Big Band Benefit Concert Scheduled For Nov. 15

Nov. 4, 2009

FLORENCE, Ala. – Shoals residents can swing to the rhythm of Big Band Era classics from Glenn Miller, Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra and more at the Big Band Benefit Concert Nov. 15. The show begins at 2 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. General admission tickets are $10, and $5 for students. Veterans and active military are admitted free of charge.

“If you like big band swing, you’ll love this concert,” said Dr. Lloyd Jones, director of bands at UNA. “This promises to be an enjoyable afternoon of music for all in attendance.”

The Shoals Area Big Band and UNA’s Pride of Dixie Marching Band will perform to benefit the UNA band program. The concert has supported the band program for more than 25 years. According to Jones, more than $80,000 has been raised for the program over the last 25 years.

“We could not have built the program to its current level without the thousands of dollars raised by this prestigious organization,” he said.

The UNA Pride of Dixie Marching Band has grown 30 percent in 10 years – to 220 members from all across the Southeast, plus three members from Japan.

“These are outstanding young men and women, and I am proud to have each of them in the UNA band program,” Jones said.

Shoals Area Big Band membership:

Leader – Dr. Lyman Mitchell

Saxophones – Dr. Jimmy Simpson, Dr. Lloyd Jones, Ricky Burks, Selwin Jones and Sarah Green

Trombones – Dr. Eddie Elsey, Philip Oliver, Bob Reinlie, Grady Campbell and Charles Rose

Trumpets – Terry Ownby, Drew White, Robbie Stout, Dr. Edd Jones and Edsel Holden

Rhythm – Jose Stallworth (piano), Tim Clinton (bass), Mitch Rigel (drums) and Iain Moyer (guitar)

Vocals – Donna Berryhill and Edsel Holden