The Academy Theatre Presents The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Famous Big Band in Town for One Night Only

The Academy Theatre is hosting the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Monday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at 275 Chestnut Street in Meadville. Tickets are $25.50 and available at www.theacademytheatre.org or by calling 814-337-8000.

Known for their Big Band and Swing sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra was founded in 1938 by Glenn Miller, after a prior failed attempt. The band went on to produce many record-breaking hits, including “Tuxedo Junction,” “In the Mood” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Then came radio shows, movies, and topping all other bands in Down Beat Magazine’s Sweet Band Poll. When World War II hit, Glenn Miller convinced the Army to appoint him Captain so that he could modernize the army band and improve the morale of the troops. His Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band performed over 800 shows. Unfortunately, Glenn Miller himself didn’t get to see all of this success; he boarded a transport plane to Paris to prepare for a six-week tour of Europe, never to be seen again. His status remains missing in action, and he was awarded the Bronze Star for his contributions to the war effort. The music world also gave him their nod when he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra has a sound all its own. As Ron Gowers from Jim Thorpe, PA explains: “Miller, originally from Clarinda, Iowa, became a hit by adding a unique formula to his group. He created a unique sound by having the clarinet hold the melodic line while the tenor sax plays the same note, and is supported harmonically by three other saxophones. This still sets the Glenn Miller Orchestra apart from other big bands.”

This formula still enthralls audiences today. Glenn Miller Orchestra’s website, glennmillerorchestra.com, contains dozens of comments from happy audience members. One recent comment states; “On a scale of one to ten, I rate the show, a TEN!!! It was an incredible opportunity, and a real treat, to see a FULL BIG BAND in such an intimate venue. The caliber of musicianship was very high with the soloists, and the ensemble sound gave me goose bumps. Phenomenal! Often I closed my eyes just to hear the different colors and sounds that the band was able to create… I highly recommend this show to ANYONE who loves good music, especially jazz and Big Band.”

Now this great band will grace The Academy Theatre’s stage. Nick Hilscher is the current leader of the band, as well as its male vocalist. Eileen Burns is their female vocalist, and the band features Kevin Sheehan, Nigel Yancey, Joel Linscheid, Jonathan Rees, Ian O’Beirne, Ashley Hall, Nick Schroeder, Shawn Williams, Jonathan McQuade, George Reinert III, John Tyler, Clayton Lucovich, Jason Bennett, James Navan, Holbrook Riles III and Seth Lewis.

For tickets and more information about the Glenn Miller Orchestra concert, please call 814-337-8000 or visit www.theacademytheatre.org.

Comedy, drama, family fun, and of course, music; it’s all on stage at The Academy Theatre.