2nd Floor Basement Band - Central Indiana - 1967

From 1967, The 2nd Floor Basement Band. These guys were finalists in the '67 Greenwood (Indiana) Center Talent Contest. Not content with Top 40 music, they did write much of their own music. (Now if I could only find some of it!)

Members pictured (left to right):
Rich Elkens - organ - Southport High School
Jim Fedora - bass - Arlington High
Dick Raasch - vocals - Southport High
Stuart Reed - lead guitar - Southport High
Ronnie Manning - rhythm guitar - Southport High
Gary Edwards - drums - Tech High School

Pretty sure there is not a 45 to glean from these guys, but as always, I'm on the hunt. What else did these guys do? Pass it on so we can share the good times!

The Spiders - Franklin, Indiana 1966

The Spiders, direct from Franklin, Indiana 1966. The band was scheduled to play the "Teen Canteen" in Whiteland. This is the only time I've seen them scheduled to play anywhere, but of course, that's not definitive.

Members included:
left to right

Robin Ramsey
Mike Massey
Bill Bensheimer
Tony Goff
Duane Hayes

I don't know that these kids went on to anything else, but can't wait to hear from them! And if you know any details, please share!

Dawn 5 - Dawn Five - Indianapolis, Indiana 1966

The mighty Dawn 5, once one of the local favorites, and sadly, least known bands of the 1965-'67 era. They stayed together long enough to give us a great 45, just enough info to keep interest up, including an interview in the Indianapolis Teen Tempo magazine,(that I don't have yet) and then disappeared from the scene. More than a couple of the bands I have interviewed admitted the Dawn Five were the best musicians out there. Who am I to disagree? But, who were they, what else did they do, and where are they now?




They were:

Mike Nicoloff
Greg Nicoloff
Dave Dunne
Dave McKnown
Steve Benham

Listen to the truly dazzlin' Necessary Evil right now, and tell me where these guys are!

Holidays - Franklin - 1966

This is another of the totally unknown, who are you posts. Playing July 3rd, 1966. I'd love to come across a schedule or accounting ledger from Scott Hall. Maybe, Christmas is coming you know!.

Any members of the Holidays, please check-in, we are waiting to salute you.

Henchmen - Camp Atterbury - 1966

Here's a cool pic of the Henchmen, August '66. A group from the Camp Atterbury Job Corps, shown playing at the Lions Club fish fry. I've read about bands from foster homes, the Sangralads from a boys home, but never have seen a band from the job corps. Pretty cool eh? The notes from the event were just overwhelming, " The group played many musical numbers and some of the crown danced". Wow, what enthusiasm, too bad they didn't leave a set list!

Members were:
Front, left to right:

Don Scott
Gaylor Roach
Richard Guzman
Richard Mirayes - Drums

No recordings known or rumored, but I'm always looking!

Tribu-Terrys '65 - '66 part 2

Here is a second photo of The Tribu-Terrys. This is from late August 1966. My original post was here. Appears to be the same band members as the first photo from December '65, why can't we find these guys? Hear Leavin' to Stay again, just because it's so cool!!!

Bomarcs - '66 Indianapolis - Indiana

"Have you seen your mother, baby, standing in the shadow?" At the time, the most controversial of the Stones' hits, and this group, the Bomarcs, did it well. Best known for being the "musicians-in-residence" at Le Scene (can anyone tell me where this was?). Versatility - Stones, psyche stuff, Rhythm & Blues, and some plain old-fashioned hard rock, and that something else, their bass player was very definitely a girl.


Members included:
Jim Benge - lead guitar
Dave Prince - rhythm guitar
Judy Cagle - bass
Bob Goodson - drums
Dan Bradburn - lead singer

Jim Benge went on to play in Madison Zane ('70's Indiana band)
Many thanks to Robert (Bob) Goodson for sending me this info!

Clarence Brown Memorial String Band - Indianapolis - Indiana - '67

Ok, well the name may have been a little weird, but it sure stood out. Clarence Brown Memorial String Band. Influenced by the likes of the Yardbirds and the Young Rascals, these Pike High school students strived to bring a unique approach to music, as evidenced by the attention-getting moniker.
From top:
Garry Neal - organ
Toby Myers - bass
Danny Ellis - drums
Jim Thornberry - guitar

Of course we all know Toby went on to Indy's own Roadmaster, a long stint with some guy named Mellencamp, and is kickin' it now with his own band No Net. Check them out, loads of fun! Not sure about the other CBMSB band mates, but as always, I'll be looking and sharing with you.

'66 Indianapolis Teen Tempo Activities Calendar

This is a great artifact to show the szene in Indianapolis, Indiana April 1966! Zoom in on Saturdays and feast your orbs on the line-ups and the places to be seen! Plan ahead to take your favorite girl to her favorite band, and you were in!!!

Check out the szenes:

The Flame Club (located at 431 S. Shortridge Rd.)
Tiger-a-go-go (anyone, I don't know where this one was)
House of Sounds ( Avon Avenue, Plainfield)
Indiana Beach (Lake Shafer, Monticello)
11th Hour Coffee House ( 34th & College Ave)

The Bands:
Boys Next Door
Dawn 5
Gestures (Michigan?)
Kings' Men (pre Idle Few)
The Keys (????? maybe the Louisville Keyes?)
III Duces (sic)(I gotta know about this!)
Impacts (???)
Sounds Unlimited
Gesters (wonder if they meant Gestures?)

These Teen Tempos (a local teen magazine in '66-'67) are as rare as Dawn 5 45's. but they provided some great insight on the popular combos of the day. If you were in it, it was the local version of making it!!!

Tantrums - Indianapolis, Indiana 1966

The Tantrums started in early '66. Dressed in popular Mod-style hip-hugger camel corduroy slacks, yellow shirts, with floral ties and black boots, they prided themselves in being the local "hard-rockers". 20 minute renditions of "Louie, Louie" and frequent ad-libbing were well known throughout the city of Indianapolis.
The Tantrums were:
Bob Gunnell - lead guitar - bottom
Tom Arnold - rhythm guitar - middle
Jake Adams - Bass - top
Tom Sterrette (sp?) - Drums - not pictured

Shy Ones - Indianapolis - 1967

This is one of a couple known '60s Indiana all girl bands. Previously published info states that the Shy Ones were popular on the college fraternity circuit. Can't see any fault with that statement. This is one of those lost bands that I've gotten more names for (from other bands with a watchful eye) than I've got members in the ad! Seems they were booked often in early '67 with The Suns of Summer, an all boy band. Wonder if the girl in the middle still has that Gibson SG she's clutching! That would be just too much to bear!

Band members known:
Carol Buckoski
Sandy Gay
Barb Gabriel
Bonnie McDowell
Robin McDowell
Jeanne Schuller

Any ideas on who's who in the pic, please let me know. I'm fairly certain no recordings exist for this group, but I'd love to be proven wrong!

Kut-Outs - Columbus, Indiana 1965

The Kut-Outs from Columbus, 1965! This announcement gives lots of great info on the early '65 szene. Seems Roy Orbison had 100 45s in the local cutout bins to give away! Kut-Outs , cutouts, see why I don't write comedy! Also in the announcement, The XL's , local heroes, played and seemed to be a darn fine band. The Four Wheels, later the Boys Next Door. Some great 45s from that band!

The Kut-Outs included:

Trent Nentrup
John (JR) Arrington (Vietnam casualty)
Daryl Richards

Thanks To Trent for the member info, and he's looking into some pics and documentation of the band!

Shakers - Columbus, Indiana 1966

Behold The Shakers. This pic from June '66 shows the Shakers celebrating an end to classes! The home they played at is just a couple blocks north of my house. The Shakers were a stop between the XL's and later Proof of the Pudding. Of course the theme this week is celebrating our local fallen musicians. Ross Hubler, respected guitarist, passed in 2005.
Band members shown (left to right)

Ross Hubler (RIP)
Tirk Wilder
Dave Groves
Mike Moody (not pictured here)

Hot August Nights is tomorrow night (Aug 4th), so be there and say hi!

The XL's Columbus Indiana 1964

In the spirit of the "Hot August Nights" tribute to the fallen members of 60's Columbus bands, I offer the XL's circa 1964. A glass up to Jim Sparrow, who passed away earlier this year. The XL's were most likely Columbus's most long lived and successful band. The XL's lasted from the early '60s thru the metamorphosis to the Proof of the Pudding which released a lone 45 on RCA in 1967. Take a look at that equipment package, and remember that this was '64!

Pictured members:

Alan Simpson
Tirk Wilder
Jim Sparrow
Mike Moody
Dave Groves

If you are in the area, come on down (or up!) this weekend, and say hi to the guys. I'm sure Alan and Mike will be playing, maybe Tirk, who knows?

p.s. Thanks to Mike Mercer for the pic and endless info on the XL's, he's a large part of the later XL's (to be honored later!)

