Audiences for the matinee and evening Big Band Dinner Dance show stepped back in time to the music of the 1940’s Big Band era. Fashioned after the WW ll Big Band Canteen Shows, audiences received a musical experience reminiscent of the wonderful performances America’s GI’s attended throughout the world often hosted by movie star volunteers. Each 90-minute show featured ever-popular music from Glenn Miller, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and others.
The Dutch Haus Theater provides for a wonderful dance floor, enticing audiences of all ages and dance styles to get up and dance to the toe-tapping music. Many guests attending dressed in their military uniforms decked-out with military medals and hats. Women wore the latest fashion-style dresses and hats of the time re-living and remembering the music of the 1940s era that boosted the spirits of the country and GIs.
The SERENADER SISTERS in their military uniforms vocalized in harmony to the many big band favorites associated with the McGuire Sisters and the Andrew Sisters. Standards included, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Apple Blossom Time, Sincerely and Rum & Coca Cola. Spirited vocalist Don Howdyshell performed one of his signature tunes, Tangerine along with a narration Tribute to America moving directly into the Armed Forces Marches, featuring the theme songs of the five branches of the military. Singing Lee Greenwood’s GOD BLESS the USA brought the entire audience to a standing ovation and multiple encore requests.
The band recognized the audience’s significant celebrations in attendance by performing a swing version of Happy Birthday and the very danceable Anniversary Waltz.Plans are already developing for the Moonlight Serenaders to return to Das Dutch Theater in 2023 with an expanded program of Big Band music.
Each of the professional musicians and vocalists brings this big band music alive with energy, excitement and personal enjoyment in performing this music of the 1940’s, and 50’s.
The band also performs a complete alternative American Song Book of standards that appeals to audiences of all ages. These programs specialize in the tunes from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and many others.
Visit www.Dasdutchvillage.com for a complete listing of all forthcoming events and performances at Das Dutch Theater in Columbiana, Ohio.