Last month I told you all about Panoply. It’s coming up in two weeks, April 27 – 29. As we approach Panoply and you make plans to attend or volunteer, I wanted to tell you a couple of things I bet you didn’t know.
Panoply Is Born
Have you ever wondered how Panoply started? Way back in 1979, the Junior League of Huntsville (JLH) created a research committee for the arts. Then they met with The Arts Council (TAC) to discuss starting a new program. Three years and a lot of hard work later, Panoply was born. To read more in-depth history, click here.
This year, The Arts Council celebrates 30 years of Panoply, and in that time, the festival has become one of Huntsville’s treasures. After its initial year, the Junior League turned Panoply over to The Arts Council, but has continued to support the Festival and TAC.
“We are grateful each day to the Junior League of Huntsville for bringing the idea of Panoply to The Arts Council,” Allison Dillon-Jauken, The Arts Council Executive Director, told me.
A Colorful Start
Another Junior League institution also recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary, The Rainbow Rhythm Band (RRB). Formed after a visit to hear the Chattanooga Junior League’s Band in 1981, the Rainbow Rhythm Band is made up of JLH members who volunteer their time and talents to perform in our community as a washboard band.
The Band entertained the community at the first Panoply. That weekend they played up to 14 times and became a fixture in the park’s Gazebo. Over the years they moved to Panoply’s stages, but come rain or shine The Band has played at every single Panoply!
The Original Band Members Front Row: Donna Basore (in front of bucket), Melissa Brinkley, Becky Smedstad, Jan McMurray, Robbie Burlison, Jean Walker, Tish Stevens (with Jake the Rake). Middle Row: Jerry Ann Wynn, Robin Jennings, Trigger Butler, Jo Knight, Daphne Reed. Back Row: Melanie Boles (on Rosemary the Tub), Ann Coffey, Judy Howard, Sally Walker, Judy Heacock, Becky Curtis, Bonnie Hettinger, Shary Lary.
Music Unites
I recently spoke to Robin Jennings. She has performed with The Band since day one, and is the only original Band member to continue playing on a regular basis for the past 30 years. Robin said “I began as the youngest member of the Band, and now I am the oldest one! How time flies!”
Robin plays the banjo and like most members of the band her musical talent is self-taught. Before joining the Band, Robin had never played a stringed instrument. The original Band, led by Trigger Butler, bonded over figuring out songs, their instruments (some of which are pretty creative), practices, those rainbow colored overalls and their many performances in the community.
“Music drew us all together in a way that words cannot describe. I think we made our audiences truly happy every time we performed. That is still true today.” – Robin Jennings
The Beat Goes On
The Band is still going strong today, staying busy in the community. They’ve even had some famous guest performers, like Mayor Tommy Battle and his wife Eula, who is a Junior League member. You can see their performance here or at the bottom of this post.
Band member Robin Jennings said, “The Band is very special, and I am so thankful this current group of young JLH ladies is continuing to bring joy to people of all ages through the music we started 30 years ago!”
The Rainbow Rhythm Band Details:
- Band members: 17 current JLH members
- Signature outfits: Brightly covered overalls
- How They Rock: Instruments include tambourines, spoons, cheese graters, and washboards
- Their Gigs: Area nursing homes, schools and other outreach organizations
Current Band leader Melissa Gimenez talks about their year so far, “The Band regularly performs at area nursing homes, schools and other organizations for kids and people with special needs. After performing for the Willowbrook Keenagers, the Opportunity Center and the kids at CAMP, RRB is busy preparing for the 30th celebration performance at Panoply!”
Band Reunion
On Sunday, April 29th Panoply’s Jubilee Stage will host the most colorful reunion in all its 30 years. At 5:30pm, members from the entire RRB’s 30 year history will gather on stage and play together. Allison Dillon-Jauken said, “When we think of feature programming that represents 30 years of Panoply, we start with Rainbow Rhythm Band.”
“I am particularly excited about the reunion of the Band at Panoply because we look up to the original members! They formed the band from scratch, coming up with the homemade instruments and custom overalls. I remember hearing them when I was a child, and now I have the honor of being a member! I would never have dreamed that I could be in their shoes.” -incoming RRB Band leader Mirandy Hughes
It’s clear from talking to all of these ladies that RRB brings as much joy to the members as it does to their audience.
A Celebration to Remember
Allison Dillon-Jauken gave me a little more of a sneak peek at Panoply’s 30th celebration on Sunday, April 29. Along with RRB, Panoply has a couple more special bands performing on Sunday.
4:30-6:15pm: Panoply Birthday Celebration
- Reunion: Richard Van Valkenburgh’s band. They’ve performed at every Panoply!
- Granite: Carter Lockwood’s band. Carter is Richard Van Valkenburgh’s grandson.
- Rainbow Rhythm Band: 30th Anniversary performance
6:30-7:15pm: Snake Doctors
7:30-9:00pm: Taylor Hicks
Dillon-Jauken pointed out that this event celebrates the performers and families who have been involved with Panoply over the years. She also remarked, “It’s probably the first time in Taylor Hick’s career that a JLH washboard band is opening for him!”
I’ve seen Taylor Hicks in concert, and he really is fantastic, but the party will have started long before he hits the stage at this year’s Panoply!
Rainbow Rhythm Band with Guest Performer Mayor Battle
Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).