Holiday on Ice Announces a new Collaboration With Barry Manilow Nov 5, 2009
Imposing orchestral arrangements switch from Latin-pop and dream ballads to swinging Big Band rhythms and Rock'n'Roll. Holiday on Ice' Tropicana will be the first touring show to incorporate brand new technology for infrared performance tracking with lights created by Zactrack. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Creekside groundbreaking: an “official beginning” Nov 5, 2009
The festive event on Oct. 26 featured music by three members of the Big Band of Rossmoor, balloons, food provided by Caf Mocha and special guests. CEO Warren Salmons, wearing his hardhat, was the master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking, which took place in front of the first tee on the nine-hole course, just outside of the construction zone. (Walnut Creek Rossmoor News, CA)
No Tricks This Year, Just Treats for Spectators of the 2009 Bermuda Music Festival Nov 4, 2009
On the final night of the festival (Halloween) actor and comedian, Chris Tucker had spectators howling with laughter between songs by The Big Band conducted by Quincy Jones himself and the sultry sounds of six time Grammy Award winner, John Legend. Singer and songwriter, Siedah Garrett brought down the house with a special performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" - 25 years after the best-selling album of all-time was first produced by Quincy Jones. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Visiting writer shares 'Sharp Stars' Nov 4, 2009
The first poem, "Big Band Theory," was the result of a misunderstanding of an announcement on National Public Radio about a special report on the Big Bang Theory. The piece glorified music as a possible beginning. (The Daily Campus, CT)
Newton People Nov 4, 2009
John L. Matthews, son of Tracy Matthews of Newton and John Matthews of Boston, was a member of the Rivers Big Band, which won a gold medal at the regional and state finals last year and was one of five groups in the country to qualify for the Mingus Competition in New York. He was actively involved in Rivers theater productions, performing in Rebel Without a Cause and The Mouse That Roared and doing technical work for Urinetown. (Newton Tab, MA)
Chamber's Citizen of the Year is well deserving of the honor Nov 1, 2009
I am grateful beyond words that Ron Maas and his Thunder Mountain Big Band stepped in for their colleagues who could not play, and wowed the crowd with their classic dance tunes. In addition to being a fun social event, the annual dinner is an important fundraiser for the Chamber. (Juneau Empire)
Empire to host 'Pink Tie' cancer benefit Oct 27, 2009
Festivities include: live music by the Thunder Mountain Big Band and Brave Monkey; catering by Abby's Kitchen; pink cocktails by Rendezvous; and Alaska Brewing Company beer. There also will be a silent auction and a dance auction, Grunow said. (Juneau Empire)
View From This Side: What would you miss most, if you never had it ... Oct 23, 2009
For me, that would be Big Band music ... And especially Big Band music of the 40s and 50s. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
E! Terrell performance scheduled for Thursday Oct 23, 2009
Terrell entertainment series will host the Byron Stripling Quartet on Thursday night, bringing more than 20 years of big band and jazz experience to the Terrell ISD Performing Arts Center. Stripling, who currently serves as artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, has an extensive resume including stints with Lionel Hampton, the Count Basie Orchestra, performances with more than 50 orchestras and pops orchestras, television appearances and recordings. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Valley Music Scene Oct 23, 2009
The evening is hosted by American Legion Jack London Post 489, and will feature big band music from the Richard Olsen Orchestra and also the Fondettes. If you have not heard these young ladies sing, then you really don't know what you're missing, and this is the perfect venue for the style of songs they sing. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Arts center starts new season Thursday Oct 22, 2009
This lively ensemble plays a range of music, including Broadway hits, jazz, Dixieland, big band and others, interweaving humor and information into their performance ... The four brothers incorporate a wide range of musical genres including country, rock, big band, pop, classical, jazz and bluegrass. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Musical Community College - Boche returns to perform at MCC Oct 22, 2009
The Rod Pierson Big Band won t be joining Boche for the Muscatine performance, but vocalist, and president of the Cedar Rapids Concert Corral, Annie Shreck will ... Craig Boche and the Ron Pierson Big Band will perform at the Ponderosa Ballroom, 195 First St. N. Walford, Cedar Rapids, at the 2009 Fall Ball from 6-9:30 p.m. Sunday ... Learn more about Boche and the Rod Pierson Big Band at. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Around Frisco (696) Oct 20, 2009
