• By Roger McBain
• Evansville Courier & Press
• Posted September 4, 2011 at midnight

Alfred Savia will drop the "maestro," the Evansville Philharmonic will lose their tails, and they'll all abandon the concert hall for a swinging celebration of musical Americana Friday.

Billed as "Big Al and the Philharmonicats," Savia and orchestra players will perform with local jazz saxophonist Monte Skelton and Castle High School's band director, Mark Eifler, in the Tri-State Aero corporate airplane hangar for the Philharmonic Big Band Ball: "The American Spirit - a Sentimental Journey."

The event, a fundraiser kickoff for the Philharmonic's 2011-2012 concert season, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour, leading into a "1940s nostalgic supper" catered by Casino Aztar. Afterward, Big Al and his 18-piece Philharmonicats big band will play swing-era favorites including "In the Mood," "Sing, Sing, Sing," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Sentimental Journey," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "Take the 'A' Train" and "It Don't Mean a Thing."

Jeff Lyons, chief meteorologist for 14WFIE-NBC, will serve as emcee for the event, which will include auctions for items including travel and accommodations for a week's stay in Paris and an overnight stay at West Baden Springs Hotel.

Organizers encourage guests to come in '40s-themed attire for the black-tie-optional event. Tickets, at $100 each or $175 per couple, are available until 5 p.m. Wednesday. You must be 21 or older to attend.

For more information, contact Betsy Heiger or Gary Wagner at 812-425-5050.

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