in 1943 he also held a three-month stint at the rhumboogie club in chicago, and later that year took up residency again in omaha's dreamland ballroom. billy mitchell played with him during that period. that year towles also played extensively throughout new york city, including an appearance at the apollo theater. notable players in the dance orchestra included trombonist buster cooper and saxophonists red holloway, buster bennett and preston love. towles continued leading bands throughout the 1950s.