Archive - City Lights Orchestra

"A long, long time ago. I can still remember how that music used to make me smile. And I know if I had my chance that I could make those people dance. And maybe they'd be happy for a while."

Don McLean, Opening lyric to “American Pie”

And so it goes. Since 1974 we've been striving to spread joy and happiness to our listeners through the sounds of music.

We hope you enjoy this look at some of the fun and memorable moments and images from our past as we came of age bringing live music to tens of thousands of listeners across the country.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR NAME

August 26, 1974. Our first rehearsal and our first name: "The Music Makers". We were mostly freshmen and sophomores in high school.
This lasted until later that year when we became known as "Back Beat Boogie"
Sometime in late 1975 or very early 1976, our name was changed to "The Big Band Machine"
In August of 1991 we took on our current and most enduring profile as "The City Lights Orchestra"