traditions

142 years young! Grab your black cap and necktie— we're talking all about Mobile's legendary Excelsior Band. The country's oldest marching jazz band is led by Hosea London. He chats with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about preserving that beautiful, traditional jazz sound! Plus, the big beach debate (Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach), what's an acceptable dish for a potluck in the Port City and how the Yellowhammer State can make some progress.

Ricky Fernandez is the Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Rocket City Trash Pandas. He's also the on-field emcee for the Minor League Baseball team. He talks to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about what he and the players do to attract luck during games. Plus, the secret "underground sweet tea operation" and how shoes make him think of Alabama.

In today's episode of StoryCorps, Hosea London and Herbert Nelson talk about how they first joined the historic Excelsior Band. They emphasize the importance of maintaining and memorializing the band's traditions so that they may last for the generations to come.

Light the Fountain, the annual springtime tradition on the University of North Alabama campus, is set for 6:30 p.m. on March 14. The event will take place at Harrison Fountain and Plaza and is free and open to the public.

The season of floats and parades is underway, as Mardi Gras in Mobile began on February 15 and runs through March 5. The Port City claims host to the…