Get sentimental over 1940s big band hits

The songs in the show include “Sing Sing Sing,” “Dream,” “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” and the show’s title number “In the Mood,” which the Glenn Miller Orchestra popularized.

	If you go WHAT: “In the Mood – A 1940s Musical Revue” WHEN: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, April 12 WHERE: Popejoy Hall, UNM Center for the Arts HOW MUCH: $10, $29.50, $34.50 and $39.50 in advance at ticket offices in the UNM Bookstore and the Pit, at select area Albertsons supermarkets, by calling 925-5858 or toll-free 877-664-8661, by visiting www.unmtickets.com or at the door

The show opens with a medley of hits by such big bands as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Les Brown and Woody Herman.

“It’s a sample of different styles in eight minutes,” said Bud Forrest, the show’s producer, artistic director and pianist.

“The songs are very emotional for many people, especially the older folks who grew up in this era.”

There were so many popular songs of that period that Forrest said his most difficult job is to decide what songs to leave out of the show.

The show presents a 13-piece band and six singer-dancers.

“We’ll add a song or two to feature a person with a particular talent,” he said.

For example, tenor Ryan Latour is featured in an all-male trio singing “All or Nothing at All.”

Latour also is spotlighted in “Danny Boy,” which is part of the show’s tribute to the armed forces.

Another singer, John Kownacki, is the show’s narrator.

The “In the Mood” revue got its start in 1993 when it was asked to perform in Washington, D.C., as part of a series of activities commemorating World War II.

“Five thousand people showed up for a big block party,” Forrest said.

In the audience were some United Service Organizations people who invited the band to play at some of its functions. The next year the revue began touring nationally and then internationally.

It has been asked to return to Australia where it sold out 32 performances two years ago, Forrest said.

“People just love this music. A good melody is timeless and American songwriters are the gold standard,” he said.

“(The 1940s) were the last time every American was listening and dancing to the same type of music. Now the music is more diverse. There are more choices.”