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Join us at the Jackson Theatre as we present the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

“A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.” – Glenn Miller

Alton Glenn Miller was born in Clarinda, Iowa on March 1, 1904. But it was in North Platte, Nebraska, several years later that Glenn actually got his musical start when, one day, his father brought home a mandolin. Glenn promptly traded it for an old battered horn, which he practiced every chance he got. In fact his mother worried, “It got to where Pop and I used to wonder if he’d ever amount to anything.”

In 1923, Miller entered the University of Colorado, although he spent more time traveling to auditions and playing where and whenever he could. After flunking three of his five courses one semester, Glenn dropped out to concentrate on his career as a professional musician.

He toured with several orchestras and ended up in Los Angeles where he landed a spot in Ben Pollack’s group, a band that included a guy named Benny Goodman. Here, Miller also got the chance to write some arrangements. Arriving in New York City, he soon sent for, and married his college sweetheart, Helen Burger in 1928, and for the next three years, earned his living as a free-lance trombonist and arranger.

Miller played and recorded with the likes of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey (who on several of their records, featured an up-and-coming singer by the name of Bing Crosby), Gene Krupa, Eddie Condon and Coleman Hawkins. In addition, during that time, Glenn cut 18 sides for Goodman, and also worked for radio studio conductors like Victor Young, Carl Fenton and Jacques Renard. In 1934, Miller became the musical director of the Dorsey Band, and later went on to organize The Ray Noble Orchestra, which included such players as Charlie Spivak, Peewee Erwin, Bud Freeman, Johnny Mince, George Van Eps and Delmar Kaplan, among others.

In April 1935, Glenn Miller recorded, for the first time, under his own name. Using six horns, a rhythm section and a string quartet, he recorded “Moonlight on the Ganges” and “A Blues Serenade” for Columbia. But selling only a few hundred records, he continued his position with the Noble Orchestra.

In 1937, Glenn Miller stepped out to form his own band. There were a few recordings — one for Decca and one for Brunswick — a couple of week-long stints in New Orleans and Dallas, and many one-nighters, but it was not to be. Though the group would play one more date several days later in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Glenn gave his men their final notice on New Year’s Eve at the Valencia Ballroom in York, Pennsylvania. Broke, depressed and having no idea what he was going to do, he returned to New York City.

It is said that Miller could never remember precisely the moment he decided to emphasize his new reed section sound. But it was during this disheartening interim, that he realized the unique sound — produced by the clarinet holding the melodic line while the tenor sax plays the same note, and supported harmonically by three other saxophones — just might be the individual and easily recognizable style that would set his band apart from all the rest.

Formed in March 1938, the second Glenn Miller Orchestra — which would later include the likes of Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton, Ray Eberle, Paul Tanner, Johnny Best, Hal McIntyre, and Al Klinck — soon began breaking attendance records all up and down the East Coast. At the New York State Fair in Syracuse it attracted the largest dancing crowd in the city’s history. The next night it topped Guy Lombardo’s all-time record at the Hershey Park Ballroom in Pennsylvania. The Orchestra was invited by ASCAP to perform at Carnegie Hall with three of the greatest bands ever — Paul Whiteman, Fred Waring and Benny Goodman — and created more of a stir than any of them.

There were record-breaking recordings, as well, such as “Tuxedo Junction”, which sold 115,000 copies in the first week. “In the Mood”, and “Pennsylvania 6-5000?, all appearing on the RCA Victor Bluebird label. In early 1940, Down Beat Magazine announced that Miller had topped all other bands in its Sweet Band Poll, and capping off this seemingly sudden rise to the top, there was, of course, Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” radio series for Chesterfield cigarettes which aired three times a week over CBS. In 1941, it was off to Hollywood where the band worked on its first movie, “Sun Valley Serenade”, which introduced the song — and soon-to-be million selling record –”Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and featured the Modernaires and the Nicholas Brothers. Then came “Orchestra Wives”. But the war was starting to take its toll on many of the big bands as musicians, and the rest of country’s young men, began receiving draft notices.

On October 7, 1942, Alton Glenn Miller reported for induction into the Army and was immediately assigned to the Army Specialist Corps. His appointment as a Captain came after many months of convincing the military higher-ups that he could modernize the army band and ultimately improve the morale of the men. His training complete, he was transferred into the Army Air Corps, where he ultimately organized the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. Miller’s goal of entertaining the fighting troops took another year to be realized, but in late 1943 he and the band were shipped out to England.

