DISC 2
DISC 4
DISC 6
Disc 8
******************************************************************
.jpg)
"Fuzz, Acid, and Flowers Revisited
Expanded Edition"
by
Vernon Joynson
If you are a 60's rock fan then Vernon Joynson's
latest book is a must read. The release has 1,398
pages of 1960's rock band information. Almost all
of the San Joaquin Valley bands pictured on this site
are mention with photos and bios.
The Brymers were fortunate enough to be pictured
on the page (iv) opposite the Forward along with
a number of other 60's rock bands (see photo below).
(Page iv )
*******************************************************
Jim Waller and The Deltas
Fresno, California
Formed: 1961 at Fresno State College
Disbanded: 1967
* The Deltas were a top act from Fresno. They frequently played at the Rainbow Ballroom, The Party, and the KMAKe Stringray dances at the Marigold Ballroom.
And, and who can forget those infamous summer nights (1963 - 1964) at Bass Lake listenig to the Deltas at "The Falls." Jim Waller currently teaches Music Industry Studies at a university in Texas and Jeff Christensen resides in Fresno. Terry Christofferson went on to play for Buck Owens and still works for Owen's entertainment organization in Bakersfield. The original band members of "The Deltas" are pictured above. L to R: Jeff Christensen, drums; Eddy Atkinson, bass guitar; Roy Carlson, sax; Terry Christofferson, guitar; and Jim Waller, keyboard.
"What I Want"
Jim Waller and The Deltas
Fresno, Ca
*A Special Note of Appreciation To Eddy Atkinson. I was only 18 years old
and was fortunate to meet Ed at The Falls (Bass Lake) while the group
was performing (Summer of 1964). I was a member of a little garage
surf band from Lemoore and he encouraged me to keep playing, keep
the band together, and follow my passion. That little garage band was called
"The de-Fenders" and was later signed with Diplomacy Records and re-named
"The Brymers."
Dick Lee - The Brymers
May, 2010
** A very special thanks to Jeff Christensen (drummer) for his friendship,
information, and photos of "The Deltas."
"Bells Are Ringing"
Jim Waller and the Deltas
Fresno, CA
Floyd Gains
Performed with The Deltas and The Revels.
The Van Dykes
Fresno, California
Floyd Gains of The Deltas later performed with "The Van
Dykes through-out California. Many thanks to Stacey
(daughter of Floyd Gains) for providing these photos.
***********************************************************
The Charades Band
Tulare, California
* Ray Baradat and Syl Grisby two of the original members still
residing in the Tulare area)
The Charades Band
Tulare, California
- 2007 -
L to R.: Syl Grisby, Sally Hamilton, and Ray Baradat.
Ray Baradat formed The Charades in 1959 and the group continues to perform at gigs and "Doo Wop" concerts. Recently, The Charades performed with Rosie (Rosie and the Originals) and other Doo Wop groups in Los Angeles. Many thanks to Ray Baradat for his input, assistance, and friendship.
The Charades: "Connections"
Tulare, CA
March - 2010
Many thanks to Ray Baradat for providing me with The Charades latest
release titled "Connections." My favorite tract is a song that the group
recorded in 1963 and features the great harmonies of The Charades
Band. It is titled "Please Be My Love Tonight." This is a "must have"
CD if you enjoy the sounds of the 1960's.
VISIT: www.charademusic.com
*********************************************************
Jim Kay and The Vibradors
Kingsburg, California
(* Who in the Kingsburg, Fresno, Hanford, Lemoore area has not heard of Jim Kay's
great guitar skills?)
Jimmy Kay - 2010
Kingsburg, CA
***********************************************
The Sullies
Lemoore, California
(*Steve Perry, drummer (bottom left) later became lead singer for Journey)
****************************************************
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The de-Fenders
Lemoore, California
(*Many thanks to the neighbors of my parents for enduring the
process of young kids learning to play instruments in the family garage)
Band Members (L to R): Bob Virden (bass guitar); Mike Wagner (guitar);
Dick Lee (drums); Kenny Valentine (guitar); and Bobby Cox (keyboards).
