Acton COA Presents Big Band Swing Music Vol. 1 Presentation with John Clark

The Big Band era officially started in the summer of 1935, but the transition from hot jazz and Dixieland had begun much earlier in the decade. We’ll trace the roots of Big Band music, including the back story of the King of Swing himself, Benny Goodman. Then you’ll hear his hits like Goody, Goody, Taking a Chance on Love and the historic Carnegie Hall performance of Sing, Sing, Sing! You’ll also be treated to recordings of live performances of Goodman vocalists Martha Tilton and Peggy Lee. The last third of the program is devoted to the most popular bandleader of this period, Glenn Miller with 22 chart-topping songs from 1939-1943. You’ll understand the origins of the unmistakable Glenn Miller sound heard clearly in his theme song, Moonlight Serenade. You’ll see performances of two of his biggest hits, Chattanooga Choo Choo and In the Mood. There’s even footage of Glenn leading the 50-piece Army Air Force Band in the summer of 1944, just months before he boarded the flight to France that took his life. For ten years orchestral jazz became America’s popular music and you’re invited to wax nostalgic as you learn about two of its biggest stars. Prior to a career as a high school and adult education teacher, John Clark worked in music publishing in Nashville. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with senior centers and senior residences.

Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5