The twentieth century was truly the American Century. Whether you look at science, technology, industry, economics, sports, or arts and culture, in all cases, the United States began the 1900s as an upstart nation and emerged, only a few decades later, as the undisputed world leader. While Americans left their mark in all those fields, it was in music that we, as a nation, created something which forever changed the world. Ragtime, Dixieland, Jazz, Broadway, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and the many and varied forms of Rock, were all born and bred during the American Century. Those musical styles spread across the globe, reaching every corner of the earth, informing and transforming it in a uniquely American way.
Vocalists Beth Reid and Bill Gottshall will sing some of the key, influential songs from the American Century. From the Gershwin Brothers’ hits of the Broadway stage, the Hollywood screen, and even the opera house, to the timeless standards made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Billie Holliday, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, and Mel Torme, “Songs of the American Century” will showcase the music which made our country world famous.
Reid and Gottshall will front a band which features some of the area’s leading jazz musicians. Saxophonists Ed Etkins and Andrew Neu, trumpeters Peter Neu and Lloyd Debonis, bassist Michael Etkins, and drummer John Moran have all performed in front of countless audiences, in both large ensembles and small. Most of the band members are veteran big band performers, having played behind headliners in casinos or on cruise ships. The instrumentalists will also shine during the “Songs of the American Century” show, as the band will demonstrate the unique way in which jazz musicians work and re-work the melodies and harmonies of well-known songs, breathing new life into the interpretation of America’s greatest contribution to the world: its music.
The band will perform two 90-minute shows, starting at 7:00 and 9:00 pm. There will be different music at both shows, so come to both performances and make a night of it!