Harry James Orchestra Swings into Fort Lauderdale

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Harry James Orchestra Swings into Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Golden Age of Swing…if you’re a fan of swing and big band jazz, you won’t want to miss the Harry James Orchestra directed by Fred Radke in concert on March 11, 2009. This top notch orchestra has been swingin’ for decades and has thrilled audiences world-wide. The Golden Age of Swing with the Harry James Orchestra will take place at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show begins at 7:45 pm. Single tickets are $35 and $40 and are on sale through the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office at 954-462-0222 or online at http://www.goldcoastjazz.org/ or http://www.browardcenter.org/. A pre-concert Jazz Riff jazz talk will be given by radio personality Stu Grant at 7:00pm in the theater before the show.

Harry Haag James was born in 1916 and learned the trumpet from his father, a circus bandleader. James decided to pursue a professional career in music after winning a state high-school trumpet competition. He began to perform with dance bands, including the popular group led by Ben Pollack. Harry, a flawless, technically outstanding trumpeter, played for several years with the Benny Goodman Band before forming his own band in 1939 with a gifted but little known vocalist named Frank Sinatra. Harry went on to win fame in both the music world and in Hollywood.

A masterful trumpeter, big-band conductor, musical clinician and educator, recording artist, composer and arranger, and producer, Fred Radke was an original band member and the first choice to lead The Harry James Orchestra when Mr. James retired. It has been noted that Radke's style of trumpet playing is so similar to that of Mr. James that listeners often cannot discern the difference. “Fred has gained an outstanding reputation throughout the United States and Canada, as a great trumpet soloist, conductor and educator of music,” said Harry. Vocalist Gina Funes will also be featured in this concert. To learn more about Fred Radke and the Harry James Orchestra go to http://www.harryjames.band.com/.

The Gold Coast Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, jazz education programs and other events. Season sponsors include HI Foundation, BankAtlantic, DeMeo Young McGrath, Miller Wiggin & Associates, Morgan Stanley, The PaperMill, WLRN FM and the Riverside Hotel. Go online http://www.goldcoastjazz.org/ for more information about the Gold Coast Jazz Society or call 954-524-0805.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, and by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and Funding Arts Broward.

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Pam Dearden
Executive Director
Gold Coast Jazz Society
1350 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-524-0805
http://www.goldcoastjazz.org/
The Best in Classic Jazz

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