Blenheim High School Alumni Dances (49 out of 50), and Kenwick on the Lake, Sarnia. They were also in demand in London and many other towns and cities.

In later years Ted Pudney of London took over the band and they continued to play in the Lombardo style for many years.

This band was truly part of the big band era in Ontario.

Christmas Dance, led by Glen Rumble