Fil-Am orchestra to swing the night away with big band music

LOS ANGELES — The Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) is hosting an evening of dancing listening to big band music, from Glenn Miller, Cole Porter to Duke Ellington, in “Swing the Night Away with FASO” on Saturday, October 18 at the Hilton Glendale on 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale, California.

For the first time, the first and only Filipino orchestra outside the Philippines will perform such big band gems as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “In the Mood,” “How High the Moon” and more, in an “exciting a fun, evening that’s guaranteed to be a memorable one,” the organizers promised.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes to boogie or swing or just sit back, relax and enjoy as FASO, led by music director and conductor Bob Shroder, with special guests Alma Silos, University of the Philippines Concert Chorus Alumni and more interpret such all-time favorites as “Embraceable You,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Misty,” “Secret Love” and “Moon River.”

For all ages

“Swing the Night Away with FASO” will also offer such pop hits as “Look of Love,” “Oye Como Va,” dance classics from the 1970s and contemporary songs being given the big band treatment. Original Filipino dance music will also be performed. The evening is designed designed to entertain music and dance aficionados of all ages.

“Swing the Night Away with FASO” is a fresh break for the orchestra, which won acclaim for its previous classical and traditional music concerts in prestigious venues.

DI available

The evening will start with the FASO string section serenading guests over dinner. This will be followed by the FASO big band ensemble breaking into the swing, two-step, rumba, cha-cha, tango, waltz and slow dance. Dance Instructors (DIs) are available on the floor.

Some big band arrangements are by the late Rudy Regalado. The other musical arrangements for the big band ensemble and strings are by Louie Ramos. Mel Villena contributes his special big band arrangements of “Hahabol-habol.”

No host cocktails will start at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are at $100 each (includes dinner). Ticket and sponsorship opportunities information are available through Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850, Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936, Rocio Nuyda (818) 602-3214 and Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096. Tickets are also available online at https://www.fasofoundation.org.

FASO is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The proceeds will be used to sustain the orchestra, establish a youth orchestra and fund FASO’s annual summer youth music training program.

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