Pictured is a dance poster advertising The de-Fenders at their first gig.
It was drawn by band member Kenny Valentine (1963). The poster was found
in a band member's attic along with numerous other de-Fenders/Brymers posters
in 2007. The de-Fenders founding Band Members Were: Mike Wagner, lead guitar,
Kenny Valentine, guitar, and Dick Lee, drums (1963).
The De-Fenders
Lemoore, CA
A recently found promotional photo of The De-Fenders
(a.k.a. The Brymers) is pictured above. The group was
a surf band and with in a year would be changing their name to
The Brymers and signing with Diplomacy Records.
The photo was taken in July, 1963. Band members
(L. to R. back row): Mike Wagner(Lead Guitar/Vocals); Robert Virden
(Bass Guitar/Vocals); and Kenny Valentine (Guitar/Vocals/Sax).
L. to R. bottom row; Dick Lee, (Drums) and
Bobby Cox (Keyboards/Vocals).
*****************************************************
The Brymers
Lemoore, California
MEMBERS (1967): (L to R): Dick Lee (Drums; Ken Sinner (Keyboards, Sax, vocals); Bill Brumley (Bass Guitar, Vocals); Bob Hollister (Lead Guitar, Vocals).
(*Diplomacy Records signed The de-Fenders and changed their
name to The Brymers)
- 1967 -
*****************************************************
The Stepping Stones
Tulare, CA
* The Stepping Stones were a great rock group based in Tulare, CA. Their manager (Al Verrisimo and father of
the lead singer) was also the manager of
The Brymers and The Gauchos. The Stepping Stones
recorded on The Diplomacy label.
Members L. to R. (back row): Greg Mancini (drums); Rick Delk
(guitar, keyboards, vocals); John Delmatier (sax); V.L.
Sparkman (guitar, vocals); and (front) Al Verrisimo Jr.
(lead vocals, bass guitar).
Many thanks to Stan Delk (brother of Rick Delk-lead guitar for
The Stepping Stones) for sharing this video slide show. The track
is titled "In Cold Blood" and is sung by April Silva (daughter
of Bill Silva - Diplomacy and Commonwealth Records).
The Stepping Stones
Tulare, CA
Members L. to R.
(back row): Greg Mancini (drums), John Delmatier (sax); and
Rick Delk (guitar, keyboards, vocals). Bottom Row L to R.:
Al Verrisimo, Jr. (bass, lead vocals), and V.L. Sparkman,
(guitar and vocals).
The original founding members of The Stepping
Stones were: Elwin (Elmo) Starling (Sax, Woodwinds,
percussion); Roger Thompson (Lead Guitar, Trumpet,
Keyboard); Charley Allen (Rhythm Guitar); Al Verrisimo Jr.
(Bass Guitar, Trombone, Percussion); Richard Wasnick
(Keyboard, Trumpet); and Bobby Adome (drums).
The Stepping Stones
Band Members L to R: (front row) John Dematier (sax - Visalia); Rick Delk
(Guitar - Porterville); Ron Woodall (Organ - Visalia); and V.L. sparkman
(Bass - Visalia). Top Row from Left: Jim Maize (Trumpet - Santa Monica);
Beaver Starling (Sax - Tulare); and Bob Millarch (Drums - San Diego).
The Stepping Stones
Band Members L to R: Rick Delk (Guitar); John Delmatier (Sax);
V.L. Sparkman (Bass); Greg Manacini (Drums); Beaver Starling
(Sax), and Al Verrisimo (bass and lead vocals).
The Stepping Stones
Band Members L to R: Rick Delk (Guitar); John Delmatier (Sax);
V.L. Sparkman (Bass); Greg Manacini (Drums); Beaver Starling
(Sax), and Al Verrisimo (bass and lead vocals).
The Stepping Stones with Annette Pebbles Hall
L to R: Rick Delk (guitar); Annette Pebbles Hall; V.L. Sparkman (guitar);
Al Verissimo Jr. (Bass); John Delnatier (Sax); and Greg Manacini
(Drums).
*Many thanks to Stan Delk (brother of Rick Delk) for providing
photos and additional information aboutThe Stepping Stones.
Many thanks to Rick Mattos for sharing these great photos of
The Stepping Stones' recordings.
********************************************
The Hal Diamond Trio
Hanford, California
(*Danny Hull, sax, later went on to play
with Cold Blood - San Francisco)
___________________________________________
The Spats
________________________________________
Al Garcia and The Rhythm Kings
(with The Coasters)
Delano, California
*One of the greatest groups to ever come out of the San Joaquin Valley.
______________________________________
The Lee Riders
Hanford, California
____________________________________
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(Merrell Fakanhauser, John Oliver, Bill Dodd, and Dick Lee)
Merrell Fankhauser and
"Fapardokly"
Pismo Beach, California
* In 1962, Merrell wrote and recorded "Wipe Out" with The Impacts. Faparokly
performed in a club called "The Cove" in Pismo Beach, Ca for over one year.
_________________________________________________________
Jim Doval and the Gauchos,
Fresno, California
*Jim Doval and the Gauchos were another tremondous group out of Fresno. Jim was know for his great showmanship and the group was one of the first rock bands to ever have two drummers. The Gauchos made seven appearances on ABC's "Shindig" T.V. show and
along with The Stepping Stones, and The Brymers were under the management of Al Verisimmo, Mel Simas, and Bill Silva of Diplomacy Records. Many thanks to Ed Gonzales (Connor Corkill - original Gauchos band member) for providing these photos. Band Members L to R: Kelly Smith (drums/vibraphones); Ed Gonzales (Connor Corkill) (drums/organ); Jim Doval (vocals/guitar); Steve Quesada (lead guitar); Jose Silva (bass guitar); and al Lopez (saxaphone/flute).
The Gauchos on ABC's "Shindig."
_______________________________________
Bobby and The Realtos,
Visalia, California
(*In 1967 Bobby Hollister later became lead guitar player
and singer for The Brymers)
_______________________________________________
"COMING HOME"
NEW CD RELEASE BY:
THE SEDATE SUNSHINE COLONY
THE SEDATE SUNSHINE COLONY
Kingsburg, CA
(L to R: Russ Zakarian - drums; Woody Bell - guitar and vocals;
Craig Anderson - guitar, keyboards, vocals; Jeff Anderson -
bass guitar and vocals; and Katie Engstrom - vocals (seated).
Many thanks to Jeff Anderson (bass guitar, vocals, writer) for providing
me with a complimentary copy of the group's new release "Coming Home."
The CD has 15 original tracks which cover the genre of "Folk-
Americana." Jeff and company show off their great harmonies, arrangements, and instrumentation in a must have CD. My favorite
track is a cool groove titled "Bamboozled," followed by "The Word Is
Free," and "Summer of 67."
To purchase,
go to www.cdbaby.com; www.digstation.com; or vist the SSC's cool
web site at www.sedatesunshinecolony.com.
You can also view the S.S.C. on Your Tube/sedate sunshine colony.
*******************************************************
THE SEDATE SUNSHINE COLONY
(THE EARLY YEARS)
The Sedate Sunshine Colony,
Kingsburg, California
(* Many thanks to Jeff Anderson for providing some cool photos of the S.S.C.. According to Jeff, the S.S.C. will be entering the studio in July, 2008 to record a CD of original songs. Stay tuned for updates from Jeff.)
____________________________________________________________
The Sedate Sunshine Colony,
Kingsburg, California
(the early years)
__________________________________________________
Bentley Road,
Kingsburg, California
(* Three members of The Sedate Sunshine Colony formed a band called Anderson then recored two 45's under the name of Bentley Road)
_____________________________________________
Ray Camacho and the Teardrops
Fresno, California
(* Great latin sounds from the Fresno area)
_____________________________________________
Hayward Lee and the Marauders
Fresno, CA - 1968
(Top L to R: Francisco Serrano (guitar and vocals); Jose Serrano (bass and vocals)
(Bottom L to R: Ramon "Bozo II" Ochoa (drums); Hayward Lee (leader, sax, and vocals);
and Manuel (Meno) Orozco (organ, vocals, and trumpet)
(* Many thanks to Melissa O. Simon, daughter of Manuel Orozco, for providing
this photo and to Jose Molina Serrano (bass and vocals) for providing
additional information about the photo.)
Hayward Lee and the Marauders
Fresno, California
(* Hayward Lee's group was one of the great "R & B" bands
from the Fresno area. Some of Hayward's other recordings include:
"Watch Your Mouth," "Over You," "Mother Dear," "Barking Up
the Wrong Tree," "Better Stop Foolin' Around," "My Love for You,"
and "It's a Sin To Tell a Lie" (the "A" side of "Oogaloo")).
All total, I have 10 tracks from Hayward Lee
and the Marauders.
Hayward Lee and the Marauders
Fresno, California
Hayward Lee and The Marauders performed through-out
the San Joaquin Valley area. The group had a great soul
sound and a lot of energy that made you want to dance until
the wee hours of the morning.
MEMBERS: (L. to R.): Tom Brown (Drums); Bobby Ray Brannon,
(Bass Guitar); Hayward Lee (Vocals and Leader); Carlos Munoz (Keyboards); and Carlos Luevano (Lead Guitar). Many thanks
to Carlos Munoz for providing me with this photo.
Hayward Lee and The Marauders
Fresno, California
MEMBERS (L. to R.): Manual Orozco; Andy Sanchez; Hayward Lee;
Don Kendricks; (name of band member on far right not known).
This photo was taken in Fresno in the mid 1960's. Many thanks to Melissa Simon (daughter of Manual Orozco) for providing this photo.
____________________________________________________________
Manuel Orozco - Keyboards
Member of Hayward Lee and the Marauders. Many
thanks to Melissa Simon (daughter of Manuel Orozco)
for providing this photo.
_________________________________________________________
The Cindermen
Fresno, CA
(Another great six piece group from the Fresno area was The Cindermen. One of their recordings, "Don't Do It No More" was well know through-out the valley. Many thanks to Bill Bixley for
providing the photos)
____________________________________________________
The Classix,
Porterville, California
(* Note that Kenny Sinner is playing bass with The Classix. He is
an accomplished Keyboard player, sax player, lead guitar player,
vocalist, and song writer. Many thanks to Kenny and Doug for
photos.
The Classix
Performing at a gig in Porterville, CA
1964
The Classix
Performing at another gig in Porterville, CA
*******************************************************
The Kings Verses
Fresno, California
(* The Kings Verses was one of the coolest rock groups to come
out of Fresno (1966). The group is best know for their hard
driving fuzz guitar leads)
______________________________________________
Raik's Progress
Fresno, CA
(* Another great group from the Fresno area was called
Raik's Progress. Led by front man Steve Krikorian, the group
recorded some cool tracks such as "Sewer Rat Love Chat"
and "Why Did You Rob Us").
______________________________________________
Pat and Lolly Vegas - 1963
Fresno, CA
(Pat and Lolly Vegas also hailed from Fresno and were known for their
recording of "Come and Get Your Love.")
___________________________________________________________
Tabs and Hilliard Streets - 1959
Fresno, CA
(Tabs and Hilliard Streets were another great R. and B. group from Fresno.
