what were the popular dance orchestras appearing in the sf area or at (example) Top of the Mark in the '40s?

-- arnold mills (arnmills@sbcglobal.net), November 19, 2003

Answers

Check out Herb Caen's books. He really loved the band at the Top of the Mark (don't ask me the name). He also writes a lot about the various piano bars. I think he liked Al Rik ("and his Rik-A-Tick piano") at Lefty O'Doul's.

-- Rosa (rosadebon@yahoo.com), November 22, 2003.

In the early 40's the big bands of Henry Busse, Jan Savitt, Kay Kyser, Benny Goodman and Freddy Martin all played at the Palace, St. Francis and the Mark.

-- gerry cullinane (gbc10thmtn@hotmail.com), December 13, 2004.