[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              BIG BAND SOCIETY CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2000

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call to the attention of 
the House of Representatives the efforts of the Big Band Society of 
Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary 
this week.
  The names of landmark recording artists such as Glenn Miller, Benny 
Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers and Duke Ellington, may not meet with 
instant recognition with those Americans who grew up with MTV. But for 
millions of music lovers, those artists represent the beloved sounds of 
their generation.
  The Big Band Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to be commended 
for keeping this musical tradition alive. One way they do this is by 
holding their annual gala dance each summer at the Irem Temple Country 
Club in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
  Under the leadership of dedicated people like Pat Perillo, its 
president, and Charlie Aten, its treasurer, this organization, with its 
devoted members, has drummed along tirelessly to promote the tunes and 
the personalities of the Big Band era and to bring that original sound 
and enduring spirit to younger audiences.
  Mr. Speaker, for many Americans, the Big Band sound its much more 
than a style of music--it is uniquely American and evokes moving 
memories for a generation filled with patriotism, pride and love of 
country.
  I am pleased to honor the Big Band Society for their part in keeping 
alive this important tradition of our nation's culture. I send my best 
wishes to the members of the Society on their 30th anniversary as well 
as my wishes for continued success.

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