A Salute to the Golden Age of American Popular Music

We salute the music from Broadway, Hollywood, New Orleans, Tin Pan Alley and the "melody makers;" i.e. the bands and singers that brought the music to us via the radio, recordings and live events in the period from the 1920's to the 1960's. This is the golden period of Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Larry Hart, Oscar Hammerstein, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Jimmy Van Heusen, Harold Arlen, Harry Warren, etc.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Artie Shaw's 'My Heart Stood Still'


One of Artie Shaw's many great recordings Rodgers and Hart's "My Heart Stood Still." It was written in 1927 for the musical A Connecticut Yankee.

The Artie Shaw band recording was made in 1939.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Glenn Miller Orchestra report 'On the Road'

ON THE ROAD
with your favorite bands.
Brought to you by Glenn Miller Productions Inc., the owner and operator of
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
Big Band Newsletter #107
LATEST NEWS
News From The Road
Trivia Contest
Other Big Band Tour Schedules
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News From The Road
by Jonathan Rees

January 2013
The band jumped back on the road, or rather the river, on December 28th to take a several day River Boat cruise down the Mississippi River.  The weather was chilly but the spirits and kindness of the guests and crew of the American Queen were warm and friendly. The American Queen is a beautiful steamboat and is the largest steamboat ever built.  It can support well over 500 passengers and crew, has six recreational decks, is over 400ft long, 89ft wide and has a large dining hall and concert hall.  The American Queen is a relatively new boat.  Its construction was finished in the mid 1990s.  While peacefully floating down the Mississippi in this luxurious river boat the band performed two concerts a night for three nights.  Our last night on the boat was New Year's Eve.  We helped bring in the New Year by playing a special late night concert for a crowd of crew and passengers who were energetically and happily dancing and welcoming in 2013.  It was a tremendous start to the New Year.  The band disembarked on New Year's Day to head for the warm weather and audiences in Florida. 

Jan 2nd found us back on dry land giving our first performance of 2013 at Chipley High School in Chipley, FL.  On Jan 3rd we traveled to Gainesville, FL to perform at the Buchholz High School.  After Gainesville we left for Ocoee, FL where, over the next two days January 4th and 5th we would record the band's first album in nearly 10 years.  Starke Lake Studios was the sight for the recording.  The staff and facilities were excellent and the band was focused and ready to perform.  The recording session was highly successful.  We recorded over 15 songs with usually only two-three takes per song.  One of the exciting aspects of the recording session is how we recorded.  Everything was a live group take, just like how Glenn and the boys recorded in the 40s.  The sound captured by the studio was truly awesome.  As the band listened back to various takes throughout the day, there were often excited whispers passed back and forth expressing how pleased everyone was with the product.   Keep an eye out for our new album to be released some time in the spring of 2013.
 
On January 6th we performed at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto in Melbourne, FL.  We had a rare chance to meet a man who had performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.  His name was Joe Smith.  Joe was a saxophone player and it seemed fitting that the modern day saxophone section took a photo with Joe as he sat once again in the saxophone section.  You can see this photo on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/glennmillerorchestra.

We performed at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, FL on January 7th and experienced the rare pleasure to have a special guest artist sing a song with us.  Her name is Lucinda Howard and is a truly remarkable singer whose voice doesn't betray her age, which is that of a senior in high school.  Keep an eye out for her name in the future.

Jan 8th we performed at the Laurel Manor Recreation Center at The Villages in Lady Lake, FL.  We played for a sold out and highly enthusiastic crowd.  This performance was particularly special for our piano player James Navan.  While in high school James had won the Bob Washington Scholarship presented by the Jazz Lovers Club of the Villages.  It was a scholarship meant to support future jazz artists which in this case not only supported James but also played a part in eventually bringing him back to the very people who had seen his potential and awarded him the scholarship.  The organization still remembered James and was greatly pleased to hear him perform with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Jan 10th was our performance at the Wilson Center for the Arts in Jacksonville, FL.  This was a beautiful venue set on a small lake.  The serenity of the Florida Community College campus outside helped center the band and enabled them to put on an excellent concert.

Jan 11th was another excellent performance this time at the Jabez Sanford Harlin Performing Arts Center in Evans, Georgia.  On Jan. 12th we performed at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in Lumberton, North Carolina.   This is a classic historic theater house that first opened in 1928 and now through the hard work of Lumberton's citizens it has been saved, restored and is still a functioning theater for live art.

