The Era of the Big Bands – Florence

The Big Band era, 1930s and 1940s, came during turmoil in the United States with Prohibition, the Depression and World War II. People were anxious to temporarily forget their troubles and the insurgence of the Big Bands gave them that outlet. For many, dancing and romancing to the bands were some of the happiest moments of their youth, and this music brings back those memories, both to those who lived through the era and now their children who grew up listening to their parents’ music. Erik brings original recordings of the bests of the bands and vocalists and when playing them, encourage my audiences to ask questions, identify the performers and share stories in an interactive environment.

Erik Larson earned a B. A. degree from San Diego State University in 1962 and served with Boys Clubs Of America (now Boys & Girls Clubs) for 30 years as the director of five different Clubs throughout the Midwest and California. While in Aberdeen, South Dakota and Des Moines, Iowa he received a national awards for creating outreach programs designed to help youth from single parent or otherwise disadvantaged families. Eventually he was asked to join the National Staff as a management consultant to individual Club staffs and boards of directors. For nearly two decades, he has been a volunteer docent at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff.