Sam Macaione

During 1943-45, it was my pleasure to be a part of the Keynotes and The Sad Sack Six. The Keynotes, 13 musicians and a vocalist, provided Saturday night dance music from the stage of the Post theatre. The swing band members were assembled from all areas of the Project. Although we were unaware of each others contribution to the bomb, we shared a common goal in providing a professional sound to our music. Saturday nights always brought large numbers from the Los Alamos community to the theatre for dancing and socializing.

The Sad Sad Six, a group from within the Keynotes, provided dance music each Friday night at the Officer's Club. Again, our music was well received and appreciated by officers and their guests. Photos of both musical groups were on display, in the Museum, during our visit to Los Alamos in 1992. A few band member names that I recall are Harold Fishbine on bass, Robert Porten on drums, and Stebbins, our pianist.

I remember each face of these two groups, but names are difficult after all these years. For the record, my contribution was the rhythm guitar with both the Keynotes and The Sad Sack Six.

Sam Macaione SED - C Bldg. - Los Alamos

Society for the Historical Preservation of the Manhattan Project

Los Alamos, NM

"Dance Music at Wartime Los Alamos"