National Public Radio show to feature the music of BLUE MOON Big Band
– David Miller’s “Swingin’ Down the Lane” radio program to profile Baltimore based orchestra in spring 2002 –
BALTIMORE, MD – April 22, 2002 – Maryland-based Blue Moon Big Band, a 19-piece swing orchestra that specializes in the timeless music of the American swing era, announced today that National Public Radio’s “Swingin’ Down the Lane” radio program will feature the band as the showcase entertainer on a one-hour broadcast scheduled to be aired during the week of May 13, 2002. Hosted and produced by David Miller, PhD, the NPR program airs weekly on over 40 stations nationwide. The feature program, “Blue Moon Big Band – Modern Day Swing Orchestra From Maryland,” promises to deliver music from Blue Moon Big Band’s studio and live recordings, as well as interviews with the bandleader and vocalist.
Dr. Miller said, “It was a revelation to find a territory band that’s faithfully carrying on the big band tradition in the 21st Century. I’ve heard plenty of outfits that play the old standards note for note, but the Blue Moon Big Band goes them better, with fresh new arrangements of time-tested classics.” Miller’s “Swingin’ Down the Lane” program first aired in 1983.
Broadcast Dates / Stations Airing the Program
The “Swingin’ Down the Lane” program will be transmitted to a satellite on May 14, and radio stations across the U.S. will typically provide a broadcast within one week, each according to its own schedule. The list of radio stations airing the program can be found on the “Swingin’ Down the Lane” web site, located at www.bigband-era.com. The program featuring Blue Moon Big Band may be heard in streaming audio via the Internet at www.kccu.org on Lawton, Oklahoma-based radio station KCCU (89.3 FM) on Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM ET. After accessing the site, visitors should click on the “Listen Now” button.
Rob Leonard, bandleader and founder of Blue Moon Big Band said, “This is really exciting for the band. We’ve appeared on the program on two other occasions, but never as the headliner. When Dr. Miller learned of the release of our third CD, ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It,’ he asked that I send him a copy. The next thing I knew, we were discussing a feature broadcast to showcase the new CD as well as some material from our earlier recordings.” Born in Baltimore, MD, Rob has been a swing enthusiast since he first began playing trumpet at the age of nine.
Vocalist Teresa Leonard added, “It’s so rewarding and gratifying to share our love of the greatest music ever written. Big band and swing music has made its mark as the most enduring music in history, and it’s great to know that programs like ‘Swingin’ Down the Lane’ are keeping the sound alive and sharing it with today’s new generation of swing music fans.” Fans and listeners of Blue Moon Big Band have likened Teresa’s vocals to the styles of classic performers such as Peggy Lee, Doris Day, and Mary Wells. Teresa is originally from the Philadelphia, PA area.
Blue Moon Big Band first appeared on “Swingin’ Down the Lane” in February 1999, on the third installment of Miller’s “Here and Now” series. Leading off the program with its recording of Gershwin’s “Somebody Loves Me,” Blue Moon was followed by a string of marquee performers including Tony Bennett, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Eddie Reed Big Band, the George Gee Big Band, and others. “Somebody Loves Me” appeared on Blue Moon Big Band’s November 1998 debut recording, “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.”
In May 1999, Blue Moon made its second appearance on the weekly program with the radio debut of the band’s version of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan,” also from its 1998 CD. Other performers on that program included Natalie Cole, The Airmen of Note, The Buddy Morrow Orchestra, Ray Anthony, and the BBC Big Band. In addition to numerous airings on regional radio stations, the band has appeared on several live and pre-recorded television programs. Blue Moon Big Band records under the Sound Works Audio label. Blue Moon Big Band’s newest release, “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” is the band’s third recording in as many years.
About Blue Moon Big Band
Formed in May 1998, Blue Moon Big Band is a Maryland-based 19-piece swing orchestra, specializing in the timeless music of the American swing era. Performing for audiences throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Blue Moon Big Band has entertained at large functions for as many as 3,000 and at more intimate settings for as few as several dozen listeners and dancers. The band has also performed at both live and recorded television and radio events. Blue Moon Big Band has worked with some of the area’s top dance instructors, including the reigning American Lindy Hop Champions, and can arrange lessons before the event. The full orchestra, as well as its smaller partner ensemble Li’l Bit of Blue, is available for wedding receptions, corporate and private parties, dances, concerts, and other special events, and can provide anything from jump and jive for clubs or festivals to big band dance music for an elegant party or reception. For pricing and availability information, contact bandleader Rob Leonard at 410.756.2473 or 301.639.0770. For additional information, visit the Blue Moon Big Band website: www.bluemoonbigband.com.