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My mother and I had the privilege and honor of listening to The Josh Duffee Big Band Orchestra who performed at the Hackensack Community Center on June 19th and 20th. Through hard work and dedication, the Northwoods Arts Council ( NAC) and many other supportive individuals made this unique event come true. It was a thrill to experience this caliber of musical entertainment just minutes from my door step without fighting the crowds or breaking the bank. Believing the arts are for everyone, as the NAC exemplifies, it was an event the entire family could enjoy together. The musical venue included music from the 1920's - 1940's.

Friday night's program featured music and an area was set aside for people who wanted to move their feet. Some chose to dance wherever they could find the room... and I even noticed some dipping going on in classic dance-era style! The 11 piece band played for two and a half hours with one 20 minute break. After four or five songs the band members would take a few minutes to confer with each other, then resumed playing. In typical big band style, individual members of the orchestra would be showcased as they stood while playing their instruments bringing plenty of well-deserved applause! Some of the many classic songs they played included: String of Pearls, In the Mood, Little Brown Jug, Puttin' on the Ritz, and Moonlight Serenade.

Josh Duffee, the leader and drummer in the band is considered one of the world's leading 1920's style percussionists. His absolute passion and enthusiasm for the 1920's-1940's is evident down to his rare and beautiful 1938 drum set. Josh and his band members truly seemed to have walked right out of that era and onto the stage! If you closed your eyes and listened, you could imagine yourself back in time at places like the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul, where mom saw Glenn Miller perform when she was young, and it was so packed that couples could only stand and sway to the music.

Life is full of moments that enrich our lives, and music is a kind of magic that weaves people and generations together. Mom and I deeply appreciate Josh Duffee and the entire band and to all those who made this unique and enjoyable evening happen.[[In-content Ad]]

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