In December 2010, Sea World and the Busch Garden theme parks decided to layoff a lot of personnel. Among those hit with pink slips were The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco.

The Mystic Sheiks Of Morocco had been performing at the Tampa theme park for more than 30 years when they were told their services were no longer needed.
Former members of the band stayed together and created the Distinguished Men Of Brass.

The Distinguished Men Of Brass are competing on America’s Got Talent, and after their performance in New Jersey, Monday, they were told they would be advancing in the competition that will result in a prize of $1 million.

The band consists of Ernest Elmore, Darius Boone, Nathaniel Gordon, John Gilbert, Rico Clark, Donald Scott, Mystic Sheiks founder, Desmond Boone, Kayraynard Lawrence, Ronnie Izing, and Rickey Williams.

Vickie Pratt-Boone, the wife of Desmond and mother of Darius, said she doesn’t want to sound biased, but she thinks their performance was great.

“I know the sacrifices they’ve made to get where they are.  One of the members has a pregnant wife and a small child at home he needs to care for.

“I think the end reward is what they must stay focused on. They get their names out, and get to do what they love.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said she’s proud of them, because they all took a bad situation, and created a great opportunity for themselves. “Desmond left the band before they were fired, and his departure and the departure of the band were both not good circumstances.

“I guess in hindsight, if they hadn’t lost their jobs at Busch Gardens, they wouldn’t have this opportunity. When one door closes, another one opens.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said she and other family members greeted the band when they returned to Tampa Wednesday, and held a big celebration, that included the group performing some of their music.

“Some of the family members were able to travel to New Jersey to see them perform.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said considering there were thousands of auditions, for the band to be in the top 48 is great.

To vote for The Distinguished Men Of Brass, call 1-866-602-4801. You can vote up to 30 times.

Reporter Leon B. Crews can be reached at (813) 248-0724, or e-mailed at lcrews@flsentinel.com.