Big Bands return to the Paramount

An appreciation by Harvey Horn Middletown - In the forties, Big Bands were what Rock and Roll is today. These Bands toured the country, playing in concert halls, colleges and theatres. The “creme de la Creme” theatre was the Paramount on Broadway in New York City. On Sunday, Veteran’s Day, the Paramount Theatre in Middletown featured Joe Battaglia’s 19 peice Big Band. As they played the theme songs of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsy, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Tony Primo, Artie Shaw and so many more, my mind went back 70 years to “the” Paramount Theatre. After the feature film was over, the band would start to play, greeted by a thunderous roar and clapping as thousands of teenagers stood. I could see the stage rise up from the orchestra pit as Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey or Benny Goodman or Harry James bands played their theme song. Then I wore brown and white “saddle” shoes and had blonde hair. Now I have grey hair and just plain brown shoes. Seventy years ago, we teenagers would dance in the aisles, girls would faint as “old Blues eyes” would sing “That Old Black Magic.” Now, we all just sat there “each with our memories”as a “would be” Frank Sinatra” sang “New York, New York.” Thanks, Joe, for a wonderful trip down memory lane. This event was staged by the Orange County Veterans Coalition to raise funds to erect a Gold Star Mother’s memorial to be located in the Veteran’s cemetery in Goshen, N.Y. All donations can be sent to Orange County Veterans Coalition, 111 Craigsville Road, Goshen, 10924. Donations are tax deductible Harvey Horn is a Coalition Committee member, past commander - AMEX POW and a Jewish war veteran.