Bands

/

Relive the magic of the timeless music of the '40s and '50s. Take a sentimental journey with great performers reminiscent of the era like Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, the Dorsey Brothers, Harry James and more.

Extraordinary artists for extraordinary times, these musical giants are as much a part of American history as the times in which they lived.

On our selected cruises, you'll swing along with these featured bands.

Guy Lombardo Orchestra
In the tradition of the band Guy Lombardo began in 1919, Al Pierson carries on this longest running act in show business. The band has 500 hit songs to its credit, with the Scottish folk song, "Auld Lang Syne" as their signature theme song. Pierson conducts, arranges and is a featured piano soloist for today's edition of the band.

The Royal Canadian's distinctive style comes from its bold vibrato of saxophones, crisp brass phrases and trademark vocals. With Big Band era style, Pierson has been touring the world for 15 years, delighting audiences.

Les DeMerle & Bonnie Eisele
Enjoy the sounds of the 15 piece Les DeMerle Big Band featuring the lovely and talented vocalist, Bonnie Eisele. Les toured and recorded with the Harry James Big Band and Wayne Newton. He also appeared with many musical greats including Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Nick Ross Orchestra
Nick Ross brings his Orchestra aboard with classic Big Band sound and style and renditions of music from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman to name a few.

With a classic line-up of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, a rhythm section and singers, the Nick Ross Orchestra delivers the Big Band sound from the 1940's.

Russ Morgan Orchestra
The Russ Morgan Orchestra directed by Jack Morgan is celebrating over 50 years as a fully routed traveling band. The orchestra has had only two leaders since its inception, Russ Morgan and his son Jack, who first played with his father in the 1960's. More than 20 years after the death of bandleader Russ Morgan, "Music in the Morgan Manner" is playing to more people in more places than ever before.

Sammy Kaye Orchestra
The Sammy Kaye Orchestra lives up to the traditions of the Big Band era with sixteen musicians, including two vocalists, rendering selections from 50 years of Sammy Kaye Orchestra hits, as well as paying tribute to Sammy Kaye friends Glen Miller and Benny Goodman. Now under the direction of Roger Thorpe, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra will take Big Band lovers on a trip down memory lane with classics such as "Daddy", "It Isn't Fair" and "Harbor Lights." Another highlight is the fun filled feature "So You Want To Lead A Band", (originated by Sammy during the Big Band era), when four members of the audience are invited to compete for the title of "The Best Band Leader." Director Roger Thorpe, recently inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame, was a three-time winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour at age 14, and played trumpet with many of the big bands before becoming a college professor. Thorpe met Sammy Kaye in 1972, and they developed a close relationship, with Kaye the "Maestro" confidently passing on the leadership of his Swing and Sway Orchestra to Roger Thorpe in 1986.

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Buddy Morrow, conductor of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, is recognized as one of the all-time great trombone players. With a long history of featured performances with such leading orchestras as Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman, Artie Shaw and Jimmy Dorsey, his outstanding musicianship has been evident through the years culminating his joining the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In addition to his own success with the Buddy Morrow Orchestra, and his million-selling hit "Night Train", Buddy Morrow now can claim that he has led the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra for more years than even the great Tommy Dorsey did himself!