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If you go

What: "Swingin' for the Animals" benefit concert featuring the Artie Shaw Orchestra

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Mishler Theatre, Altoona

Admission: $20

More information: Call 942-2477 or visit www.centralpahumanesociety.org

On the eve of America's entry into World War II, Time magazine reported that in the eyes of the German masses, the United States meant "skyscrapers, Clark Gable and Artie Shaw."

Nearly 70 years later - and five years after Shaw's death at 94 - his big band sounds resonate with those who remember them well - and with a new generation just learning to swing.

The Artie Shaw Orchestra, under the direction of master clarinetist Rich Chiaraluce, will perform at 7 p.m. Monday at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona as part of the Central PA Humane Society's "Swingin' for the Animals" concert. All proceeds will benefit the society's homeless animals.

"I'm really excited to bring this new event to the area," Debbie Pierce, the society's director of marketing, said. "We have a lot of seniors in the Blair County area who love animals, but until now, most of our fundraising events have been geared toward younger people. Hopefully, this concert will appeal to our seniors as well as younger generations. I know I can't wait to hear them."

Shaw was regarded by many as the finest and most innovative of all jazz clarinetists, a leader of several of the greatest musical aggregations ever assembled and one of the most adventurous and accomplished figures in American music, Chiaraluce, 60, said in a recent telephone interview from his home in Denver, Colo. He added that directing the 14-member orchestra has been a labor of love and an undertaking based upon deep respect and admiration.

"Artie was a virtuoso clarinetist - way ahead of his time stylistically," he said. "He had a way of coupling the clarinet with the band and turning out great hits. He didn't write all the songs his orchestra played, but he arranged them. He was always looking ahead - always looking to make the band more modern."

The orchestra will perform big-band-era hits such as "Stardust," "Temptation," "Frenesi" and "Begin the Beguine," he said. Chiaraluce, who grew up in Shaw's hometown of New Haven, Conn., recalled how he discovered Shaw's orchestra as a child.

"I grew up with his records in my house. He was the first great clarinet player I'd ever heard," he said. "I'd try to copy him on my own clarinet, but I didn't know what I was doing. He was my first big influence. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be out front playing in front of his band.

"In the '40s and '50s, he was the equivalent of the top rock stars of today," he said. "This was the rock and roll of its day - the hip, popular music everyone listened to. I think more kids today would love this music if they were exposed to it more. You go away with a happy feeling when you hear this music."

Pierce said local independent concert promoter Jim Daski came to her with the idea of bringing the orchestra to the Mishler.

"Because of past relationships I've had with the band, I had an opportunity to fill a date, and I knew they were coming through the area to play another show," Daski said.

"I wanted to put it together on behalf of a nonprofit agency that would benefit from this, and I just thought the society would be a good beneficiary. They have to care for quite a few animals during the year, and it takes funds to keep that going. And the bands out there on tour are always looking for work, so I thought I could be a help all the way around."

Daski said he and Pierce are hoping for a turnout of at least 200 to 300 people.

"Tickets have been selling slowly, but I'm hoping the (Mirror) article changes that," Pierce said. "We've had a really good response in terms of sponsorship, which has really helped to defray our expenses."

Added Chiaraluce: "It's a great cause and it's very close to my heart. I couldn't be happier than playing for what we're playing for. I love animals of all kinds, and we're all just hoping for a real nice turnout."

He's also looking forward to playing the Mishler.

"I was told the building is over 100 years old, and usually these older theaters are just fantastic - the acoustics are almost invariably fabulous," he said. "So I'm really looking forward to coming."

Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin is at 946-7460.