There, in less than one year, the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band engaged in over 800 performances. Of these, 500 were broadcasts heard by millions. There were more than 300 personal appearances including concerts and dances, with a gross attendance of over 600,000. But Glenn was not to participate in the final six months of these activities.

In the Fall of 1944, the band was scheduled to be sent on a six-week tour of Europe and would be stationed in Paris during that time. Miller decided to go ahead, in order to make the proper arrangements for the group’s arrival. And so, on December 15th, Glenn Miller boarded a transport plane to Paris, never to be seen again.

In his book “Glenn Miller & His Orchestra”, George Simon wrote this about the man. “His favorite author was Damon Runyon. His favorite book was the Bible. Spencer Tracy and Olivia de Havilland were his favorite movie actor and actress. His big loves were trout fishing, playing baseball, listening to good music, sleep and money. His pet hates were bad swing, early-morning telephone calls (he liked to sleep from 4 a.m. to noon), and the phrase ‘goodbye now’. His favorite quotation, one he stated, was not from the Bible, nor from Runyon, but from Duke Ellington: ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got that Swing!’

Tickets at thejacksontheatre.com. 

Join us for a black tie fundraiser at the Jackson Theatre with the Marquee Ball on November 1st, 2025. Doors and reception will begin at 6:30pm with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra hitting the stage at 8pm. A wonderful night of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, gourmet cocktails, a live auction and dancing.

Tickets at thejacksontheatre.com.

Providence Academy High School Drama Takes the Stage at The Jackson Theatre with Inspiring Tale of Perseverance

The Miracle Worker

Providence Academy opens its season of live theatre for audiences with The Miracle Worker, a contemporary restaging of the classic American drama. Based on the true story of Helen Keller and the teacher who held the key to her relating to the outside world, The Miracle Worker is written by William Gibson and directed by local theatre pillar Angela Grigsby. The show will be performed live on The Jackson Theatre stage in historic Jonesborough, TN November 6-November 8 at 7:00 with an additional matinee performance on November 8 at 2:00.

Based on Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, The Miracle Worker made its critically acclaimed Broadway debut in 1959. A 1962 feature film adaptation earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Oscar wins in the for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories for Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, respectively, who had originated the roles on Broadway. The play has since become a classic of the American Theatre.

Providence Fine Arts Director, Jill Roberts says, “Providence is proud to present Katie Persenaire as Annie Sullivan and Amelia Harnden as Helen Keller along with an astounding array of talent. At Providence Academy, we seek to partner with families in cultivating their children's loves so that they invest in the City of God and impact the City of Man for His glory. We truly believe that what we experience at Providence can illuminate the world with truth, beauty and goodness. We are excited to share The Miracle Worker with our

community. We are thankful for the Jackson Theatre and the partnership we have formed with this amazing organization and group of people.”

Tickets are available at TheJacksonTheatre.com

Providence Academy High School Drama Takes the Stage at The Jackson Theatre with Inspiring Tale of Perseverance

The Miracle Worker

Providence Academy opens its season of live theatre for audiences with The Miracle Worker, a contemporary restaging of the classic American drama. Based on the true story of Helen Keller and the teacher who held the key to her relating to the outside world, The Miracle Worker is written by William Gibson and directed by local theatre pillar Angela Grigsby. The show will be performed live on The Jackson Theatre stage in historic Jonesborough, TN November 6-November 8 at 7:00 with an additional matinee performance on November 8 at 2:00.

Based on Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, The Miracle Worker made its critically acclaimed Broadway debut in 1959. A 1962 feature film adaptation earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Oscar wins in the for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories for Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, respectively, who had originated the roles on Broadway. The play has since become a classic of the American Theatre.

Providence Fine Arts Director, Jill Roberts says, “Providence is proud to present Katie Persenaire as Annie Sullivan and Amelia Harnden as Helen Keller along with an astounding array of talent. At Providence Academy, we seek to partner with families in cultivating their children's loves so that they invest in the City of God and impact the City of Man for His glory. We truly believe that what we experience at Providence can illuminate the world with truth, beauty and goodness. We are excited to share The Miracle Worker with our

community. We are thankful for the Jackson Theatre and the partnership we have formed with this amazing organization and group of people.”

