Reunion Band

Reunion News (2006-07)

Letters, we get letters. Well, e-mail's, anyway. A recent one from a happy couple made our holidays. The bride and groom wrote to send "a big thank you to the band, and let y'all know you went above and beyond any expectations we had." They added that everyone they spoke with "was mesmerized by the band and let us know you guys tore it down. We had a really great time dancing, and couldn't have been more pleased. Thank you for being part of our wedding."

Anyone who uses "y'all" and "mesmerized" in the same note is A-OK by Reunion standards. Thanks, best wishes, and Happy Holidays to the couple -- and to everyone on Reunion's "favorites" list. 12/26/07

Having fun -- along with playing great music -- is what Reunion does best. The band's musicians consider an night on stage as night out with the guys. It's always fun, and you can see it on everyone's face. Sam, our longtime friend and bandleader, makes it so. But there are countless horror stories out there of bandleaders who don't. Here's one audio example, posted recently on Metafilter. After you've heard enough expletives for a lifetime, check out this video. Do those musicians look like they're having fun? 11/15/07

When Reunion started rocking those many years ago, one of our best musicians wpe8.jpg (57929 bytes) was our guitarist. Scotty Crooks, bottom right in photo, powered the band's '70s-era raw sound with the most amazing licks we'd ever heard. Scotty remains an Austin guitar treasure so, when asked, Reunion jumped at the chance to play with -- and for -- our brother once again. And it's going to be fun. Reunion will play a set on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Hill's Cafe as part of a larger benefit for this remarkable musician and all-around great guy. Join us on Sunday evening in south Austin for a good old time! 10/29/07

Update: According to the event's organizers, Scotty's wingding had a 'good turnout' and 'awesome' music. For the bands, it was great hearing -- and seeing -- Scotty, at right, again. Well, we didn't really need to see the scar part. But that's our man! Thanks to everyone who organized the event. May everyone be so fortunate to have as many friends as Scotty has. It tells you about him; it tells you about them. Let's call it a good start, shall we? Contributions to Scotty's medical bills are still being accepted. Here's how you can help, too. 11/05/07

With most of its members gainfully employed dayside, Reunion rarely plays more than a couple of gigs back-to-back. That hasn't always been the case. In the mid-70s, Paul (shown recently at the Oasis) and the boys once played three straight weeks in such classic Austin clubs as Nero's Nook, Mother Earth, Caesar's, and the South Door. Why dredge up the memory of split lips and calluses, boffo bar tabs and smoke-infused wardrobes? Because in October the band plays a 2007 version of an Austin Tour. This time it's five private gigs for five fine groups in eight days. Can you say fun, fun, fun, rest, rest, rest, fun, fun? 9/26/07

It was a meeting of great guitar minds when Reunion's Paul Gillia, right, and the Doobie Brothers Pat Simmons met up recently in Milwaukee. 8/22/07

You'd think that after 30-plus years of performance Reunion would have ventured from its home state more than once. But that wasn't the case until a June wedding involving Texans beckoned the bunch to Colorado Springs. The famed and fashionable Broadmoor Club provided the venue; the Rockies provided the spectacular setting. Reunion powered the party. And quite a party it was! In the photo John, Lorrie, Stephen, Andrew, Kelly, and Sam take in the splendor. 7/2/07

Classmates drift apart. It's a fact of life. Bringing them back together is the job of class reunions. Reunion, the band, is made up of several 1970s-era classes from Austin's McCallum High School and its offshoot, Anderson. As it has every year in recent memory, the McCallum/Anderson Class of '74, John's group, planned to party with the band at the Oasis, but the weather interfered this year. Nevertheless, 50 classmates showed up for the off-year event! Hats off to the tight-knit Knights and Trojans who keep Reunion a part of their regular get-togethers! It's a class with class, for sure. And check out their list of Austin's past.. 7/1/07

Right now temperatures may be hotter than the reaction to The Sopranos ending, but in a few scant months it'll be time for your holiday party. Now's the time to make it the coolest event in town with Central Texas' best dance band. Reunion's calendar is filling up but there are some prime dates left. Booking Reunion for your event is easy. Just fill out this form to get your special Holiday Ball rolling. 6/12/07

The bride, of course, was the star at the Four Seasons over Spring Break, but other famous faces were in the area when Reunion played. Before the gig, 'yellow dog' Andrew met presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, holding a campaign stop next to the band room.

