Hear all the great big bands of the swing era as they “battle” against each other when Swingtime meets Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. in the Fountain Hills Community Center.

The program highlights the sounds of such giants of swing like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller.

Also on the playlist are the bands that were somewhat less popular but still made significant contributions to the swing-era songbook.

The “Battle of the Big Bands” will be held in a fun-filled, interactive jukebox format in which the performances that are now considered swing standards will be presented in a random manner, according to a press release.

At the end of the presentation, Swingtime will conduct an informal poll to determine the one big band that stands as this season’s favorite with meeting participants.

All in attendance are invited to contribute their own thoughts and feelings about the music and the music makers and to share their own special memories of the swing era.

Membership in the Community Center is required to attend Swingtime meetings.

For more information, contact Bill Whittaker at 480-837-7961 or the Community Center at 480-816-5226.

A spin-off of the Golden Age of Radio, Swingtime plays vintage recordings from that magical 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.