The band now known as Uptown Strings have been playing at senior adult dances for 50 years.
A celebration at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 will honor the musicians for bringing the gift of music to senior citizens with unparalleled enthusiasm, talent and compassion.
Mayor Barry Louderman will present a proclamation from the city of Hannibal thanking the band members for their musical contribution to Hannibal.
The band names have changed from the “Forget Me Nots”, “Big River” and “The Misfits” to the “Uptown Strings”
The members have changed throughout the years; however, the message remains the same. These members give their hearts to their community as they share their music and talent with our senior population. The bands have played multiple genres of music including Big Band, Jazz and Country and bring joy to those who listen.
Original members were Betty Parsons Miller, Ed Dye, Dick Swain and Paul Quilling. Many talented musicians have played with the Uptown Strings through the years including Bill and Glen Cornelius, (who have performed with Country Music Star Helen Cornelius) Bill Renner, Virgil Watts, (inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame) Al Swigert, Dick Oltman, Tommy Williams, Frank Oltman and many others. Betty has been the constant through it all, singing and playing drums for 50 years.
Current band members are: Betty and Martin Miller, Ray Smith, Harlon Lain, Wendell Glance, Greg Cornelius, Alan Ebers and Sue Taylor.
Senior Adult Dances are noon to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.