Archives for Harry James Orchestra

Join us! 100th anniversary of the end of World War I; observances at the Natatorium

Six merchant mariners killed in a submarine attack on the S.S. Aztec. The Hawaii Naval Militia deployed on the U.S.S. St. Louis for convoy duty in the Atlantic. More than 5,500 soldiers readied for war in what is still the largest mobilization in Hawaii National Guard history. Red Cross ambulance drivers in France. Sweater-knitting schoolkids and firefighters. Bandage rollers in the Iolani Palace throne room. Liberty Bond buyers. In all, more than 10,000 men and women from Hawaii volunteered for service in World War I. At least 101 of them died. And many, many more served in one way or
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Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, History, Veterans, and Veterans Day.

The Natatorium’s Friday ‘Taps’ Tradition Grows: Bagpipes and Trumpet

Our bagpipe contingent is up to three! Last December, piper Kim Greeley began playing at the War Memorial Natatorium every Friday at sunset. She volunteered for the gig – playing tunes like Coming Home and Amazing Grace before sounding Taps – as her weekly tribute to the 10,000 World War I servicemen and women from Hawaii whose memories are enshrined at the Natatorium. Later, fellow piper Hardy Spoehr joined in. More recently, piper Theresa Bell, like Kim a member of Celtic Kula Pipe Band, has also helped to patrol the Natatorium gates on Friday evenings. Guest Trumpet On Friday, Oct.
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Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, Uncategorized, and Videos.

Natatorium Big Band Benefit on Video

Our Big Band Benefit for the Natatorium was a huge success: Great crowd, great music, great dancing, and a great time for all. The Harry James Orchestra, led by the superb Fred Radke, was in terrific form. We know that so many of our off-island friends and supporters really wanted to be there. Since you couldn’t come to the show, now we’re bringing the show to you! We sent a camera out onto the dance floor and right up to the bandstand. Here’s an excerpt from the hugely popular “Take the ‘A’ Train:” httpv://vimeo.com/72510151 Mahalo Thanks to everyone who made
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Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, Uncategorized, and Videos.

Natatorium Big Band Benefit: Swing Dance with Us on Aug. 11

The legendary Harry James Orchestra – the big band that gave Frank Sinatra his first big break – is coming to Hawai’i to play a benefit for restoration and reopening of the War Memorial Natatorium. Join us to swing dance — or just to listen — on Sunday, Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Honolulu Elks Lodge. NOTE: ADVANCE TICKET SALES HAVE CLOSED. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $45.
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Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, and Uncategorized.