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Central Texas' Premier Party Band
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Central Texas' Premier Party Band
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Next Public Performances: Sept. 19 & Oct. 17, The Oasis
HistoryIn 1971, the Supreme Court ordered busing to achieve racial desegregation. Police and military arrested thousands of anti-war demonstrators in Washington. The Pentagon Papers were released. 18-year-olds got the vote. Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World" was #1, followed by Carole King's "It's Too Late" and The Bee Gees' "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart." The Undisputed Truth joined the one-hit wonder bunch with "Smiling Faces Sometimes." Marvin Gaye asked "What's Going On," The Temps used "Just My Imagination," and Rod Stewart sang to "Maggie Mae." At McCallum High School in Austin, another sound was brewing. The school's top rock musicians (from such bands as Springfield West and Bittersweet) were jamming with the high school band's top brass players. Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears were the progressive bands of the time and their songs provided the basis of the new band, which became known as Reunion. Reunion 1971-1978
Perhaps more of a horn-rock ensemble than a straight no-holds-barred dance band, the early realization of Reunion rocked around the state playing night clubs (including the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters and Mother Earth), countless fraternity parties, the George McGovern presidential campaign, and other events. During that time, disco was king. Amazingly the songs Reunion learned then are now hotter than ever with the revival of the craze in the '90s. Most members were in college during that time preparing for their careers. In fact, the band you see today is almost entirely professionals as there are several college degrees (but no Music degrees!) on stage. Reunion 1986-1988
In the mid-'80s, literally after having not seen each other for a decade, the members of the band had a reunion at a popular Sixth Street night club. The evening clicked, and the band once again became a fixture in central Austin's night spots. Still mixing rock with soul, Reunion once again rose to the top of Austin music. But, as bands so often do, the guys drifted apart again to raise their families and advance their careers.
Reunion Today Row 1: Stephen, Sam, Kelly, and Paul Hudspeth. Row 2: Andrew, Lorrie, and Tommy. Row 3: John, Paul Gillia, and Dave Hazlett. For the past decade, the members of Reunion have been at it again, bringing excitement to every gathering they attend. The band has grown -- even added the female touch -- and makes regular appearances at Austin's top clubs, including the Warehouse District's Cedar Street Courtyard and Lake Travis hotspot The Oasis. The band is more polished, more show-driven, and more danceable than ever and is a favorite for weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events and community celebrations. The fun factor which has seen the band through more than a quarter century remains the driving force for both the band and its audience. By mixing classic rock, Motown, hard-core funk, '70s disco, and timeless ballads which appeal both to baby boomers as well as their kids, Reunion is THE band to bring it all together when you're in the mood to party. You may get the feeling that Reunion is more family than business. You'd be right. Over the past quarter century the members have watched each others' families grow up, faced challenges and triumphs together, and kept it all going with an over-riding love of music and one another. You see the camaraderie -- the family -- there on stage. Indeed, our sons are now bringing a second generation to the Reunion stage. The smiles are real. The fun is infectious. And it spreads throughout any venue in which Reunion appears. Reunion has been quite a ride -- and the final chapter hasn't even begun to be written. Party on! |
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Circa 1977.
Clockwise from lower left: Sam, John, Paul, Kelly, Tommy, Scotty
Crooks, and Andrew.
Circa 1987.
Clockwise fron lower left: Alvin Grant, Kelly, Sam, Paul, John,
Tommy, Andrew, and Jim Brauer.
