MONROE - Big band music is coming to the Monroe Arts center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 with a performance by the All that Jazz Big Band.
In 1985, All That Jazz Big Band started as a rehearsal band in a Middleton basement. Under the direction of Paul Heinecke, this now 20-plus strong band hailing from Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois has earned the reputation of one of the best big bands in the area. They are a regular feature at Madison's Art Fair on the Square and Tunes at Monona Terrace. They have opened shows for the a cappella group, Rockapella, for singer and actor Tom Wopat. They have recently gained national exposure when they appeared on CBS The Early Show.
Their program titled "Big Bands - Big Names," will be packed with big band hits as recorded by bandleaders such as Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and others. Joining the band for the show are vocalists Donna Van Bogaert and Judy Knudtson.
Now living in Cincinnati, Ohio, vocalist Donna Van Bogaert was a previous Monroe resident. She worked at the Swiss Colony as the company's first in-house graphic artist four years, designing everything from displays to product labels, and worked side-by-side with then Chicago-based artist Helen Endres, who created the Colony's world-famous Chris Mouse. During this time, Van Bogaert was active in the Monroe community and was a member of the first Bel Canto Singers, as well as being involved with events at the Monroe Arts Center.
"I have many fond memories of singing in Monroe at the Swiss Colony Rathskellar, Monroe Country Club, Turner Hall, and Maple Grove Inn, which is now called the Heritage House," Van Bogaert said. When she left Monroe to take a job in Madison, she continued to return to Monroe to sing for various events.
"My Monroe years were good years and they resulted in many lifelong friendships. Coming back to Monroe is always a little like coming home," she said.
Having sung with Monroe, Freeport, and Rockford concert bands, Knudtson said she is having a great time singing with All That Jazz Big Band whenever Donna is not available. Additionally, Knudtson sings with Bel Canto Singers, at the annual Cannova's Christmas Dinner show in Freeport, and has previously appeared on the MAC stage with Voices Unlimited, "Pump Boys and Dinnettes," and "Hollywood Revisited." At present, she is pursuing her dual passions of professional theater and singing, while maintaining her status as on-call associate at the Edward Jones office in Monroe.
Reserved seat tickets for All That Jazz Big Band are $25 and $20, and may be purchased by calling MAC at (608) 325-5700 or in person at the box office. Additional information regarding this performance and other MAC events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter Colony Brands, Inc., and media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting has been provided by AmericInn; Alvin and Lucy Kubly; Monroe Clinic; the Ruth Richardson family; Ruda Chevrolet-Toyota; Wisconsin Community Bank; Bob and Jenny Duxstad; Wil and Pat Klippel; Bob and Judy Knudtson; Bob and Kathy Reffue; and Deb Thompson.
In 1985, All That Jazz Big Band started as a rehearsal band in a Middleton basement. Under the direction of Paul Heinecke, this now 20-plus strong band hailing from Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois has earned the reputation of one of the best big bands in the area. They are a regular feature at Madison's Art Fair on the Square and Tunes at Monona Terrace. They have opened shows for the a cappella group, Rockapella, for singer and actor Tom Wopat. They have recently gained national exposure when they appeared on CBS The Early Show.
Their program titled "Big Bands - Big Names," will be packed with big band hits as recorded by bandleaders such as Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and others. Joining the band for the show are vocalists Donna Van Bogaert and Judy Knudtson.
Now living in Cincinnati, Ohio, vocalist Donna Van Bogaert was a previous Monroe resident. She worked at the Swiss Colony as the company's first in-house graphic artist four years, designing everything from displays to product labels, and worked side-by-side with then Chicago-based artist Helen Endres, who created the Colony's world-famous Chris Mouse. During this time, Van Bogaert was active in the Monroe community and was a member of the first Bel Canto Singers, as well as being involved with events at the Monroe Arts Center.
"I have many fond memories of singing in Monroe at the Swiss Colony Rathskellar, Monroe Country Club, Turner Hall, and Maple Grove Inn, which is now called the Heritage House," Van Bogaert said. When she left Monroe to take a job in Madison, she continued to return to Monroe to sing for various events.
"My Monroe years were good years and they resulted in many lifelong friendships. Coming back to Monroe is always a little like coming home," she said.
Having sung with Monroe, Freeport, and Rockford concert bands, Knudtson said she is having a great time singing with All That Jazz Big Band whenever Donna is not available. Additionally, Knudtson sings with Bel Canto Singers, at the annual Cannova's Christmas Dinner show in Freeport, and has previously appeared on the MAC stage with Voices Unlimited, "Pump Boys and Dinnettes," and "Hollywood Revisited." At present, she is pursuing her dual passions of professional theater and singing, while maintaining her status as on-call associate at the Edward Jones office in Monroe.
Reserved seat tickets for All That Jazz Big Band are $25 and $20, and may be purchased by calling MAC at (608) 325-5700 or in person at the box office. Additional information regarding this performance and other MAC events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter Colony Brands, Inc., and media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting has been provided by AmericInn; Alvin and Lucy Kubly; Monroe Clinic; the Ruth Richardson family; Ruda Chevrolet-Toyota; Wisconsin Community Bank; Bob and Jenny Duxstad; Wil and Pat Klippel; Bob and Judy Knudtson; Bob and Kathy Reffue; and Deb Thompson.
