Nancy Stephan
Staff Writer

   The 18-piece powerhouse “Stardust Big Band” entertained patrons and friends of the SEARK Concert Association in the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Fine Arts Center Sunday, Jan. 21. 

Courtesy of Jennifer Hensley

Stardust Big Band - Members of the Stardust Big Band pose for a picture after their performance, sponsored by the SEARK Concert Association, at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

   The band, which performs music ranging from the Big Band Era to the popular tunes of today, kept fingers snapping and feet stomping while they presented arrangements from such greats as Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman.  

   Band members opened the concert with “The Star Spangled Banner” and closed with “America the Beautiful” as the audience proudly joined in. Other selections included, “One For My Baby,” “The Gentle Rain,” “Satin Doll,” “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Moonlight in Vermont” and many more.  

   The group featured vocalist Shirley Chauvin Miller and her dynamic renditions of “I Just Found Out About Love,” “We’ll Be Together Again” and “Miss Otis Regrets.” 

   The Stardust Big Band formed in 1982 when a group of band directors from the Hot Springs area became aware of a need to perpetuate the sounds of jazz and swing music. They began scheduling weekly rehearsals, which required some members to travel from as far away as Benton, Malvern, Little Rock and Fayetteville.  

   Accomplished trombonist and band director Harvey Haley accepted directorship of the band, and with his leadership, the band reached its goal to renew the livelihood of the upbeat “Big Band Sound.”  The group also plays a variety of Dixieland, Country, Blues, Latin, Pop, Soft Rock and Polka. 

   SEARK Concert Association provides programming for music, drama and dance from September through May. SEARK aims to promote interest and enjoyment in the performing arts and educates and inspires its patrons and guests by offering opportunities for the performers and audience to share artistic experiences. Its wide range of opportunities adds to the community's cultural structure, which aims to attract both adults and children.

 

   SEARK offers UAM students free admission for all performances when presenting their student ID.