The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, partially underwritten by Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings AND Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. after sold out shows in 2014 and 2015! The 18-member ensemble will play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band (AAFB) libraries, plus male and female vocalists will perform some of the greatest generation’s greatest music: “Moonlight Serenade”, “ Little Brown Jug”, “A String of Pearls”, “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”, “Pennsylvania 6-5000”, “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem”, “Juke Box Saturday Night”, “That’s Sabotage”, “Sunrise Serenade”, “At Last”, “Tuxedo Junction”, “In The Mood”, “St. Louis Blues”, “Stardust”, “Someone To Watch Over Me”, “Rhapsody in Blue”, and many more. This show will also include a few standards and contemporary numbers -- “Over the Rainbow”, “September Morn and “Star Wars/War of The Stars”. This show will also include a few standards and contemporary numbers -- “Over the Rainbow”, “September Morn and “Star Wars/War of The Stars”.
With its unique jazz sound, the 18-member Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered one of the greatest bands of all time. In this 109 Cheese & Wine Evening of Art Wine and Jazz, ticket holders can enjoy a wine tasting courtesy of 109 Cheese & Wine at 6:45 p.m. along with an art exhibit by Founders Hall members Harry Manchester, Ellen Ross and Alberta Pappolla. Under the baton of Music Director/vocalist Nick Hilscher, the consummate entertainers will play and sing selections from the vast Glenn Miller Orchestra library. Enjoy a night of dinner and a show! Visit Bernard’s (20 West Lane · Ridgefield) for a great Prix Fixe Menu when you present your tickets to this performance. Media sponsor for this event is WSHU – for NPR News and Classical Music.
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 pavilions, 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.
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!
For tickets ($38), call the box office (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.