Oriental Bandmen Complete Summer Schedule With Busy Fall and Winter Ahead
by Danny Dimich
The slowly drifting sands are again being stirred by the returning feet of the Al Bedoo Bandsmen, and the lights in the oasis of the U.B. Room will be burning late on Friday nights.
Our group of nomads attended the Shrine Ceremonial in Lewistown in May and also the PNSA in Spokane in June. While in Spokane we performed for the girls and boys at the Crippled Children's Hospital. Every Shriner should make an effort to visit one of the these hospitals with his wife. He will get a better idea of just what is being done with his hospital contribution.
The first part of September we invaded the Oasis of the Naja Oriental Band in Rapid City, South Dakota, and attended the Midwest Shrine Meeting there. A good time was had by all, and there is a move going on to change the by-laws to allow at least one dancing girl in the group. Several weeks ago we made a trip to Bozeman where we performed between the halves of the Bobcat-San Diego football game.
Election of officers for the ensuing year has been held, and 'Ching Ching' Joe Innes was elected our Sultan and Erv Clark is again our secretary-treasurer. Jim Lindstrom has been appointed first lieutenant and Andy Lockrem, second lieutenant. Arnie Berger will lead us again as music director. With these Arabs leading us, we are looking forward to some good trips and fun in 1969.
Sultan Hartman Graham has done a great job this year, and my Kafia is off to him, and a bouquet to Alice for the help she gave him.
We are in need of new members in the Oriental Band, and if you are interested in joining, drop down to the U.B. Room some Friday night about 8:00pm. If you can count, march well enough to follow the man in front of you, make a few trips throughout the year, just show up every night, and we make an Arab out of you.
During the past several months the Black Camel has visited our encampment thrice. Our heartfelt sympathy to Elsie Middleton, Mayis Anderson and Gale Shostrom.
May the blessing of Allah be with you today and everyday. Salaam alecum.
-- published in Al Bedooings December 1968
