Lake Geneva's Riviera-- Part 2

The Riviera was originally named the Northport and the building was dedicated on May 22, 1933.  Ever since, it has been a landmark for the region's tourism, including its design as a launch site for tour boats on the lake.  (Definitely something you want to try, especially the mail boat.)

Through the 1950s, the ballroom hosted renowned musicians including Tommy Dorsey, Glen Miller and Louis Armstrong.  And then in a more modern era: Chubby Checker, Herman's Hermits and Stevie Wonder who performed on the ballroom's Top Deck in the 1970s.

The building was renovated and repurposed as a hub for civic events in 1983.  Three years later it earned a spot on the state and national Register of Historic Places.

Restoration efforts were led by local architect Daniel Curran, who preserved the structure's architectural integrity and historical significance.

Today, the ballroom hosts weddings, corporate events and other social gatherings.

--DaCoot

"C'mon, Chillun. Let's Dance!": A Forgotten Star, Kay Kyser

From the December Our State (NC) Magazine by Josh Shaffer.

I have heard a little about the man and his band, but not much, but Kay Kyser was one of the top Big Bands back in that day, scoring 35 top-ten hits and being called The Old Professor and led his big band in a mortarboard and tassel and knee-length academic robe with his drawl-soaked catchphrase "C'mon chillun.  Let's dance!"

Through the Depression and World War II, he offered up his zaniness through the hard times.

He wa born to pharmacist parents in Rocky Mount, NC and attended UNC at Chapel Hill.  He found his niche on "The Kollege of Musical Knowledge" radio show.  During the war, he performed before thousands of U.S. GIs.

As popular as he was, he vanished from the scene in the early 1950s, retiring to his alma mater and died 27 years ago.

I Would Have Liked to Have Seen Him.  --Cooter