Credit: NewtownPANow.com
Take ♫♪♫♪ NOTE ♫♪♫♪…. Save the date!
Consider music that is second to none in entertainment and enjoyment.
Get a glimpse of probably the best Dixieland jazz band ever on Sunday, March 26!
*Doors open at 2 p.m. [2 p.m. to 5 p.m.]
The renowned, historic, convenient and accessible Newtown Theatre, with its extensive history dating back to 1831, also the oldest continuously operating movie theatre, is hosting the amazing virtuoso ensemble of the Al Mikula’s Big Band Musicians. Plan to come and enjoy a most spirited afternoon of music and fun in comfortable, new vintage-style seats as Al Mikula’s most talented, skilled harmonious powerful 12- piece group breathes new fire into their repertoire of incredible Big Band and String Band Mummers Music tunes, music of WWII and the Greatest Generation, produced by the skillful Steve Weiler.
They love making music and never stop learning!
“Big Band Music” as a concept for music fans is identified most with the swing era, Duke Ellington and Count Basie’s “swing bands” or “hot bands”, even though there were large, jazz-oriented dance bands before the swing era of the 1930’s and ’40s, and large jazz-oriented concert bands after the swing era.
Swing and Big Band helped to define a culture and an era when great nations clashed on the battlefield in all corners of the globe. This music gave men and women an opportunity to forget the bleak woes of war and come together to mingle and oftentimes “cut a rug” to the tunes of the times’ jazz greats.
Names such as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw became household staples with tunes that stormed the air waves and permeated clubs and dance halls.
Two of the artists in the accomplished musician Albin Joseph Mikula’s Big Band [Al was named after his Italian grandfather, Albino] are members of The Eagles Pep Band who enthrallingly play at the games, leading over 70,000 fans in singing the Eagles fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly”. Brian Saunders, a prolific and diverse soloist, composer, and bandleader, who skillfully masters the alto sax, will be performing in this Newtown concert.
Also in Al’s band is Jimmy Alex who expertly provides keyboard and the vocals, and the most proficient orchestra composer Fred Hall who provides the band arrangements with charm and impeccable style.
Renowned harpist and WCU professor and founder of the WCU harp program, Gloria Marie “GG” Galante, CMP, MM, BS is “excited to debut her performance in this beautiful theatre”.
Her featured solo will be the “Love Theme from The Godfather”.
These talented performers also often complete the orchestra shows: songwriters, Bobby Purcell and Michael Salsburg, Rick Gazda who plays trumpet as well as clarinet, piano player, Peter Reichlin, and consummate musicians, Vince Riggi, Michael Eli, and Bruce Mulford who commands the upright bass.
Each contributes to a collective set list for this family show that is chock full of Dixie, patriotic, and familiar tunes!
The Al Mikula Red Garter Band brings the Swing Era to life in three-dimensional sound, authentically recreating the style, musicality and essence of each iconic big band that originated the hits from the Great American Songbook.
Their concert platform provides quite a diverse variety of easy Sunday afternoon music including Big Band, Dixieland, Mummer, and Phantom of the Opera selections. Dwight Meredith, a brilliant strolling banjo player will also professionally fill the room with a session of traditional, lilting Irish reel, jig, and hornpipe melodies.
Audience participation is ALWAYS appreciated.
It’s even more fun with friends…..bring a few!
Free parking is available in Street parking along North State Street, or in the municipal lots between Washington and Centre Avenues, or the lot next to the Newtown Borough Hall on 23 N. State Street.
The Newtown Theatre Concession Stand will be open for the purchase of popcorn, candies, and soft drinks. The Bar will be open an hour prior to this event for the sale of beer and wine.
Newtown Theatre
120 N. State Street
Newtown, PA 18940
Tickets may be purchased by phone: 267-994-0669
General Admission $25.00
OR online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/al-mikulas-red-garter-band-featuring-big-band-arrangements-by-fred-hall-tickets-546241120897
