Did you know that video of performances by various Auburn Knights alumni (and friends of the Auburn Knights) can be seen on YouTube? Some of them include:
- Saxophonist Dave Edwards, who appears in a number of videos with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. An especially nice one is this clip of Dave’s solo performance of “Misty”.
- Trumpeter Art Depew, who likewise appears in several videos with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra (among others). An especially good one is this clip of Art’s solo performance of “People Will Say We’re in Love”.
- Pianist Victor “Brother” Atkins, who can be seen in a number of videos, including this performance of “Circle of Fourths” with the Delfeayo Marsalis Octet.
- Guitarist Bert Cotton, who can be seen in a number of videos, including this performance with Bonerama at Tipitina’s in New Orleans.
Are there any we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!
Jack Behrens’ book Big Bands and Great Ballrooms: America is Dancing… Again (available from Amazon.com and other booksellers) offers a nostalgic look back at bands and dance halls, as well as an up-close view of today’s leaders and bands. The book includes some of the history of the Auburn Knights Orchestra, and includes several quotes from Auburn Knights alumnus Dorsey Tippett about how the band has managed to stay together for so long and the future prospects for the Auburn Knights and big bands in general:
“The future of our band is very promising. I believe our standards are classic and will always be around, and people will always have a desire to hear them… I have enjoyed listening to swing ever since I was a little girl. I love it! I believe that is the way it will be for others in the future.”
If you’ve read this book and would like to let us know what you thought of it, let us know!
The 2010 Auburn Knights Alumni reunion will be held July 20-25, 2010, at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. We have once again secured a special room rate of $79 per night; be sure to mention that you’ll be there for the Auburn Knights reunion when reserving your room. More information about the rehearsal and performance schedules will be available closer to reunion time.
The July 2009 issue of The Bridge, the newsletter of the Auburn Knights Alumni Association, is now available for download as a PDF. AKAA members should receive their printed copies in the mail this week.
