Middle Tennessee Times
02/22/05
Band Boosters host magical evening
By Valerie Laprad

The audience sat transfixed as they watched the fire batons fly, being juggled in rapid motion through the air. Only when it was over, did those in attendance let out a long, collective breath, followed by uproarious, appreciative applause.

If you missed "An Evening of Magic / Celebrity Waiter Dinner Show," you missed the event of the season. Presented by The Waterfront Group and hosted by Greg "Styckman" Gregory of 94.7 The Country Giant, the 'celebrity'-studded show was a fundraiser for the DeKalb County Band Boosters and featured Magicians and Illusionists of the Tennessee Magical Society.

Celebrity Waiters included Sheriff Lloyd Emmons, Bradley Printing's Mary Ann Puckett, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Williams, Shan Burklow - owner of Studio Six / Children's Book Illustrator, Amelia Lynn - Studio Six, Judge Bratten (Butch) Cook - Juvenile Sessions Judge, Captain Butch Morris - School Recourse Officer for DCHS and DMS, W.J. 'Dub' Evins - 5th District School Board Member, Lisa Tramel - The Middle Tennessee Times, Dennis Stanley - Smithville Review, Jackie Smith - State Farm Insurance Agent, Mike Foster - County Executive, Atnip Chiropractic Clinic - Dr. Robert Atnip, Band SuperBooster Annette Greek and Smithville City Councilman and former band president Aaron Meeks.

Approximately 170 people attended the dinner show and enjoyed a lovely meal of spaghetti, tossed salad, breadsticks, drinks and a tremendous variety of delectable homemade desserts. Those attending were served very well by nearly 50 people who volunteered to be support staff for the event.

All funds raised are designated to go toward new uniforms and for the much-needed updating of equipment.

Kenny Barnes, DeKalb County Band Booster President, told The Times that he wants to express his thanks to the community for their exceptional support of the DeKalb County Band and especially for this event. "Thanks, not just from me, but from all the boosters and from the kids in band. We couldn't do what we do without your continued support." Barnes also said he sincerely appreciated all the time, money, food and materials that everyone so generously provided, especially The Waterfront Group, Inc., without whom Saturday night's event would not have been possible.

If you'd like more information about the band, visit their website at www.dekalbband.com. Also, if you have an idea for a future fundraiser or an event that you'd like to see from the band, you are encouraged to send them an email at dchs_superboosters@yahoo.com.