Photo provided by Melissa O. Simon )
**************************************************
The Misfits - 1965
Fresno, CA
The Misfits were another great rock band which hailed
from Fresno. The group played at the Pink Kitten in (Fresno)
from 1965-1969. Band Members: (L. to R.) Pete Escobedo,
Bass guitar; Louie Gonzales, Drums; Albert Delgado, Lead guitar;
and Martin Montelongo, Keyboards. Albert went on to play with
Hayward Lee and the Marauders and later Jim Doval and the Gauchos.
He currently plays with a Fresno group called "The 50's Connection."
The Misfits
Fresno, CA
Band Members (L to R): Martin Montelongo; Country Joe Navarro;
Albert Delgado; and Henry Ramirez. A special thanks to Albert
Delgado for sending me these photos.
***************************************************
The Satellites
Tulare, CA
(L to R): Maruice Fernandes (sax); Mel Cordeniz (drums); Ronnie Franklin (guitar); Richard Frost (giuitar); and Cary Stanley (bass).
_______________________________________________________________
The Avengers
Bakersfield, CA
1965
%207.jpg)
The Avengers
Bakersfield, CA
1965
%2010.jpg)
________________________________________________________
"KAFY"
Bakersfield, CA
(*One of the coolest rock stations in the valley during the 1960's)
______________________________________________________________
"The Rose Garden"
Pismo Beach, California
(circa 1964)
Pismo Beach, California is located approximately two hours west of Fresno, California. During the 1960's a great rock teen dance club played host to many of the top rock-n-roll acts of the era. It was named The Rose Garden. All of the great San Joaquin Valley bands of the 1960's played at the infamous "Rose Garden." Every Saturday night, The Rose Garden featured rock-n-roll name acts such as Jim Hendrix, The Jefferson Airplane, Cold Blood, Iron Butterfly, Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Yard Birds, Dick Dale, The Surfaris, The Chantays, and many more timeless rock groups. The San Joaquin Valley groups along with California coastal groups performed with the headliners. Some of these bands were The Sentinals, The Revels, The Challengers, The Impacts, HMS Bounty, The de-Fenders, The Gauchos, The Road Runners, The Deltas, The Brymers, The Brogues, The Surf Teens, and The Classix.
********************************************************
"The Rose Garden"
Pismo Beach, California
(circa-1964)
************************************************************
Crimson Castle
Fresno, California
1967
One of the great teen night clubs in the San Joaquin Valley was lcoated
in Fresno and ran by Jim Kay of Kingsburg. Jim's group, The Jesters, frequently
performed at the Crimson Castle, Fresno, Califonria.
* Photo courtesy of Lennis Scheline, Kingsburg, CA
********************************************************
The Early Emeralds - 1963
Hanford, California
L. to R.: Morris Tully (vocals), Bill Stocking, drummer; Bob Clay (bass guitar and vocals), and Jim Mellick (lead guitar and vocals). Jim Mellick later joined The de-Fenders and The Brymers where he played guitar and harp on the group's 1966 hit of "Sacrifice."
********************************************************
The Emeralds - 1970
Hanford, CA
A top notch group from the Hanford area was called The Emeralds. The
Emeralds performed through-out the San Joaquin Valley. Pictured above
are: (L to R) Steve Brown, drummer - vocals; Robert Virden, bass guitar -
vocals; Beverly Mellick(a.k.a. Jeannie Sanders) vocalist; and Jim Mellick,
lead guitar and vocals.
***************************************************************
The Sentinals - San Luis Obispo, CA
*********************************************************************
The Sentinals
San Luis Obispo, Ca
(early 60's)
(Many thanks to Bob Nunes for providing this photo)
One of my favorite rock-n-roll drummers of all time is Johny Barbata (originally
with the Sentinals in San Luis Obispo, CA). Barbata later went on to
perform with The Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and The Jefferson
Starship. The photo above is from his biographical account of a rock
drummer during the 60's and 70's. It is a great read.
