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Glenn Miller Orchestra here for two performances next week
McCOOK, Neb. -- Big Band music returns to the Golden Plains Tuesday, March 24, when The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra comes to McCook for two special performances at the historic Fox Theatre.
The orchestra performances, made possible by Arts Across Nebraska and the Kimmel Foundation, will take place at 1 p.m. in the afternoon and 7 p.m. in the evening. Free will donations will serve as the cost of admission.
"The Fox is honored to host the Glenn Miller Orchestra," said Charles Coleman, chairman of the Fox Operations & Events Committee. "The Glenn Miller Orchestra travels the world and performs for more than a half million people annually."
The orchestra has performed in all 50 United States, as well as throughout Europe, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand and many more countries.
Glenn Miller, a native of Clarinda, Iowa, formed the first Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1937, and today, more than three quarters of a century later, the distinctive sound he created lives on. The sound is created by the clarinet holding the melodic line, doubled or coupled with the tenor sax playing the same notes; and the harmonies produced by three other saxophones, while growling trombones and wailing trumpeters add their oo-ahs.
Glenn Miller an His Orchestra made a big impact right before and during World War II. It had more hit records in one year than anybody in the history of the recording industry. In fact, its recording of Chattanooga Choo-Choo earned the first Gold Record ever awarded to a performing artist.
The theme song for Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, "Moonlight Serenade," is still the signature tune for the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Student groups from McCook and the surrounding area have received special invitations to attend the 1 p.m. afternoon performance on Tuesday, March 24. The 1 p.m. presentation is also open to the general public and all are welcome to attend the 7 p.m. evening performance.
"We owe special thanks to Ernie Weyeneth and the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation, Inc., Coleman said. Weyeneth is a former resident of McCook who has continued to support the community through his charitable work.
Others who contribute to Arts Across Nebraska presentations are Friends of Lied, Rebecca R. Anderson, the Nebraska Arts Council and Sid Dillon, who provides artist transport.