Each decade has a sound. Glam rock and pop dominated the1980s with bands like Duran Duran, Whitney Houston and Madonna. The 1970s featured disco, with popular performers such as the Bee Gees and Donna Summer.Rock ‘N Roll marked the 1960s along with Motown, The Beatles and the rest of the British Invasion. Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams and others were celebrated in the 1950s.
The 1940s, though, needed raucous, joyous entertainment. TheBig Band era, typically regarded as 1935-1945, evolved with the needs of theUnited States at the time. Big bands played an important role in boosting morale during World War II and they toured with USO troupes at the front, providing entertainment and opportunity for distraction from the war at hand.
Glenn Miller became one of the most popular performers of that era. His music career began in the mid-1920s, but his success came laterin his career with his first million-selling recording, “Moonlight Serenade,”coming in 1939. He shocked the world when he disbanded his orchestra and enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1942. He told officials he wanted to “put a little more spring into the feet of our marching men and a little more joy into their hearts.”
Miller played a big role in doing just that, spendingOctober 1942 through December 1944 leading the Army Air Force Band and raising millions of dollars for the war effort. While Miller had already reached star status, he became a legend when his London-to-Paris military flight Dec. 15,1944, disappeared, leaving many to speculate on his fate.
Despite his death, Miller left an indelible mark on the music world. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has toured the world ever since, honoring Miller’s unique jazz sound that stillgets toes tapping and hips swinging.
That sound continues to be performed in concert halls across the globe, but we know the main stage at the WYO Performing Arts andEntertainment Center wasn’t the only — or best — fit for such a sound. Big Band swing was made for the dance floor, filling ballrooms (and bodies) with that timeless energy — exactly what we’re bringing to Sheridan on March 29 for theWYO’s 2025 Benefit Ball.
Held at the Kalif Shrine Center, this elegant evening will transport you to the golden age of swing, with plenty of space to dance, mingle and celebrate — all in support of the WYO Theater. More than just a night of incredible music, the Benefit Ball is a chance to champion the arts in our community, ensuring the WYO continues to be a home for live performances, education and cultural enrichment. Every ticket, sponsorship and donation directly supports our mission to inspire, educate and entertain.
And while we may still be in the throes of a Wyoming winter, by late March, we know you’ll be ready to shake off the cold and put a little extra spring in your step. Whether you hit the dance floor or simply sit back and soak in the music, this evening promises joy, nostalgia and a celebration of the power of live performance.
And don’t worry — if dancing isn’t your thing, you can still experience the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra in a special encore performance at the WYO on March 30.
Erin Butler is executive director of the WYO Performing Arts& Education Center.
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