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| Glenn Miller's Boyhood Hometown To Host Swingfest Join us in Fort Morgan, Colorado, the boyhood home of Glenn Miller for four days of music, sights and history from the big band era. The Viaero Glenn Miller SwingFest will be held June 23-26, 2011 and features the big band sounds of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Pied Pipers. Cathy Shull, event coordinator is excited to be on board: "I was part of the original team that developed this event 15 years ago and I am so excited to be back on board. With the support of Viaero and other sponsors and the dedication of the School for the Performing Arts (SPA) we will be able to continue to grow this event to be a premiere event in Colorado." Throughout the four day event there will be something of interest to all ages and many of the events are at no charge. Starting Thursday, June 23rd we will be kicking off the City of Fort Morgan's Summer Concert series with the sounds of Platte Valley Community Band and performers from SPA based in Fort Morgan. Friday continues with the first dance of the weekend to the tunes of Company B and a fun dance competition for the Golden Trombone award. Saturday the 25th is a full day of activities starting with a Fly In at the Fort Morgan Airport with breakfast cooked up by the Lion's Club. From there head back downtown to the park and enjoy an afternoon of music on stage, take a bus tour, Fort Morgan Museum and U. S. Historical Military Museum tours and take in a movie featuring The Glenn Miller Story. Throw in some WWII Reinactors and refreshments at the Sunrise Optimist booth to make the afternoon complete. On stage will be the Eastern Colorado Trombone Quartet, the Morgan Community College Jazz Band, the Timberline Brass Quintet and students from SPA. The evening culminates with a VIP Cocktail Reception to raise funds for the School for the Performing Arts as part of a challenge grant from Anschutz Foundation and then you can adjourn back to the airport for dancing to the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Pied Pipers. Sunday the 26th gives you a chance to get some outdoor exercise with the Little Brown Jug 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for S.A.R.A, Inc. (Sexual Assault Response Advocates) and end the weekend with a Champagne Brunch featuring a presentation by Alan Cass on Glenn Miller. Fort Morgan, Colorado, is about 80 miles northeast of Denver along Interstate 76. An agriculture community with scenic vistas, hidden treasures and friendly people, Fort Morgan and the surrounding communities will give you a warm welcome and a step back in time with their historic downtowns. James Graff, committee chair and co-owner of the School for the Performing Arts, "We are so excited to host this event and continue to bring people to our area to enjoy the sights and sounds of the big band era." Further, James, said " I am excited that all proceeds from this event go to help kids. From the main focus of scholarships to the School for the Performing Arts to our partnerships with Lion's, Optimist and S.A.R.A., Inc. you too can be a part of the fun while also supporting worthy causes." Plans are already in the works for the 4th weekend in June, 2012, where our featured band will be The Glenn Miller Orchestra. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |