The Artie Shaw Orchestra

One of the greatest all-around dance bands -- The Artie Shaw Orchestra -- will perform at one of the area’s greatest all-around music halls, the Smith Opera House. Under the direction of Rich Chiaraluce while longtime leader Dick Johnson takes time off, the legacy of the clarinet titan and musical genius returns to The Smith for one extraordinary performance.

Swing dancing from the 1940s is a lively, invigorating and intimate form of participatory entertainment for dancers of all ages. The Artie Shaw Orchestra featuring some of the nation’s finest jazz musicians has traveled throughout the country performing its swing classics including Star Dust, Moonglow, Dancing in the Dark, and Begin the Beguine to rave reviews.

The orchestra has a unique formula that has something for a full spectrum of audiences. The orchestra focuses on Big Band and jazz music and performs old classics and new songs in each concert. Johnson has recorded extensively for the Concord Jazz record label with his friend and piano virtuoso Dave McKenna. He was also praised in a New York City media article by the great Benny Goodman. 

Come out and experience the boundless Artie Shaw legacy in the historic and acoustically superb Smith Opera House. The first three rows of seats in the auditorium have been removed (for one night only) to allow plenty of leg room for swing dancing.