Not to be disappointed this year, Star Winter Ball returns with a chic modern interpretation of a sophisticated 1940's New York Supper Club with the big band sounds of Ricki Derek and his Big Band, dinner, dancing, open bar, Mystery Box Raffle from Neiman Marcus, big game casino all in a black and white motif. . (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Like him like that Oct 19, 2009
Like It Like That is a clear continuation of the sounds of Sebastian's Memphis phase - big band sounds full of strings and brass, Otis Redding-style crooning and a sunny Southern vibe throughout. There's only one moment on the record that's jarringly 21st century. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Another awesome moment for Paramore Oct 18, 2009
They had to change just a few things inherently to make them that big, big band and that s the transition [Paramore] is in. With the right things, as they develop they ll be that band that can headline amphitheatres very soon. (Boston Globe)
Weekend Guide: Music Oct 17, 2009
BLUE NOTE: Several contempor 00004000 aries and friends of Dizzy Gillespie pay homage to him and carry on his bebop and big band traditions ... BLUE NOTE: Several contemporaries and friends of Dizzy Gillespie pay homage to him and carry on his bebop and big band traditions. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
After 40 years of ups and downs, Roomful of Blues keeps on rolling Oct 16, 2009
That this New England institution is a big band with a robust sound comes as no surprise. But the body of evidence that suggests the eight-piece band might be a force of nature bigger than any of its members past, present, or future is something bandleader and guitarist Chris Vachon never counted on when he joined as the new guy. (Boston Globe)
Music shop expands to share the joy Oct 14, 2009
Whether one s favorite music is easy listening, Broadway, rock, big band or gospel, pushing a few buttons can get a new learner quickly on the musical road. You can push the pipe organ button and you ll get the sound of a church organ, Gardner said. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
5th Annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival Hits New Heights With Weekend of Headline Concerts, Educational Experiences Oct 14, 2009
After a rousing start on Oct. 7 with Royal Hartigan and blood drum spirit, plus the city of Pittsfield's official Eagles Big Band, the 12-day festival heads for the home stretch with a memorable series of free and ticketed events ... The IJG pioneered the concept of avant-garde party music," demonstrating that music can indeed be complex, sophisticated, sexy, fun, funny, critical, smart, and groovy all at once. Their free performance will take place indoors at the Berkshire Museum.Also on... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Stephen Palmer Senior Center in Needham presents programs Oct 14, 2009
Big Band Harvest Moon Dance ... We would like to thank the following organizations for their support and sponsorship for our BIG band dance: Sostek Home Care, Emeritus at Wilson Mountain and Wingate Health Care. (Needham Tab, MA)
Henegar's 'Lucky Stiff' a lively production Oct 9, 2009
Egge was the conductor of Airmen of Note, the official big band of the United States Air Force. "He is considered one of the best arrangers in the world and we are very fortunate that he has written some selections just for us," said conductor Clair Christy. (Florida Today)
Music of the '40s featured at Follies Theatre Oct 9, 2009
Presented as a radio show broadcasting from a USO, the cast (Don Grant Zellmer, Grace Lethiot, R.C. Schultz, Erin Gibson and Eric Chambliss) takes the audience on a sentimental journey with over two dozen tunes from the big band era. The show also recreates ;Victory Bonds; commercials, radio play comedies and smooth dance moves. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
'Experiences of Discovery' Enrich Crystal's 2010 Cruises Oct 8, 2009
A new Science & Technology focus joins Crystal classic favorites including Crystal's Wine & Food Festival (set for seven cruises, with two back-to-back options); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Golf; Film & Theater Festival; and Big Band ... Big Band - Swing to live daily performances, music lecturers, and extra dance hosts on an Atlantic Ocean crossing. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Singer Joe Bagale draws on eclectic influences Oct 5, 2009
"Soul music is real music for real music lovers," says Bagale (pronounced ba-GAIL), who performs his irresistibly funky music at Coda on Tuesday night with his sextet, and with the Realistic Orchestra at Yoshi's San Francisco on Wednesday, when the rousing Adam Theis-led big band plays arrangements of Bagale's original music. "The Beatles were soul music, Michael Jackson is soulful, James Brown is soulful, Stravinsky is soulful. If it's coming from within, it's soul music. That's what I'm trying... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
