Big Band Bash commerates Benny Goodman's style

PRIME — July 2012 SPRINGFIELD — It all started with a big band! In September 1943, Benny Goodman's Big Band performed a free outdoor concert before thousands on the grounds of the Springfield Armory. What better way to boost morale and camaraderie during the bleak times of World War II, than through music? And, music of that era was the upbeat swing of big bands. Nearly seven decades later, Springfield Armory National Historic Site recreates and reminisces about those times with yet another big band concert. The 14-piece O-Tones Big Band will perform on Sat., July 21 on the beautiful shared grounds of the Springfield Armory and Springfield Technical Community College. This annual event has been celebrated for many years, featuring well-known regional bands. While Benny has since passed, his music and that of his contemporaries (the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Tommy Dorsey) is very much with us today, and will fill the air for those who attend this free concert. The event is titled "bash" because it includes exciting additional activities, while featuring the O-Tones. According to Park Ranger Shera Cohen, the 1940s concert was a huge success. "We have many photos that show thousands of people seated on the lawn, the men wearing suits and ties and women in nice dresses. It was a formal concert. Benny Goodman and his band were on a large stage, with Benny at the clarinet and Gene Krupa at the drums." Literally, get into the swing by participating in an hour of dance lessons instructed by Jitterbug School of Social Dance beginning at 5:30 p.m. Novices are encouraged to take to the outdoor dance floor and learn a few steps. Jitterbug, based in Feeding Hills, has donated their services to this program for many years, and men and women of all ages have found the session enjoyable. The main attraction is the two-hour performance by the O-Tones, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The O-Tones have performed to sell out crowds at hundreds of sites, and a multitude of occasions throughout New England for more than 20 years. Bob Cilman, director of the Northampton Arts Council, praises the O-Tones, saying, "The O-Tones strike a chord with all ages, from the nostalgia of the big band era.we all love to dance to, they know how to punch it out!" Even the intermission will not be "down time," as the Small Planet Dancers will perform. Dressed in 1940s Army uniforms, the 12-member troupe will recreate a 15-minute show, reminiscent of the United Service Organizations, Inc. shows of World War II. Led by Jo Sarnelli, Small Planet has volunteered their performances for several of the Springfield Armory's Big Band concerts for the past decade. "The dance expertise of both Jitterbug and Small Planet adds so much to the concerts," Cohen said. "These are events, not just a single concert. In addition, the Springfield Armory National Historic Site (NHS) museum will be open during the hours of the program." Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, and can bring a picnic supper or purchase items from food vendors onsite. Ample free parking is available. It is our guess that Benny Goodman would be proud to see another terrific Big Band concert almost 70 years later. In case of rain or inclement weather, the entire show moves indoors to Scibelli Hall, on the STCC campus. The event is co-sponsored by the Springfield Armory NHS and Springfield Technical Community College. Any questions? Call 413-734-8551 or check the website at www.nps.gov/spar.