With the exception of the most ardent collectors and older generations, the influence and legacy of the big bands is largely forgotten despite their overwhelming popularity and significant role in early radio. Join us at Hamilton Library on Saturday, November 21, 2:00 pm as Erik Larson revisits the sounds America listened and danced to for more than three decades. Learn how iconic artists like Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald got their start along with fellow bands, vocalists, composers and musicians. Then enjoy the real thing, as Larson plays from his personal collection of 30,000 recordings, sharing little- known historical trivia along with vintage sheet music, posters and postcards. Dancers from The Kats Korner will perform some of the most famous dances from that era.
Visit our website to register for this free event.
Larson, a graduate of San Diego State University, spent the majority of his career with the Boys Clubs of America (now Boys & Girls Clubs). Upon retirement, Larson joined the volunteer staff at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, and has been assisting with their efforts for sixteen years. He has always had an interest in popular American music, both passionately studying and collecting it. His primary focus is music of the Swing era.
Want more swing music? Check out these selections from Freegal, offering five downloads per week free with your library card. Or watch The Fabulous Dorseys, a story of two giants of swing-era jazz, on IndieFlix, a collection of streaming independent films. (Create a free account with your library card or sign in with your library Zinio account.)