Yorkton's Centennial Big Band was started when some members of the Yorkton Community Concert Band wanted to expand their music interests by playing jazz music. The band has performed all over the Yorkton community including the Yorkton Music Festival where the group walked away with the highest jazz group mark in 2004.

In January of 2004 Larry Pearen decided to take the group to the next level and added vocalist, Jackie Washenfelder to the group. Jackie has several years of vocal experience performing with groups such as Saskatchewan Express and is a great addition to the band.

In May of 2004 the group started the Downtown Jazz and Blues Series, a one night performance with a jazz club feel held at the Yorkton Army, Navy and Air Force Club. In Nov. 2004, the second performance in the series was expanded into two nights and the band was very fortunate to be able to perform with special guests Bob Moyer and Pat Steele.

The band fees to be part of Yorkton's Centennial Big Band are very reasonable at only $40.00 a year and if you prefer can be broken down into two payments, $20.00 from September to the end of December and another $20.00 from January to May.