Vicksburg will be dancing again to the music of the legendary Red Tops at the Second Annual Red Tops Revisited on Saturday, November 6, 1999.    During the reception from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., one can mingle with original members of one of the most popular Mississippi bands of the '50s, '60s and '70s while enjoying a cocktail buffet.   At 9:00 p.m., be prepared to dance till midnight as the Ben Shaw Band plays Red Tops hits, like "Swanee River Rock" and "Danny Boy."   As a special treat, some of the original members of the Red Tops, including lead singer Rufus McKay, will join in on a few of the favorites.

    The event will take place in the auditorium of the Southern Cultural Heritage Complex at the corner of Cherry and Crawford Streets in Vicksburg.

    Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door (Visa and MasterCard Accepted).  Due to limited space, advance reservations are strongly recommended.  The public is also invited to support this event through tax deductible patronage at the following levels: "Swanee River Rock " for $500, "Danny Boy" for $300, and "Hello, Is That You" for $100.   For additional information and reservations, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation at (601) 631-2997 or Alice G. Portwood at (601) 638-7634.

    "This event promises to be a real highlight in our year's activities, " said Ted Smith, Executive Director of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation.   "The excitement and aura surrounding the Red Tops and their music seem almost magical.  It has been a real joy for our organization to play a role in honoring their wonderful contribution to Vicksburg and the entire state."

    Forming out the Re-Bop band, the Red Tops made their professional debut at the Sequioa Hills Club in Bovina, Mississippi on June 20, 1953.   In the '50s, '60s and '70s, the Red Tops traveled all over the Mississippi and surrounding states.  They drew large crowds at many universities and colleges, including the University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi State University, Tougaloo College, Tulane University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi Univeristy for Women.  Additionally, the band played at many night clubs, country clubs and African-American high schools.  Wherever they played, their rock and roll and swing songs of the era were sure to make the crowd dance into the night.

    The original Red Tops band members included Walter Osborne, Sr. (Drums, Manager), Louis Spencer (Alto Saxophone), Rufus McKay (Vocalist and Bass), Willard Tyler (Trumpet), Jesse Hayes (Guitar), Jimmy Bosley (Trumpet and Bass), Anderson Hardwick (Tenor Saxophone), Thomas "Doc" Raymond* (Alto Saxophone), Joe Custard * (Trumpet and Piano), Curtis Dunning* (Tenor Saxophone), and Napolean Fleming* (Tenor Saxophone).  Over the years additional musicians joined the Red Tops, including some of the musicians' children. (* Denotes Deceased Band Members)