Big band music and dancing on the Green
SPRINGFIELD Music lovers of all ages can take part in this free, fun and special opportunity to dance and listen to the classy Steve Lord Big Band, July 7, 2007 on the historic Armory Green. A complimentary dance lesson is scheduled at 5:30 p.m and the concert is planned for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In case of rain, the concert will move into the gymnasium at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) without dancing. Food will be available. The Armory Museum will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is Free.
The Benny Goodman Big Band Orchestra performed a "Spotlight Band" concert at Springfield Armory on September 29, 1943. During the broadcast, Armory personnel were highlighted and their manufacturing accomplishments saluted. Steve Lord's adoration for big band music permeates his band concerts.
"With a full big band there's an excitement, a power and so many things that the music can do that a smaller group can't do. A big band allows for improvisation for the instrumentalist that adds to the excitement," Lord said.
Chock full of the best New England musicians, Steve Lord's Big Band includes nineteen band members (some of whom played with Benny Goodman), and a male and female vocalist. Plans for the evening feature sixteen Goodman arrangements and four Goodman quartets. The other half of the evening we'll swing to the music of the WWII era through Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Les Elgart, and Woody Herman.
The Armory wishes to thank its three sponsors: STCC, for staff, buildings, and the Green; the Friends of the Springfield Armory Museum Inc. for their financial support; and Jitterbugs School of Social Dance for complimentary dance lessons. Through our partners we can commemorate this important time in Armory history with an inspiring Big Band Concert.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site, is where the Nation's first Armory (1795-1968) invented innovative manufacturing. The site includes historic buildings, the world's largest historic American military firearms collection and the setting where Shays' Rebellion was repulsed in 1787, spurring our Constitutional into enactment. The Armory Museum is open daily 9 a.m. 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free. To browse our website, go to www.nps.gov/spar. Information at (413)734-8551.
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