Later, in attendance at the wedding, was Tom Jones (Not that Tom Jones, but an equally important showman). Jones wrote the book for "The Fantasticks," the record-breaking off-Broadway show that ran for 42 years. He heard the title song from his musical "I Do, I Do" performed in tribute to the newlyweds. Just so we're clear, the team of Jones and Schmidt (they're also responsible for 110 in the Shade, among others) are on a par with the greats of the genre, including Webber and Rice, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. No question, he's a living, working theatrical legend who is remounting his biggest hit along with a Broadway production to boot. And he said he liked the band! Now that's humbling...3/11/07

It was a great day for a race as Reunion played the finish line at the 3M Half-Marathon. The results of the race are here. The good times on the road were the result of the frigid temperatures. The good times at Waterloo Park were courtesy of Reunion. Thick, warm, fuzzy hats off to 3M and their dedicated employees for treating Austin to another great event! 2/15/07

Guitar World recently listed the Top 100 guitar solos in rock history, the Top 20 of which can now be seen at a popular website. We direct your attention to No 17. Look in the background and you'll see Tommy on the drums!... 2/4/07

And while we're on the engrossing topic of Tommy: Check out page 108 of the March 2007 issue of Austin Monthly. The story -- which looks at Austin's Top 20 all-time albums and includes such legends as Willie Nelson and the Dixie Chicks -- places Christopher Cross' 1980 self-titled quintuple Grammy-winning debut, left, alongside Eric Johnson's 1990 'Cliffs of Dover' as two of the 20 local classics. The drummer on both? Reunion's drummer, of course. 3/1/07

And finally...In May 2007, VH1 named it's top "baby makers" (aka the 40 Most Soft-sational Rock Songs of all time) and what was No. 1? Cross' "Sailing," from that same flamingo-fronted album. It beat out Styx' "Babe" and Rupert Holmes' Pina Colada song for top honors. 6/1/07

Put a great venue, great band, and great photographer together and what do you get? Fun photos from a hopping Saturday night. Photo by Alex Labry. 1/24/07

Sharing the bill with stars is something Reunion has done often in its history. From Elton John to Alabama's Jeff Cook the band gets a special treat performing with national and global talents. It happened again in December 2006 at the Anderson Group holiday party at Austin's Downtown Hilton. Before the last set, gospel star BeBe Winans sang a pair of songs to his accompaniment and then was joined on the stage by Reunion for a marvelous rendition of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World." In the photos, the multiple Grammy-winning artist takes in Sam's Armstrong-esque trumpet stylings then poses with Lorrie. 12/20/06. Thanks to Mark and Mercy Gil for the photo!

The Holidays also found the band on a road trip to West Texas, where The Crystal Ball took place at the Odessa Country Club. The ladies were beautiful, the men were decked out in their finest (including tuxes and boots!), and everyone, it seemed enjoyed themselves. Here, Paul flashes his famed grin while Lorrie and Dave rock on. 12/31/06

'Tis the time of year to reflect and be grateful. It's been a good year for the band. As our nuclear families grew with precious babies our Reunion family also grew in the sense of health, wealth and wisdom. While we lost some dear friends, we were able to renew old friendships, keep busy with our music and lives, and live each day as free Americans. For that we are thankful.

Oh, yeah, and great parties. We hope you were able to join us at events this year from the Oasis to Cedar Street, the Four Seasons to the Houston Club, DKR Memorial Stadium to Kyle Field. But more so, we hope to see you in 2007 as Reunion continues into its second millennium of performing the best dance music you can shake it to.

To all our fans, friends and family, Reunion wishes you the happiest of holidays and a healthful and prosperous New Year. 12/04/06

Defending National Champions. Has a nice ring, doesn't it? And big accomplishments call for big parties. For several years running, Texas alumni have made Reunion part of their Game Day festivities at Longhorn central, Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. (Reunion's ties to UT are strong, indeed, with Sam, Paul and Kelly all holding degrees from what Central Texans call THE University.) This year the band starts two hours before to the Oklahoma State kickoff, plenty of time to get in the Beat OK State mode. If you're going to the game, you can find us directly north of the stadium. Stop by and say "hi," or better, "Hook 'Em!" 8/24/06

Game update...The Horns won big, Colt set a new single-season TD record, and the pregame bash with Reunion was a blast. The band played Texas Fight four times -- once as the OK State band walked by -- and Andrew was in fine form promoting the big game with his vast knowledge of Mack Brown's bunch. The biggest blast came after the set and before the kickoff when a USAF B1 bomber made a low flyover of the stadium. Talk about power!

Weddings are something Reunion does very well so repeat events for families are not unusual. Two such repeat events in a row, however, are unusual. It happened in the Summer 2006 wedding season.

