The 2011-12 Galaxy of Stars Series at Western Carolina University continues with a performance by the Pied Pipers and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the WCU campus.
The Pied Pipers and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra will perform their joint holiday show, “A Christmas Gift.” The show, filled with song classics from the World War II era, also will feature holiday favorites.
The Pied Pipers are one of the most popular groups of the World War II era and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra was one of the best known big bands. Versions of the Pied Pipers have been around for more than 70 years, with the current group including Nancy Knorr, Chris Sanders, Kevin Kennard and Don Lucas. The group was named the No. 1 vocal group of all time for six consecutive years by Billboard magazine. In 2001, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Bill Tole will direct the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, a position he’s held since 2002. Tole has performed with other notable acts including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Martin.
This show comes highly reviewed by older audiences. After leaving this performance the audience will be reminiscing past holidays and embracing the approaching season.
Paul Lormand, Director of the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, recommends reserving tickets now.
“With there only being one performance, tickets are selling fast,” Lormand said.
“A Christmas Gift” is sponsored by F. Patrick McGuire and David S. McGuire Dentistry in Sylva. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and seniors; $15 for faculty and staff; $10 for groups of 20 or more; and $5 for children and students.
The Galaxy of Stars Series began in 2005 and features world-class theater, music and dance staged in the Bardo Arts Center and presented by the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Up next is Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway” on Friday, Jan. 27. This year, the series has enjoyed a 10 percent increase in the number of season ticketholders as well as a sold-out first performance according to Lormand.
