Preserving the Band

Atlanta native Kris Gloer is still giving thanks for Turkey Day 1976. The Band played its Last Waltz on Thanksgiving more than three decades ago, but Gloer and a six-man band of Atlanta-based musicians keep the music and the spirit of that era alive.

As the Last Waltz Ensemble, the group emulates the show the Band performed that night, with significant differences. Gloer doesn't call the outfit a tribute band, billing it as a concert celebration. "It's not a re-enactment," Gloer says by phone in Atlanta. "We do over 50 songs from different eras of the Band and Bob Dylan"

Although, on some occasions, they follow the format of The Last Waltz, it's never a note-for-note recreation. "But we're pretty true to the arrangements of the songs," Gloer says. "You hear a lot of Garth Hudson chops on the keys, you hear Robbie Robertson-type guitar, but it's almost more like the Allman Brothers meets the Band."

The Last Waltz Ensemble started as Houndog, playing current lead singer Mark Kramer's original tunes around Atlanta and releasing three albums before its first concert celebration of the Band on Thanksgiving Day 2004.

The upcoming show at Smith's includes local guest stars Sean Costello doing Muddy's "Mannish Boy," King Johnson/Wood Brothers' Oliver Wood doing "I Shall Be Released," and singer/guitarist Heather Luttrell performing "The Weight," Aretha Franklin-style.

Gloer says bringing in friends as guests recalls the collective vibe of The Last Waltz and the Band era. "We have a real musical community in Atlanta," he says. "It's one big happy family down here."

The Last Waltz Ensemble (A tribute to Bob Dylan and the Band) will present music from the Martin Scorsese film The Last Waltz in order and in its entirety. Featuring: Oliver Wood, the Sundogs, Cameron Williams of Tishamingo, Sean Costello, Greg Hester, John Leibman and Heather Luttrell. Fri., April 4. 8 p.m. $18. Smith's Olde Bar. 1578 Piedmont Ave. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com.