SJO A HIT AT
CARTER NOBEL TRIBUTE
The SJO received a signal honor when it was chosen to perform in concert at the highly acclaimed Rylander Theater in Americus, Georgia, for a tribute to Jimmy Carter. The tribute was organized to honor Georgia's highest ranking citizen and former President of the United States on the occasion of his winning of the Nobel Prize.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Jerry Battle of www.plainsgeorgia.com
The performance was held on Saturday, January 25 before a house packed with Carter friends, family and hometown supporters. It was a moving tribute by the citizens of Plains and the surrounding area, to one of its own...the local boy who grew up to be President of the United States!
The SJO performed two sets, between which the organizers of the event paid tribute to Mr. Carter. We were received with enthusiasm by all those assembled and were even awarded a standing ovation for our efforts at the conclusion of the concert!
SJO PHOTO: Larry Thomas
After the curtain fell and we began packing our music and preparing to leave the theater, we noticed a little bustle of activity near the edge of the bandstand. Mr. Carter himself  had made it a point to come backstage and personally thank the band members for their efforts, and shake hands all around. "You guys were great." he said with his patented smile, "I've danced a hundred thousand hours to those songs! We really enjoyed your performance."
This was certainly an unexpected and welcome accolade.
He certainly didn't have to take the time to do it, especially when several hundreds of people were waiting for him to appear at a reception in the building next door. Then again, it was exactly what one would expect from James Earl Carter! Thank you Mr. President, the Sentimental Journey Orchestra was proud to be a part of this celebration!
To see more photos of the Jimmy Carter concert
taken by our very own Larry Thomas...Click Here!
To see more photos of the concert and reception
taken by
Jerry Battle of the Plains, Georgia city website...Click Here!
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