Calientes - Watchmen - Columbus '66

Sorry for the lousy pic, this is from microfilm, but it's the best I've got. The Calientes and the Watchmen got together for this photo in Feb. '66. Terry Green of the Calientes is one of the deceased that Hot August Nights is paying tribute to.

Band Members , left to right:

Calientes:

Terry Green
Walter Bohall
Willie Bohall
Joe Beamon

Watchmen:

Rick Waggoner
Eddie White
Craig Rust
Jeff Luzius

Two more bands, I'm sure two more great stories! Don't hesitate to share them with us.

Hot August Nights - August 4th, 2007

A large number of musicians from Columbus (Indiana) are putting on a Memorial Jam in honor of several friends who have passed on. We would like to honor:
Greg Weisner, John Arrington, Ross Hubler, Bill Taylor, Jim Sparrow,
Garry Hamilton, Terry Green and others who are no longer with us. We
would also like to thank 4th Street Bar, Coca-Cola Bottling and Brands
Lumber for sponsoring this event. Please forward this message to your
friends. We hope to see you there.

Featuring Toby Myers band, (ask him about his '67 band - Clarence Brown's Memorial String Band! Not a violin or cello in sight!)

Also the "All-Star Reunion Band" Featuring members from:

XL's
Fabulous XL's
Grub & the Gargoyles
Garry & the Twi-liters
Raven Blues
Calientes
3-Chord Monty

Come on down and pay your respects to the ones who helped blaze the '60s Rock & Roll trail in Columbus, Indiana!

Mr's - Greenwood, Indiana 1967

These kids, The Mr's were a special guest group at Greenwood Center's teen talent search (since they were not teens yet). At this time, they were 5th graders at Southwest Elementary. The Mr's combo included (back from left):

Roy Goode - guitar
Martin Wright - throat
Rich Elliott - guitar
Mark Iverson - drummer

I don't recognize any of these names in later groups, but as usual, I'm probably wrong!!

Tribu-Terrys 1965

I finally found a pic of the Tribu-Terrys. This is earlier than I thought they existed, from December '65. Still don't know why they and the Noblemen from McCordsville recorded on the Prism (Dayton, Ohio)label. I'm just glad they recorded at all. Hear Leavin' to Stay right now. Known 45 is Prism 1951 - Leavin' to Stay / My Shadow is You. I'm hoping soon I'll be able to list the band members!!!! This song is too good to be forgotten, so if you know anything, just call me!!

GT Combo - Whiteland, Indiana '66-'67

The GT Combo,first I was told they were from Beech Grove, but after talking with a band members parents last night, I believe they were from Whiteland, Indiana. Seems to be active in the circuit from late '66 to mid '67.
Band members included:
front to back,
left to right:

Paul Venter - lead
Roger Miller - rhythm & singer
Charles "Chick" Gibbs - sax
Melvin Babbs - guitar
Jim Scofield - drummer

No 45 known, no tapes rumored, but give these guys the dues for giving it a go. I'll keep you posted on how the talks are progressing!

Joys of Life - 1966 Indianapolis - Descent

The Joys of Life, circa 1966-67, Indianapolis, Indiana. Shown from top, left to right:
Jeff McMullin
Craig Gardner
Jim Albrecht
Jeff Mills
Corky Kirk
Danny McMullin

I believe that Jeff Mills is deceased. Jim Albrecht stayed in the music business, and opened a studio in the 1990's.
Two 45s that I know of:
Columbia 4-44188 - Good times are Over / Descent
Tomorrow THH 241 - Everybody wants to fall in love / Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow
The Columbia 45 goes for some pretty decent coin, several have been for sale in the past few years.
Major label didn't mean major success for the Joys, but they got further than 99% of the bands out there.
Any info, please feel free to contribute!

Todds - Toddlin' Town - 1967 - Hammond

The Todds from Hammond, Indiana. I've been trying to get a copy of this 45 for some time, and never seemed to follow through on it. Now I have it, and you can see & hear it. Now I have to scour the Hammond papers for a photo. You can listen to I Want Her Back now!
Writer credits show "Todd & Gluth". Any info out there? Don't be shy, we want to know!

Mystics - Brown county, Indiana 1966

Ahhh, the Mystics, the first band I ever tried to hunt down. And I was successful. The cast of characters were:

Jerry Pittman - Drums
Leon Pittman - Bass
Robert Bowden - Rhythm
Brian Gordon - Lead

This pic is from March 1966.
I met Jerry first, and he told me about the good times the band had. His brother Leon had passed away. And Robbie, I had seen and said hello to a thousand times, but never knew he was one that I was looking for. Robbie has been a great source of info on bands, studios, and the general state of things in the area in '66. He still plays, so go see him!!!!! And he says "somewhere" is a tape of the band rehearsing, so lets keep our fingers crossed that I get to post it one day!

Olivers - Ft. Wayne Indiana 1967

Oops, I said I would post the killer "B" side to the Olivers 45. I'm sorry for the horrible oversight, here is the mayhem known as Beaker Street. The later RCA single changed the publisher, and writer credits, and called it Beeker Street. Same song though, I'm sure. Added bonus, a band member of an upcoming post (and great story of two bands) tells me that he has a better photo of the band!!! This is the spirit of cooperation that will help us all learn more about these great bands!

Blast Inc - Columbus - Franklin? 1966

All Hail Blast Inc.. This band has been a stumper for a few years now. Originally I thought they were from Columbus, But now I'm leaning towards Franklin. Heck, they could be from Angola or Chandler for all I know. I'm asking for any help here! A name, real or imagined would be a good start. All I'm sure of is that they played at the Tempo department store in Columbus, Indiana in May '66. And I have a date in June '66 playing in Franklin. If they made a record, I don't have it (yet).

In February, band member Lee Folger found us and added:

Hey, this is Lee Folger, bassist from Blast Inc. Just found your website and thought I'd try to help fill in some information. We were primarily Southsiders and practiced in the Smith Valley Community Center. We played all around central Indiana and frequently linked up with Bouncin' Bill Baker and Easy Guinn from WIBC. We played such venues as the Whiteland Barn, Center Grove HS, Franklin County Fair Grounds, and many other teen dates.

We were just about to record our first record when our keyboardist, Bobby Kafader, was tragically killed in an auto accident. We disbanded shortly after and I have not heard from any other band members since. I am going to try to see if I can locate any of them and I will keep you posted as to the results.

We all sang backup for Nick Anderson.

The members were;
Bobby Kafader, Keyboards, Southport
Rick Richards, Rhythm, Southport
Ralph Wilson, Lead, Smith Valley
Dave Laughlin, Drums, Smith Valley
Nick Anderson, Vocals, Speedway
Lee Folger, Bass, Indy

Great stuff, this was one band I knew nothing about, other than a trail of dates they played! We welcome you back anytime Lee!

Tribu-Terrys - Henchmen - 1966

The Tribu-Terrys, a great long lost, I'm betting, Indiana band. They seemed to have played in central Indiana too many times to have been from Ohio. This date is played in Franklin, Indiana, 1966. The writer credits 'the band", you all know the story, we'll share the credits, wink, wink.
If you know any info on who was in this great, nearly forgotten band, please help us document it!!
Hear Leavin' to Stay right now. Known 45 is Prism 1951 - Leavin' to Stay / My Shadow is You.

The Henchmen were probably "Anne & the Henchmen" out of Tudor Hall,(Park Tudor?), Indianapolis.

Members included:

Anne Hall
Duncan Williams (drums)
Mike Shoyer
Bob Staton

No 45 left behind that we know of, but as always, if you know any nuggets of info, please pass it on. don't let these groups be forgotten!!!!

Olivers - 1966 Phalanx 1022 - Ft. Wayne, Indiana

The Olivers released one great 45, and as I'm lucky enough to have it, you will hear the "A" side "I Saw What You Did" today. Later this week, I'll post "Beaker Street" the "B" side. I'll keep trying to track down these guys and find out what their influences were. Truly bitchin', I wonder what the aborted LP would be like.

Olivers - Ft. Wayne Indiana 1965 - 1967

The Olivers from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, evolved from the Serfmen. 2 45s on the nemfres label (Serfmen spelled backwards). Pictured are not the full line-up that created the wonder that is "Beaker Street / I Saw What You Did". Mike Mankey replaced the original guitarist and co-writer of Beaker Street, Jason Penndorf (stage name Jason Ritchie). Billy Franze replaced Greg Church on bass.

Members pictured include:
Chuck Hamrick - drums
Bill Franze - bass
Mike Mankey - lead guitar
Carl Aldrich - Organ

The Olivers waxed one of the best 2-sided 45s that I've had the pleasure of having, and reported to have an aborted LP in the can recorded in Minneapolis, whereabouts of the tapes unknown. Tomorrow.....hear "I saw what you did" from the Phalanx 1022 45!

