That's the Ticket

The Lake Robbins Ballroom stands out for its place in the history of American music. Opening in November of 1931 during the height of the Great Depression, this legendary ballroom has hosted some of the biggest names in music including The Dorsey Brothers, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Rivers and countless more.

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For nearly eight decades, the bands have played and the locals have danced. While audiences were awestruck by the talent that rolled through over the years, nobody was more captivated than 23-year-old Kip Shannon on the ballroom’s opening night. She was so mesmerized during that first performance that she applied for a job and by the time the next big band came to town she was selling dance tickets. Nearly eighty years later and now at over 100-years-old, Kip is still going strong at the ticket window…even though she does leave her post and take a turn on the dance floor from time to time.

But why would someone choose to work at the same place for so long? According to Kip, it’s simple. “I like music and I like seeing people,” she says. “It’s just something to do and if you keep busy you’re a whole lot healthier.”

My Generation gets a VIP ticket into the life of this inspiring lady who’s seen it all.