Big Band sound returns to the Armory on July 13

PRIME – July 2013 By Shera Cohen In the Spotlight How many of you like big band music? Great, I see lots of hands. How many of you were part of the generation that danced to the music of the big bands? Well, not quite as many hands now. How many of you remember the Benny Goodman big band coming to Springfield in 1943? Ahh, just a few of you. Yet, there are some who remember that thrilling performance at Springfield Armory exactly seven decades ago. Perhaps some readers of PRIME might have been youngsters at the time, escorted by their parents on the cool early evening of a fall day. Photos of this historic event show the thousands who attended. Most of the men and women dressed formally in Sunday best; wearing hats, ties, and seamed stockings. This July, once again on the grounds of the Armory, you'll have the opportunity to introduce yourself – or in the case of the handful of those who recall Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, et al – reintroduce yourself to the sounds that caused listeners to erupt into almost incontrollable dance moves called "swing." The Blue Skies Big Band will perform a free two-hour concert at Springfield Armory National Historic Site, on the grounds of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), on July 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m. And though the sounds and rhythms may be the same as that long-ago concert, you can forget the ties and stockings, but do bring lawn chairs and picnics for this outdoor event. Many of the 19-member Blue Skies musicians have 25 years of big band experience, each, having performed throughout New England. Blue Skies, which includes two vocalists, have taken the stage at The Big E and the Calvin Theatre, as well as numerous local events and venues. As expected, the group will perform the memorable fantastic, music of the Swing-era giants – Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller and the Dorsey brothers. A special segment will be devoted to the music of Benny Goodman, of course. Dance is also an important part of the night's entertainment, with Jitterbug Dance School offering on-the-spot free swing dance lessons at 5:30 p.m. to anyone who cares to give it a twirl. Following the dance lessons, the 12-member troupe, Small Planet Dancers, are slated to recreate a mini U.S.O. show, straight out of the annals of WWII. The group will also perform during Blue Skies' intermission. That means for three straight hours – from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the music will just keep on playing. In the event of rain that evening, the concert will move indoors to Scibelli Hall on the campus of STCC. Concessions will be available on site, and the Armory Museum – which is wheelchair accessible – will be open during the concert. The Armory and STCC have numerous parking areas, some close to the performance site and some a short walk away. Free shuttle service from these on-site parking lots will be continuous from 5 through 9 p.m. In addition to sponsorship by Springfield Armory National Historic Site, assistance comes from STCC and the Springfield Cultural Council. For details on this terrific event check www.nps.gov/spar or call 413-734-8551. Shera Cohen is president of In The Spotlight, a Springfield, Mass., nonprofit website dedicated to promoting the arts in the Pioneer Valley. See reviews and more at www.inthespotlightinc.org.