* IT GETS BETTER EVERY YEAR *
THE BAND
HOWARD SMITH ... Guitar
Howard's playing started on his older sister's banjo and old-style clarinet, at the age of 10. Two years later she presented him with his first guitar (from Sears Roebuck). His first year in high school he played tuba, thereafter tenor sax. He had his own 5-piece dance bands in high school and college. He put away his music to make a living and raise a family, eventually joining Beaver's Tucson Concert band on tenor sax. Taking up guitar again in 1978, he has never stopped learning and improving. Currently, Howard plays regularly with Tucson Concert Band (tenor), the Rhythm Gang (guitar), the Bouncing Czechs (tenor and guitar), Retro Swing 7 (guitar), and occasionally with Sweetheart & Her Pals (4 violins and guitar). As Tucson's first TV cameraman, Howard met LaVerne Davis (now Lawrence) in 1951 at KOPO-TV. He says that, for ten of the past 11 years, it has been a real pleasure to play for LaVerne's shows.
BLANCHE WHITE ... Steel Guitar
Blanche was with Ann Jones and The Western Sweethearts for 26 years. The group started out doing radio and performing all over the west. Later the Sweethearts joined the USO and entertained not only here in the U.S. but traveled to 35 foreign countries. We're so glad Blanche decided to settle down here in Tucson. Our audience loves her! A real team worker and she's just wonderful to work with.
DR. MIKE MARKOWITZ ... Piano, 12 String Guitar & Arranger
Dr. Mike is a music person in the broadest sense of the word. He's interested in any instrument he sees. If you give him a few minutes he'll play you a tune on which ever one you have. After studying piano from a very early age he began learning different string instruments. The Mandolin, banjo, guitar, and cello to mention a few. You can feel his love and appreciation for music when you listen to him play.
When we approached Mike about playing with our little group there wasn't a moment’s hesitation. He jumped in with both feet and immediately began contributing on every level.
REBECCA PATTERSON MARKOWITZ ... Violin
How lucky we were to get this talented young lady! Rebecca has been studying music since she was 4 years old. Guitar at 10 and later the Trombone in school. She decided to take up the Violin 2 years ago. She already has the makings of a fine musician and it was such a joy to have had her with us.
RAY ATKINSON ... Drums & Vocals
One of the highlights of the show was working with Ray, a veteran performer. His singing and backup vocals are superb. One of the original staff band members called the "Mavericks" featured 6 nights a week at the Maverick Club in Tucson. Ray was singer, backup singer and drummer behind many top country western artists such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck & Ferlin Husky. A total professional in ever way. You can dance to the music of Ray and his group "The Desert Knights" at the Elks, American Legion and the VFW through out the year.
ARNOLD HUNTER ... Bass, Backup Vocals & Arrangements
Arnold began playing music at a very young age. Beginning with the piano, then French horn and on to the tuba. Eventually ending up with the bass. His musical knowledge and expertise on our arrangements was a tremendous help. A very dedicated musician and fun to work with. We're proud to have him with us.
GUEST SHOTS
Paul Bley ...
Paul began playing piano at four years of age. At age 10 he played with huge orchestras in N.Y. State including the Buffalo Philharmonic. Equally at home playing classical or contemporary. When performing he plays his own original compositions, interposed with unique arrangements in a range of musical styles.
Thanks for being part of our show, Love You,
--Mom
(Paul is LaVerne's son in law)
--d
photo from video
Jon Richins ...
Jon is always historically correct when he tells his stories and recites his poems, which we truly respect. He is a true professional in every sense of the word. Thank you, Jon, everyone loved you !
This is Jon's second year with us and a real favorite of the audience.
THANKS AGAIN JON !
photo from video
Lorna Leigh Smith ...
Lorna Leigh has been with us for seven shows. The audience Loves her and she’s a talented singer. She lives in Phoenix so she has to drive down for rehearsals. Not real easy for a busy lady.
She and her husband Kevin and step-son Nick celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary in March.
Lorna Leigh you get better ever year.
Thanks, Love You --Mom
JUST PICTURES
Howard Smith ...
Is That Concentration or what ? ....
Rebecca, Blanche, LaVerne & Dr. Mike ...
Doing ....
Gee Whiz, Cheer Up Ray ...
LaVerne & Blanche ...
Ray, David, LaVerne & Arnold ...
Dr. Mike & Rebecca
Dr. Mike & Rebecca are.......
photo from video
A Special THANK YOU to, Charleen & Gary Duffy and to Carol Stark for working the door. Gwen Ripley, Florence Thompson, Dessie Donaldson for cakes & coffee. And to Norma & Dave Fisher for serving the soft drinks.Thanks to all the wives and sweethearts of the band for their support too. It took a considerable amount of time away to put this show together.
Thank you to our family & friends for supporting our efforts. We sure do appreciate you all.
And thanks to David for the on going day in and day out, 6 month, (make that 12 months) labor of love.
You can reach LaVerne & David by e-mail at: dblawren@att.net
Visits since 2/28/2007
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© 2/28/2007 by David & LaVerne Lawrence
