The Muppets, the walkman and ... the Evolutionary Band?

What happened in 1979? Sony introduced the walkman, a gallon of gas cost 86 cents, "The Muppet Movie" hit the big screen, Donna Summer had two No. 1 hits, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman prime minister, and locally, the Evolutionary Band was born.

Evolutionary continues to make headlines. The band opens its 34th concert season on March 6 at noon with a performance at Confederation Secondary School.

More than 700 students from area schools will attend the show, the band’s largest audience for an opening concert.

“The band has never been more popular,” said Music Director Norm McIntosh. “Our concert schedule for the year has been fully booked since last fall.”

Confederation’s Evolutionary Band has been in rehearsals since September. Band members have devoted 180 hours after school perfecting their music and their show. This year’s set list includes songs by Airbourne, Stone Temple Pilots, Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, KISS and many others.

“The students in the band and crew are really looking forward to getting out there and showing everyone what they can do,” said McIntosh. “It’s time to hit the stage.”

Just recently, Evolutionary was showcased in Canadian Musician Magazine’s annual education feature.

“We were very proud to have our young people recognized internationally and to share our success story,” said McIntosh.

Evolutionary is a 27-piece rock band that includes four vocalists, a nine-piece rhythm section and a 14-piece rock horn section supported by a 14-member stage crew. As Action Sudbury’s No Drinking and Driving Band, Evolutionary has earned a solid reputation for its dynamic performances.

The band tours from March until June, performing in front of more than 8,000 students per year. Their shows include a high-energy, choreographed presentation with an exciting light display including lasers, strobes, smoke machines and intelligent lighting.