Hey George,

Just happened to stumble across this site while doing some research on Harry Boone. I was Harry's drummer in the late 60's and early 70's until he was transferred to the coast. Best time of my musical career!. Bud Sollitt, Freddy Smith, Howie Guloien... what a band! Great to see allot of familiar names. Sad to see allot of the great musicians I use to play with have passed on.

A bit of an update. My mom (Lena Muirhead) is back playing the violin after being away from it for 25 years. She's sounding great.

I had my dad's (John Muirhead) 1971 Selmer Mark VI Tenor Sax mounted in a display case in my rec room. After all these years it still looks like it's brand new.

As far as myself musically, I quite playing shortly after Harry moved to the Coast. Didn't play for about 10 years but got back into it. I ended up playing in top 40's rock bands, country rock and blues bands. Presently I'm semi-retired and practising new techniques and styles that I never had time for while working full time.

Does anyone have any old tapes from the CJCA radio shows? I'd love to have copies of any of the old shows that I was a part of.

Great site George... keep it up.

Love to hear from any you!

HUGH ERSKINE, a former director/lead trombonist of the Trocadero {Alumni} Orchestra passed away of cancer on the morning of Nov. 5, 2009. Hugh more recently was leader of the Hugh Erskine Big Band, and musical director of the Edmonton Firefighters Big Band. As well as being an excellent trombonist, Hugh was also very competent on tenor and alto sax, plus electric bass.

Your piece on Rick Garn is an indicater of what a dear man, and respected musical power, Rick represented. Those lucky enough to have known him, realize what a force he brought to his relationships...always with a keen sense of the values and passions, performers should seek to attain. And his humor was unmistakenly his own! I sat with him when the movie 'BLAZING SADDLES' opened, and it is a memory I will always cherish! His commentary, throughout the entire movie, only served to amplify the experience. And, resulted in our attending a full day of Mel Brookes movies, at a subsequent Mel Brookes film fesrtival. DELIGHTFUL!
Here, in Michigan, he is remembered and dearly missed, at various universities and many cities. His efforts are cited wherever genuine musicains gather. I should think that Saginaw, Flint, Midland, BayCity, East Lansing, Ann Arbor and many other cities and organizations will someday have concert series and memorial concerts honoring his work! Thank you for your words of rememberance... They are appreciated, by many!
Very Sincerely, John Deitering - Senior Coordinator EnergyCity Music Management-Denver/Detroit USA

Another "Alumni" has gone to the Big Gig in the sky. Lead trumpet from 1991 through to 1998 with the Trocadero Alumni Orchestra, JOHNNY JACKSON passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2009 at the age of 90. John had an extensive career with the RCAF Band, the PPCLI and the Edmonton Symphony. He worked at the Cameron Libray, University of Alberta for 17 years. John, during his 7 years with our band, blew a powerful lead trumpet.

Love it !! Lookin' forward to the big one this weekend,cheers

Great show at the Royal Glenora club last night. First class.

I have a lot of very fond memories of the Orchestra and it's members - when they played for my Mom Junee Whalen way back when at the Troc - and when some of them even played for me as Klondike Kate in 1986 and 1987. A very talented group of players -

Sadly, Albert AL BOYD passed away at the age of 80 on July 24th, 2008. Al was one of our key members in the 'bone section up until about 2 years ago when he retired from the Orchestra. Al could often be seen greeting Troc dancing fans at the desk ... he enjoyed organizing the seating arrangements which he did very well, along with his excellent musical skills.

Another sad loss ... PHIL McCOMB, a former Trocadero Orchestra director (and trumpet) passed away early this morning (June 19th, 2008). Phil assumed the musical directing chores upon the loss of Zen Magus. He remained as a regular member of the orchestra's brass section prior to retiring 3 years ago due to ill health. A great guy who will be sadly missed by everyone who had the privilage of performing with, or knowing him.

VERY SAD NEWS TODAY, (June 19th 2008) My good friend, former trumpet and former Trocadero Orchestra Music Director, an energetic organizer, and just a great guy, Phil McComb lost his battle with cancer this a.m. Phil will be so sadly missed by all his musician friends throughout the Edmonton and surrounding area. Phil, while earning an "honest" living, achievd the very prestegious position of Vice President, Woodward's Stores (Alberta) Ltd. Our deepest sympathy are extended to his lovely wife Teri and all of their family.

Ahhh what a lovely place...

Just a reminder that tickets are now available for the FULL DINNER AND DANCE evening on APRIL 26!! $65!

It's been a sad month, (February 2008), as we of the orchestra mourn the loss of two former band members. Jack Winter who played trumpet during the early-ninties with the band passed away. A great loss was the passing of Harlan Green who was a member of our reed section until 2005.