The End - North Central HS - '66 Indianapolis

The End (not The Endd of Seascape 45s fame), but this band seemed to have lasted for at least a year ('66-'67). And for added bonus points, played at a killer high school reunion show in 2004. Hell, when your school boasts The Boys Next Door, Sounds Unlimited, and The Joys of Life (in addition to The End)you just couldn't go wrong!
The End included:
Dave Rust - Keyboards
Dave McAloon - Bass
Steve Goodwin - Drums
Jack Weber - Guitar
Dave Crockett - Sings
John Rau - Guitar

No 45 known, but give this boys their dues!

Sceptors - Jeffersonville, Indiana 1967

Here's the pic I promised of the Sceptors of Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is from Sept. '67.I've found a couple others too, but none list the band member names. A friend of mine was the editor of the Columbus Republic (the local paper) at this time (mid '60s). He complains (still) that the promoters didn't always name the performers. That would have made my research much easier!!

Bent Scepters- 1966

Though the entire year 1966, this is the only reference to a band playing in Seymour, Indiana. That just can't be right. The Bent Scepters, these may have been also known as the Sceptors of Jeffersonville, Indiana. They played in Columbus a few times in '66 & '67. No names yet, but I think I have a photo I can post later this week. Prost!

Mankynd - Franklin, Indiana ?

The Mankynd combo, I believe hailed from Franklin, Indiana. This is from December, '66. Left to right, front to back:
Steve Mullikan
Tony Rinehart
Steve Webb
Mike Yates
Bill Hahn

I have no idea if they recorded, and I sure don't have a 45 of this group. If any of you are watching, tell us about your band!!

Dawnells - Bogan Records

Tonight's installment is the Dawnells. I don't have a photo, but I know one exists (seen in the way out of print "Hoosier Hysteria"). Managed by TAGG Productions out of Bloomfield Indiana (same as the Sons Of Sound). Bogan Records (no #) Little Egypt / Scorpion. Little Egypt is the lieber-stoller tune, while Scorpion is your basic rockin' instrumental If you know who gave us these wonderful tunes, please help us. Meanwhile, listen to Little Egypt here.

This poster was found by Scott, who's father booked the Dawnells often at Dietz Lake. Thanks Scott!

From Olney, IL, this poster dates from 1967.

Mike sent a link to a YouTube Video:

Cherish

Many great band pics on this video! The song rocks too!


Undated photo shows the Dawnells as a five piece, later shots have four members.

Mike Gater
Maurice Gater
Kenny Chaney - Lead Singer
Mike Parton - Bass
Larry Smith - Drums
Mike Baines - replaced Mike Parton

Kenny and wife were killed by a drunk driver in 1972.

The Lords of London

A band from Cardinal Ritter High School (August -'66).

Members included,

front to top:

Frank Wechsler (lead guitar)

Mike Lekse (bass)

Marty Lambert (rhythm guitar)

Richie Medvescek (organ)

Harry Cangany (drums).

Medvescek is a pretty uncommon name, perhaps he was a brother of John Medvescek of Sir Winston & the Commons fame (to be discussed here later)

Update!!!

Richie Medvescek, keyboards (yes, he is Johnny's brother-of Sir Winston and the Commons)

Harry Cangany, drums

Marty Lambert, rhythm guitar and lead vocals

Mike Lekse, bass

Frank Wechsler, lead guitar

Thanks Harry for the pics! Frank released a Cd last year, look him up!

The Poor Boys

Other than the writer credit "Chuck Givens" ( I assume he's a band member) I haven't found squat about these guys. The known stuff is a 45 on Flame records (Nashville, TN) Think of Livin' / Julie, Julie, released in '66. The Poor Boys were from Kokomo, Indiana (north of Indianapolis). This from an ad for a January 10, 1967 date played.

Mistake correction!
Chuck Givens was not a member of this band. He was the owner of a studio in Nashville, TN., and released records on the Flame label. The studio burned and all tapes, masters, and equipment were destroyed.

The Lovin' Kind

Here's a band I haven't been able to find anything at all about. This ad comes from December 1966 in Franklin, Indiana. The Lovin' Kind hailed from Southport (so the spot says). Any ideas about band members, where else they played, did they have a recording, any info no matter how trivial is appreciated. Dont let these guys (or gals) be forgotten!!!

Great, where do I start? This is dedicated to the never-ending search of mid sixties central Indiana teenage combos, sometimes known as garage bands. I'll toss in some pics of bands, some local flyer's of dates played, and just other stuff I like. Hope it's a good ride, and please, if you have knowledge of bands, or were in one yourself, it's time to stand up and be counted!!!!