On Jan 13th we found ourselves performing on another historic stage, this time at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry, SC.  This venue is incredibly beautiful both inside and out.  War monuments commemorating every American war since the Revolutionary War surround the opera house.  The hall has a vibrant sound and atmosphere that was filled with very appreciative audience. 

Jan 14th we had a well-deserved day off in Florence, SC!

The next day, on Jan 15th we performed at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center in Florence, SC.  This was a very modern looking hall.  Steel blue paneling, bright electric white lights and the sharp angles of the walls created a very dramatic looking performance hall.  The sound was excellent and the audience enthusiastic.

Jan 16th another day off.

Jan 17th had us performing at the Carolina Theater in Greensboro, NC.  This is a beautiful theater whose architecture is reminiscent of an ancient Greek amphitheater.  Terrifically impressive gold gilded columns framed the stage and a glimmering chandelier gently reflected soft white light throughout the hall.  While we played, snow was softly blanketing the city creating a beautiful white scene that greeted us at the end of the concert.

The next day, January 18th, we traveled to the Grove Park Inn in Ashville, NC.  The venue is nestled in the hills of a truly beautiful area overlooking a particularly pretty view of the Appalachian Mountains.  This was a refreshing break from the urban landscapes of our past several concerts.  The performance was actually a dance and was a huge success.  The dance floor that was continuously crowded with a bustling and turning crowd of enthusiastic dancers.

On January 19th we performed a double header at the Fountain Inn Civic Center in Fountain Inn, SC.  The venue was excellent and the audiences for both of our shows highly enthusiastic and appreciative.

On January 20th we performed at the famous Spivey Hall in Morrow, GA.  The hall is not a giant hall.  It perhaps seats only 400 people however what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty both sonically and visually.  The hall is absolutely stunning.  The warm egg shell color of the walls allow the glow of the marble encased silver pipe organ that rises 40 or 50 feet from the stage floor to the ceiling, to grab your attention and momentarily your breath when you first step into the room.  We are always influenced by our surroundings, be it the audience, the town, the hall... it's what makes each performance different and special.  The performance at Spivey Hall was an especially memorable one for the band because of the audience, venue staff, but especially because of the beauty of that hall.  It was an extreme pleasure playing in Spivey Hall.

Jan 21st was a travel day.  We were headed south for some more sun and swing in Florida.

The band enjoyed a fun dance party at the Naples Beach Hotel in Naples, FL on January 22nd.  The dancers enjoyed the songs and the feel of the banquet hall. 

Jan 23rd- 26th found us at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL.  Hippos, tigers, giraffes, hyenas... a list of only a few of our audience members while performing at the Stanleyville Theater.  We had a fantastic time performing at Busch Gardens.  We played three shows each day to what were often standing room only crowds.   During our down time we had a fun time exploring the park, be it riding coasters, watching the amazing animal exhibits or simply enjoying the positive and family-centric atmosphere of the park.

On January 27th we performed at Lely High School in Naples, FL.  The venue and audience were both excellent.    Over the next two days we were forced to live a difficult life down in the Florida Keys.  One day there were at least four clouds in the sky....  We had a great time performing at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center on Jan 28th and at the Island Community Church on Islamorada the next day on January 29th.  Both had excellent people helping to organize the performance and very appreciative audiences.  We will miss the keys. 

Jan 30th was a travel day to take us back north and Jan 31st had us performing at Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, FL.

January was a fantastic month full of a wide variety of performance types, venues and once again, brought us closer to so many of our fans.  Life on the road is not always an easy one, but having the opportunity to play this amazing music and seeing beautiful parts of the country (especially warm parts in these winter months) is something the band truly enjoys.  We look forward to seeing you at our next concert, wherever in the country or world that may be.

You can keep track as to where in the country or world we may be at our website www.glennmillerorchestra.com and for those of you on Facebook, you can see pictures of the band and places we play as we travel by going to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/glennmillerorchestra .

Take care, and keep listening!
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
UPCOMING GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA SHOWS