***********************************************************
The Revels - 1960
The Falls, Bass Lake, CA
The above photo of the Revels was taken as Bass Lake (East of Fresno, Ca) where
the group performed on on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights during 1960. Band members clockwise from upper left: Brian England, Dan Darnold, Norman Knowles, Sam Eddy, Jim Macrae, and Dave Davis, (Dave Davis replaced original guitartist Gil Serna in 1960). In 1994, one of The Revels great surf tunes (Comanche) was placed in the hit
movie - "Pulp Fiction."
**************************************************************
The Impacts - 1963
Pismo Beach, CA
This photo of Merrell Fankhauser and The Impacts was taken in 1963 at The Rose Gardens,
Pismo Beach, CA. (L. to R.): John Oliver, bass; Merrell Fankhauser, guitar; Steve Evans, guitar; and Joel Rose, sax. (back row): Martin Brown, steel guitar; Steve Metz, drums; and Jack Metz, vocals. The Impacts played through-out the valley as-well-as the coastal area.
*************************************************************
The Lavender Hill Mob on same bill with The Doors.
The Lavender Hill Mob
Fresno, 1967
Another great rock group from the Fresno area was named "The Lavender
Hill Mob." The group was managed by Mark Chenault (The Cindermen). Mark's
father was part owner of "KYNO" radio in Fresno. The L.H.M. would frequently
sell out places like the Rainbow Ball Room and the old Marigold Ball Room. The group
opended for name acts such as The Greatful Dead, Quick Silver Messanger Service, Big
Brother and the Holding Company, The Seeds, and Sunny and Cher (at the Sellen Arena).
Members of the L.H. M. were: Dave Chavoya (vocals and harp), Steve Knapp (vocals and bass), Jon Knapp (vocals), Judy Knapp (vocals - later married Bill Bixley of The Cindermen), Dave Grazaini (drums), Denny Burt (guitar), and Gary Murphy (guitar). In 1967, The Lavender Hill Mob broke up and formed a new group called "Shag."
The members of "Shag" were: Larry Farmer (keyboards), Dave Grazaini (drums), Steve Knapp (bass), Denny Burt (guitar), and Dave Chavoya (vocals and harp). "Shag " went on
to perform at concerts with The Doors, Blue Cheer, Santana, Canned heat, and The Dead.
**Many thanks to Dave Chavoya for providing me with this information.
*****************************************************************
The Latin Knights
Tulare, CA
(a.k.a. The Charades Band )
(1959)
This photo was provided by Ray Baradat of the great Charades Band from Tulare, CA.
The Latin Knights (formed by Ray Baradat) later changed their name to The Charades.
******************************************************
The Sentrys
Coalinga, CA
- 1965 -
Band members L. to R.: Paul Porter (drums); Mike Popejoy (guitar); Rick Weekly (bass);
Barney Diaz (lead vocals); Jerry Oliver (guitar); and Philip Oliver (tenor sax).
1965 - Coalinga, CA
The Sentrys
Coalinga, CA
The Sentrys were a very cool group from Coalinga, Ca (West side of The San Joaquin
Valley). According to Mike Popejoy (guitar), the birth of the Sentrys was 1957. The
group's first name was The Red Royals. Later on, Randy Hall (The Roadrunners)
suggested the name "The Sentrys." The group played locally for Coalinga
High School functions, Legion Hall activities, The Eagles Hall, and The Elks
Lodge. Band members include:
Jerry Oliver (guitar); Mike Popejoy (guitar); Jack Tiner (drums); Paul Porter
(drums - later on); Rick Weekly (bass); Barney Diaz (lead vocals); and Phil Oliver
(tenor saxophone). Many thanks to Mike Popejoy for providing this information.
