Saturday
April 30, 2022 8 PM
Pre-Show FUN 7 PM
Ticket Prices:
$32, $38, $42 & $48 for Reserved Seating
Members Save up to 10%: Click HERE to become a member now
*Members at the Director’s Society level and above, please call or come to the Suffolk Center to redeem your free tickets.
PRE-SHOW FUN ~ Dancing 7-7:45 PM!
Arrive early and join the pre-show fun with SWING VIRGINIA, SwingVirginia.com, dancing outside by the fountain from 7:00-7:45 PM. Guests are encouraged sway along to the Lindy Hop, the Shag, and the Charleston!
Often imitated but never duplicated, The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest dance bands of all time. The group won its place in history by earning the first-ever gold record awarded for the unforgettable tune, “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Experience the unique swinging sound of this legendary band with favorites including “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.” – Glenn Miller
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
…The Miller Sound Lives Forever!
The first Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make it at all. It was a total and absolute economic failure. But Glenn 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. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” ever since. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930’s and 40’s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilion, built and sustained the momentum of popularity.
Glenn 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 from Europe to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later.
With the release of the major motion movie The Glenn Miller Story featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson in 1954, interest and popular demand led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra. On June 6, 1956, and under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Glenn’s disappearance, the reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its first concert and has been on the road ever since. Other leaders have followed Ray including clarinetists Buddy DeFranco and Peanuts Hucko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Larry O’Brien and Gary Tole, and tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart. Since January 2012, vocalist Nick Hilscher leads the band.
Today, the 18 member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound.
Just as it was in Glenn’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra today is still the most sought after big band in the world.
COVID-19 protocols: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts values the health of our patrons, performers, and the community. Masks are strongly recommended for gatherings inside our building. If you have been exposed to or have contracted COVID-19, the Suffolk Center will issue you a credit for a future performance. Please contact the box office at 757-923-2900 for more information.