• Inspirations! Oct 4, 2009
Guiher himself has played with several members in the Juneau Symphony Orchestra and the Thunder Mountain Big Band, and many are his former band students. "I hope even more of my former students will join," he said. (Juneau Empire)
Battle of the Bands, part two Oct 3, 2009
Were not big band as far as band members, but we sound better then most bands that are twice our size. Plus, our music is very clear. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
I saw a man who danced with his wife! Oct 3, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I went to see Come Fly With Me, a featuring the choreography of the famed Twyla Tharp, the recorded vocals of Frank and the accompaniment of a live big band that really kicked it. I m not generally a big dance aficionado, but I do love Sinatra s work, at least the stuff that they didn t try to drown in treacly strings. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Community Homecoming schedule Oct 2, 2009
Washington High School/BHS/Central Lakes College alumni dinner at 6 p.m. with a dance starting at 7:17 p.m. with the big band sounds at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center. Cost is $10 per person. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Grand Opening celebrated for renovated Finke Theatre Oct 1, 2009
Melody Starnes provides the vocal for a Big Band selection performed by the Kapital Kicks Orchestra at the grand opening of the Finke Theatre on Saturday ... The Big Band performed a number of pieces of the music greats including Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, and many lesser known artists, before an audience appreciative of both the performance and the newly renovated theater ... The newly polished floors, new carpeting and refurbished and reupholstered seats provided a suitable venue for the... (California Democrat, MO)
read story » Oct 1, 2009
3-5 p.m.: Jazz Coalition Big Band, City Park Bandshell. Wine tasting locations, Noon to 5 p.m. (Festival lanyard required). (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Mafia II - a brave new world or GTA-lite? Sep 30, 2009
The world of is bustling with beautiful old vintage cars, civilians stroll about in their best threads and the latest Glenn Miller Big Band tunes drift on the breeze from nearby windows. The almost non-existent HUD allows you to travel comfortably back to 1945 with a minimum of distraction, which gives Mafia II an immersive quality that the first game lacked. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
William Porter Jr.; graced community centers with trombone Sep 26, 2009
In ballrooms and community centers throughout the region, Mr. Porter played lead trombone - sometimes it was jazz, sometimes it was Big Band era music, and other times it was classical music that came floating out of his horn ... He played for a time with Bob Batchelder s band, which played Big Band music in and around Boston, mostly at Norumbega Park, the now-defunct Newton amusement park. (Boston Globe)
SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC Salutes Quincy Jones, Fleet Foxes and KEXP in Gala Event October 14 at Showbox at the Market Sep 25, 2009
Performers Include the Maldives, Pearly Gate Music, Seattle Jazz Repertory Orchestras Big Band Tribute to Quincy Jones, Plus Youth Entertainers and an Aftershow with Tea Cozies ... Quincy Jones, who will be accepting his award through family and a video thank-you, will be feted with a one-of-a-kind big band tribute with players from the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The Incredible Maize of Warren County - Enter to Win Sep 25, 2009
Sat Oct 17 Bellbrook H.S. Jazz Band 4:30pm; "After Hours" Big Band from Fairfield, OH 7:00pm. Sat Oct 24 Jim Mote. (FOX19.com, OH)
Music: the week ahead Sep 24, 2009
AARDVARK JAZZ ORCHESTRA The marvelous Boston-based big band opens its 37th season with a program titled All Blues, saluting the 50th anniversaries of two iconic recordings: Miles Davis s Kind of Blue and Charles Mingus s Mingus Ah Um. The program includes new arrangements of seminal compositions from those albums, as well as blues-based pieces from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Aardvark s musical director Mark Harvey. (Boston Globe)
Saturday is first official performance at renovated Finke Theatre Sep 24, 2009
The season kicks-off this coming Saturday with a performance by Jefferson City's Kapital Kicks Orchestra, an 18-piece big band led by Phil Lewis of California. The performance will be the sounds of music greats such as Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. (California Democrat, MO)
MSC Cruises' Fall Promotion Offers Complimentary Balcony Upgrade on Select Caribbean Cruises Sep 24, 2009
