Evening Shade swings with Sweet Georgia Sound

Friday, May 20, 2011

IF YOU GOWhat: Evening Shade concert with Sweet Georgia Sound.When: 6:30 p.m. today.Where: Johnston Park, Inman Street, Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: Free.Phone: 423-472-6587.

The 20 musicians of Sweet Georgia Sound will set toes tapping tonight with a blend of classic and modern big band, swing, Latin and waltz tunes.

The concert is the next installment of the Evening Shade series in Cleveland, Tenn. Opening act is a jazz ensemble from the big band.

This is the first appearance at Evening Shade for Sweet Georgia Sound, said director Mike LaRoche, but the band is familiar to Chattanooga audiences from Labor Day weekend Swingfest concerts in Coolidge Park.

Providing vocals will be Greg Glover and Lauren Koch.

Glover said he's the reserve male vocalist (behind Kit Dockery) and has found performing with the band "an absolute joy ... the musicians can play the heck out of anything on music paper."

Glover said he has sung tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin and recently added a Tom Jones classic that he can't wait to perform.

Duets with Koch include "As Long As I'm Singin'" and "Baby It's Cold Outside." He added that "she has a great solo repertoire that'll knock people's socks off. 'Fever' and 'Summertime' are a couple of her show-stoppers."

Evening Shade concerts are presented by the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. Those attending are invited to enjoy dinner in one of the nearby restaurants or bring a picnic. Johnston Park is bounded by Inman, Ocoee, Broad and First streets.