'All that jazz'
Experts on big bands, swing and jazz history lecture at Chelsea at Warren today, Thursday and Monday

By GAIL SOLOMON
Correspondent

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Ladies of Swing

On Thursday, join accomplished jazz singer Vickie Smith for A Tribute to the Ladies of Swing. Drawing on such legends of the Swing era as The Andrew Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan and Rosemary Clooney, Smith interweaves background information about these stars into her high-energy performance of their classic hits.

She explains how each of these legends made the transition from "chick singers," who were viewed as a novelty, to well-respected musicians at the top of their field.

"My grandparents greatly influenced my taste in music, with loads of original 78-rpm records, an antique hand-cranked victrola and stories that brought the music to life," she said.

Smith said she is touched by the ability of music to transcend illness.

"I would sing songs from The Andrews Sisters and Rosemary Clooney to my grandmother, who was dying of cancer. Despite her illness, she would sing along with me," she said.

"The songs I choose to share with audiences are timeless, each with a body and soul all their own. My grandparents inspired me with the music they grew up with, and now I'm giving it back to seniors. I will never stop singing for them," Smith said.