05/18/2007

Special to the Record-Eagle
Judy Harrison, standing, and vocalists, left to right, Donna Tobia, Susan Hatt Johnson and Carey Owens are Swing Shift.

You can swing your hips to this

Judy Harrison debuts Swing Shift tonight

By Garret Ellison

gellison@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — The 1940s strike back tonight at the City Opera House.

Cameras will be rolling as local country artist Judy Harrison debuts her new show band, Swing Shift. The performance will be recorded live for an upcoming album and features an ensemble mix of local jazz and classical musicians.

"This is our big debut,” said Harrison. "Our first time out.”

The opera house doors open at 6:30 for the show and the balcony will be accessible in the newly renovated venue. Dance instructor Traci LeBlanc will be available to teach swing lessons. Local videographers from Brauer Productions will have cameras set up.

"There's a lot for people if they like to swing dance, and then there's all sorts of seats for people if they just want to sit and watch,” Harrison said.

It will be a fully choreographed show.

"They can sit and enjoy it, or get up and dance,” she said. "We're going to have a large dance floor.”

In addition to a beer and wine cash bar, food will be catered by North, and the desserts by Potter's Pastries.

Expect to hear standards like the Andrew Sisters and Tuxedo Junction, as well as jazz and Latin favorites. Harrison's country band, High Impact, will make a special appearance, as well as an expected contingent of swing dancers from the region.

"A bunch of swing dancers from this area and farther are planning to come out to the show,” Harrison said.

Swing Shift is a seven-piece band. Keyboards and arrangements are by Mindy Rohn, Larry Avery is on guitar, Marshall Cronican-Walker on bass, Clark Harner on Drums, Laurie Sears on saxophone, Ken Larson on trumpet and Tom Riccobono on Trombone.

Harrison is joined by Susan Hatt Johnson, Carey Owens, Kristina Godfrey and Donna Tobia on vocals,

A regular with the local Michigan Ensemble Theater, Harrison said Swing Shift is getting inquiries for weddings and business gatherings.

A portion of the night's proceeds will benefit the local American Legion Auxiliary Post 35.

General admission tickets are $25, seniors $20, and for students with I.D. $15. They are available at www.cityoperahouse.org, or by calling 231-941-8080.