03/02/13  Richard E. Rauh Theater Hillman Ctr, Pittsburgh, PA 
              7:30 PM Concert
03/03/13  Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA  3 PM Concert
03/04/13  The Academy Theatre, Meadville, PA  7:30 PM Concert
03/06/13  Lincoln-Way North High School, Frankfort, IL  11 AM Concert
03/08/13  Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, PA  7 PM Dance
03/09/13  Park Theatre, Cranston, RI  7:30 PM Concert
03/10/13  The Warner Theatre, Torrington, CT  3 PM Concert
03/12/13  Salle Albert-Rousseau, Quebec City, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/14/13  Theatre Marcellin-Champagnat du College Laval, Laval, Canada
               8 PM Concert
03/15/13  Salle Albert-Dumouchel, Valleyfield, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/16/13  L'etoile Banque Nationale, Brossard, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/17/13  Salle Andre-Provost, St-Jerome, Canada, 3 PM Concert
03/20/13  Centre Culturel de Beloeil, Beloeil, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/21/13  Theatre du Vieux Terrebonne, Terrebonne,Canada 8 PM Concert
03/22/13  Theatre de la Ville - Salle Pratt & Whitney Canada, Longueuil,
               Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/23/13  Theatre Hector-Charland, L'Assomption, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/24/13  Salle Edwin-Belanger, Montmagny, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/26/13  Theatre de la Ville - Salle Pratt & Whitney Canada, Longueuil,
               Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/27/13  Salle J.-Antonio-Thompson, Trois-Rivieres, Canada,
               8 PM Concert
03/28/13  Salle Pauline-Julien, Ste-Genevieve, Canada, 8 PM Concert
03/31/13-04/09/13  Crystal Serenity Cruise

04/12/13  Robidoux Theatre with The Diamonds, St. Joseph, MO,
               8 PM Concert
04/14/13  Lake Michigan College with The Diamonds, Benton Harbor, MI,
               7 PM Concert
04/16/13  Oak Glen School, New Cumberland, WV, 7:30 PM Concert
04/19/13  The Arts Center - Iowa Western Community College, Council
               Bluffs, IA, 8 PM Concert
04/21/13  Jane Knight Auditorium - Kaskakia College, Centralia, IL
               3 PM Concert
04/25/13  Onalaska High School - Onalask, WI, 6:30 PM Concert
04/27/13  A Center For The Arts, Fergus Falls, MN, 2 & 7:30 PM Concerts
04/28/13  Myles Reif Performing Arts Center, Grand Rapids, MN,
               3 & 7:30 PM Concerts

For more information visit: Tour Schedule
Trivia Contest
Be the first person to answer our trivia question correctly and win the Glenn Miller Orchestra's Steppin' Out CD from The Big Band Store.

New Question:  Last month the Glenn Miller Orchestra recorded their first CD in many years. What was the name of the last recording made with Larry O'Brien and what year was it recorded in?

GOOD LUCK!! Click here to answer: maureen@glennmillerorchestra.com

Our last newsletter trivia question and answer:

Question:  Glenn was an avid sports enthusiast.  Which football team hired him to play on their field in order to boost attendance?

Answer:  The Brooklyn Dodgers football team.

Congratulations to Dave from Green Valley, AZ who won a CD.
  
To view our complete Big Band online store click here: Big Band Store
  
Other Big Band Tour Schedules
We do not confirm performances. Please contact the venue or artist for information.
  
The Harry James Orchestra - http://www.fredradke.com/
The Les Elgart Orchestra - http://leselgart.com
The Four Aces - http://www.thefouraces.org
The Nelson Riddle Orchestra - http://www.nelsonriddlemusic.com
The Cab Calloway Orchestra directed by Calloway Brooks-http://www.cabcalloway.cc/Calendar.htm
The Terry Myers Orchestra, a tribute to Benny Goodman-http://www.terrymyersorchestra.com
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra -
Les Brown's Band of Renown - http://bandofrenown.com/
Jack Morgan and the Russ Morgan Orchestra -   http://www.russmorganorchestra.com/tours.html
The Sammy Kaye Orchestra with Roger Thorpe - 
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Bill Tole and Nancy Knorr - 
The Jan Garber Orchestra with Howard Schneider -http://www.jangarber.com/Schedule.htm
The Pied Pipers - http://www.thepiedpipers.com/
Bobby Lanye & His Orchestra - http://www.bobbylayne.com/?page=2
Les DeMerle Orchestra featuring Bonnie Eisele -http://www.lesdemerlemusic.com/
Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra -http://www.hunterfuerste.com/
The New Gene Krupa Orchestra - http://berkmusic.com/krupa_hist.html
The Count Basie Orchestra - http://www.basieband.com
The Tom Daugherty Orchestra - http://www.tomdaughertyorchestra.com/
Thw Woody Herman Orchestra directed by Frank Tiberi -
     Please e-mail Mike Brigola for information or call/write:
     Wood Herman Orchestra & The Latin Giants of Jazz
     1955 Sherman Street
      Denver, CO 80203-1115
      303-300-2500
      303-300-2400 Fax
The Artie Shaw Orchestra - Please call (781) 444-9900 for tour information
The Blue Moon Big Band - http://www.bluemoonbigband.com/
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