Host: Johnny Zell. Lawrence Welk never forgot his roots in the Big Band Era and "Big Bands" was the very special season kickoff show in 1978. Johnny Zell solos on 'Chiribiribin". The band is featured on "Begin the Beguine", "Panama", and "Cumana" and Guy and Ralna sing "Tangerine" as a special tribute to Helen O'Connell and the Jimmy Dorsey Band.