KNIGHTSTOWN — Memories will be renewed as the quartet The Travel-Aires, from the Academy Awards nominated motion picture “Hoosiers,” return to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the gym made famous in the motion picture, “Hoosiers.” The quartet will sing prior to each of the girl’s and boy’s Hoosier Reunion All–Star Classic double header games, at 6 p.m. Friday, June 3, in the “Hoosier Gym,” 355 North Washington St., Knightstown. 

The classic brings together elite senior basketball players from all over the state of Indiana. The teams will wear jerseys, as depicted in the movie, and have the honor to show their abilities in such a now historic location. 

In 1985, the quartet, all from the small town of Kirklin, were a highly sought after country show band on the Indiana Fair and Festival circuit. The guys were cast as continuity extras, and entertained the cast, and crew between filming, and camera setups. The foursome can be seen throughout the movie, including crowd scenes, student body and press photographers. Two of the members are in the church scene, where they take the vote to fire coach Norman Dale. All four can be seen in the window that overlooks the regional game.

The quartet was contacted by the movie post production team in the spring of 1986. They were needing the group to sing the spiritual, “Do Lord,” for the soundtrack. According to the lead singer Darrin Lafferty, the group was excited to be able to reunite with the movie team. “We didn’t know the complete words to ‘Do Lord.’ We did however have a vast gospel repertoire, having always included gospel in our show.”

On April 10, the last Hickory throwback game of the 2015-2016 season, the quartet was invited to vocally recapture the movie scene with their arraignment of the National Anthem before the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Nets basketball game. The guys stepped back into the public eye, walking out center court of Bankers Life Field House, and delivered a dynamic performance. The video can be found on YouTube.

Darrin goes on to say, “It was an amazing night. It surprised me that the audience seemed truly into the moment. They listened to every word. There wasn’t the yelling that some events have before the song ends. I was told it left some with goosebumps.”

Why 30 years later? Lafferty explains, “We all have children who have only heard the stories of our fifteen years performing together. If for no other reason, it is for them. June 3, in the “Hoosiers Gym” may be the very last time we will sing together. I hope not, but I said that almost 20 years ago.”  

Only 665 tickets are available for this historic basketball event. All seats are reserved. 

For tickets, call (800) 668-1895.