First, the band had the honor to play for the second consecutive wedding in the Gose family. Among the guests were Congressman Lloyd Doggett, shown at right with Andrew. The party, held at the Austin Club, sent Kelly and Mark off in grand style, and the Houston Chronicle had all the details.

Next, it was the Four Seasons for our second consecutive Freytag wedding. Casey and Christopher joined a host of friends and family in a big bash conducted to the sounds and sights of Reunion. The flowers were fab, of course, and the Austin American-Statesman had the specifics of the nuptials.

Best wishes to the new Linder and Chitsey families and thanks to the Goses and Freytags for including Reunion in their plans! 8/14/06

When Reunion was in its infancy in the early 1970s, finding a practice place was a constant challenge. One favorite place was a big old UT-area two-story house standing next to Abel's bar (now Cain and Abel's). But it wasn't the old house that made those rehearsals special; it was the proprietor. Bill Gossett, a lifelong Austinite and musician, had long been friends with the band and, as was typical of Bill, he opened his house -- and his heart -- to Reunion often. He remained our friend through the decades. Bill died peacefully this week at his home on Lake Austin. We extend our sympathy to the Gossett family; he was a good one, indeed.... 7/14/06

And Reunion -- indeed, music itself -- lost another dear friend on May 23. Clifford Antone, blues expert nonpareil, died at his home in Austin. He had many friends and included members of Reunion among his cadre of cohorts. Antone's familiar face was front-and-center recently when Reunion played at Cedar Street. If playing for the legend in the audience weren't treat enough for the band, the bluesman/bassist joined Reunion on stage for a rendition of 'Mustang Sally' that night. It was magic -- the kind of magic Antone brought to countless musical evenings. Rest peacefully, friend. 5/24/06

Spring may just have sprung, but it's not too early to think about holiday plans -- especially if your plans include Reunion. Prime dates in December are already filling up, so to make sure Reunion is at your Big Bash of 2006, contact the band now. Here's more of what you'll get when you book Reunion for your party. 4/11/06

Check out the new Reunion video on our media page. A compilation off two memorable events at the High End Systems studios as well as The Oasis on Lake Travis, the video shows Reunion at its best -- live and in a party mode. Thanks to everyone involved, especially those 'in the house' who always feed off the band's energy. If you're thinking of booking the band and want a full, uncut CD version of this online offering, contact the band to get things started.. 4/1/06

Lake Travis' Oasis is known worldwide for its spectacular Texas sunsets. And with the Summer Season 2006 getting underway (it begins early in Austin!) the rebuilt Oasis is going to be better than ever. Part of the fun will be on selected Friday nights when Reunion returns to the Starlight stage. The band plays the outdoor club a half-dozen times this season, so plan on joining us for great times on the lake. 3/25/06

Austin is a runner's town, with some of the top races country. One such race is the 3M Half-Marathon, a classy and well-run annual event. A little over an hour after he started in the early morning of Sunday, Jan. 29, Kenyan Nicodemus Malakwen crossed the finish line at Central Austin's House Park -- and that was Reunion's cue to strike up the band. It was a beautiful, international, Texas day, which thousands of runners and boosters enjoyed Austin-style. Reunion was pleased to be a part of the festivities again as an event sponsor. 2/2/06

It was a Hook 'Em afternoon Nov. 12 when Reunion played the UT Club's home-season-ending pregame event at Royal Memorial Stadium. The orange-clad crowd got into the music by singing along, dancing, and generally having a tremendous tailgate before they got into a 66-14 thrashing of Kansas. Thanks Horn fans. We look forward to next year's game -- and to defending the national championship!

October '05 marked two major national conferences at which Reunion performed. The month ended with a big fiesta in San Antonio as Reunion played for thousands at the closing of the National Recreation and Parks Association's annual congress. La Villita in downtown SA was the setting for the great tastes and stunning sights of the Southwest; it also proved -- as the packed dance floor verified -- a prime locale for experiencing Reunion live. Great party, NPRA! We hope to see you again soon.

Mondays in October are better known for Supreme Court action, but a recent Monday night saw fundraisers from across the American Cancer Society getting together in Austin's Driskill Hotel to plan and celebrate (with Reunion, of course.) The ACS is one of the world's great organizations whose work has improved the lives of millions and the band found out why: ACS people are caring folks who live life to the fullest. Thanks, ACS, for your continued service to our country.

With the Fall 2005 season just beginning, Reunion's website, www.reunionband.com, was surpassing the 15,000th-hit mark. Thanks to our Austin fans and beyond for making the new website such a success. Remember to visit the site often to get updates on live band performances, read news about the band and our fans, contact the members, and sign our guestbook.

