Glenn Miller Orchestra to Perform at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Courtesy photo

The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform at the Kahilu Theatre’s 3rd Swing Spectacular on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. The event takes place in the grand ballroom of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our island community to gather, to enjoy some of the best music from the ages, to dance to our heart’s content, and to honor our veterans,” said Kahilu Theatre Board President Mimi Kerley. “We encourage everyone to get in the mood and don their swing-era best! It will be an evening to remember, including prizes and surprises. ”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra is responsible for creating the most recognizable music in modern history and has been hailed by some as the greatest band of all time. During the 1940’s Glenn Miller had more hit records than Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Led by Musical Director Richard Gerber with special guest appearance by Mark Kopitzke and Natalie Angst of the Moonlight Serenade Singers, all of the famous Glenn Miller classics will be performed. The concert will showcase the original music arrangements from the 1930s and 1940s including Chattanooga Choo-Choo, A String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and In The Mood.

Bandleader and musician Glenn Miller inspired the World War II generation and boosted morale with his many popular songs. He formed the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1937, and a series of recordings followed.

In 1942, at the peak of his civilian career, Miller decided to join the war effort. At age 38 Miller was too old to be drafted, however, he persuaded the United States Army to accept him so he could, in his own words, “be placed in charge of a modernized Army band.” In 1944, Glenn Miller mysteriously disappeared in flight over the English Channel from London to Paris.

His original recordings continue to in the sell millions. His legacy as the most influential and famous bandleader of all time and the icon of the golden swing era continues to inspire the current Glenn Miller Orchestra and its members.

Kahilu Theatre will also present a special tribute to veterans during the event. Dance performances from The Swing Kittens and the Kona Dance Academy will also add to the evening’s festivities.

Tickets are $45 per person, general admission, and $75 per person, for VIP seating. A no host bar and themed cuisine will be available. Proceeds from this event benefit the Kahilu Theatre’s education program scholarship fund.

Tickets are available online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by phone at (808) 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This performance is made possible by sponsorship from Nancy Lematta and the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.