What better way to swing into spring than with swing music?

That's the opportunity awaiting concert-goers Saturday night in Austin.

The Austin Swing Band will perform, beginning 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Paramount Theatre.

In addition to great music, there will be a spring fashion show presented by the Fashion Bug, Keenan's and Younkers. Erin Schumacher will emcee the fashion show.

During intermission, there will be complimentary coffee from the Coffee House on Main and candy samples from the Candy Bouquet. The stage will be decorated by Johnson Floral.

Dan Bissen will emcee the concert by arguably Austin's favorite musicians.

The Austin Swing Band has been playing for 11 years. Bob Hart is the band's director.

"We'll play some fast, some slow, some for Maynard and some for other soloists. It will all be Big Band music, of course," Hart said.

Eight of the 18 band members have been with the organization since it began.

At the most, the band may play before audiences no more than 10 times a year and that suits the members just fine, Hart said.

Hart said the Paramount Theatre's acoustics are "very good." Last summer, the band played there and the audience "Heard us loud and clear way up into the balcony."

"Because we're an acoustic band and play unplugged, that's how we want to be heard. Just the sounds coming out of the horns. Like I said before, we just play for the pure please of it."

Tickets are on sale in advance at Black Bart's/Nemitz's in downtown Austin or the Paramount Theatre box office Saturday night.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com