Decoration Day Ball in Burlington, 1941

“Popular Orchestra Will Play For Decoration Day Ball” in the May 26, 1941, issue of the Burlington Daily Times-News

The American Legion will offer one of the South’s most popular orchestras in Ted Ross, who will bring his 13-piece University of North Carolina band to Burlington next Friday for the big annual Legion Decoration Day ball at the new armory.

The history of Ted Ross and his orchestra is a colorful one, according to Ray Nally, member of the dance committee in charge of arrangements for the ball. Starting out as an obscure small group three years ago at the university, it has grown to be one of the most popular college orchestras in the South. Ross, who directs the orchestra, also plays tenor saxophone, and practically every song the orchestra plays is a special arrangement written by Ted himself.

The orchestra has been featured at Virginia Beach, the Hotel Charlotte in Charlotte, Washington Duke hotel in Durham and various leading cotillion clubs throughout the South. Mr. Nally stated that in bringing this exceptional group to Burlington the Legion felt that they were offering the people of Burlington one of the finest bands that could be secured for the occasion, in this section.

The star attraction of the orchestra is the vocal selections of lovely Anne Russell, who has been with the band now for several months. The youthful Miss Russell has already a large following of her own among those who have heard of the orchestra.

According to members of the committee a large and representative turn-out is expected for the Decoration Day ball. If the advance sale of tickets is an indication of attendance, the affair should be one of the outstanding events on Burlington’s calendar. Tickets are on sale at committee headquarters, 107 1-2 E. Front street or by phoning 1030.