Veteran's Day 11/11/11 - The Most to Me

On Friday, 11/11/11, I was able to spend Veteran's Day with 3 people who mean the most to me, listening to music that means the most to me, and honoring those who mean the most to our country. Yes there is a bit of patriotism in that last sentence that would make Henry David Thoreau roll over in his gave, but so be it. This Veteran's Day, one I will never forget, was spent with my father, Keith, nephew and godchild, Brandon, and best friend, Todd (aka Old Man River). The evening started with drinks, appetizers, pizza, and talk of everything Wisconsin Badger, before heading to The Outer Edge for a benefit concert by The Swing Time Big Band.

Appropriately on this Veteran's Day, the benefit concert raised money for the Old Glory Honor Flight program; an organization dedicated to flying local WWII veterans to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor. A great cause to honor the men and women who fought for our country!


Once the concert began, The Swing Time Big Band took those in attendance back to the 1930s & 40s with perennial favorites by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and many more. It was traditional big band with group arrangements, few solos, and a cohesive music driven by that feeling of swing. It transported me back in time to some of my favorite jazz; images of jazz greats filled my head: Lester Young - his saxophone cocked sideways - in the smokey Reno Club in Kansas City; Louis Armstrong, with handkerchief in hand, scat singing in front of a large band; and Artie Shaw coaxing delicate notes out of his clarinet. Musical bliss from a decade which witnessed a world world, the dust bowl, and 30% unemployment.

To my father, my nephew, and my best friend, I say thank you for a rousing night!
To The Swing Time Big Band - thank you for that enriching of the soul which can only come through live music.
Most importantly, to all those who have served or are currently serving THANK YOU!!!

For more information on the Old Glory Honor Flight program or The Swing Time Big Band, please click the appropriate link below:

Old Glory Honor Flight program: http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/

The Swing Time Big Band: http://theswingtimebigband.com/
Youtube video of The Swing Time Big Band performing "Alright Ok You Win"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jaLqLMsyGg

The Outer Edge: http://www.outeredge.com/