Now the American revue, “In The Mood”, is coming to the Canberra Theatre with more than 50 hits by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and The Andrews Sisters.

It’ll be time to remember what a hepcat was and to sing along to numbers such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, the first gold record ever.

I talked by phone to Bud Forrest, former accompanist for the US Air Force Chorus, director of the show and the brains behind the enterprise.

Forrest says he and his now 13-piece String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra started small in 1988, but by 1993 were performing on the steps of the US National Archives for the commemoration of World War II and they haven’t looked back since, often playing to public occasions such as Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration.

“I created the show many years ago and hired myself as musical director,” Forrest explains. He soon added singers and swing dancers to create “a more complete and more satisfying theatrical experience.

“It’s really a kind-of a three-ring circus – song, music and dance. As well as the sound there is the look – women in platform shoes and red frocks.”

His wife, who used to be a designer, created all the costumes.

“I think there’s a real appetite for swing,” Forrest says, recalling the exceptional skills of earlier players. He’s particularly thrilled that he was able to contact Vic Schoen, the conductor for The Andrews Sisters, some of whose arrangements are used in the show.

This will be quite literally a flying visit, as the company is more used to bus tours.

“There are a few surprises in store for Australians,” he promises, “and we do pay tribute to all veterans.”

In Forrest’s view, this is a show for families from eight to 88. “I feel like we’re carrying on the tradition,” he says, “we trigger a lot of memories.”

“In The Mood”, Canberra Theatre, September 29. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au