Charlie Andrews Bass Project

Alex Andrews is the great grand-daughter of Orillia Bandmaster Charlie Andrews. In a popular big band named "the Andrews Orchestra," Charlie played along with his wife Anne on the piano and son Ross (Alex's grandfather) on the clarinet and saxophone. The multi-piece band played at countless dances across southern Ontario, spanning five decades from the 1920's to the 1960's. In 1947, the Andrews built a dance hall in Orillia and called it the "Rainbow Room."

Charlie's bass, which accompanied the orchestra from the very beginning in 1927, is a Hawkes & Son "The Professor" double bass, circa 1910 from England.

Alex studied viola at McGill University ('15), and wants to restore this historic instrument and bring it to life with music once more. Currently at Geo. Heinl & Co. in Toronto, this beautiful bass can be in playing condition after basic repairs estimating at $5,600.

After Charlie's double bass is working, Alex plans to learn how to play it in order to bring it back into the family again, as well as the community in events, concerts, and performances. 

If you are donating and would like personal updates on the progress of the bass at Geo. Heinl & Co., Alex would be happy to send the occasional photo by email as it's restored.