News
KSL Radio
Comments from Fred Ball
KSL Radio
August 19, 2005
"Patriotic, dazzling, spectacular, reminiscent -- all these words accurately describe the annual Celebrate America Show held in Logan (Utah). This elegant evening of unforgettable entertainment combines dinner, dancing and a stunning Broadway-style show. A live 17 piece orchestra accompanies the show, and it is all to celebrate the spirit of America.I visited with Brenda Anthony in Logan about the extravaganza. She explains that in years past, Utah State University held regular dinner-dance shows. After 25 years, the university decided to end the dinner-dances. Brenda says many people were saddened by the news and the community rallied to continue the tradition." ..."the performances showcase entertainment that Americans love, especially from the World War II era. There will be special tributes to veterans, law enforcement officers and fire fighters.
Brenda tells me that a live combo band will play dinner while guests enjoy a delicious buffet dinner catered by Utah State University's food service. (I can attest that the university food service's menu is always delectable; Utah State has won many awards for its outstanding cuisine and service.)
When the orchestra signals "show time," you will be transported back in time by a glittering and fast-paced performance. You'll be tapping your toe and humming along with the sparkling Celebrate America singers and dancers as they entertain you with timeless music that continues to captivate our nation. The costumes are dazzling, the performance wholesome and energetic. The evening will conclude with dancing, or just listening to the tunes of Tommy Dorsey, Artic Shaw, Glenn Miller and other famous bands from the Big Band era. I love that Big Band Sound!
For Zion Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on Business."
The Statesman - 'Celebrate America: A tribute to Hope'
Article Summary:
What could be more American than apple pie, baseball - and Bob Hope. For decades, Hope was the best America had to offer - funny, honest and close to the hearts of everyone in the country. This year, with special permission from Hope Enterprises and the Bob Hope Family, the choreographed portion of Logan's annual Celebrate America show, a big-band dinner and dance, will feature a tribute to the career of the man some consider to be the most successful entertainer of all time. [read full article]
Press Release
Canteen Night at the Copacabana: Back to the big band era with the Celebrate America Show
"The lavish production of the 2006 Celebrate America Show, "Canteen Night at the Copacabana" opens with a stirring rendition of "This is the Army Mister Jones" featuring the popular Celebrate America Singers and Dancers. Through the re-creation of an evening at the famed Copacabana, the audience is transported 'back in time' to enjoy music from the Glenn Miller era. Dazzling costumes, an elaborate set, and outstanding entertainment from Hollywood to Broadway showcase music that has brought laughter and reminders of home to courageous young men and women serving in the Armed Forces as the "Copacabana" salutes the Canteen program.
This impressive entertainment package includes an elegant buffet dinner, catered by the award winning Utah State University Food Services, followed by a spectacular Broadway-styleshow and concludes with dancing to music from the big band era by the Larry Smith Orchestra. Specially arranged songs and choreography include, This Is The Army Mister Jones, Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning, Copacabana, Mister Zoot Suit, Sway, In The Mood, Anything Goes, Tuxedo Junction, Perfidia, Elmers' Tune, and many other big band favorites.
As tradition calls, all veterans, current military, fire fighters and law enforcement personnel present in the audience will be recognized - along with spouses. "The recognition of the men and women who sacrifice for freedom is always the highlight of the show," says Brenda Anthony, show production director.
After a delicious dinner and the show, the audience continues to enjoy live music provided by the Larry Smith Orchestra with special numbers sung by the Celebrate America Singers. "Its almost as much fun to watch the dancing after the show as to dance. With three dance floors, there's plenty of room to "'cut a rug" or enjoy watching someone else. It's a wonderful evening. We especially like to invite four other couples to join together and reserve a table for ten for an evening of unforgettable fun," says veteran audience member Yvonne Roderick. Show production director, Brenda Anthony, invites everyone to brush up on the Cha-Cha, Swing and Waltz and participate in the first-ever Dance Contest after the show. She promises, "All you have to do is be there and dance. It's going to be great fun plus give couples who love dancing a chance to showcase their style and even win a trophy!"
Just as its dynamic predecessor of over twenty-five years of dinner dance shows at USU, this year's Celebrate America Show strives to present an exceptional evening of outstanding entertainment. Audience member Von W. Freeman, Col. U.S. Army, Retired, writes "My wife and I drive about 1200 miles to attend the show. It's above anything we have seen in Las Vegas, a fine piece of family entertainment, and being a veteran of three wars, I fully appreciate your efforts to honor Veterans." "Clair Lundberg claims, "It's better than a Broadway Show!"
Performances run September 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, in the Utah State University Evan Stevenson Ballroom, in Logan, Utah. Accommodations at the University Inn are filling fast, but those coming in from out of the area will still be helped to find lodging through the University Inn. Tickets are available at the USU ticket office 888-878-2832. Doors open at 7:00 PM each evening.
