Reunion Band

Reunion News

It used to be a phone call or a note in snail mail. But in this instant I-phone world, kudos for the band sometime arrive during the trip home. Still abuzz over her daughter's wedding, a mother-of-the-bride wrote (at sometime after midnight):

"THANKS SO MUCH!!! We all had a blast and I am so grateful to all of you. You made it so much fun for all! I absolutely LOVE the number you do when the trombone and trumpet guys came out and danced with the bride and groom. That was so clever and so much fun - they loved it. I also appreciate the effort that you took to work with us and make it such a special night of music for our family." 6/08/09

Most Austinites would agree that the coolest place to be anytime of the year is...well, Austin, of course. And the coolest Austin-area place to be in the summer is The Oasis. Reunion returns to that most scenic of sites five more times in 2009 -- including a big Fourth of July celebration. There are five upcoming dates so get those summer clothes out of storage and lay them out next to your dancing shoes. It's gonna be cool! 3/28/09

Having friends in "low places" is laudable, but having friends in higher climes may be more fun. Over the years we've been able to add athletic legends, titans of business, and lots of plain folks to our friends list. Now, it turns out, a band friend from the old days has reached a new level of accomplishment. We went to school with Jim Schwertner; he was our drum major in the Austin McCallum band. We've kept in touch over the years, mainly seeing him at the occasional gig. Last week, Jim, one of the world's foremost experts on the cattle business, was named to the Texas A&M board of regents. Wow! The Aggies have excelled once again. Congrats, Jim, and Gig 'Em!

‹Newest Texas A&M Regent Jim Schwertner, far left, poses with Sam (in black) and classmates at a McCallum class get-together last year.

And while we're on the topic of accomplished friends...The January issue of Austin Monthly Magazine on "Austin's Best Doctors" prominently lists our allergist friends Bill Howland and Alan Liebermann among the best in the country. The principals at the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin have made the list for several years running. Another Mac classmate, Dr. Howland, is bassist for Code Blue. Austin's best docs? That's nothing to sneeze at. 2/12/09

Neither rain nor... Well, it wasn't raining -- in fact, it was a beautiful day for a run. Nevertheless, there was a nip in the air one recent early Sunday morning as the band made its annual appearance at the finish line of 3M's Austin Half-Marathon. There was a new course record and no reports of frostbit lips from the hypothermic horn section (from left, Kelly, Sam, and Stephen). 1/30/09

In the NFL this season, it was Peyton Manning. Last year the NBA's nod went to Kobe Bryant. In an informal poll taken on a recent road trip, Reunion tapped Dave Hazlett, left, as our MVP for 2009. Dave, one of our 'newest' members (meaning he didn't play in the first two iterations of the band in the previous century), consistently makes his presence known. His remarkable musicianship, audio expertise and great personality on-stage and off made him our obvious choice. Congratulations, Dave, Reunion's Most Valuable Player for 2009! 1/14/09

Dancing with the Debutantes has become a new Yuletide tradition for the band. For three years running, Reunion has made the trip west for the Odessa Debutante Ball, which showcases the Permian Basin's finest young ladies and their escorts. When you see young people like these you know America's future is in good hands. The photos from Lorrie show the Horns taking to the dance floor to party with the honorees. 12/30/08

Rumors were flying backstage at a recent out-of-state gig. Seems the green room had been occupied by a "star", sending the band to a nearby meeting room for dinner and show preparation. "I can't tell you," the coordinator replied when asked about the star's ID. Mind you, we've had "stars" in green rooms at gigs before. But the secrecy only raised our collective curiosity. Finally, our many guesses turned out wrong when we heard the announcer proudly proclaim something like: "Ladies and gentlemen....Brooks!" You know...of him, above, and Dunn. Later, Andrew, right, (with all of Reunion) did a little singing of his own. 10/31/08 Photos by Lorrie

Reunion was in its infancy in the summer of 1971, and "home" was a local dance studio nice enough to allow youthful cacaphony. There, Sam and Kelly were jamming with various rhythm players trying to make something happen. When bassist Paul joined that summer, things did start happening -- and it happened first at Bob Wilson's Dance Studio. That little place, the first place to host the sound of Reunion, was a hotbed of community activity, as a recent recollection, published by the American-Statesman, shows. 9/29/08

