University Park, PA -- Peter T. Kiefer, coordinator of Fred Waring's America Collection, in the University Libraries, will present "Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians: The Radio Years, 1933–1950," during the time the group made its rise to the peak of popularity. The public presentation will be Wednesday, November 19, 2003, at 4:00 p.m., in the Foster Auditorium, 101 Pattee Library.

In the 1930s, the first programs, sponsored by Old Gold cigarettes and the Ford Dealers of America, demonstrate innovations initiated by Waring that had great impact on choral entertainment. The Chesterfield Pleasure Time Show, which began in 1939; broadcast five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year and continued for five years. It featured celebrities who received their start on the Waring programs, including Milton Berle, Bea Wain, Rosemary and Priscilla Lane, Robert Shaw, Les Paul, Paul Douglas, among many others.

The regular morning shows began in 1944, and continued until the Pennsylvanians went into television in 1950. Featured entertainers included Joe Marine, Jane Wilson, Joanne Wheatley, and Lumpy Brannum, who went on the become Mr. Greenjeans.

The great choral arrangements from this period, often referred to by many choral directors as "the golden age of choral music," are still being sung today.

For more information, contact Peter T. Kiefer, at 814-863-2911, email at ptk1@psulias.psu.edu, or go to www.libraries.psu.edu/waring/.

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Editor's Contact:
Catherine Grigor, 814-865-0401