Utopians - Ft. Wayne - 1967

The Utopians, formed in November 1966, all students at South Side High School - Ft. Wayne.

Seated - Dave Schwartz - organ
Standing from Left:
Jeff Goltz - rhythm guitar
Ron Russ - drums
Ralph Tourkow - bass
Mike Weintraub - lead guitar

Gleaning the "Utopians" from the perfect society of Thomas More's book, the boys strove for perfection in Rock n' Roll music so the name seemed appropriate. The Lovin' Spoonful was a big influence.

The Utopians were finalists in the National Combo competition category of the Talented Teen Search - Chicago -1967. Groups getting to that level were usually "offered" a recording contract. "Recordings Unlimited" normally gave studio time and the band was offered a deal on paying for the pressing of a 45.

Recordings? 45? Any future activity? We all want to know!

Whiteland Barn Reunion show - Friday June 18

The importance of the Whiteland Barn cannot be underestimated. From 1958 to the late '60's, the Whiteland Barn was one of the most famous venues in the states. Imagine in a time before arena rock, you could have seen:

Jerry Lee Lewis
The Ventures
Strawberry Alarm Clock
Led Zeppelin
and a host of great Indiana legends.

It's time to have a reunion of the place ( long ago lost to time). Friday night will mark the 1st reunion show. The Vlasics will be the band, the Suds (ex Dog and Suds, Greenwood, Indiana) will be the place. Starts about 5:00 pm.

I'd like to see everybody there. Maybe it's something that can be annual, but let's get the 1st one done and worry about that later!

Stop in and say hi! Please thank Ron VanLandingham for the hard work in getting this together, and keeping the Whiteland Barn site going!

See everyone there!!!

Sir Douglas & the Zircons - 1966

Sir Douglas and the Zircons, from late May 1966.
This is another of our "shot in the dark" series. I have no idea, other than they played a few dates in Franklin, Indiana. So, guys and gals, if you knew them speak up now!
I have quite a few of these unknown bands in the pipeline. Seems like we have about a 50% success rate in identifying them. Great job team!!!

Think we are due for some music on the next post!