This fall The University of Texas is retiring the numbers of several top athletes. In late September the nod went to Bobby Layne, the legendary 1940s Longhorn QB who later led the Detroit Lions to two NFL championships. Back in the 1970s, Reunion played a party for Rooster Andrews, another Horn legend and Austin entrepreneur. In attendance was his buddy Bobby Layne, who cornered our singer, Andrew, slipped him a $100 bill, and requested "Texas Fight." The band played the fight song to "Hook-'Ems" flashed skyward. It was a joyous celebration of being Longhorn and yet another opportunity for Reunion to spend an evening in the company of remarkable people. Bobby Layne and Rooster Andrews are no longer with us, but the mix of their vibrant personalities that night forged memories we'll never forget. Hook 'Em! 9/24/08

When you attend a Reunion event, you get more than an exceptional dance band. Watch closely and you see virtually every song unfold on stage. The Reunion frontline makes it so. One special lady was watching closely at a recent gig. She ran up to the stage after the final note and proclaimed: "The Lollipop Guild!" Anywhere else such an outburst would seem odd. But not here, not now. For during Sam's magnificent solo in "Wonderful World" the other horn players do the famed Munchkin kick dance from "The Wizard of Oz." Thanks for noticing. Next time try to spot nods to Milton Berle, The Three Stooges, and Dr. Evil. 9/20/08 (Photo above: "Three Stooges: Larry, Moe, and Curly." Hmmm...same letter count and instrumentation as "Reunion Horns: Steve, Sam, and Kelly.")

Now that the national conventions are over, are you still undecided? Reunion may have your solution for the rockin'-est, most honorable candidate. Our guitarist, Paul Gillia, is running for President! 9/05/08

April 18, 2009 is one sizzling date. In Miami, firefighters will race 55 stories up the Wachovia building; a few miles away other Floridians will celebrate the RajunCajun Crawfish Festival. That day will also see Arkansans celebrating spinach while those in Michigan praise plastic ponies. (We're not making this up.) In Texas there will be six weddings, at least. How do we know? That's how many brides have queried Reunion about our availability for their reception on 4/18/09. Brides, we love you, so if you're planning your 2009 wedding now and want Reunion for your big day (and who doesn't?) please consider any of the other 364 days next year and let us know. That way we can help make your Wedding Day among the very best of your life. 8/25/08

sphere opening ceremonies

High End Systems illuminates the XXIX Olympics, left, and Reunion.

When Reunion sought out a venue for its Y2K video, High End Systems was the obvious choice. The worldwide leader in automated lighting, based in Austin, did a fab job lighting Reunion for the project. If you saw the opening of the Olympics in Beijing, you saw High End Systems power another event. The company's futuristic digital products lit the globe and the rim of the Bird's Nest stadium, which the torch-lighter "flew" around to cap the event. Congratulations to our friend, Lowell Fowler, and his High End Systems cohorts on a great show! 8/11/08

Here's how one bride recounted her big night in May with Reunion: "We had the most amazing time at our wedding and so much of the reason was because of you....We hardly left the dance floor all night and all of our friends and families have been raving about you since the wedding.....Thanks for making our night perfect! I can't believe I did the gator in my wedding dress. Now that's a good time." 7/21/08

It was a Knight night at the Oasis in July when, by amazing happenstance, about a dozen members of the Austin McCallum High School class of '72 (Reunion's class)showed up. For several years the class of '74 has reunited at the Oasis when the band played there and will do so again on Sept. 19; now, it seems, more classes are catching on. And, of course, a good time was had by all. In the photo, Sam and Kelly, in their new Beijing 2008 shirts, join their classmates at the impromptu 'Reunion reunion'. Cameras were clicking and here are shots from two lensing ladies. 7/19/08 Thanks, Lorrie, for the photo.

©©© "You guys were absolutely terrific and very professional"...©©© "Everyone thought you were all GREAT. You truly put on a fantastic show"...©©© When you get accolades like these from different party-givers in the same week, you just gotta share the love. ©©©7/10/08

Each year the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association holds its conference in a different city over the Fourth of July weekend. For the 25th anniversary of the first gathering, the group chose San Antonio and Reunion got the call for the big bash on Saturday night. The huge event, with a giant American flag as a backdrop, left, was a blast. Those pilots and their guests, nearly 2,000 strong, know how to party! Thanks VHPA for inviting us to share in your event -- and, more importantly, for your courageous service to our country. 7/7/08

Playing around the state for decades has afforded Reunion band members the opportunity to meet some very cool people. Not long ago the band played the KENS-TV holiday party at a San Antonio country club. In attendance was Dan Cook, the legendary SA sports commentator. We were thrilled to meet the icon and told him so on many occasions that evening; he, in turn, professed his appreciation for our band. He was such a gentleman -- and he waved to the band as he left that night. Dan Cook died July 3. We are better for that night in his presence. 7/4/08