Those of you who may recall the days of the Trocadero Ballroom in Edmonton will be interested in the news of the passing of June Whalen on Nov. 15th, 2007. June was "The" vocalist at the Trocadero for many years during the height of the old Ballroom's popularity.
June was an excellent vocalist whose legacy has been carried on by her daughter, vocalist Susan Janzen.

Hi Ed...Nice to hear from you. I was in Chuck's band for two years. The name of the alto player was Howie Guloien, (NOT Philips), a very fine musician who's nephew is today's fabulous PJ PERRY. Howie and Freddie Smith were almost joined at the hips .... They were a great team. Both have passed on.

Really enjoyed finding this site. I was at CJCA in the 50's. Matter of fact I was responsible for the Tiger that used to be on top of the Birks building. It was a mascot originally associated with a teen program I did called "Club93".
I was always elected to do the New years eve broadcast from " The beautiful Trocadero ballroom in downtown Edmonton, and I did it for a number of years. Chuck Barbers orchestra was featured in those years and I recall Freddy Monty on Baritone.Howie Phillips ( I think) played Alto and clarinet. A trumpet player (Freddy Smith) used to give us a laugh by standing up for his solo and then pretending to fall off the back of the stage.Great days...lots of good times and great music.I believe Chuck Barber used "Skyliner" as the bands theme song.Wow !! that must have been 50 years ago.

Thanks to all who attended our Oct 14th Sunday Afternoon Swing! We all had a great time, and it was very flattering to be a part of the celebrations for two different families -- a 55th wedding anniversary, and a 69th!

See you all at New Year's!

Thanks to the Watsons, who invited us to participate in their 50th anniversary celebration in Red Deer on Sep 7! We had a great time!!!

Those of us who knew, or moreso, performed with HARRY BOON will be saddened to learn of his passing in December of 2006, in Kelowna, BC.
Harry was a "musician's musician" in every respect and was admired by the best, including Tommy Banks. His career brought him to Edmonton from Regina at a time when Bob Lyon opened the new TROCADERO BALLROOM. He was there on the ground floor of the ballroom and remained almost to the demise of the Trocadero. Harry was a superb jazz pianist who was tremendously active in all phases of music in Edmonton. He had many radio shows throughout his career including "Two Guys and Two Grands" on CJCA, as well as many programs on CBC Radio. On one of the CBC programs, he scored for orchestra the music of ESQUIVAL. I was privilaged to have been included with this orchestra. Harry, in his later years, moved to Vancouver where he was the featured pianist at the prestigeous Hotel Vancouver. Those of us who knew Harry will greatly miss this fine musician.

I have just returned to Edmonton, for the last 15 years I was working playing piano at the Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge BC. Before coming to Canada I played with the J Arthur Rank Ballroom Orchestra and would like to know more about your Orchestra.

Hello Sharon....Yes, I recall Fred Montee. Please pass along my best wishes to him. He may also recall a very fine bass player of his era, Bud Sollitt who now live on Salt Spring Island. In case Fred has a problem remembering me, (after all, it was well over 50 years ago!), I played rhythm guitar, steel guitar and/or bass at the Trocadero Ballroom with the Chuck Barber Orchestra.

As some of you may know, Rick Garn was from this area and I knew him for quite a long time. I just heard about his passing away recently and in my search for details, came upon your site.I performed with him on several occasions & we always had a good time. He was a fine musician as well as what I considered to be a good friend. Thanks so much for your dedication & info about him. He will be missed

Hello my father is Fred Montie , he played in the band way back in the days with Howard Molstad . Dad often talks about the great times he had in Edmonton playing in the band Dad is still going strong & better than ever, also trying very hard to get his grandchildren involved in music.

Hi I love swing jazz and big band. What a suprized on TV April 30th, CTV news, Edmonton. This is my kind of band I have been looking for a long time. If you don't mind, can I see your rehearsal as well? Thank you!

My daddy is Doug Zimmerman :)

I've added a new page with Bud Sollitt's pictures of the Troc stage, back in 1955. Go to the next page after page 6 in the history section.

HAROLD MONTEER, affectionately known to his musician friends as "Wee Harold", passed away at the age of 95 on March 6, 2006. Harold replaced (the late) Tim Wilson as our pianist d uring the early years of the band. However, prior to doing so, (and for a few years afterwards), he played alto sax with the band until his retirement. Harold came from England 2 5 years ago and was very active in Edmonton's music scene. As a pianist, he could play any tune, any key whether it be the Big Band charts, or a small fake trio gig....he knew them all. His dexterity on the alto sax rivaled his piano ability. Those of us who had the privilage to play with Harold will dearly miss this fine English gentleman who, at informal j am sessions and smaller gigs, would often sing the songs made famous by George Formby to everyone's delight.

