BETWEEN THE WARS
Music from 1918 to 1941

In the 20+ years between the world wars, American pop music responded to the events of the times. This show rides the roller coaster that was American life, from the post war highs of the frenzied 20’s to the lows of the Depression, and back up the long hill to recovery and ultimately WW II.

Join us as we follow the evolution of pop music from the “square” rhythms and jangling player pianos of 1918 to the hot Charleston rhythms of the 20s and on into the “Golden Years” of the 30s where we discover swing and follow it to the smooth powerful sound of the early 40s.

Listen to songs by such writers as Irving Berlin, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Johnny Mercer. Remember a time when the “greats” like Sophie Tucker, Al Jolson, Fats Waller, Rudy Vallee, and Bing Crosby thrilled America with their unique talents and contributions to the “Great American Songbook.”

Through songs such as “After You’ve Gone,” “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “P.S. I Love you,” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” this show explores American life and culture “between the wars.”

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN
Andy Razaf, Thomas "Fats" Waller & Harry Brooks, 1929
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WHAT’LL I DO
Irving Berlin, 1924
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