There’s nothing like getting away from the rat-race and relaxing. Some travel to the mountains; others prefer the shore. But if you had to postpone your summer fun this year, fear not! All you have to do is pour yourself a tall glass of cold lemonade, sit back in your favorite easy chair, and let the following musical clips transport you to the summer you deserve.

“Too Darn Hot” from Kiss Me Kate (1953)
While the film itself has nothing to do with the sizzle of summer, it certainly has one of the hottest numbers from classic musicals. By way of the pen of Mr. Cole Porter, and courtesy of the talented tootsies of Miss Ann Miller, this song will inspire you to jump onto your favorite coffee table, and “go girl, go.”

“Heat Wave” from There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954)
No doubt you know all of the lyrics to this one, so what are you waiting for? Grab your grandmother’s favorite flower-ladened gardening panama, wrap a tablecloth around your waist, and sing along. This number, performed by Miss Marilyn Monroe, delivers you straight to a cabana in the middle of the tropics.

“Summertime” from Porgy and Bess (1959)
While finding any good quality clips online is nearly impossible, this list would not be complete without including this tune. There are a few versions online covered by modern artists, but most fail to capture the feel of the original lullaby. Instead, seek out a Louis Armstrong – Ella Fitzgerald rendition on YouTube and you will be quickly transported to the water’s edge on a hot summer evening.

“Summer Nights” from Grease (1978)
Inspired by the rockin’ and rollin’ good times of the 1950s, this popular musical remains a high school and community theatre favorite. More importantly, this lively duet provides a vibrant and upbeat answer to the commonly asked question, “What did you do last summer?”

“Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows” from Ski Party (1965)
What would summer be without a little camp? An offshoot from the “beach movies,” this film puts a familiar cast up in the mountains, although they eventually wind up on the beach. If you decide to look for this online, use the title of the movie as well as the song title in your search. This song is famously sung by Miss Lesley Gore and is a short – but fun – little ditty, and it is sure to welcome in the summer sunshine. The lollipops and rainbows? They’re optional.

**I watched all of these clips free of charge on YouTube, but some of them might be easily found through other sources.