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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 27, 2016)
G l e n n M i l l e r O rc h e s t ra s w i n g s i nt o Fl o re n ce Glenn Miller — The name instantly brings to the ear the amazing music of the 1940s, and to mind the sights and sounds of USO shows, jumpin’ and jivin’ ballrooms, crackling radio broadcasts, and the best swing-dancing music ever performed…or recorded. “It’s been a few years, so it’s time to bring one of Florence’s — and the world’s — favorite dance bands back to the Florence Events Center,” says Maggie Doud, a SEAcoast Entertainment Association board member and producer for this concert. SEAcoast Entertainment opens the Florence Event Center’s fl at fl oor so you can enjoy big band music the way it was intended — with dancing and cabaret-style seating — on Friday, March 18. There is limited “open” seating and attendees are urged to get their tickets soon. “The Glenn Miller Orchestra stays ever-true to their founder’s exacting sound, with the original mix of trombones, saxophones, trumpets…rich, powerful, melodious, and unforgettable,” Doud adds. “Dial Pennsylvania 6-5000 to travel back to that glorious era aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo to Tuxedo Junction and get In the Mood for an all-American Patrol of Big Band classics. Don’t miss a beat!” Doud explains that Miller’s signature sound “is created by the clarinet holding the melodic line, doubled or coupled with the tenor sax playing the same notes; and the harmonies produced by three other saxophones, while growling trombones and wailing trumpets add their oo-ahs.” “The Glenn Miller Orchestra is on the road longer and more continuously than any other in the world. The band covers more than 100,000 miles a year, working most every night for 48 weeks out of every 52. They play nearly 300 dates, performing for an estimated half-million people annually. We’re fortunate to get them here,” adds Doud. The fi rst Glenn Miller Orchestra was a total and absolute economic failure. But Miller knew what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band – the one that lives on today — in March of 1938. Miller disbanded his musical organization in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen performing numerous live and radio shows. On December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single engine plane to precede his band to Paris, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The release of the 1954 movie The Glenn Miller Story featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson, led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra. On June 6, 1956, under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley, the reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its fi rst concert and has been on the road ever since, playing many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. The SEAcoast concert season continues with a rare Thursday night concert April 7 with Shuffl e, a group so multitalented they let the audience select the pieces they will play from Baroque to classical and romantic; from jazz, to pop and Broadway. Then, on Friday, May 13, you’ll be in luck when The New Hot Club of America comes to “wow” Florence. This dazzling ensemble is comprised of some of today’s top gypsy jazz artists in North America. You’ll want to tango in your seat as they recapture the sound, style, and spirit of the 1930’s-era Hot Club of France. Tickets, artist profi les, show times, video clips, and more information are available at are at SEAcoastEA.org. Tickets are $30, or $10 for those under 18. Tickets may also be purchased at the Florence Events Center box offi ce, 715 Quince Street; or by phone at 541-997-1994 or online at www .eventscenter.org. ‘Ar t re p re n e u r s’ t o g at h e r fo r m o re R A I N Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) held two meetings in February, focusing on groups of people wanting to start or grow businesses in Florence. The fi rst meeting was called “Encore Entrepreneur,” and was for active retirees considering a second-act business, those wanting to launch or grow a company beyond the state of Page 4 Oregon, and people interested in helping the next generation of startups as a mentor or investor. The second meeting was called “The Artrepreneur” and was focused on artist-entrepreneurs with the goal of helping creative people sell artisan crafts beyond Oregon. On March 15, there will be a follow-up meeting at the FEC from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The City of Florence and the RAIN group invite artists to come seek advice on how to expand their market at this free event. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. To register, visit www.meetup.com/Startup-Florence- Oregon-Coast. The Florence Events Center website: www.eventcenter.org