The Atlanta landscape and business community may have changed dramatically since 1987, but not The Rupert’s Orchestra, a dynamic twelve-piece dance band that debuted in 1987 to open the popular Rupert’s Nightclub in Buckhead, GA, located just a few doors down from the famed ‘Disco Kroger.’ Big hair, leg warmers and fingerless gloves were hot in the late 80s, and so was Rupert’s. For eight years, they were voted ‘Atlanta’s Best House Band’ and known for versatile vocalists and driving rhythm section, accented by a fiery horn section and explosive Latin percussionist.

During Rupert’s red-hot popularity in Atlanta, The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk was gearing up for its fifth running, the same year Delta Air Lines adopted ‘We Love to Fly, and It Shows,’ the tallest skyscraper, One Atlantic Center, was erected in Midtown and MARTA fares increased to seventy-five cents a trip.

Organizers of the 26th annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk will welcome The Rupert’s Orchestra for the first time as the event’s featured entertainment on Thursday, September 25, 2008, providing veteran KPCRW participants an opportunity to step back in time as they step-off for the annual 5K running experience.

Two lively sets by The Rupert’s Orchestra are planned, transforming the Green Lot at Turner Field into the ‘World’s Largest Office Party.’ The first set begins at 7:15 p.m., about the time that some will be crossing the finish line and ready to celebrate with music that brings back memories.

Runners and walkers of all ages will enjoy the sounds of The Rupert’s Orchestra, as the band performs everything from Top 40 hits to Motown and classic rock to 1940s big band favorites. Coupled with an exciting awards presentation moderated by race director and U.S. Olympian, Jeff Galloway, hundreds of company picnics, spectacular fireworks and camaraderie among friends and co-workers, the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk will be a nostalgic experience for some and the start of a new tradition for others.

Sponsors of the 2008 Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program include: Kaiser Permanente of Georgia (title sponsor); The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; 92.9 DAVE FM; Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine, 680 The Fan, fitAtlanta magazine’s Healthy Living Card, WSB-TV, Clear Channel Outdoor, Atlanta Woman magazine and Phidippides Running Clubs. For more information, please visit www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com.