The Artie Shaw Orchestra to Perform at Patchogue Theatre, 5/3

Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (PTPA) will present "Let's Swing: The Artie Shaw Orchestra" on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. Relive the days of the Swing Era, from 1935 to 1946, when big band swing music ruled the radio airwaves and concert halls of the United States. Born on May 23, 1910, Arthur Jacob Arshawsky, otherwise known as Artie Shaw, was an American clarinetist, composer and bandleader. Shaw became widely regarded as "one of jazz's finest clarinetists," and led one of the United States' most popular big bands in the late 1930s through the early 1940s. Though he had numerous hit records, he was perhaps best known for his 1938 recording of Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine."

Prior to the release of "Beguine," Shaw and his fledgling band had languished in relative obscurity for over two years. After the record's release, Shaw became a major pop artist within short order. The record eventually became of one of the era's most defining recordings. Musically restless, Shaw was also an early proponent of what became known much later as "Third Stream" music, which blended elements of classical and jazz forms and traditions.

Shaw recorded with small jazz groups drawn from within the ranks of the various big bands he led. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1944, during which time he led a morale-building band that toured the South Pacific amidst the chaos of World War II. Following his discharge in 1944, Shaw returned to lead a band through 1945. After the dissolution of that band, Shaw began to focus on other interests and gradually withdrew from the world of being a professional musician and major celebrity; although he remained an influential force in popular music and jazz before retiring from music altogether in 1954. Artie Shaw was also a published author, who wrote both fiction and non-fiction literature. Tickets for "Let's Swing: The Artie Shaw Orchestra" are now available online at PatchogueTheatre.org, by phone or at the box office.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $65 plus fee. For more information on The Artie Shaw Orchestra, visit patchoguetheatre.org or call the box office at 631-207-1313.