SEMO TO SWING TO BIG BAND SOUNDS

Southeast Missouri State University will swing to Big Band sounds Saturday night.

For the second year in a row, the University Jazz Band will perform Big Band music as part of the university's homecoming celebration.

The evening of music and dancing begins at 8 p.m. in the Show Me Center.

Tickets can be purchased from the music department or at the door. The admission charge includes hors d'oeuvres. There will be a cash bar.

"Last year, we had nearly 500 people there," said Barry Bernhardt, who directs the University Jazz Band.

"We were really surprised," he said.

Bernhardt has received phone calls from alumni interested in attending Saturday's event. He welcomes the interest.

"The more people you have at something like this, the better time everyone has," he said.

Big Band music of the 1940s and 1950s has become popular once again. "It is a real big thing in the major cities," Bernhardt said.

"I know there are a lot of people who enjoy dancing to that kind of music or just listening to that music," he said.

This year's event will feature the vocal talents of music department faculty members, as well as involving Dr. Marc Strauss and students of his dance program.

Bernhardt said the Jazz Band enjoys playing Big Band tunes like "In the Mood" and "Take the `A' Train."

"There are a lot of times that I take my horn out and sit in with the band," said Bernhardt, who plays the trumpet.

Bernhardt said the music appeals to a variety of age groups, from retirees to college students.

"It is fun music," he said. "It definitely is a nice way to cap off the weekend."