Prominent figures in the entertainment and sporting worlds will entertain the Yardlings at this year's annual Smoker on May 1, according to tentative plans of the Freshman Committee.
Headlining the festivities will be Roy Eldridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Rita Rio, and Albert Ammons, who have been engaged to supply the musical part of the program. Eldridge, colored orchestra leader form Chicago's "three Deuces" will play his famous swing trumpet to the accompaniment of a local orchestra.
Popular colored vocalist for Chick Webb's band, Ella Fitzgerald will be imported to swing several numbers in her accustomed style. Ammons will come to the Yard from the Cafe Society in New York to demonstrate the boogiewoogie style of piano playing.
Representing the world of sport, Buddy Hassett of the Bees will speck, according to present plans of the Smoker Committee, while Neal O'Hara, columnist for the Boston Traveler, will be the master of ceremonies for the athletic features of the program.
Other notables who will probably be approached by the Committee include Mary Martin, Milton, Berle, Jimmy Durante, Jimmy Walker, and Postmaster-General James A. Farley.
