Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

The W orld-famous Ambassador Hotel Cocoanut Grove, favorite playground of film notables. Gus Arnheim, popular orchestra leader, whose Grove contract has just expired — Jimmie Grier. who brings his All-Star Band to take Arnheim's place. Cocoanut Grove program heard at 8:30 P. M. Mondays and Frida\s over NBC stations from KFI, and at 10:00 P. M. nightly over KFWB until December first, when KFI takes it AMBASSADOR Hotel Cocoanut Grove officials are noted for developing their own popular orchestras. In this and similar manner has the individuality of the Grove been created. Abe Lyman and Gus Arnheim stand as proof of its success along this line. It was Mr. A. Frank, vicepresident and general manager of the Ambassador, who gave Arnheim his first chance to be an orchestra leader seven or eight years ago. History now repeats itself and Mr. Frank is writing the third volume of his musical triology. He has selected Jimmie Grier to lead his new orchestra which will replace Gus Arnheim, who leaves for an eastern tour. For his newest musical combination under the direction of Jimmie Grier, Mr. Frank has selected thirty-one musical artists and star entertainers. Carlos Molina's Tango band and entertainers. Loyce Whiteman, Donald Novis, Harry Barris, Dave Marshall, and those Three Ambassadors remain at the Cocoanut Grove. Grier himself has a colorful musical background. He has prepared the musical scores for such important motion pictures as "Palmy Days." "Flying High" and "City Lights." He has appeared at the Cafe des Ambassadeurs, Paris; Savoy Hote, London; and the Royal Palace, Ostend. Members of Jimmie Grier 's orchestra and their instruments are: Ray Heindorf, first pianist; Hal Chanslor, piano; Henry Sugar, violin; Robert Morrow, violin ; Richard Webster, violin: Larrv Sullivan, and Frank Zinzer, New ENTERTAINER OE STARS With the Departure of Gus Arnheim and the Advent of Jimmie Grier, the Famous Cocoanut Grove, Where Hollywood's Elite Gather Nightly, Loses a Marvelous Band Leader, But Gains Another trumpet: Frank Sullivan and Charles Cowpland, trombone and mellophone; Dick Dickinson, saxophone; Al Maulding, English horn ; Arthur Grier, bass clarinet and guitar; Richard Ehrecke, guitar and banjo; William Markas, drums; Jack Garcia, string bass, tuba and guitar; and Toni Travers, pianoaccordion and piano. Art Grier, brother of Jimmie, and Henry Sugar are former U. C. L. A. students. U. S. C. is represented in the band by Hal Chanslor and Robert Morrow. Other universities represented are: Yale University by Dick Webster, vocal soloist of the band who will be recognized by music lovers of Los Angeles as former soloist at Pantages theatre; Washington University is represented; and Idaho University; Whittier College by Donald Novis ; La Salle University; Bogota, Colombo: University of Havana is the alma mater of Alberto Mateu of the tango band. Columbia, Kansas and Missouri University are alma maters to other mem TVT OT many years ago Gus Arnheim ^ was "discovered" as a piano player in a band at the Cocoanut Grove, Hollywood; now he has just closed an 18 months' engagement at that leading rendezvous of the film colony as the director of one of the most popular radio and ballroom orchestras of the day. One of those rare personalities of his business, he appears entirely without pose and innately a gentleman; when he talks to you he is quiet, sincere, modest and courteous. As the time approaches for the next number, he takes his place at the piano, and, nodding to the bandsmen as their cue, his fingers lead them to the strains of a popular tune. As the soft, liquid music draws the elegantly gowned ladies and the tuxedoed companions to the dancing floor, and as the couples glide past, many, notables and unknowns alike, make their "hellos" and often stop for a short chat with the {Turn to Page 37] Page Twenty-two RADIO DOINGS