Spring is a time for commencement, for celebrating one's potential, and three of our Reunion family have done just that. Stephen, Sam's son, climbed to executive level in his financial career. Gabe, Kelly's son, graduated Texas State University and embarked on a journey, chronicled here. Mike, John's son, graduated high school and has been admitted to The University of Texas School of Engineering, a feat one UT insider termed "virtually impossible." Way to go guys! 6/21/08

The big Texas wedding of the year is history and, to answer your first question, no: Reunion wasn't in Crawford on May 10. Reports had bands from Tennessee and Virginia performing and, we assume, a good time was had by all. Since we didn't send our message and music in person, please accept our sincere Best Wishes, Jenna, for a happy marriage!

Yes, we love brides. The weekend wedding prompted this space to examine Reunion's wedding history. The band plays around a dozen weddings annually, many of which are return engagements for families with multiple children. Having us once for your wedding is a great honor, but bringing us back for a sibling is humbling, indeed. There are reasons, of course, families choose Reunion for their big day: we respect your event, honor your requests, and treat every bride like the queen she is (you can see Sam, playing on his knees for the bride, in the photo above.) Oh yeah, and we party like crazy, too! Here's how you can have, as one local commentator put it, a "pure Texas party band" at your big event. 5/13/08

On rare occasions, Reunion will tap the Austin music scene when a substitute is needed. Two top talents who've sat in with the band in the last year include cast members from Austin Lyric Opera's recent acclaimed production of "Porgy and Bess." Rod Sanford, Jake in ALO's Gershwin staging, brought his booming baritone to the band last fall. This spring, Sacha Crosby, who played Clara (and was entrusted with the opera's the flagship song, "Summertime") sat in with Reunion at the Oasis. She's shown in the photo with Andrew. Thanks guys, for helping out -- and for making "Porgy and Bess" such a treat! 5/10/08

Love is in the air. At least it is if you're going by one day's traffic at this web site. In the course of a recent day, Reunion received four queries for parties, three of which were wedding receptions. It's easy to find out if Reunion will be available for the biggest day of your life. We only list confirmed dates on our calendar so if your big date isn't already listed, Reunion most likely is available. To get more information, take the easy route and do as three brides-to-be did on a single day: go to Reunion's booking form. Planning a big wedding can be a huge project. Why not make booking a great party band the easiest part? 4/10/08

Funny, the things that turn up. The latest is a long-lost recording of Andrew channeling the great Louis Armstrong on Satchmo's "other" hit, the one that doesn't greet a chick named Dolly. Check it out for when Andrew takes the mic it is, indeed, a 'Wonderful World'. 4/3/08

Though you can find them on this site, Reunion's videos from High End Systems' showroom and The Oasis have hit You Tube. 3/29/08

It's a Centex fact: People flock to the area lakes in the warm half of the year. The attraction of cool water sports conducted under sprawling Texas skies is just too much to pass up. The Oasis on Lake Travis adds to the equation, offering panoramic views, super sunsets (framing Lorrie at right), margaritas, comfort food, and music, music, music. Reunion will be providing the sounds on five fabulous Fridays in 2008. The specific dates are here, and they run from April through October. It's a popular location for our fans and friends, so get ready to get down often this summer! 3/14/08

The current issue of Austin Wedding Day magazine takes a look at entertainment. So, to show how good a wedding can be, the magazine chose Reunion as its lead photo. The shot, by fab photographer Whitney Lee, was taken at a Hill Country reception held under endless Texas skies. Everything was beautiful: the bride, the band, the blue... 3/3/08

Update: We're crazy about photographers -- well, the pros, anyway. In her "Wedding Trends" blog, Austin artist Katy Roth notes that "Reunion is one of the few bands that people beg to keep playing on and on." Hey, who are we to argue? Photographers, who clock more time at weddings than Zsa Zsa, know what makes a good reception. Thanks, Katy! We love you, too. 3/27/08

Each year, it seems, this space advises action from party-planners who have their sights set on Reunion. Check out the band's 2008 calendar and you'll notice the biggest date of the year, New Year's Eve, is already booked along with several other prime holiday dates. (The prime ones always go first.) But take heart: with '08 being a leap year, there's an extra day for partying with Reunion. If you want the best party possible, do what party people have done for years -- contact Reunion now. We'll take care of the rest. 1/11/08

News from 2007