What makes a song great? And how do certain songs transcend their era to become timeless musical treasures?

From Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow” and George Gershwin’s “Embraceable You” to Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” and Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Georgia On My Mind’ the Great American Songbook is filled with melodies that have captivated audiences for generations—and continue to inspire musicians today.

Join Shelley Burns, Avalon Swing, and Jacam Manricks for an entertaining and musical exploration of these extraordinary songs. We’ll look at the melodies, harmonies, lyrics, and musical ideas that made them so enduring—and, of course, sing and play some of the greatest songs ever written.

Come discover what makes the Great American Songbook so great!

Shelley Burns is regarded as one of the premier jazz vocalists on the west coast. Her recordings have been heard on jazz radio stations across the nation, and she has appeared at many jazz festivals in the U.S, as well as in Scotland and Canada. Shelley has sung with Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jimmy Smith and many other jazz greats. She is also a marvelous comedic actress and has often been compared to Carol Burnett and Imogene Coca. Like them, she can fracture an audience with laughter or mesmerize them with a beautiful song.

Bill Dendle is a celebrated West Coast jazz virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist whose extraordinary musicianship spans banjo, guitar, trombone, and vocals. A fixture of the Dixieland and traditional jazz scene for decades, he has performed at Disneyland, Disney World, USO tours, and major jazz festivals alongside legends including Bob Haggart, Nick Fatool, Bobby Gordon, Abe Most, and Johnny Varro. Known equally for his dazzling musicianship and quick-witted showmanship, Bill’s accomplishments will be recognized on October 9, 2026, when he is inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.

This special performance brings together two extraordinary musicians, joined by their longtime ensemble Avalon Swing, with two exceptional guest artists: drumming sensation Jeff Minieweather and nationally acclaimed saxophonist Jacam Manricks.

Together, they’ll create an unforgettable evening of virtuosity, swing, and musical chemistry.

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