Hello, to all! I'll be working on a newsletter/announcement this weekend. It should be in the snail mail in the next couple of weeks! Make sure you set aside Sunday afternoon April 30th. What a great (ie CHEAP) way to get your friends and family to experience live big band music!

Love the music

Some of you may recall the "TROC 59", (successor to the defunct Trocadero Ballroom). "TROC 59" was operated by husband and wife team Vi and Don Walmsley. We have sadly learned that Vi passed away January 18th, 2006.
Our sincerest condolances are extended to Don who was a member of our current Trocadero Orchestra during the mid-1990 era. Don was an exceptional alto sax, clarinet and vocalist with our band.

very nice site keep it up please

Thanks, John Worthington, for the walk-on guest appearance at our Nov 5 gig!

Another "alumni" has gone to the big gig in the sky this past week.....(Sept. 29th, 2005). I am referring to our old friend, Richard "Dick" Campion who was with the Trocadero Orchestra for about 5 years during the mid-nineties and played 3rd trombone. Richard was a consumate musician who excelled on euphonium which was his main instrument. He later took up the trombone and was also an excellent string bassist. He conducted the Ft. Saskatchewan Band and was a member of the Edmonton Schoolboy's Alumni Orchestra. During his stint with the Trocadero Orchestra, he became our rehearsal director and was known for his very dry English wit and humour. Richard passed away from the effects of Alzheimer disease and will be missed by all his friends.

Bud Sollitt wrote (below) "George Lake, you have done a great piece of work with this web site. Cheers."

Thanks Bud, however the FULL credit for this great site belongs to another "George", that being our current enthusiastic orchestra director and fine trumpet player, GEORGE CARMICHAEL. (FYI...I was merely the guy who founded this band back in November of 1991, never dreaming for a moment it would become what it is today!).

While I am here, NYE marked the retirement of two tremendous musicians and former directors of the orchestra. PHIL McCOMB, possibly the greatest promoter of the orchestra since the passing of ZEN MAGUS, and WALLY MIGHT, the director who was succeeded by our present director, GEORGE CARMICHAEL and noted for his superb trumpet stylings have both retired from the trumpet section. Their contributions to the brass section will be sorely missed. New faces will soon be added just as was the case in the days of the Big Band era.

NYE also marked the retirement from live appearances on stage of John Worthington, the CKUA Olde Disc Jockey. Thanks guys for everything and enjoy your new goals in your golden years ! John will still be heard every Sunday on CKUA-AM (FM) and www.ckua.com as he sits relaxing at the turntables spinning those old discs...be sure to catch his shows.

My wife and I spent a quiet eve of the new year. Enjoyed the Troca-Dixie group and when the entire band played, the music was so nice that my wife and I danced, enjoying and savouring the music. Reminising of years past and in particular a school stage band in the mid-70's that held a dance in Port Alberni which we attended. Bringing in the new year in this manner would be the only way, as far as we are concerned. Wonderful and thank you Keoki for telling us. Happy New Year to all!

Enjoyed your 2004/2005 New Years cyber-net program.
The Dixie Land group was excellent!

I was a member of the Tocadero band 1954-56; 58-60. (Bass) Many happy memories of that era. When the Troc folded, I went on to play at Chicks, until it folded, (1962), and on and on. Since moving to Salt Spring Island 20 years ago, my thoughts are frequently of my musician friends and the gigs that we played, the after gig parties, and the bonds that have remained, for me, these 50 years. George Lake, you have done a great piece of work with this web site. Cheers.

Last Friday at the Santa Maria Goretti was the BEST time I've ever had dancing in Edmonton. I'm your newest biggest fan. So happy I discovered you guys!

NEWS: We've just solidified a date for a Fall gig. November 19th SANTA MARIA GORETTI COMMUNITY CENTRE

11050 – 90 Street (West of Commonwealth Stadium) -- I'll be updating this website very soon!

I had to come back for another look, great site. Loved the jukebox.

lome maga dey here ooooo
maga keek off avery nice site keep it up nwa igbo

George Adams is my uncle via my mother, who was Annie McLure Adams. We moved to Aust in 1947.
My wifw and I enjoy Big Band often, even in Aust!!

Hello to all. I have made a few changes to the website (including how this page works). I've also added an "In Memorium" page at the end of our history section.

July dance is a excelent idea

Great web site, very interesting ! I like your jukebox very much ! I saw all the pages I think, but sometimes it was difficult to understand because my english is not so good as you can see ... I play clarinet in an Harmony orchestra, you can see our web pages at this adress :
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/labeille
and I will be so happy if you write a little message on our guestbook :
http://www.madstef.net/gb/?gbid=1294
Thanks.
Marc.

