TILLAMOOK – A celebration of musical history is set to take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20, and big band music fans will be inspired when the swing band founded by trumpet legend Harry James performs at the Don Whitney Auditorium at Tillamook High School, 2605 12th St. This is the fourth and final event of the Monday Musical Club of Tillamook’s 2011-12 concert series.

The son of a circus bandleader, James was learning to play the trumpet by the age of 10. After his family settled in Texas in 1931, he began playing in local bands. He got his big break in 1935 with Ben Pollack’s nationally famous band. Two years later, he left to join Benny Goodman’s orchestra. The following year, 1939, he introduced his own band in Philadelphia.

James was the first “name” bandleader to hire Frank Sinatra as a vocalist. The band also featured legendary drummer Buddy Rich.

James’ hits included “I’ve Heard That Song Before,” “You Made Me Love You,” his theme song, “Ciribiribin,” “Sleepy Lagoon,” “I Had the Craziest Dream” and “You’ll Never Know.”

The orchestra today is led by Fred Radke, a master trumpet player, conductor and musical clinician. Radke described it as a dream come true when he was invited to join the Harry James Orchestra as lead trumpet player. He has also played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. In 1989, he was asked by Harry James’ estate to lead the orchestra on a 71-concert U.S. tour and he has led the band on national and international tours since then.

Advance tickets are $25 each for adults and $20 for students. Tickets at the door are $30 for adults and $25 for students.

To order advance tickets, send a check payable to the Monday Musical Club of Tillamook, sent to 6415 Westwood Court, Tillamook, OR 97141. Tickets may also be purchased at the offices of TLC Federal Credit Union and the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce.

To order advance tickets with reserved seating, call (503) 842-2078. No advance tickets will be sold the day of the event.

Monday Musical Club of Tillamook will sponsor a special event – a concert by piano master Kirill Gliadkovsky – Sunday, July 29, at 2 p.m. at the Tillamook Methodist Church, 3808 12th St. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at the offices of TLC Federal Credit Union and the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce.