"American Big Band" is the theatrical 'Sentimental Journey' of the Big Band Era in America. In this new theatrically-staged, costumed and choreographed production by award winning producer Matt Davenport, 20 singers, dancers and musicians bring the Big Band story to life featuring the greatest highlights of the last 80 years of Big Band music in America. The sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and many more are sure to get you 'In the Mood' with the very best of the American Big Band.

The show is set as a radio program and from different locations throughout the USA (The Savoy, The Palomar Ballroom in Hollywood, Billy Rose's Music Hall in NYC, Cotton Club, etc...) They "broadcast" to the audience...an emcee helps tell the story and sometimes becomes the radio announcer.

REVIEW 

"...The Big Band era remains so popular that many of its big-name orchestras still are touring under new leadership, while "revue" shows are a dime a dozen. This one stands at the top of the heap. It was a class act from start to finish, with a high-energy flow; nearly 40 songs from the era; gorgeous, ever-changing evening gowns worn by the women; just enough set to keep thing visually interesting; sharp choreography; a dynamite 11-piece big band; and smart direction that continually mixed things up from solos to duets to quartets to production numbers, even an a cappella number as well as instrumental solos celebrating the likes of Woody Herman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and Artie Shaw." -- Monday, April 10, 2006   JANET I. MARTINEAU, THE SAGINAW NEWS

Quotes from Presenters...

"I want to let you know how well received the American Big Band Show was in Lakeland. Both the afternoon matinee as well as the evening performance were outstanding. Some of the quotes I heard from patrons as they left the theater were: 'Great way to end the season', 'Best show of the year', ' an inspiring trip down memory lane', 'a truly high energy experience', and so on and so on. The event exceeded our expectations and certainly those of our attendees. Great vocal, superior dancing and a nostalgic theme made for a fantastic show."-- Mike LaPan, CFE  Director, The Lakeland Center, April 2, 2005 

"I wanted to thank you for recommending American Big Band.  What a nice group of people to work with and what a wonderful show they put on.  My audience absolutely loved it. We had a waiting list for tickets of at least 200."-- Jane Schumacher - USC Aiken, November 11, 2004 

"Just a few words of praise for our concert, 'American Big Band' on Feb. 14th 2004 in Merrick, Long Island.. The presentation was a show well beyond our expectations.  The band, the soloists, the singers, the dancers were all absolutely fantastic and very professional in every way.  The costuming and the props were unbelievable.  I do not hesitate to say that it was one of our best concerts in our 50 years of existence.  The audience loved every minute!!"-- Lou Wasserman - Merrick-Bellmore Concerts Ass'n, February, 16, 2004

"The American Big Band was great. Our audiences were very pleased with all aspects of the production. And most of all, the sound tech knew what he was doing and the sound was just right for our building. It was a very pleasant evening of great hits from the world’s best big bands. Many people commented about the variety of music from the different bands and the evening did not feature just one band style. That is what enticed them to enjoy the evening at the King Center.  Thanks again for a great evening."-- Steve Janicki - King Center - Melbourne, Florida, January, 2004

"American Big Band' is a stunningly accurate representation of the music, dance and romance of the era.  The show has appeal for all ages, and keeps the audience jumpin' with the exceptional cast and orchestra to music that they love.  It's evident that this project was produced and directed with loving care and reverence to the genre--a trademark of Matt Davenport Productions."-- Karen Lauck - Hot Springs Village Concerts Association 4/8/04

"Thank you so much for sending the American Big Band to the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University for our 10th anniversary celebration. It was a great event and a fabulous concert. The musicians, singers, and dancers were just terrific and the amount of energy they transmitted to our audience was incredible. This performance was a perfect way to celebrate ten years of offering the best in live performances at Clemson University."-- Lillian Harder, Director   Brooks Center 2/3/04