This Sunday is your chance to hit the dance floor with the backing of a big band orchestra



MILWAUKEE -- The sound of a classic big band is the type of music that just makes you want to get up and dance. Carl spent the morning getting into the swing of things at Turner Hall Ballroom.



About Big Band Grandstand (website)

On Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., WMSE returns to the Turner Hall Ballroom to present the fourth annual Big Band Grandstand with Dewey Gill, sponsored by Bob and Jenny Hillis in honor of Bob and Genie Friedman. This gala and silent auction event is a fundraiser for Milwaukee’s favorite community-powered radio station, WMSE.



The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is the featured entertainer at this year’s Big Band Grandstand, and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra will open the event. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best all-around big bands. It could swing with the best of them, and no other band could come close to Tommy’s when it came to playing ballads. Tommy Dorsey, “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”, was a master at creating warm, sentimental, and always musical moods… at superb dancing and listening tempos. Tommy sustained these moods through the arrangements of the likes of Paul Weston, Axel Stordahl and Sy Oliver, and he showcased singers who could project them brilliantly.

Today, the orchestra is lead by legendary clarinet and saxophone player Terry Myer whose arrangements of such classics as “Night And Day,” “Chicago Medley” and “Stardust” will transport big band fans to the height of Tommy Dorsey’s popularity. The incredibly talented Bryan Anthony takes the roll of crooning these beautiful songs.

“This year’s Big Band Grandstand will be even bigger than last year’s – and that is saying a lot! Thanks to this event, we are able to keep jazz alive not only in Milwaukee, but all over the world.  Our 24-hour, seven days a week online stream is proof of our commitment to this important genre.  We look forward to seeing everyone on the dance floor and formal dress is encouraged,” said Tom Crawford, WMSE station manager.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at www.pabsttheater.org and the WMSE studios, 820 N. Milwaukee St.