Les DeMerle Big Band Cruise to the "Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal," Panama, calls at Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Playa del Carmen; departs Dec. 10. Fare: $899. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Reporter's Notebook: Community welcome to Harvest Swing Sep 23, 2009
The Central Pennsylvania Swing Dance Club will hold a lesson from 7 to 8 p.m. followed by the Craig Sunday Big Band playing classic tunes from 8 to 10 p.m.. More events. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Sesame Street Elmo Says Boo! Review Sep 23, 2009
A new version of the song Transylvania 1-2-3-4-5 (itself a parody of the classic Glenn Miller big band song Pennsylvania 6-5000) shows the Count counting to 10 over and over even though the song lyrics stop at 5, while a classic Sesame Street animation of spooky bats flying out of a window encourages the viewer to count along to 8. Finally, the waltz time measure of the classic Sesame Street song The Batty Bat allows the Count to model how to count to three over and over. (Suite101.com)
EIU jazz combos to perform Thursday Sep 22, 2009
The concert will feature a combination of big band and small group music, including arrangements and compositions by Duke Ellington, the Jazztet, and Wes Montgomery. EIU s jazz performing ensembles have received recognition for excellent performances across the region. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
More of this story Sep 20, 2009
While in the military service, Bill Rossi played big band and swing music with Glenn Miller s Army Air Force Band. Over the years, he continued to play gigs at night, his son said. (Westerly Sun, RI)
U.S. Air Force band concert coming to Butte Sep 20, 2009
The concert will include classic big band tunes, modern instrumentals and patriotic music. The show will also recognize U.S. veterans for all foreign wars. (Montana Standard, MT)
Kick off to the arts: A listing of local arts organizations and events for 2009-2010 Sep 18, 2009
A group of musicians dedicated to keeping big band era music (1920 -1950) alive ... Desert Swing is the only big band era orchestra in Cochise County ... The show combines the Big Band sounds of the Show Band with community performers. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Sampler for Sept. 17 Sep 17, 2009
Musical entertainment will be provided by Dom V and the Swing Out Big Band, a true-to-form big band. The musicians consist of some of Central Massachusetts finest musicians and the band is led by former member of the Marlborough School Committee, Dom Valarioti. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Big Band Express Sep 17, 2009
Please visit our other sites. Wednesday, September 16, 2009. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Big-name performers fill bill at Auditorium Sep 16, 2009
"We haven't done a matinee in about five years but decided to give it a shot and do the big band as a matinee.". The American Big Band performance is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and features theatrically staged, choreographed and costumed singers, dancers and musicians bringing the big Band era to life. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Always something happening at senior center in Brainerd Sep 16, 2009
After dinner, you'll dance to Frank Sinatra or the big band sounds of the 30s and 40s. Seating is limited, so sign up soon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Bars & Clubs Sep 15, 2009
Sunday's, the restaurant is transformed into a vintage, old Hollywood-style dance club, with a big band, swank costumes, dinner and cocktails (visit ). Ciudad. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Curtain Time: Patricia Welch to headline Sept. 11 Palm Desert concert (1) Sep 13, 2009
Dec. 13: A Big Band Christmas, featuring singers Stan Chandler and Kristen Chandler. Feb. 21: Tribute to Big Bands, featuring sounds from the likes of Glenn Miller, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Les Brown. (Desert Entertainer, CA)
Benny Benack III has a horn and a Facebook page Sep 11, 2009
"My favorite thing to do, that I've done already seven or eight times since I've been out here, is go hear music. It's like every night there's a different monster you can hear. This weekend, though, Benny III will return to Pittsburgh to perform with the big band led by his father, saxophonist Benny Benack II, at Jazz Day in the Park, a noon-to-night cornucopia of local musicians at Schenley Plaza in Oakland on Sunday. Benny and his dad will take the stage about 6 p.m. During the set, Benny III... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Titles Added to SmartMusic Sep 11, 2009
Despite its traditional big band instrumentation, the Big Phat Band produces a very contemporary sound with a strong emphasis on demonstrating the technical virtuosity of its membership, which includes many of the top instrumentalists of the Los Angeles studio scene ... About Gordon Goodwin and the Big Phat BandGordon Goodwins Big Phat Band, an 18-piece jazz ensemble, celebrates and personifies the best of the big band tradition with a very contemporary and original sound. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
