...A Legend Lives On
May 21, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
The first Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make it at all. It was a total and absolute economic failure. But Glenn knew what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band – the one that lives on today – in March of 1938. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” ever since.
The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930’s and 40’s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilion, built and sustained the momentum of popularity.
Glenn disbanded his musical organization in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen performing numerous live and radio shows. On December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single engine plane from Europe to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later.
With the release of the major motion movie The Glenn Miller Story featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson in 1954, interest and popular demand led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra. On June 6, 1956, and under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Glenn’s disappearance, the reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its first concert and has been on the road ever since. Other leaders have followed Ray including clarinetists Buddy DeFranco and Peanuts Hucko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Larry O’Brien and Gary Tole, and tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart. Since January 2012, vocalist Nick Hilscher leads the band.
Today, the 18 member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound.
Just as it was in Glenn’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra today is still the most sought after big band in the world.
Tickets: $44 | 48 Suite Seats: $50
All sales are final. Prices inclusive of tax, facility, and ticketing fees. Online purchases may incur additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Accessibility Services
- The Grand is accessible for patrons who have hearing or mobility impairments. The Grand Lounge is wheelchair accessible, but not the balcony, Suite Seats, or gallery seating. Please notify The Box Office about special seating needs when purchasing tickets.
- The main lobby, historic lobby, main floor and The Grand Lounge are completely accessible to all patrons with mobility impairments by means of an elevator and a wheelchair lift. The elevator is located in the hallway between the main lobby restrooms and the wheelchair lift is located in the main lobby near the women's restroom. The exterior accessible entrance is located on the West side of building. The front doors do lead to steps in order to enter the main lobby.
- Assisted listening devices are available free of charge to hearing impaired patrons, at the box office. To use a headset, contact the house manager, the nearest usher before events or go directly to the box office. A major credit card, state ID or driver's license is all that is required for deposit.
- The Grand is equipped with a TCoil Hearing Loop. To use this technology, switch your hearing aid to the "T" (Telecoil) setting.
- American Sign Language Interpreters may be provided for Grand-presented events upon request. Please contact Leah Demski, Patron Services Manager, by phone: 920-424-2355 or email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about this service at least 2 weeks prior to the event you wish to attend.
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Night of a Performance
- Doors open one-hour prior to a performance, and seating begins a half-hour prior to a performance unless otherwise stated.
- The Box Office also opens one-hour prior to a performance for will-call and other ticketing needs.
- The Grand Lounge also opens at that time, when applicable.
- Most performances have a run time of 90 minutes. Please call the Box Office if you have questions about a specific performance.
- The Grand, including The Grand Lounge, is a tobacco-free facility. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes, including tobacco-free electronic cigarettes.
- Per Oshkosh City Ordinance 17-3 and Wisconsin Statutes §943.13, No person shall enter upon or remain on these premises while carrying firearms or weapons.
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Amenities
- Coat check is available in the main lobby. Depending on the performance, it may not be staffed but still available for patrons to use to hang coats.
- The elevator is located in the hallway north of the main lobby to access The Grand Lounge and Balcony seating.
- A wheelchair elevator is also available in the main lobby.
- Restrooms are available in the main lobby and in The Grand Lounge. All restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
- Will Call: Tickets held at Will Call can be picked up one hour prior to the show. Please be prepared to present your order number or confirmation to the Box Office Operator.
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Camera and Video Policy
- With the exception of digital programs on a mobile device, usage of distracting, noise-making devices are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, cameras, cellular phones, pagers, laser pointers and recording devices.
- Enforcement and specific photo policies may vary at the request of the performer(s).
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Ticketing Policies
- The Grand Oshkosh and its ticketing platform Ovationtix (AudienceView) are the only authrozied ticket sellers.
- Individual ticket prices are inclusive of tax, facility, and ticketing fees—some orders my incur additional processing fees. All programs, dates, times and prices are subject to change. Lost tickets can be reprinted 1 hour prior to show time. A per-tickets fee may apply.
- All sales are final unless a performance is canceled or postponed, with the following exceptions: Exchanges are allowed within a single performance, or within a performance run of the same event, providing that tickets are returned to the Box Office at least 24 hours prior to the initial event. These exchanges will incur a per-ticket charge. Please contact the Box Office for all requirements, exceptions and conditions for exchanges. Donors and package purchasers may exchange tickets from one Season event to another providing that tickets are returned to the Box Office at least 24 hours prior to the initial event, without incurring a fee. This benefit does not apply to Special Events or Non-Subscription Events.
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Ticketing Discounts
- Please mention any applicable discounts to the Box Office when purchasing tickets. Discounts may be available for Multi-show purchasers, Senior Citizens (aged 62+), Students, and Groups (10 or more). Applicable discounts vary per performance, are not valid for previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined. For more information please contact The Grand Oshkosh Box Office.
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Inclement Weather
- On rare occasions, inclement weather can occur on the day of a Grand Oshkosh event. If the performers and necessary equipment arrive before, or in spite of, the inclement weather, they will perform as scheduled. Even if a ticket-holder is unable to attend due to the weather, no refunds will be given. For status updates on any performance, please call 920-267-7554.
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Where to Stay
- Making plans for to #DiscoverOshkosh for a weekend? Be sure to check out our preferred places to stay when choosing where to end your eventful days!
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Where to Eat
- There's nothing better than dinner and a show! Be sure to check out our preferred places to dine when choosing where to enjoy your evening in Oshkosh and the Greater Fox Valley!
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Parking