Sep 04 - Sep 08
Returning to Utah State University in Logan, UT the 13th Annual Celebrate America Show, "In The Miller Mood", combines elements audiences have come to love: Dinner, Show and Dance into one exciting and glamorous evening. This swinging musical show captures the timeless sound and style of Glenn Millers music and the big band era --a time when Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and other bands made a significant contribution to the morale of the nation through music - music that lifted spirits, boosted patriotism and helped sell War Bonds, when America was in the midst of World War Two. The show recreates that atmosphere by taking the audience back-in-time to a USO Show at Clark Field in the South Pacific, where troops are gathered to enjoy the latest in Stateside Entertainment.
Throughout the journey, the lush harmonies of the Stardust Singers, the excitement of the Stardust Dancers and the music of the Larry Smith Orchestra, provide a night packed with show-stopping music of the times including: In the Mood, Orange Colored Sky, Moonlight Serenade, String of Pearls, Sing Sing Sing, Peggy, The Pin Up Girl, Tuxedo Junction, TD's Boogie Woogie, Stardust and many more. It's a powerful production that some guests have called the "best show on the planet!"

Carl & Nada Lechtenberg say, “People like us from many cities in Utah, and from California and Oregon, express gratitude for this lavish musical entertainment, the likes of which we seldom see even in “so called” entertainment cities! Celebrate America is a resounding success! We love LOGAN…and we salute the Celebrate America Show!”

Retired Colonel Von W. Freeman says, “ We enjoy them (the shows) enough to drive about 1200 miles each way to attend. We have always rated the shows above anything we have seen in Las Vegas…a fine piece of family entertainment, and being a veteran of three wars I fully appreciate your efforts to honor veterans. We will be there as long as you folks put on the shows.”

Many feel the highlight of the evening is the Military Tributes to Veterans and Current Military. Singer Aprilrae Anthony Critchfield, has performed with the show the past 12 years, says, “It’s hard to keep singing when we see men who served in World War Two stand up. We study history in school, but here they are, the men who are living history. Every part of you wants to cry with appreciation. I love the military tributes.”

Band leader, Larry Smith, holds the honor of being named the first ever “Jazz Master” for the state of Utah. Smith headed Jazz Studies at Utah State University for over 38 years and plays the saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano. He has played in groups who have accompanied Gladys Knight, Shirley Jones, Bob Hope, Buddy DeFranco, Maureen McGovern, the Lennon Sisters, and the Four Freshman. Smith and several band members played in the former USU Glenn Miller Show for over 25 years.

Production Director, Brenda Anthony, reminds us "the show is just one part of this glamorous and exciting evening.It’s really three events in one. First is a delicious Grand Buffet Dinner, catered by award winning Utah State University Catering, next comes the sensational Broadway-style show, then the evening concludes with favorite big band tunes performed by the band and Singers - when the audience can dance or just enjoy listening. There’s really nothing else like it! While it’s easy to get lost in the music, the dancing or the humor, the show never lets you forget that its underlying purpose is to honor Veterans of all wars and people who have served our country. Its a tribute to, and celebration of, an Era in America when music brought the nation together.”

“In The Miller Mood” plays nightly from Sept 4-8 in the Evan Stevenson Ballroom on the Utah State University Campus in Logan, Utah. Tickets are available with or without dinner. All shows (except Sept 4) feature entertainment after the show with dancing. Group and student rates are available. Tickets available at www.celebrateamericashow.com or call Eccle Box Office 435-752-0026. Information: 435-753-1551.

Event Days: Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

Event Hours: Times vary- see website

Admission: Prices vary - see website

Location: Utah State University/Evan Stevenson Ballroom

Address: Taggart Student Center, USU Campus, Logan