Uptown Strings band to be recognized Tuesday for musical contribution to Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A celebration to honor the musicians of the band Uptown Strings will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center. Mayor Barry Louderman will present a proclamation from the city of Hannibal thanking the band members for their musical contribution to the city.

The band, formerly known over the years as The Forget Me Nots, Big River and The Misfits, has been playing at senior adult dances for 50 years. The bands have played multiple genres of music including Big Band, jazz and country. The celebration will honor the musicians for bringing the gift of music to senior citizens with unparalleled enthusiasm, talent and compassion.

Along with their name, the members have also changed throughout the years. However, the message remains the same. These members give their hearts to their community, sharing their music and talent with the senior population.

Original members were Betty Parsons Miller, Ed Dye, Dick Swain and Paul Quilling. Other musicians who have played with the Uptown Strings are:

• 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

Current band members are Betty and Martin Miller, Ray Smith, Harlon Lain, Wendell Glance, Greg Cornelius, Alan Ebers and Sue Taylor. Betty Miller has sung and played drums for 50 years.

Senior Adult Dances are held noon to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.