Glenn Miller Orchestra to swing into the Lied

Released on 03/25/2015, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 28, 2015

WHERE: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.

Lincoln, Neb., March 25th, 2015 —
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Legendary big band the Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring classics like "Tuxedo Junction," "Moonlight Serenade" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" to the Lied Center for Performing Arts on March 28.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are on sale at http://liedcenter.org, at the Lied Center box office at 12th and R streets, or by phone at 402-472-4747.

After an unsuccessful first attempt, Miller launched his second band -- the one that lives on today -- in March 1938. He capitalized on a string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and performances at theaters, hotels and dance pavilions to help the orchestra build momentum.

Miller disbanded the group in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, which traveled to Europe to entertain Allied forces with a series of live performances and radio shows. On Dec. 15, 1944, Maj. Miller took off in a single-engine plane from England to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The Army officially declared him dead a year later.

Interest in the 1954 movie "The Glenn Miller Story," starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson, led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the current Glenn Miller Orchestra. On June 6, 1956, under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley -- who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Miller's disappearance -- the reformed orchestra performed its first concert. The ensemble has been on the road ever since.

The 17-piece group, led by vocalist Nick Hilscher since 2012, continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the Army Air Force Band libraries. It also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. The orchestra remains one of the most sought-after big bands in the world.

Writer: Carrie Christensen, Lied Center for Performing Arts

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