Tickets are available at TheJacksonTheatre.com

Providence Academy High School Drama Takes the Stage at The Jackson Theatre with Inspiring Tale of Perseverance

The Miracle Worker

Providence Academy opens its season of live theatre for audiences with The Miracle Worker, a contemporary restaging of the classic American drama. Based on the true story of Helen Keller and the teacher who held the key to her relating to the outside world, The Miracle Worker is written by William Gibson and directed by local theatre pillar Angela Grigsby. The show will be performed live on The Jackson Theatre stage in historic Jonesborough, TN November 6-November 8 at 7:00 with an additional matinee performance on November 8 at 2:00.

Based on Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, The Miracle Worker made its critically acclaimed Broadway debut in 1959. A 1962 feature film adaptation earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Oscar wins in the for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories for Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, respectively, who had originated the roles on Broadway. The play has since become a classic of the American Theatre.

Providence Fine Arts Director, Jill Roberts says, “Providence is proud to present Katie Persenaire as Annie Sullivan and Amelia Harnden as Helen Keller along with an astounding array of talent. At Providence Academy, we seek to partner with families in cultivating their children's loves so that they invest in the City of God and impact the City of Man for His glory. We truly believe that what we experience at Providence can illuminate the world with truth, beauty and goodness. We are excited to share The Miracle Worker with our

community. We are thankful for the Jackson Theatre and the partnership we have formed with this amazing organization and group of people.”

Tickets are available at TheJacksonTheatre.com

Providence Academy High School Drama Takes the Stage at The Jackson Theatre with Inspiring Tale of Perseverance

The Miracle Worker

Providence Academy opens its season of live theatre for audiences with The Miracle Worker, a contemporary restaging of the classic American drama. Based on the true story of Helen Keller and the teacher who held the key to her relating to the outside world, The Miracle Worker is written by William Gibson and directed by local theatre pillar Angela Grigsby. The show will be performed live on The Jackson Theatre stage in historic Jonesborough, TN November 6-November 8 at 7:00 with an additional matinee performance on November 8 at 2:00.

Based on Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, The Miracle Worker made its critically acclaimed Broadway debut in 1959. A 1962 feature film adaptation earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Oscar wins in the for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories for Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, respectively, who had originated the roles on Broadway. The play has since become a classic of the American Theatre.

Providence Fine Arts Director, Jill Roberts says, “Providence is proud to present Katie Persenaire as Annie Sullivan and Amelia Harnden as Helen Keller along with an astounding array of talent. At Providence Academy, we seek to partner with families in cultivating their children's loves so that they invest in the City of God and impact the City of Man for His glory. We truly believe that what we experience at Providence can illuminate the world with truth, beauty and goodness. We are excited to share The Miracle Worker with our

community. We are thankful for the Jackson Theatre and the partnership we have formed with this amazing organization and group of people.”

Tickets are available at TheJacksonTheatre.com

The Conjuring (2013)

Horror Series

Before there was Amityville, there was Harrisville. "The Conjuring" tells the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), world renowned paranormal investigators, who were called to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most horrifying case of their lives.

Rating R

Running Time 110 minutes

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Sponsored byMcLeod Organics

A U.S. Army captain leads a mission to rescue a GI trappedbehind enemy lines in France on D-Day after all three of the soldier's brothersare killed in action. As the search commences, the close-knit squad sets outthrough areas still thick with Nazis. Starring: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Matt Damon, Edward Burns

Rating R

Running Time 170 minutes

Twelve O’ Clock High (1949)

 Sponsored byMcLeod Organics

Veteran’s Day

A perceptive, psychological drama that deals with theproblems of an Air Force commander who must rebuild a bomber group whoseshattered morale threatens the effectiveness of daylight bombing raids. GregoryPeck plays the commander, and Dean Jagger won an Oscar for his supporting role.Exciting air combat footage intensifies the deeply moving drama.

Rating Not Rated

Running Time 132 minutes

Clue with trilogy ending (1985)

Wacky Wednesday

Here is the murderously funny movie based on theworld-famous Clue board game. Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with a gun?Miss Scarlet in the billiard room with the rope? Or was it Wadsworth thebutler? Meet all the notorious suspects and discover all their foul playthings. You'll love their dastardly doings as the bodies and the laughs pile upbefore your eyes. This version includes all three endings that originally wereplayed separately in theaters.

Starring: Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, ChristopherLloyd, Michael McKean

Rating PG

Running Time 94 minutes