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A fundraising concert Sunday will feature the music of Harry James and Louis Armstrong.
By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 15, 2002
LECANTO -- Sunday's Big Band concert gives music lovers a chance to enjoy the songs of two swing music greats while raising funds for local charities.
The 42nd Street Orchestra will feature the music of Harry James and Louis Armstrong at its two concerts Sunday at Curtis Peterson Auditorium.
Trumpet player Charly Raymond of the 42nd St. Orchestra will take a leading role playing James' hit songs such as Sleepy Time Gal, I've Heard That Song Before, Macarena, You Made Me Love You, Flight of the Bumble Bee and Two O'Clock Jump.
Harry James was considered one of the top trumpet players of the swing era. A master of dynamics, James could coax every imaginable tone and sound level from his horn. After playing with regional bands, he joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra in 1936. He left after three years to front the band which bears his name. He gave Frank Sinatra his first opportunity as a lead singer for a major big band. James died in 1983.
Featured guests will be Bill White performing Satchmo Lives a Louis Armstrong tribute show, and guest vocalist Lisa Donovan.
White's impersonations of Armstrong only begin with an incredible musical understanding of Satchmo's horn-playing style. He also captures the legendary mannerisms and scat singing style that made Armstrong so popular.
The concert is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Homosassa Springs. Shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door. Tickets are available at any Regions Bank, Bank of America and SunTrust Bank in Citrus County or at the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce offices in Homosassa Springs, Crystal River and Inverness. Call 382-3197 or 382-3774.
The Kiwanis Club of Homosassa Springs uses proceeds from the concert to support many local activities and community needs. The club supports education scholarships, funding for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Key Training Center Field Day, Builders Clubs and Lecanto Middle School and Central Catholic School and the Key Club at Lecanto High.