A fine site for a great bunch that keeps the real thing available for
all who appreciate quality. I only wish I had discovered it sooner.

Don Walmsley,
Please say George Edward Walmsley b abt 1884 Liverpool? and Anna Mary Innes b 1887 Fraserburgh SCT ring a bell...
Children: Margarita, George Wm, Walter H, Jean Isabel, Donald James - in that order.
Son, Donald James Walmsley b 1922 pr Liverpool moved to Edmonton AB and married a Can gal - not necessarily in that order.
I'm looking for cousins, or pointers...cheers
Pat Innes

For 15 years, I play most guitar in a group that would like to have been what you guys are. Didn't go for the sound bites -- you really don't want to cause that kind of psychological trauma!!!!!!!!
Later, Keoki
Charlie

Had to oppourtunity to see the band in rehersal. It was great. Met up with some old friends I had played with such as George and George Harcus when I worked in Zen Magus's band.

I also love George playing his Hawaiian Steel Guitar. He and his wife Mary are a great couple of Canadians. Great hosts as well.
Canada can be really proud of residents like these two people.
May they live long and give more pleasure.

I am impressed with the sound of the band. Kudos to all of those
members of the band for their hard work, and their perseverance in
performing the "big band" music on a regular basis.

Hello. Just added a Zen Magus page. Try www.trocadero.ca/zen.html

I was so sad to hear that Frank Sklove had passed away. I the only cousin of Frank's wife Dora. Frank and I had some great times together both in Canada and in the U.K. There will be happy memories of nights listening to Acker Bilk and at Ronnie Scotts. He was a truly great musician as well as wonderful character who was always prepared to help would be musicians with absolutely no talent - like me. George Wootton

I was dumbfounded to obtain a window into my Trocadero past. Your website has triggered so many memories of my playing, from 06/54 to 12/56; then 06/58 to "The End". Your web site is very well constructed, and the images evoke smiles of nostalgia. Please convey my fondest greetings to Don Walmsley, George Lake, Willy Miller, Wally Might, and any other members of the band from those long-ago years. Cheers. Bud Sollitt My heart aches with the fond memories my time at the Trocadero--from Freddie Smith making rude amplified sounds on the brass sections pencil mike, to the tunefull singing of the "front line" doing contemporary hit tunes like "Memories Are Made of This".

I note that your opening page states that Bob Lyon's real name was not "Lyon", but Robert Rutherford. Actually, it *WAS* Robert Lyon ..."Robert Lyon Rutherford" was his full name. Lyon was in fact his mother's maiden name, and his second name. But to me, he was just "Uncle Bob", my mother's brother.

Bob Wilson.

Hello --- I have just realized that the Guestbook program has been broken for a while... How come no one emailed me??? Anyway, It should be working again. Deepest apologies! George

It was a great surprise to find this site. Typed Zen's name and this came up. I think it is fabulous.

Gail

Hi there.

Since it was my Uncle Bob (Lyon) who opened the Trocadero, I thought I'd say thanks for the neat website. I still remember seeing it in the early 1960s, when it had his signature tune done in wrought iron around the balcony. He also opened the Glengarry Club in Edmonton as well.

Regards,

Bob Wilson.

Congratulations are due to George Carmichael for a superb job creating these pages. As the founder of the band (November, 1991), I feel it is important we should never forget the contribution and driving enthusiasm the band enjoyed in the early days under the capable direction of (the late) Zen Magus. As mentioned in these threads, it was Zen who conceived the name as "Trocadero Alumni Orchestra". The Orchestra recently dropped the word "Alumni" to simply the "Trocadero Orchestra". (Very few of our members today are actually alumni musicians from the old Trocadero Ballroom in Edmonton some fifty years ago). Zen was a tireless promoter for the Orchestra, an inspiring leader, musician who played Trumpet,Tenor Sax and Bass, (also an excellent arranger). It was from Zen's legacy the band "inherited" some 1400 big band arrangements which he collected over a period of many years.

Everything I viewed I kept saying "cool". The history, the photos, the events, the web site period, very beautiful. Like all the features. Glad I dropped in.

I was really pleased to see the history of my father "Howie" Guloien on your web site. The pictures brought back a lot of old memories. I know I have some old pictures of the Trocadero around here and I will try to find them. Thanks again for the nice write up of my father. We still miss him and his sax every day

Great web site

I enjoy reading your web site and hearing about the band and it's tours.

Hello, it's me again. If you should notice any errors on any of the pages, please send me an email. Please tell me the "URL" of the page with the error on it. Thanks.

Hello, everyone. I've had the pleasure of being in the Troc band since November of 2000. It's been great building this web site, and learning the history of the band. Hope people find this site useful.