Before coming to Destin, Florida in January, I asked Vaughn if he cared to share an
arrangement or two with a twenty piece jazz orchestra I play with in Fort Walton
Beach. The "Downbeat Jazz Orchestra" (DJO), formerly the Playground Jazz Big Band,
is a group of dedicated players of varying backgrounds that play for the joy of
recreating the jazz sounds of the golden age of jazz. They played three engagements
this season in Panama City Beach, on the Destin waterfront and  for a benefit held
at a local church in Fort Walton Beach. The snowbird migrants from up north love to
hear the live music of their younger years.

To his credit, Vaughn graciously presented me with two big band arrangements for use
by the DJO ("CHEERS!" and "SEND ONE YOUR LOVE"). They were both featured in the
benefit performance held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on March 8th, complete
with an explanation of where they came from and how I had come to be the only
snowbird in the group. They literally were dancing in the aisles before the night
was over. Although the FJO was not there, their presence was felt on the Gulf Coast
that night!

I feel this goodwill outreach by Vaughn is more than commendable and should be
acknowledged.

Matt Golis