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June 6, 2019Clarinda, IA |  By: Mary Grace Rice

44th Annual Glenn Miller Festival starts today

The 44th Annual Glenn Miller Festival is today through Saturday in Clarinda, Iowa. The event celebrates the music and memory of the American bandleader, trombonist, composer and arranger, Glenn Miller, who was born in Clarinda.

Today kicks off with a music scholarship competition between 10 vocalists and 10 musicians from all over the country. The kick-off picnic follows at 5:00 p.m., then a concert at the square at 8:00.

The festival continues Friday and Saturday. Executive Director for the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum, Sheri Greenwood, says the days will be filled with live performances, swing dancing, historical displays, and a dinner.

"Friday morning starts bright and early with a presentation by a historian.  It's about the female bands on the night shift and it happens to be the female effort to support the war.  And then we have Glenn Miller Big Band; they put on a show.  We also have Adam Swanson; he's the only 4-time world champion Ragtime piano player.  We have Tom Daugherty Orchestra; they are a 32-piece big band and they've been here a lot.  And of course highlights are always the Glenn Miller Orchestra.  Then on Saturday, we've got Nebraska Brass Band.  We have Gooch and his Las Vegas Big Band.  He's kind of a Sinatra - Rat Pack.  Then we have a festival dinner, festival dance - that has a swing dance competition - and Glenn Miller Orchestra plays for that, too."

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum or at the high school's ticket office, the site of many of the events during this year's Glenn Miller Festival in Clarinda.