The Sentimental Journey Dance Band

The Sentimental Journey Dance Band has been pleasing dancing and listening audiences for over 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, Russ formed the original Sentimental Journey Dance Band while in the Air Force during the year 1975. The band was initially comprised of college students from Central Missouri State University. When Russ moved to St. Louis in 1976, the students were gradually replaced by local musicians, many who are school music teachers. 16 of the 18 members have been with the band for at least 15 years. The stability of the band membership has led to a tight ensemble sound and a spirit of musical family that is rare in big bands today. The cohesiveness of the membership leads to performances that are full of fun, energy, and musical enthusiasm that are contagious to the audience. Since Russ loves to dance and was a drummer before he started to front the band, dancing tempos and rhythms are extremely important to the band. The motto of the band is “The Big Band with music from the 1940’s to the present”. With a large library that includes original arrangements from some of the big bands and a strong desire to honor as many requests as possible, the band strives to please all audiences by playing a wide variety of big band sounds and tempos. So put on your dancing shoes and enjoy dancing and listening to the Sentimental Journey Dance Band.