Swingtime Big Band takes to Eisenhower’s stage

from Nassau Herald 08-17-2023

Letters

There’s not many ensembles left that play “big band” music — jazz music, made popular in the early 1900s. But in New York, there’s the Swingtime Big Band, a Long Island-based, 20-piece music group that brings the Swing Era of music back to life.

The Swingtime Big Band hit the stage at Harry Chapin’s Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Aug. 10. Despite the afternoon rain, the performance still attracted dozens of Nassau residents, who came out to watch the show, all part of the county’s free summer concert series.

Swingtime’s band is known for its high energy performances that resonate nostalgia with audiences that know the classical recordings. Big band music includes popular tunes like “In the Mood,” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, “All or Nothing at All” by Frank Sinatra, and “At Last,” by Ella Fitzgerald — among countless other examples.

The band also hopes to inspire a new generation of listeners with the discovery of classic swing music.

Its lead female vocalist, Bobbie Ruth, recreates the vocal styles of legendary artists like Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Bette Midler and Judy Garland, among many others. Swingtime’s male vocalist, Zack Alexander emulates the sounds of Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, and of course, Frank Sinatra.

Performances are conducted by its artistic director Steve Shaiman, an accomplished musician himself, known for his animated leadership style on stage, and vast knowledge of big band music.

There’s was plenty of entertainment to go around — and of course, many hits from the “Great American Songbook.” For more on the Swingtime Big Band, visit SwingtimeNY.com.

For more on Nassau County’s upcoming summer events, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

— Jordan Vallone

Bobbie Ruth, Swingtime’s female lead, recreates the vocal styles of vocalists like Peggy Lee and Rosemary Clooney, among many others. Male vocalist Zack Alexander, at left, serenaded the audience during the performance. He’s known for emulating famous artists like Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

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