Couples make good on their dance cards by swinging around the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward Feb. 21. The Concordia University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Andrew Schultz, played some classic songs from the 1930s and 1940s at a fundraising concert for the new Cornrow to Hedgerow 4D Experience Exhibit to be dedicated on July 4 on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of St. Lo, France, by members of the Nebraska National Guard during World War II.
The Nebraska National Guard Museum was rocking to the sounds of the 1930s and 1940s at the Big Band Concert and Dance Feb. 21.
The highlight was the Concordia University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Andrew Schultz, who brought down the house with some great swing selections.
The concert and dance raised funds and awareness for the Cornrow to Hedgerow 4D Experience Exhibit that will be dedicated on July 4 on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of St. Lo, France, during World War II by members of the
Nebraska National Guard.
The event raised over $2,500 for the exhibit. The concert/dance was a free will offering upon entering. Concert goers dropped donations into a replica World War II ammo box created by Hughes Brothers in Seward.
Organizers handed out dance cards with a list of popular dances from the time, like the Lindy, Jitterbug and more.
The Concordia Jazz Ensemble opened the evening with the “Star-Spangled
Banner” and transitioned into some classics from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and others. They ended the evening with a modern classic “God Bless the U.S.A.” that brought a standing ovation from the crowd.
Patrons were given a behind-the-scenes look at the mock-up of the Cornrow to Hedgerow 4D Experience Exhibit. The exhibit will feature 12 Nebraska National Guard soldiers in the French hedgerows north of St. Lo, France in World War II.
The exhibit, expected to cost over $236,000, is being designed and built by Hartman Historical Services of Omaha. The newest addition to the museum will be the cornerstone exhibit to the World War II sacrifice of the Nebraska National Guard.
Those interested in helping the museum reach its goal to honor the Greatest Generation can call (402) 309-8763.
