As the go-to band for music that sounds great and is perfect for dancing, the Orcas Horns like to have a good time.

They also jump at the chance to hold a party. And what better occasion than lead singer Gene Nery’s 50th birthday party?

“We’re gonna rock the house,” said saxophone player Greg Books. “We’ll be playing our typical funky, jazzy stuff.”

The Orcas Horns are holding a “Surprise Birthday for Gene Nery” on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Odd Fellows Hall. The fun begins at 8 p.m. and is open to all ages. Tickets are $12 in advance at Darvill’s and $15 at the door. The musical menu includes work by

Stevie Wonder, Sting, and James Brown.

The group will be joined by trumpet players Charlie Porter of Dallas Brass and Orcas Islander Craig Canine.

Orcas Horns blend a five-piece horn section with a hard-swinging rhythm section and top it off with the soulful voice of Nery. The band embraces the infectious rhythms and groove of funky R&B, soulful Gospel, and latin grooves. Other members include Steve Alboucq, Tony Morales, Martin Lund, Books, Dimitri Stankevich, Bruce Russell, and Jade Ismail. The group’s concert at Orcas Center sold out last month.

Nery is a professional musician who has travelled the world performing as a vocalist and guitarist for Princess Cruises. He settled down on Orcas in the 1980s, but originally comes from Vancouver, BC. He performed as an entertainer at Rosario Resort for 20 years.

His music ranges from swing to contemporary pop, providing quality and memorable entertainment that appeals to many generations.He has several CD recordings available under the Pure and Simple record label, where he has worked as a recording artist, producer, arranger and engineer. He earned a platinum record award for singing “Above The Northern Lights” on Mannheim Steamroller’s CD “A Christmas Song” which also features Johnny Mathis and Olivia Newton John. Nery is also a computer guru, expert in audio technologies and an avid photographer.