Media Release – Louis Armstrong event reminder
Jazz King Louis Armstrong in Hamilton in 1963
There’s to be a public reminder next week of music legend Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong’s two sell-out concerts in Hamilton’s Founders Theatre half a century ago.
Let the Saints Go Marching in Again
Jazz lovers and great music fans are invited to gather at the Founders Theatre in Tristram Street at 6.30pm Wednesday 20 March for the 50th anniversary event.
Hamilton Jazz Society band Art Gecko will be playing Armstrong’s favourites, including ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ – the jazz king’s signal New Orleans number which concluded his performances that day in 1963 in what was then Hamilton’s brand new Town Hall.
Louis Armstrong – When The Saints Go Marching In – YouTube
It’s hoped to attract people who were there in 1963
Event organisers Richard Swainson and TOTI Trust say as news has spread, surprise that ‘Satchmo’ came to Hamilton is replaced by delight and personal recollections. TOTI chair Bill McArthur’s sister was there, and City councillor Martin Gallagher recalls his parents’ excitement at going to the concert. And veteran photographer Bill Lindberg captured the star chatting to fans thronged outside the Founders.
Bill Lindberg’s shot of ‘Satchmo’ chatting to fans
US Consul General James Donegan to unveil commemorative plaque
The “world famous jazz trumpeter” was welcomed to New Zealand by US Ambassador Anthony B. Akers with an “afternoon party” in Wellington. This time, half a century later, it will be US Consul General James E Donegan who’ll come to Hamilton to unveil a commemorative plaque.
20th Century ‘greats’
Armstrong is regarded as one of the 20th century’s great entertainers, and his tour, promoted by Harry M Miller, was an important milestone in the cultural life of Hamilton and New Zealand, says Dr Swainson.
