'The WAC Trio' brings back live radio performances of the past.

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Bijou Orchestra
Rolls Back the Clock

Songs of Hope, 1939-1945 brings back the great music of the WWII years

February 27, 2005       Leave a Comment
By: Stephen Kent

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Bay City's popular Bijou Orchestra rolled back time in the historic State Theatre by recreating a live radio broadcast from the 30's and 40's. The performancefeatured the 13 piece Bijou Orchestra, "The WAC Trio", male vocalist Bob Haggard and Midland's "The Men of Music".

The show was written by Leo and Ammiel Najar. Leo Najar played the part of the radio host/announcer, band leader, and keyboard player. At various times the show was accompanied by vintage newsreel footage on the big screen and by historic radio news broadcasts from the war years.

The female trio included Cici Gramer, Stephanie Pyka and Lynne Browne Tepper, each of whom has a impressive resume of performance. Their interpretation of the music and the period transported the entire audience back in time and established the mood of the live performance. Bob Haggard provided the male voice for quartets as well as solo numbers. He also took the part of the "side kick" to the host.

The music for the evening covered many of the most popular and familiar songs of the era including show tunes, jazz and pop songs. Between numbers the host or performers would air public service ads for war bonds, recycling, supporting the war and patriotic themes common to the war years.

The finale featured the orchestra and singers accompanied by Midland's "The Men of Music". The ensemble sang the various service anthems for the Army, Navy and Marines with a rousing drum cadence between each. The program ended with "God Bless Ameriac" which had most of the audience was on their feet and more than a few with tears in their eyes.

The Bijou is currently selling season tickets for the third season. With the anticipated completion of the State Theater rennovation which includes new seating, the orchestra will be able to sell season reserved seat tickets. For ticket information visit the Bijou Web Site www.BijouOrchestra.org. You can also order the group's first CD "American Fantasy".

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Stephen Kent
Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations. More from Stephen Kent

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