 The SJO went "on the road" this Veteran's Day weekend, for a return engagement on the intriguing Isle of Palms on the South Carolina coast, just outside of Charleston. The event was held in the ballroom of the Island House in the Wild Dunes community. A capacity crowd was very appreciative of our efforts as was evident from the packed dance floor all night long. One of the evening's highlights was the performance of the Benny Goodman tune, and unofficial anthem of the "Retro Swing" movement: Sing, Sing, Sing! Featured in this rendition were clarinet and and drums. Near the end of the arrangement, the entire band stepped just offstage, leaving the soloists alone in the spotlight. Dancers gathered around  the bandstand giving, in turn, each of the two soloists their complete attention. The clarinetist having finished his clarinet solo, he too stepped offstage leaving the drummer alone to provide his tribute to the legendary Gene Krupa! Just as he was finishing a masterful solo the band reappeared in a single line across the entire stage to play the final "out-chorus!" Needless to say, the crowd thoroughly enjoyed this exciting set-closer!
At the beginning of the second set, the SJO presented a tribute to our country's veterans by first asking all veterans present, to stand and be acknowledged. The SJO then presented a special arrangement of the Navy Hymn ("Eternal Father"), which was created especially for the SJO by noted teacher, arranger and performer, Dr. J. Wayne Dyess, Professor of Music at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Dr. Dyess is himself a Navy veteran and former member of "The Nation's Finest" U. S. Navy Band in Washington, D. C. 
The arrangement was dedicated by Dr. Dyess to the crew of the recently damaged USS Cole. It began with a very reverent rendition of the hymn played by a choir of four trombones, with a "call and echo" counter-melody of "Taps" soaring plaintively above the main melody.
 This was followed by a spirited version of "Anchors Aweigh" that brought down the house and earned a standing ovation. We received many compliments on this moving tribute, but most of the credit goes to Dr. Dyess for his inspired arrangement.All in all, a great time was had by everyone, band and audience alike! All of us look forward to a return engagement. We were blessed with bright, sunny weather and a fascinating flourescent surf at night, not to mention a very appreciative audience and, best of all, we've found a new friend in Texas! ! --HB-- PHOTOS by: SJO Vocalist Stephen Martin
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