Glenn Miller 1940s Concert Night

Kentwell's Glenn Miller 1940s Night

This will be the 9th year in succcession that we have held such a night and this year we welcome the Nick Ross Orchestra for the first time. It promises to be another evening of pure nostalgia as once again the strains of Glenn Miller's unique sound fill the air. The evening complements (and starts) the Re-Creation of Daily WWII Life this weekend. Join the throng, in 1940s clothes if you wish, to Jitterbug on the Courtyard. Or just relax on the lawns in Kentwell's magical romantic setting to enjoy the music and the occasion while you picnic.

1940s Dress

If you want to dress up in appropriate 1940s gear (civilian or military but Allied uniforms and costumes only, please), you will not feel out of place among many doing likewise. If you don't feel like dressing up, don't worry you won't be alone.

Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller was born in 1904. By the time of WWII his band was hugely successful in the US. After America joined the War, he too old to be drafted instead enlisted his band. During the relatively short time his band was in Europe his sound came to embody the whole spirit of WWII.
Nowadays, his music more than ever seems to epitomise those wartime years. Yet it still sounds as fresh and lively today as when first performed. So many of his melodies and arrangements are classics that it is hard to think of a bandleader whose music is more instantly recognizable.

Nick Ross is a local man having been born in Newmarket in June 1961. He studied Piano with Prof. Hannah Ellis, and then in his teens, music with Colin Blackburn. In the late '70s he joined a local dance band, and by the early '80s, he lead his own band on various Summer Season, Hotel, and Cruise Line contracts. By the summer of 1985, he started putting together the classic Big Band Line-up of Saxes, Trumpets, Trombones, Rhythm Section and Singers, which became the 'NRO'.

The first Big Band that Nick ever heard live was the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, and this year the NRO follow that band as the Kentwell Glenn Miller sound.

The NRO has toured both in the UK and Internationally.

Dancing

Dance on the Courtyard at Kentwell in front of the raised Stage. You won't obstruct the view of those picnicking on the Front Lawns.

Dance Demonstration & Instruction

There will be Expert Dancers to demonstrate Jive and Jitterbug dancing and to give instruction both before the Band starts from 7.00pm and during the interval.

Weather

The performance will continue whatever the weather so bring suitable clothing for the likely conditions. Warm or waterproof clothing and headgear may be necessary.

Finish Time

Approximately 10.30pm

Catering

Picnicking

You may picnic on the Lawns while you watch. (Gates Open at 6.30pm) After dark House & Gardens will be floodlit.

Picnic Table Hire

Kentwell has small 4, larger 4, 6 & 8 seater Picnic Tables for hire which must be pre-booked.

Kentwell Catering

Beer Tent serving beer and wine. Refreshment Tent serving Grills & Snacks, Hot drinks. Or you may order in advance a Kentwell Picnic-in-a-Basket