Often used as a pejorative, the term “disco” covers some of the finest and funnest music made from the mid- 1970s to the early ‘80s. While great hooks and pulsing rhythms are obvious parts of the formula, it’s often careful songcraft and extensive production that puts disco classics over the top.
Although they generally went uncredited, string sections and even full orchestras are big parts of that story. Whether you know it or not, the Bee Gees, Chic, “I Will Survive”, “Disco Inferno” — none of it would pop aslike it does without all the stuff going on in the background.
On May 4, Long Beach Symphony will be joined by “disco tribute” band Classical Night Fever to produce the Disco Fever Dance Party. If you can just get past all that “fever” (which unfortunately puts one more in mind of the fad than the fab), you’ll be treated to a two-hour spectacle of disco classics with all the trimmings, including plenty of room to dance.
It’s the latest installment of Long Beach Symphony’s highly successful Pops Series, five offerings per season featuring music more classic thant classical. The past year alone has included concerts dedicated to the music of The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones.
Formed in 1934, Long Beach Symphony — then called the Long Beach Philharmonic — first staged what President Kelly Ruggirello labels a “pops-style” concert in 1958 by featuring a program of selections from Broadway musicals. Ruggirello says that in 1984 the Symphony moved its Pops shows from the Terrace Theatre to the Long Beach Arena toin order to enable attendees at the floor level to dance either at their tables or on one of two dedicated dance floors flanking the stage
But those dance floors have probably never gotten as much use as they will on May 4, because ever since Saturday Night Fever, even people who haven’t heard of Studio 54 generally equate disco with dancing.
Classical Night Fever certainly has itstheir act down. For the better part of a decade, Classical Night Fever has been laying down the boogie with orchestras from coast-to-coast, delivering ultra-tight versions of beloved disco hits while helping to set the mood both sartorially and terpsichoreally.
Ruggirello reports that the Symphony’s Pops concerts typically attract from 4,000 to 5,000 people, which is almost double the number attending traditional symphony programs. Pops attendees also get to come as early as 6:30 p.m. to “picnic” indoors— either BYO food/drink (yes, including your favorite libations) or have your meal catered by George’s Greek Cafe, Modica’s, or other local options — prior to the shows’ 8 p.m. start time.
This event may sell out, so if your boogie shoes are beckoning, get your tickets now. See you on the dance floor.