At the end of the Vaudeville Era of the 40's, Edmonton's EMPIRE THEATRE was renovated into a new facility, with a large dance floor, balcony seating, and a large stage. For the next decade, Edmonton would be filled with music, and the growing city would play host to a vibrant musical culture, centered by jazz combos and big bands.

The following web pages take you on a historical tour of the early years of the Troc, and pay tribute to the pioneers who have graced the stages of the old Trocadero Ballroom. The NEW TROCADERO ALUMNI ORCHESTRA was formed in 1991 by several nostalgic musicians who were among the elite performers of that era.

After a few years, the "ALUMNI" was dropped from the new band -- this was out of respect for the great musicians who are now playing in the big 18-piece orchestra in the sky, and to better reflect the new mix of veteran performers, and Edmonton's top young talent.

Credit for this archive goes primarily to George Lake, a bass player and musician who performed on the old Vaudeville Stage of the Empire, and had the honour to be in several of the groups to play the Troc in the 50's. He's also the FOUNDER of the "New" Trocadero Alumni Orchestra. George has an extensive scrapbook, and over time, this web site will try to paint a picture of the golden age of Jazz, from the perspective of a local musician, and his memories.