Tuesday, July 10, 2012

WSWK Update -- Volume 16 Makes Its Debut!

The latest volume of “When Swing Was King” makes its debut this afternoon, taking its place with the 15 other volumes that have been such a rousing success in our ministry to seniors living in assisted care facilities and nursing homes.  Our plan is to create eight more before we're done, thus insuring a two-year rota of fresh presentations.

Our fans in the care centers often tease us about the passion we have for ongoing productivity and assure us that we could play the same program every month and they’d still love it! But we are committed to giving them more terrific swing-era songs, more photos in the PowerPoint shows, and more nifty stories about the musicians, songs and times of the big band days. And, judging from the enthusiastic response we continue to get from the audiences of the 11 (sometimes 12) facilities that we go to every month, our efforts are paying off very well.

Want to join in the fun? More important, do you want to help give a few moments of respectful, caring attention to the men and women who come to the "When Swing Was King" presentations? You can do so by simply showing up and visiting with the residents. Ask them questions. Listen to their stories. Make some friends. They (and we) would love to have you alongside. The WSWK schedule is available on this page of the Vital Signs Ministries website.

And, oh yes, for those of you curious about just what's in “When Swing Was King” Volume 16, here's the song list.

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra, “Perfidia.”
2) Duke Ellington Orchestra, “If Dreams Come True.”
3) The Andrews Sisters, “Begin the Beguine.”
4) Artie Shaw Orchestra, “Night and Day.”
5) Harry James Orchestra featuring Dick Haymes, “The Things I Love.”
6) Clyde McCoy Orchestra, “Sugar Blues.”
7) Ella Fitzgerald, “Blue Moon.”
8) Benny Goodman Orchestra, “Stardust.”
9) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, “Chicago.”  (Photo theme: Famous people who were born in Chicago.)
10) Larry Clinton Orchestra featuring Bea Wain, “Heart and Soul.”
11) Ozzie Nelson Orchestra, “I Must See Annie Tonight.”
12) Les Brown Orchestra, “The Continental.”
13) Fred Astaire, “The Way You Look Tonight.” (Photo theme: Reviewing the career of this great American dancer, singer and actor.)