Heads up! The legendary Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra swings into town Sunday, April 15 bringing with them the sounds of big band jazz. Filled with the songs of the 40s and 50s, music for the young and “young at heart,” the concert will be held at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, beginning at 3 p.m.
Jimmy Dorsey was one of the finest Clarinet and Alto Saxophone players of his day, named a favorite and inspiration by Charlie “Bird” Parker. Over the years, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra produced many hits, including “Tangerine,”‘ “‘I Understand,” “I’m Glad There is You” and “I Remember You,” to name just a few. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra has continued successfully for decades playing for audiences all over the world. Now under the direction of Bill Tole, the style of the “Sentimental Gentleman” continues.
Bill Tole has recorded with legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and many others over the past four decades. He portrayed the part of Tommy Dorsey in the movie New York New York in 1977, starring Liza Minnelli and Robert DeNiro. His music credentials continue as the leader of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. The combined energy of the band with Bill’s sweet, smooth, sentimental style takes the listening audience from the 1940’s right through the decades to the present day.
Along with Bill, Nancy Knorr, the lead singer of the Pied Pipers, and featured vocalist with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, helps to recreate the elegance and sound of the 40’s with her tribute to Helen O’Connell, whose legendary hits like “Amapola” and “Green Eyes” sky-rocketed the band to the top of the charts.
Tickets are $52 pit, $47 gold circle, and $42 house (seniors 55+, students and military save $5 per ticket). Purchase tickets in person at the Macomb Center box office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Friday 12 – 6 p.m.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Tickets and additional information are available online at MacombCenter.com or by calling (586) 286-2222.
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra at the Macomb Center is sponsored in part by Ottaway Communications, ConCorde Inn of Clinton Township, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts and the Macomb Center’s premier sponsors for the 2011 -2012 season, AT&T and The Macomb Daily.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is a community enrichment program of Macomb Community College dedicated to providing a diverse range of family-oriented cultural enrichment experiences. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts and, in partnership with the adjacent Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted cultural programming.