Chattanooga Comes Alive with the Glenn Miller Orchestra
Chattanooga, a city known for its rich musical traditions, truly came alive this past Friday night at the UTC Fine Arts Center. The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra hit the stage and brought an enthusiastic audience to their feet, particularly when they delivered a spirited performance of the classic hit, “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”
A Night to Remember
The two-hour concert kicked off with the timeless “Moonlight Serenade,” a beloved theme that resonates with fans young and old. But hold onto your hats, because the real magic unfolded as the orchestra took the crowd on a musical journey through the ages, performing one famous song after another while sprinkling in a few cherished standards from the “Great American Songbook.”
Each number elicited rich applause, especially when the orchestra played “In the Mood,” a chart-topping sensation from 1939-40. You could see the excitement ripple through the auditorium as music lovers basked in nostalgia brought on by the orchestra’s stellar rendition of classic hits like “String of Pearls,” “American Patrol,” “I Know Why and So Do You,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” and “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.”
The Showstopper
But it was during “Chattanooga Choo Choo” that the audience went wild, rising to their feet in a chorus of cheers and applause. Music director Erik Stabnau led the orchestra in a stunning encore, reaffirming that this beloved song, the first gold record ever in music history, never fails to strike a chord with fans. In 1941, “Chattanooga Choo Choo” topped the Billboard chart for an impressive nine consecutive weeks and remains one of the hallmarks of the Glenn Miller legacy, originally featured in the movie “Sun Valley Serenade.”
The Stars of the Night
A standout highlight of the evening was the performance by Miss Jenny Swoish, a gifted young vocalist from Nashville. With over 200 concerts each year alongside the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ms. Swoish captivated the audience with her beautiful voice. After the show, she took the time to meet fans during intermission, signing programs and promoting her latest compact disc, “Tonight in Dreamland,” which features gems like “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland,” “Over the Rainbow,” and a vocal version of “Moonlight Serenade.”
In a fun twist, retired City Court Judge Russell Bean jokingly offered to perform an impromptu wedding ceremony for Ms. Swoish and her fiancé, drummer Dean Schweiger, right in the auditorium foyer.
A Remembrance of a Musical Legend
Stabnau’s ability to recreate the original harmonic produce of the Modernaires, who performed with the early Glenn Miller Orchestra, brought a fresh sound to the nostalgic tunes. It’s truly remarkable how this orchestra, made up of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds—including a young saxophonist from Tokyo and a pianist from Kenya—continues to keep the spirit of Glenn Miller alive and well.
One of the most cherished memories of the evening was imagining how thrilled the late Luther Masingill, a beloved voice on Chattanooga airwaves, would have been if he were in attendance. Luther famously adored Glenn Miller’s music, particularly “In the Mood,” and would have cherished the exhilarating atmosphere on Friday night.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Despite the lingering melancholy of Glenn Miller’s tragic end in December 1944, his music has stood the test of time and continues to charm thousands of fans over 80 years later. The orchestra’s tour across the United States includes a stop in Nashville, where they recently filmed a segment for Mike Huckabee’s television program. Their 80th anniversary CD featured a collaboration with country singer Crystal Gayle, covering “Sentimental Journey.”
The Glenn Miller Orchestra is not just an ensemble, but a vibrant celebration of music that binds people together, reminding us of the golden age of big bands and the enduring allure of jazz. As their unforgettable performance resonated through the walls of the UTC Fine Arts Center, it was clear that the spirit of Glenn Miller would continue to shine, one heartfelt note at a time.
