BUTLER TWP — After a year-and-a-half absence, the Butler County Symphony Orchestra came out swinging in its Great Ladies of Swing concert Saturday night in the Butler Intermediate High School Auditorium.

Headliner Dee Daniels and Maestro Mathew Kraemer led the orchestra on a romp through enduring musical standards that had the audience snapping their fingers, tapping their toes and bouncing in their seats. Daniels' four-octave vocal range and wry humor sparkled as brightly as her shimmering gowns.

The orchestra joyfully stepped up to the plate, playing a style of music that, while not unfamiliar to their ears, was new musical territory for most of them to play. Songs with wild tempo changes and elaborate rhythms were beautifully balanced with lilting ballads and sentimental favorites.

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