The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) gets into the swing of things with a Tribute to Glenn Miller & Gene Krupa on Sunday, April 7, 3:00 PM. Purchase tickets, starting from $35, at the CCPA Ticket Office, cerritoscenter.com, or by calling (562) 916-8500.
In a TRIBUTE TO GLENN MILLER & GENE KRUPA, the Tex Beneke Orchestra, led by Gary Tole, performs Glenn Miller hits, such as Moonlight Serenade, String of Pearls, and In the Mood, also paying special tribute to Gene Krupa (Sing Sing Sing and Boogie Blues). Appearing in the lineup are Vocal Group Hall of Fame ensemble The Mills Brothers (Up a Lazy River and Paper Doll), The Satin Dollz, and comedian Dick Hardwick.
THE TEX BENEKE ORCHESTRA is known for playing songs that Miller made famous – such as Chattanooga Choo Choo and (I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo. When Miller disappeared on a 1944 flight to Paris, his widow appointed Tex Beneke to take over the Glenn Miller Air Force Band. The group eventually evolved into the Tex Beneke Orchestra, which is currently under the leadership of saxophonist Jim Snodgrass, who has toured with the Beach Boys, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.
As youngsters, THE MILLS BROTHERS performed on street corners, imitating instruments with kazoos. When the teens forgot their kazoos once, they improvised the sounds of musical instruments with their voices while cupping their hands over their mouths, which became their musical breakthrough. The group lit up the airwaves and charts with 71 singles, including Tiger Rag; Nobody’s Sweetheart; Dinah; Chinatown, My Chinatown; Sweet Sue; Paper Doll; and You Always Hurt the One You Love.
THE SATIN DOLLZ delights crowds with its Big Band sound, tight vocal harmonies, and show-stopping tap-dancing. The Satin Dollz has performed multiple times on BBC Radio, singing with the United Kingdom’s No. One Swing and Jive Band, The Jive Aces, to more than 20 million such as Los Angeles’ Cicada Club, the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, and the famed Swing 46 in New York.
DICK HARDWICK, one of the most sought-after corporate and special-event comedians in the country, made his mark with appearances in concert with the legendary Johnny Mathis and Reba McEntire. He showcased his quick wit and “off-the-wall” sense of humor in performances on Jeff Foxworthy’s syndicated radio show and numerous television appearances.
For tickets or more information on the show, call (562) 916-8500 or go to cerritoscenter.com.
This article was released by the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.