Big Band Idols 
Concert @ Whipple Senior Center — April 24, 2015 @ 1 pm
Hit songs of vocalists who fronted Big Bands, jazz combos and society orchestras
Vintage acoustic guitars from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s
Sponsors: Weymouth Elder Srvcs and Weymouth Cultural Cncl, div. of MA Cultural Cncl

Clarinetist Benny Goodman and contingent
of Big Brass from his c. 1940 Jazz Orchestra

Weymouth Elder Services will offer a free concert by Ken Lelen at 1:00 pm on Friday April 24 2015 at Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, Weymouth MA 02191.
     For an authentic back-in-the-day sound, vocalist and vintage guitarist Ken Lelen will sing jazz and swing hits from the Big Band Era and pair each song with a guitar made in the same period.

     With clever lyrics and memorable melodies, songs in Lelen's program were hits in the 1930s or 1940s for such vocalists as Frank Sinatra, Mildred Bailey, Helen Forest, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee and many others. The singers often fronted Big Bands, jazz combos and society orchestras led by Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, Glenn Miller, Teddy Wilson, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Count Basie, Ted Weems and many others.

     Co-sponsored by Weymouth Elder Services and Weymouth Cultural Council, the concert at Whipple Senior Center may include such favorite hits as:

Orchestra leader Tommy Dorsey with vocalist
Frank Sinatra at RCA Studios in 1941

     I'll Never Smile Again — vocalist Frank Sinatra with Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

     Sentimental Journey — vocalist Dinah Shore with Les Brown's Band of Renown

     There I've Said It Again — vocalist Vaughn Monroe and his band

     Route 66 — vocalist Nat King Cole and his King Cole Trio

     Heartaches — Ted Weems Orchestra and whistler Elmo Tanner

     They Can't Take That Away From Me — vocalist Billie Holiday with Count Basie Band

Orchestra leader Benny Goodman and vocalist Peggy Lee
performing their 1943 hit, "Why Don't You Do Right?"

     Why Don't You Do Right? — vocalist Peggy Lee with Benny Goodman Orchestra

     It's Been A Long, Long Time — vocalist Bing Crosby with guitarist Les Paul

     Don't Get Around Much Anymore — Ink Spots

     Moonglow — clarinetist Artie Shaw and his band

     Paper Doll — Mills Brothers

     "Mr. Lelen is a genial performer, with a pleasant tenor," said New York Times. "The songs he plays will never go out of date."

     Lelen's program will trace some of the history and romance of the Big Band Era. To introduce the songs, he'll offer amusing anecdotes, savory musings or wry comments about the singers, songs, composers, band leaders and America in the 1930s and 1940s. 

     The musician will also display vintage acoustic guitars by Gibson, Martin, Regal, Schmidt and other U.S. firms. Each makes sound that is striking for its tone, character and sustain without use of pick-ups or electronic gimmicks.

     "People of all ages love these songs," Lelen said. "And they're pleasantly surprised by the robust sound and classy look of the vintage guitars."

Jazz pianist and band leader Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, mid-1940s

      Info: 781-682-6140 and www.weymouth.ma.us/elder-services

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©  2015 — Kenneth Lelen — All Rights Reserved