Rob Hawk, a retired Delta Air Lines captain who settled in Hoover five years ago, has turned his love of swing music into a thriving community asset. At age 71, Hawk founded the Magic City Big Band, a 24‑piece ensemble that draws directly from the Glenn Miller era with full horn sections and a driving, triplet‑based rhythm.
From Cockpit to Drum Kit
After a 31‑year career piloting jets—weathering lightning strikes and an engine‑fire warning—Hawk swapped the cockpit for a drum kit. He began the band after discovering Birmingham lacked a big‑band scene similar to the one he enjoyed in Atlanta. Partnering with bassist Joey Hall, the duo recruited local musicians and, within two years, assembled a full swing orchestra.
Local Roots and Family‑Friendly Performances
Rehearsals are held weekly at Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church in Roebuck, where Hawk emphasizes a supportive atmosphere: “There’s no pressure if you mess up. We don’t single out players.” The band’s calendar includes monthly gigs at venues such as Inverness Country Club, senior living communities near Valleydale, and charitable events like a benefit for the Rosedale Food Pantry.
Upcoming performances include a Family Fun Day at the Hoover Met on Sept. 12, a spina bifida benefit concert on Nov. 15, and a SoHo Plaza Christmas concert in Homewood on Dec. 12.
Community Impact
Band members balance day jobs with music. Hall, 61, manages simulation operations at a nursing school by day and anchors the low end on bass guitar by night. Trombonist and bassist Ephraim Nunnelly adds further depth to the group’s sound.
Hawk says the band’s rapid growth reflects a hunger for classic swing music and a desire for wholesome, family‑friendly entertainment. “We play for people, and we want to bring them joy,” he explains. The ensemble’s mission aligns with local values of faith, family and community, offering a wholesome alternative to mainstream entertainment.
As the Magic City Big Band continues to book new venues and welcome additional musicians, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, volunteerism and the timeless appeal of swing music in Birmingham.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
