GULF SHORES, Ala. — Hundreds of music fans wanting to take a “Sentimental Journey” down memory lane, went “Steppin’ Out” to the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center on Monday and Tuesday night for a Moonlight Serenade.

Featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and other noted musicians of our time, American Big Band brought its song and dance to Gulf Shores as part of the winter Entertainment Series.

Complete with a colorful set, lights, numerous costume changes and more, the six singers accompanied by their 11-piece big band, danced and sang their way into the hearts of the packed house, bringing back memories of days gone by.

In the setting of a radio program, emcee Adam Smith took attendees on a journey through the history of big band music, programming from different locations throughout the USA such as The Palomar Ballroom in Hollywood, The Savory and Billy Rose’s Music Hall in New York City.

The Nashville based Matt Davenport production was set in two acts.

Everyone tapped their toes and sang along during the opening act to popular numbers such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Jersey Bounce,” “The Very Thought of You” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”. A touching rendition of “All of Me,” along with “Take the A Train,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and “Caravan” brought back memories of slow dances as well as sock hops to the many in attendance.

Act one closed with a jumpin’ and jivin’ arrangement of “It don’t Mean a Thing.”

Wisconsin resident Mary Blanks said, “This reminds me of so many things. I know almost every song and the way they perform them is incredible. This has been a lovely evening.”

After a 15-minute intermission, the cast and musicians of American Big Band got things cranked up once again with “St. Louis Blues,” “One O’clock Jump” and “Minnie the Moocher,” followed by “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “Fever,” “Moonlight in Vermont” and “L-O-V-E.”

Joining Smith, were singers Renee Lopez, Jennifer Landes-Vann, Vanessa Callahan-Wohlers, Thomas Rhoades and Kyle Gordon, who sang and danced their way through popular numbers such as “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Pianist Mason Embry, who was also the conductor, highlighted the band on well-known big band tunes “String of Pearls,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Moonlight Serenade” and “In The Mood.”

Next up on the Entertainment Series schedule is the Kingston Trio, famous for songs such as Tom Dooley and Lemon Tree, who will be performing Feb. 7-8, followed by “The Singing Rage” Patti Page on Feb. 14-15.