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
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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