Artie Shaw takes the bandstand when Swingtime meets Tuesday, April 16, at 1 p.m. at the Community Center.

An accomplished clarinetist, composer and bandleader, Artie Shaw was one of the most popular music-makers of the swing era. His many hits include such singularly classic recordings as “Begin the Beguine,” “Frenesi,” “Stardust,” “Moonglow” and “Rosalie.”

In spite of his success in music, Shaw wanted to be a writer and actively pursued that path when he put down his clarinet in 1954 and went on to author three books as well as his unpublished 1,000-page autobiography.

Married eight times, Shaw’s most memorable marriages were to Hollywood superstars Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.

All in attendance are encouraged to contribute their own thoughts and feelings about Artie Shaw, his band and his music, and to share their own special memories of this magical musical era.

Membership in the Activity Center is required to attend Swingtime meetings. For more information, contact Bill Whittaker at 480-837-7961, or the Activity Center at 480-816-5226.

A spin-off of the Golden Age of Radio, Swingtime plays vintage 78 rpm records from the era when swing was king. Listen to the big bands and small ensembles, the crooners and singing groups. Remember the grand ballrooms, the dance crazes and dance contests.

While not all the music of the time was swing, the term itself defines that period from the depression years through World War II.