June 8, 2010
The Artie Shaw Orchestra “Swings” in Aberdeen
(Aberdeen, S.D.) The Artie Shaw Orchestra will be at the Northern State University Johnson Fine Arts Center for one performance at 7 p.m. on Fri, Jun. 25. The Artie Shaw Orchestra has toured the world since 1983, entertaining big band enthusiasts and swing dancers alike. It is now under the direction of clarinetist/saxophonist Matt Koza.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to see and hear one of the greatest big bands from the Swing Era,” shared Alan LaFave, dean of the NSU School of Fine Arts. “We are pleased to present this ensemble to the community and region and hope for a full house. I know the entertainment value of this program will be outstanding and memorable.”
Artie Shaw, born in New York City on May 23, 1910, made his first public appearance as a band leader in Broadway's Imperial Theatre in 1936. At that time, the legendary clarinetist could not have known that with the release of a song called “Begin the Beguine,” Shaw would become a renowned performer. Response to the song catapulted him into the company of the top band leaders of the day dubbing him the “King of Swing." His recording of “Begin the Beguine” has sold thousands and had become one of the best-selling records of all time. Throughout his legendary career, Shaw wrote music for, and shared the stage with, Cole Porter, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Dakota Staton and Natalie Cole. He also toured with Billie Holliday and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and is known for the popular pieces “Stardust,” “Moonglow,” and “Carioca.”
Tickets for the performance are $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students $10, and can be purchased in person at the Engel Music, Ken’s SuperFair Foods, the NSU Bookstore and the NSU Foundation. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the concert. NSU students will be admitted free with I.D. For more information contact the NSU Fine Arts office at 605-626-2497.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a premier residential, liberal arts institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities. In August of 2009 NSU was again named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best undergraduate public institutions in the Midwest. For more information about NSU, visit our Web site at www.northern.edu.