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jpg drawing of Dan North dancing
Dan North dances as the band plays on …
And the Band Plays On
Dan North loves swinging dance music. He also loves to bring people together in the community. So, it was logical for him to combine his two loves in honor of his two favorite, departed people: Jeanne Shields North, his beloved wife, and Boardman "Bud" Getsinger, his jazz musician friend. Mr. North established a most creative fund with the Torrington Area Foundation, "And the Band Plays On." This permanent fund will serve to help support danceable musical programs at the Litchfield Community Center such as dixieland, jazz and swing.
During the mid 1980s, Mr. North found comfort at a difficult time in his life when his wife suffered from Parkinson’s disease. He found a circle of music devotees at the Bantam Inn, chasing the blues away by dancing to music that lifted everyone’s spirit, even Dan North’s. He established this fund "to help others who may feel blue. Sharing uplifting music brings people together, increasing mutual regard for the community and each other." His spirit and love of music will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.
On Sunday, November 3 at 3 p.m., the Fryer/ Balaban Swingtet will present "Pages From the American Songbook" at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202 in Litchfield. Featuring compositions of Gershwin, Porter, Ellington, Berlin, Rodgers and more, the band plays on—thanks to Dan North. Tickets are only $5; for more info call the Community Center at 860-567-8302.
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