The 2017 Big Band Tribute–Songs from the Silver Screen at the Draper City Amphitheater Will Make You “In The Mood” to Dance the Night Away

By Amanda Berg Whittle

Going to Songs from the Silver Screen in Draper was the most fun my husband and I have had in quite a while. The amphitheater stage is large, the acoustics are wonderful, and the large grass terrace levels are comfortable and roomy, especially toward the back, where we sat. The best part, of course, is the music.

This performance is a combination of legendary swing solo, duet, trio, and ensemble songs and dances with back-up music provided by the extraordinary Riverton Jazz Band (directed by Preston Lloyd and Grant Hurst). The director, Valaura Arnold, and video producer, Adam Day, choose to have scenes from the movies these songs are most famously from in the background playing, often introducing the piece with a short clip that introduces the piece in the movie itself. This helps give context to the singing, costume (no costumer listed) and choreography choices (Stephanie Dana). I especially appreciate the costumer’s decision to dress the singers and dancers so they match the costumes in their accompanying movies almost perfectly. Arnold and Dana do a great job creating dances and overall movement that match the era of music, and the large group choreography, especially during the song “In the Mood”, is impressive and fun.

All 21 songs had soloists, so it would be impossible to name them all, but I would love to talk about some especially impressive singers and dancers. I have always enjoyed the Andrews Sisters, so I appreciate that Cory Ellen Nelson, Grace Hamner, and Luana Parkes work to achieve a tone quality and overall sound nearly matching the Andrews Sisters. It feels like I am watching them perform live. One male solo singer, Mike Handy (“Come Fly With Me” and “You Make Me Feel So Young”), and one female solo singer, director, Arnold (“As Time Goes By”), stick out to me when I think about the most authentic jazz voices and styles. I also appreciate Parkes’ (“Love Is Here To Stay”) ability to skat (jazz vocal improvise), and Jac Madsen‘s (“Night and Day”) Fred Astaire-esque dancing. Sarah Jane Hale opens up the show with a lovely and lively rendition of “Blue Skies,” which helps set the stage for a night of fabulous music!

The most impressive part of this show, however, is the band. The Riverton Jazz Band is so talented, they could easily travel to New York and be featured at the Blue Note. Their tenor saxophone player has a beautiful yet jazzy timbre to his playing, and does absolutely wonderful solos in over half the songs. The first (highest) trumpet player doesn’t sound screechy or bright on even the highest notes, and the fact that he can play in that range for almost two hours is incredibly awe-inspiring to me as a high brass and jazz trumpet player. I also enjoyed highly the trombone soloist, as his solos are exciting and humorous. Overall, the band was my favorite part of this performance because their overall musicality is far above what I would ever expect from a local jazz band.

If you have the time tonight, and tonight only, make sure you get down to the Draper Amphitheater and see the Big Band Tribute presented by the Draper Arts Council! Remember to bring your dancing shoes, as the dance floor is big enough to fit everyone! It’s outdoors, so remember also to have bug spray and a light jacket, as it gets cold after dark. If you prefer not to sit on the grass, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. So be sure to get to the Draper City Amphitheater tonight, for this show will surely fly you to the moon!

Draper Arts Council presents 2017 Big Band Tribute–Songs from the Silver Screen
Draper City Amphitheater 944 Vestry Rd, Draper, UT 84020
August 18th and 19th 7:30 PM
Tickets: Adults $10; Children 2-12 $7; Children under 2 are Free
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