Glenn Miller and all that jazz
At this time of year, one question is on everyone’s mind: Why put on a show dedicated to Glenn Miller?
Because he was a jazzy genius? Because his spirited tunes have survived decades after his death? Because he captures musicians and to this day they long to play his rhythms? No. It must be because the elders of Logan could use a night out.
By elderly, I mean the mature citizens of Cache Valley who have memories of Glenn Miller and want to reminisce about the good ol’ days when music was toe-tappingly pure.
However, the show does not discriminate against age groups. Jazz fans, young and old, will enjoy not just a night out, but also a celebration of the past.
Unfortunately, this show isn’t performed consistently. Last year it was not performed. Some years there is enough money to put it on; other years there is not. That’s just show business.
But like most show musicians, Larry Smith, a performer in the show, doesn’t worry about funding. He’s just happy to be able to play. It doesn’t matter that they couldn’t play last year or might not be able to play next year. What matters is for the next two months Miller’s music is readily available.
“I sit there and I play and I don’t know anything else,” Smith said.
This is what Miller’s music does for a person. And the music is only half the show. Twirling across the stage in sparkling routines, the Sunburst Singers were definitely at my service.
The Glenn Miller show will never be in danger of playing to an empty house. And Glenn Miller’s music will never be in danger of fading away. Several residents of Cache Valley told me every time the show is performed they will attend.
Students can buy discount tickets for the February 7 and 21 shows, so I suggest turning off your modern music and paying tribute to this jazzman. He has a way of putting people in the mood.