World War II Wings in the Wind Sep 11, 2009
Big band music will be provided by Knight Sounds and displays of vintage aircraft, vehicles and other items from the era. There also will be a silent auction as well as 1940s costume and dance contests. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Jay-Z's album solidifies status Sep 11, 2009
The slow but swingin' big band beat of "Thank You" is possibly one of the most calmly confident hype tracks ever recorded. The modesty he manages to work into his lyrics shows more strength than any of his old "best rapper in the world" statements ever could: "Please don't bow in my presence/ I am not a legend/ I just have 10 No. 1 albums/ maybe now 11." It's like he doesn't even have to try anymore. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Hey, whatever taps your toes Sep 10, 2009
I will fight for their right to sit down of a Sunday evening and squeal encouragement at the big band acts and something mystifyingly known as a "Collegiate Shag", which really sounds like something rather rude that occurs in Rodney Dangerfield's Back to School (1986). I may even join in a protest march or two. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Seventh-annual Duncanfest kicks off Sept. 19 Sep 10, 2009
All the bands at Duncanfest are the traditional full-size old-time bands that play waltzes, polkas, country and big band tunes for dancing and listening pleasure. Czech food is available daily and the Duncan campground is located next to the ballroom with electrical services available. (Forest City Summit, IO)
Radio Waves: The future of radio is here Sep 9, 2009
" The Music Woman: Elma Greer, the music librarian at KSFO (560 AM) during its glory years as "The World's Greatest Radio Station," from the late '50s into the '70s, died Aug. 23. At a station dominated by outsized personalities, she kept the music - jazz, big band, vocalists - flowing. She won several "music director of the year" awards from industry publications. Elma was known as "Legs" (station superstar Don Sherwood once said, "She has the greatest wheels I've ever seen"). Said DJ Carter B.... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Organizers say Paw Paw will be 'uncorked' for 2009 Wine & Harvest Festival Sep 9, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 'Kalamazoo Big Band' - St. Julian Tent. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Freshwater Band - Freshwater Community Church - Amphitheater. (Paw Paw Courier Leader, MI)
Third Eye Blind to 'charm' PSU Sep 9, 2009
"What an intimate place to see a big band like this," he said. Third Eye Blind's most recent album, Ursa Major, was released Aug. 18, according to the band's Web site. (Daily Collegian, PA)
PLAYLIST: It's a 'Drag' with Cross Canadian Ragweed Sep 8, 2009
Requiem Roy Hargrove Big Band. The trumpeter/composer updates the classic jazz orchestra sound on his new Emergence album. (USA Today -- Life)
SCITUATE AROUND TOWN: Time flies, but you can always learn something Sep 5, 2009
Ross-Fitzgibbons won a Jazz Big Band Director s Award and a Lawrence E. O Rourke Award for English. Wait won a Magna Cum Laude Award for his high score in the National Latin Exam. (Scituate Mariner, MA)
• Learn by day, Sep 4, 2009
Those who take McLain's class can show off their skills at Friday night's Thunder Mounting Big Band show. New this year. (Juneau Empire)
St. Joseph to open fountain Saturday (1213) Sep 3, 2009
The band will give a Big Band Jazz concert at 9 p.m.. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display frorm the South Pier. (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
Chris Connor; jazz vocalist known for ‘cellolike tones’ Sep 2, 2009
In a more than 50-year career that began in the late 1940s with the Claude Thornhill Orchestra, Ms. Connor recorded with band leader Herbie Fields and sang with Jerry Wald s big band before joining Kenton in early 1953. Known for what has been described as her warm, cellolike tones and using little or no vibrato, she achieved her greatest acclaim beginning in the mid-1950s, singing with small groups of established jazz musicians. (Boston Globe)
Taylor, friends provide shelter from storm Aug 31, 2009
In the first of the two shows featuring his skilled big band and special guests Sheryl Crow and Yo-Yo Ma, Taylor did not disappoint. Although he has reached the age where lifetime achievement-type accolades have become more common than hit songs, Taylor remains a vibrant, playful, and reflective entertainer. (Boston Globe)
Music therapist comforts patients (3) Aug 31, 2009
Edwards said Big Band music is popular with many of her patients, and it is difficult to replicate those sounds on her guitar. "This is not press and play," she said of the recordings she sometimes uses. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
