Yellowknife (Jun 02/06) - Sometimes, you really can't go wrong with a zoot suit.

At least, that's what Sir John Franklin's Brad Hussey proved, as the dapper singer led the high school jazz band to a stunning performance at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. But more on that in a second.

The annual spring concert featured the school's accomplished concert bands, choir and guitar classes, led by instructor and multi-instrumentalist Bill Gilday.

First up was the Grade 9 concert band, a new addition to the music program, according to Gilday, followed by a 11-piece guitar class.

While the guitar class was clearly skilled, they demonstrated the difficulty in getting 12 guitars (Gilday included) of varying size and quality to sound good together, as they worked through a handful of classical and folk pieces.

The concert band was next, opening with a challenging piece by Gustav Holst, which Gilday said was often a struggle in places. "90 per cent of the time, it's fine," he said. "I don't mind the 10 per cent struggle."

The performance was better than fine, as any "struggles" went below the audience's radar (including those of certain reporters).

"So I ask you, was it worth the try?" Gilday asked, to a round of very appreciative applause.

Up next was the school's 42-person choir, which treated the crowd to thundering renditions of traditional and contemporary vocal pieces.

A highlight was their soaring version of It Takes a Village.

The performance, which the choir will repeat at the legislative assembly June 19 for Governor General Michaelle Jean, drew a standing ovation from the sizable crowd.

The show closed with Sir John's "almighty jazz band, 22 members-strong, as Gilday introduced them. "I guarantee the roof is going to get loose."

The band was a tight, muscular ensemble, playing favourites such as "Hot Chocolate," "Why Don't You Do Right" and "Mr. Zoot Suit."

They moved through the high-energy numbers with skill, backed up by Gilday's trombone work and the strong rhythm section of Caleb Harrison (drums) and Sean Robson (bass).

The vocals for the last two numbers were performed by Brad Hussey, who commanded the stage decked out in the aforementioned (and appropriate) zoot suit.

It was a fitting end to a night of strong, fun-loving musicianship that seemed to move performer and audience alike - a charming surprise for a reporter who grew up in the high school band wasteland of central B.C.