The big band era popularized by legendary bandleaders like Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey is revisited Friday evening at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus. At 8 p.m., Gill Harris and the Big Band Theory, featuring vocalist Denise Reid, present a live orchestra, dancing and a glimpse into the distinct American music scene that first flourished in the 1920s and 1930s.
The orchestra assembled by Harris of Columbus is comprised of 18 experienced musicians.
“They all are carefully picked top level musicians,” said Harris. Some hail from the Golden Triangle; others are from more distant locations.
Area orchestra members include Dr. Michael Brown, conductor of the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra, and Dr. Clifton Taylor, conductor of the Mississippi State Band and Jazz Ensemble, noted Harris.
“In the rhythm section, we have string bass player Dr. Richard Montalto of the Mississippi University for Women music faculty and Dr. Robert Damm, percussionist on the faculty at MSU. There are other really great musicians from the Golden Triangle area.”
Musicians coming from farther afield play coast to coast for such artists as Wayne Newton, Natalie Cole, The Temptations and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.
“What a powerhouse of talent!” said Harris. “Leading a group like that brings out the Walter Mitty in me.”
The orchestra will make use of a new state of the art sound and lighting system at Trotter as they deliver a showcase of rhythms, including vocal arrangements from Reid and Roger Burlingame.
“There will be famous solos from artists of the era featuring soloists in our band,” Harris said, citing compositions by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Bunny Berigan, Les Brown, Woody Herman, Neil Hefti and Stan Kenton.
Preconcert dinner
An optional pre-concert dinner prepared by Chef Marty Wages will be served Friday at The Southern, at 513 Main St., just a block from Trotter. Tickets to seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. are $19 in advance ($27 at the door, if available; please call ahead). The menu consists of Parmesan Artichoke Baked Chicken, stuffed potato casserole, salad, roll, tea and dessert. To make reservations, contact Wages at 662-364-3021.
Concert tickets
Concert seating is at tables. Tickets are $30 in advance at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets at the door are $35. Reserved tables for 10 are $240. For concert tickets or information, contact the arts council, 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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