June Swoon

Speaking of microphones -- and we were at the end of our last post, so check it out -- time is almost up for churches, schools, theatres, hotels and anybody else using wireless microphones that operate on the 700 MHz band to replace those devices. New FCC regulations limiting the frequency to first responders such as police and firefighters go into effect Saturday. Those violating the ban will be subject to fines, seizure of equipment and even criminal penalties.

So if the pastor at your mega-church seems to be shouting to the congregation on Sunday, you'll know why.

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Terry Tickle of Chapel Hill, N.C., seeks your assistance:

"I would like to mention some of the projects I have been working on, hoping that someone within the BBAA could provide additional information. I have a short article on Saxie Dowell coming out in the fall issue of the Journal of Southern Culture. I have also written a novella entitled 'Second Tenor,' which will be available soon.

And I'm writing a swing history with the tentative title 'Swinging Down Tobacco Road: Hal Kemp, UNC and the Big Band Era.' If any of our mutual associates have information on Dowell, Kemp, Skinnay Ennis, John Scott Trotter or Johnny Long, I would genuinely appreciate the contact. It has been difficult to get primary information since most of the people from the era have passed on. 

I understand that children of Hal Kemp and Skinnay Ennis are still alive in California. Any information on them would also be appreciated."

Terry can be reached at swingcity@intrex.net or through his website, www.terryticklebigband.com.

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If you just can't get enough Artie Shaw, tune in Sunday as Sheila Tracy salutes Artie's centenary on her "Swingtime" webcast. The following week, Buddy Childers will talk about Stan Kenton's recording of "The Peanut Vendor." To hear "Swingtime," refer to this previous post:

bigbandacademy.blogspot.com/2010/04/bunny-trail.html