Are you “In the Mood” for some top-notch dance music? Well then, don’t just “Sit Under the Apple Tree!” Tell your “Gal in Kalamazoo” to put on her “String of Pearls” and meet you at “Tuxedo Junction” to catch the C”hattanooga Choo Choo” — because the Miller sound lives on! Just as in the 1930s and 1940s, today’s Glenn Miller Orchestra is still the world’s most sought-after big band, and it’s making a stop in Merrill soon.
Following in the footsteps of the legendary Glenn Miller, one of the most successful dance band leaders of the Swing Era, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, under the direction of singer Nick Hilscher, is coming to Merrill on Monday, April 23. Their concert, the final performance in the Merrill Area Concert Association’s 2017-18 series, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Merrill High School Auditorium.
The Glenn Miller Band, with its unique jazz sound, is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time, and did its part during the Second World War. In the fall of 1944 the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band was scheduled to be sent on a six-week tour of Europe while stationed in Paris. Major Glenn Miller took off in a single-engine plane from Europe to precede his band to France, but disappeared over the English Channel, never to be seen again.
Fortunately, Glenn Miller’s music lives on. By popular demand, the Miller Estate gave the go-ahead in 1956 for the band to reorganize. Since then the Glenn Miller Orchestra has toured worldwide, playing on average 300 concerts a year.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra’s 18-member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” and “The Nearness of You.” Their repertoire is rounded out by more modern selections, arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound.
You can still purchase a Merrill Area Concert Association membership for this final concert – it will certainly be worth the price! Purchasing a season membership supports the association’s ongoing mission to provide live performances by professional musicians for the entertainment and betterment of our community. It’s best to call in advance so we can have your membership materials ready and so you don’t miss a minute of enjoyment. For more information, visit www.merrillconcerts.org, email [email protected] or contact Meagan at 715-252-6295.