Originally Chris Henricks, Bill Harding, Ben (Duaine) Taylor (SHS 1968) Joe Green and Dan Ware (Manual High School 1966), were formed as the Vlasics at Southport High School.This was way back in 1965. The Vlasics played at the Baxter YMCA, Eagle
s Lodge and many private parties in their first year. A major turning point was their win of the "Battle of the Bands" at the new,Greenwood Shopping Center, in June 1966. The band won a trip to Chicago to play in a regional battle of the bands, at McCormick Place! The Vlasics replaced Joe Green on Keyboards in 1967 with Randy Tipmore. (Also a Southport High School graduate). The Vlasics enjoyed a fair amount of success in those years and were playing 
clubs, fraternity/sorority parties,graduations and other events in a five 5 sta
te region during their high school years.REMEMBER THE:
Whiteland Barn
Flame Club
Hillside Beach Club
House of Sound
Indiana State Fair "Teen Tent"
Yep, They played those places often.
In May of 1968 the Vlasics went to record their first "Record" ("Breakaway") at Universal studios in Chicago. The Vlasics continued a busy schedule until August 1 1969, The date of their last "Gig".
Ok, all that text was borrowed (stolen) from the boys defunct website, circa 2004. But the Vlasics have a special place in my research heart. Dan Ware was the first band member I actually called and asked about any band. He was very kind and talked a bit, then directed me towards Bill Harding, who was playing locally. The wife and I met him and had a great time. Here we are several years later, and I'm finally telling the story.
Hear some tunes:
Break Away
Things Movin' Fast
Somehow the record was credited to the "Valasics", altho the band was sponsored somewhat by the Vlasic pickle company. The 45 was one of the more difficult to find ones I have on my list. Many, many to go, and look forward to sharing even more with my readers and contributors!
two really good songs.
ReplyDeleteThe Vlasics where a great band in there day!I knew the guys in the band,I also went to Southport High School but they were a few years ahead of me in school,They played at Sherwood Country Club A place I worked at in the 60s,I pretty much grew up around the Duana Taylor family,His grandfather made some great hand made guitars,Love this site,Thanks !! Ferron Young
ReplyDeleteI need this record so badly :(
ReplyDeleteBattle of the Bands winner -- wow! Two generations in a row! I was not around when The Vlasics were playing in the 60's but I got the best dad in the band!
ReplyDeleteThey were a great band in their day!! Bill, Chris, and Dan still play together some what now. I would know, I'm Dan's son ;) The love for music definitely runs in the family.
ReplyDeleteJosh Ware
Please find me a opy of the record!indiana45s@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am taken back so many years here. I am Joe Greene, the original organist for the Vlasics. I was forced by my parents to sell my beautiful Farfisa organ in 1966 when I started college at I.U. in Bloomington. I was and remain heartbroken as a result. At that time the 40 mile drive from Indy to Bloomington might as well have been 400. I had no car and school was number one priority. I still have a true love of 60s rock and always wanted to get back together with the guys. They were great musicians and I missed them dearly after I left. I have played in many bands since then but none compare to these guys. Many times I have wish I had possessed the nerve to tell my parents to get lost and done what my heart told me to do; play music with the Vlasics. I didn't and my life took a different path as a result. Vietnam colored many decisions at that time also. I had no desire to be drafted and didn't feel I could split my energy between school and the band and knew if I quit school that the draft board would be hot on my trail. Here it is 45 years later and I still remember fondly the great times I had with this band. I still play a Korg keyboard and the 60s stuff remains my favorite. I ofter dream of what might have been; perhaps better, perhaps worse. For sure you can't go back. I have been a family doctor for 35 years but remain a 60s rocker as a result of my time spent with the Vlasics.
ReplyDeleteThe Vlasic's will be playing at the 2nd Annual Whiteland Barn Reunion, May 14th, 2011 at the Old
ReplyDeleteVFW in Whiteland, Indiana. Time is 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. VFW will provide food to purchase. There will be a car show and several bringing cornhole boards. Don Holt will be the guest of honor. Let's make this a memorable occasion. Fun for all!!
whatever happened to there song T.S
ReplyDeleteWe still get together all five of the original members. We relive our time playing over and over. Some of us are still playing and writing music. Everlasting memories still being made!
ReplyDeleteWe still get together all five of us and relive all of our memories of playing our gigs. Some of us are still playing today and writing music Which you can find on YouTube under the title of “Bill and Val Vlasics”
ReplyDelete