The Baton Rouge River Center erupted Monday night with the sounds of a 29-year-old Tiger tradition. Family, friends and fans gathered to hear The Golden Band from Tiger Land play in its annual Tigerama concert — a chance for the public to see Tiger Band perform up close. “We’re able to show off the hard work we’ve done all year,” said drum major Rob Dowie. A silent auction kicked off the event at 6 p.m., with all proceeds going to support the construction of the new Tiger Band Hall. Carol Newman, associate development director for the LSU School of Music, said she did not yet know the total amount raised Monday night. Annie Schwartz, whose son David is the baritone section leader for Tiger Band, said Tiger Band deserves the new band hall, especially because they are such a big part of the LSU athletic tradition. The LSU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds bands opened the concert with the classic “Semper Fidelis” by John Philip Sousa, conducted by Ronald Richard, retired major general of the U.S. Marine Corps and CEO of the Tiger Athletic Foundation.After a few songs from the ensembles, including the spirited “LSU Rhapsody,” Tiger Band members filled the aisles before taking to the floor to showcase its 2009 halftime show marches. “We can see [them] up close and personal,” Schwartz said. “We can’t on the field.” Robert Godke, animal science professor, attended Tigerama and said he looks forward to seeing Tiger Band play at every football and basketball game. “There’s more to this band than just playing — they have heart and soul,” Godke said. Last night was Dowie’s sixth and final Tigerama. He played for Tiger Band during his five years as an undergraduate. Now, in his third year as drum major, he’s about to be a Tiger Band alumnus because of Tiger Band’s six-year limit, Dowie said. While he won’t get to play in the new band hall, Dowie said it’s good to know the freshman and sophomore Tiger Band members will have a nice place to practice — especially when it rains. “We can’t even fit the whole band into the band hall right now,” Dowie said.- – – -Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]