A tribute to big band music will kick off summer series on June 10

April 22, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Reminisce with the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and more in American Big Band. The revue kicks off UFPA’s Summer in the City series at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

American Big Band is a musical journey that spans more than eight decades and looks at the many different facets of the big band era, from its beginnings in the 1920s right through to modern day interpretations of the original hits and style. The revue features 20 dancers, singers and musicians in a performance that brings the “big band story” to vivid life and takes you back to the days of Lindy-hopping, Zoot suits and swing.

The journey begins with a spectacular medley of tunes and dances made famous during the big band era. You’ll “Sing, Sing, Sing” while American Big Band’s dancers “cut the rug” with the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop and the Shim Sham! The joint keeps jumpin’ with the music of the King of Swing, Benny Goodman, including such classics as “String of Pearls,” “Jersey Bounce” and “Goody Goody.” Next stop is the Cotton Club, where the music of Duke Ellington takes the stage with tunes including “Take the A Train,” “Satin Doll” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

The good times keep rolling with a series of salutes. The first honors legendary big band leaders Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo and more. The second pays homage to legendary female singers including Doris Day, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. The final salute honors Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Just when you think it’s over, American Big Band pays a visit to the most popular bandleader of all time, Glenn Miller, in a scene featuring hits such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and the classic “In the Mood.”

The last stop on American Big Band’s “Sentimental Journey” showcases the vibrant music of today’s big bands, including the Brian Setzer Orchestra, the Stray Cats, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and a “modern twist” on the tune that started the journey, “Sing, Sing, Sing!”

American Big Band was created by Matt Davenport Productions which has a long track record of successful stage shows, including “Always….Patsy Cline,” “Forever Plaid,” and “American Rhapsody,” which was endorsed by the Gershwin Foundation. The company is also writer/producer of “Country Tonite,” two-time winner of “Show of the Year” by the North American Country Music Association.

Ticket prices are $15-$30. To Purchase tickets, call the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster: 800-277-1700 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phillips Center Box Office Hours, the University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union or from any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.