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Arts Alive!
Artie Shaw Orchestra
Current Schedule
Artie Shaw Orchestra
Using the standard big band instrumentation of 5 saxophones, 3 trombones, 4 trumpets, piano, bass and drums, Dick Johnson leads an organization of some of the best musicians from Boston, New York, and Washington. These musicians are usually at home playing for concerts, dances or jazz festivals. Artie's original bands featured many outstanding jazz soloists, and this band carries on that tradition. Many of the members are alumni of the bands of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and the Airmen of Notes, and even the Boston Pops.
Dick Johnson has had a career remarkably similar to Artie's. He played alto saxophone and clarinet in the Navy from 1944-46. His extensive big band experience includes playing with Neal Hefti in 1952, and tours with Charlie Spivak from 1952-55 and Buddy Morrow from 1955-58. Dick has recorded several jazz albums both as a leader and with others, including Woody Herman, and jazz pianist Dave McKenna. Dick has had his own small band, Swing Shift, since 1976, as well as the Dick Johnson Big Band. In 1983 Artie Shaw gave Dick the ultimate compliment, asking him to lead a new "Artie Shaw Orchestra."
For more information, contact:
Arts Alive, Inc.
P.O. Box 152
West Point, VA 23181
804-843-3475(phone)
804-843-4364(fax)
email:
artsaliveinc@yahoo.com