If you take a look at Reunion's calendar for the rest of the year you'll see lots of good times are in store. Gigs include two autumn Oasis dates, a UT football game, and a host of weddings, parties, and holiday bashes, all awaiting Reunion's special touch. There are a few prime dates still available, however, so contact us if you're planning a special event this fall or winter.

Thanks to the Austin McCallum/Anderson Classes of '74 for their nice words. They had a reunion of sorts over the July weekend Reunion played at The Oasis. Members of the class were out in force. On their website, Trojans and Knights '74, the group lists Reunion first on a list of businesses resulting from the very good Austin year. On Reunion, the T and K's said: "That's right, the boys are back and playing gigs in Austin and San Antonio. You should see that horn section swing." Those who were on Lake Travis that night did.

Reunion kicked off the summer with some of Central Texas' top musicians who joined George Strait's guitarist Benny MacArthur at a Benefit for Briana in Buda recently. Briana is a sweet seven-year-old who has had some mounting medical bills and she and a couple hundred of her friends were in attendance for a day of music, fun, and a great cause. Best wishes Briana! We hope you had fun.

BRIANA UPDATE: On the final weekend of July 2005, Briana Acuna, a precious seven-year-old child if there ever was one, died. Her death comes less than two months after a benefit was held for her. Reunion was honored to be a part of the festivities, but make no mistake: Briana was the star! Her presence filled the room and uplifted the spirits of the hundreds in attendance.

The Reunion Family extends its heartfelt sympathies to Briana's parents and family and wish for you the peace in knowing that you have so many friends, as was amply demonstrated at the benefit. Briana was a little angel on earth; may she continue in that role for eternity.

The Oasis burned in the early morning hours of June 1, apparently sparked by a Central Texas lightning bolt. A true Austin institution, the little bit of paradise on Lake Travis was not just home to great views but also home to the Reunion band on many summer nights. (The band plays the Starlight Terrace which escaped devastation so the band will continue to play there this season.) Reunion sends best wishes to Oasis owner Beau Theriot, who vows to rebuild even better. We hope so, because his organization is a class act. Indeed, The Oasis is more than just spacious decks and stunning sunsets. It's also wonderful people, many of whom, no doubt, lost a little piece of themselves in the ashes. The decks can be rebuilt; the sunsets will continue unabated. To hear people tell it, the spirit of the Oasis' people is already rising. Reunion shares in the loss with the owner and his staff and looks forward to the day when The Oasis once again showcases the beauty of the Hill Country to thousands of people nightly.

OASIS UPDATE: The Oasis is back! Reunion played the famed stage on Lake Travis on June 24, the band's first date there after the fire. The Starlight Terrace appears absolutely untouched by flames and the magical atmosphere of The Oasis remains in tact. There is one flame, however, that is a welcomed old friend. The sunset was stunning, on the 24th, to say the least. Then the bell rang. All is well.... If that alone isn't reason to take on the drive consider this: the food is varied and quite good and the drinks are still better when sipped to a soothing lake vista. So by all means, go out to the Oasis. Check our calendar for when Reunion is playing there next. The folks out there are doing a great job, with vision and a respect for what they have. We can't wait to see what they come up with in the reconstruction. Congrats to everyone at Austin's prized party place for putting it back on track so quickly. We'll see you soon.

The band's calendar for the upcoming Holiday Season 2005 shows several prime dates already taken. To ensure getting Reunion's special touch for your holiday party, take advantage of the options for contacting our booking representative here. Here's what you'll get when Reunion takes part in your special event.

In March 2005 Reunion debuted its new website. As part of the upgrade, the band's longtime web presence, reunionband.com, is now attached to the site, appearing in the address bar. The new Reunion band domain, with two gigs of space available, is larger than ever, meaning more room for photos, music and the latest news, which will appear in this space.

Austin is the live music capital of the world. That means some superb musicians have played here over the years. And if you're really really good, you might win a prestigious Austin Music Award during the South by Southwest music conference in Austin. In 2005, Reunion drummer Tommy Taylor claimed first place in the drumming balloting making him the best drummer in Austin. Reunion has known that for three decades.

In 1974 John Carrell played his first gig with Reunion. In 2005, the keyboardist's son, Matt, made his debut in January at an Austin country club birthday party. Wielding the sticks while filling in for award-winning Reunion drummer Tommy Taylor, Matt powered the band with style. His debut was so impressive that Matt played the conclusion of the 3M half-marathon at Austin's House Park soon thereafter. No one was surprised, of course. Talent runs in the family. Matt has been seen with the band in Houston, as well, and will continue to appear with Reunion from time to time.