Released CD's by The Sentrys
1. The Sentrys: "On the Road After 40 Years"
2. The Essential Sentrys: "Makin' Jam"
3. The Sentrys: "Formally Yours - The Last Bash"
**************************************************************
.jpg)
THE BRYMERS
Lemoore, Ca (January, 1966)
The Brymers are seen performing at the Lemoore Civic Auditorium
(MELCO INT. CONCERT) to a packed house. L to R: Mike Wagner, lead guitar,
vocals and Dick Lee, drums, vocals. Not pictured are band members Robert Virden,
bass, vocals; Kenny Valentine, guitar, vocals; and Bobby Cox, keyboard, vocals).
.jpg)
"Sacrifice"
Performed by: The Brymers
Written by: Kenny Sinner
Released: 1966
"Only By Your Own"
Written by: Jim Mellick and Ken Valentine
Recorded by: The Brymers - 1965
**********************************************************
(L. to R.: Kenny Sinner, Jim Mellick, Dick Lee, and Bill Brumley.
Photo taken in front of The Hanford Civic Auditorium in late
1965)
THE BRYMERS
MELCO REUNION CONCERT TICKET
The concert was video taped and Mel Simas' son (Rod Simas)
introduced The Brymers.
October, 2007
********************************************************
Business cards from San Joaquin Valley Bands during the
1960's.
Many thanks to Ray Baradat ( The Charades Band) for providing
photos of these business cards.
**********************************************
The Classix were based in Porterville and played
through-out The San Joaquin Valley. Kenny Sinner
(the group's bass guitar player) later performed with
The Brymers and then The Charades. Al Verissimo (business
card to the right) was manager of The Brymers, The Gauchos,
and The Stepping Stones. Al's partners were Mel Simas
(Melco Int) and Bill Silva (Diplomacy Records).
**************************************************
The Brymers - 1966
On the road - Ogden Utah
Band Members (L to R): Dick Lee, Kenny Sinner; Bill Brumley;
Beverly Mellick (a.k.a. Jeannie Sanders); and
Jim Mellick.
************************************************
Johnny McAtee and His Sons of the San Joaquin
Bakersfield, CA
Based out of Bakersfield many of these country -western performers
would appear on "Cousin Herb Hensen's Trading Post." The popular
T.V. show featured locals such as Buck Owens, Merrel Haggard, Bill
Woods, Fuzzy Owens, Bonnie Owens, and Porter Wagoner.
The show and the city helped developed a unique style of
music called "The Bakersfield Sound." Frequently,
we ( The Brymers) would stop in Bakersfield (during the 60's)
to visit "The Blackboard" and hear these great
musicians perform. Kenny Sinner (keyboard player
for The Brymers) often appeared on "Cousin Herb Hensen's
Show" (as a child) with his mother and father's country band.
** Below is a copy of The Bakersfield Musician's Union
(Local 263) from August, 1962. "Zoom In" and see
how many great Bakersfield country artists you can
locate (i.e. Guitar and Piano). Many of these
legends were playing nightly gigs at the infamous
"Blackboard" and were in the process of
developing "The Bakersfield Sound." They had a
tremondous influence on all of us in the rock-n-roll
field.
*Many thanks to Ms. Sarah Woodman, Public
Program Manager of the Kern County Museum
(3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA) for
providing these photos.
*******************************************************
.jpg)
The Brymers
San Francisco - 1967
**************************************************
.jpg)
The de-Fenders
Lemoore, Ca
The de-Fenders are seen performing with British singer Ian
Whitcomb in Tulare - 1965.
(L to R: Bob Virden; Ian Whitcomb; Mike Wagner; and
Kenny Valentine)
****************************************************
.jpg)
The Brymers - 1966
Harmony Recording Studio, Los Angeles
This photo is of the group at Harmony Studios getting ready
to record "Sacrifice."
(L to R: Bill Brumley, bass guitar; Mel Simas, manager; Kenny Sinner,
keyboards, guitar; Jim Mellick, lead guitar, harp; and Bill Silva, owner
of Diplomacy Records. Sitting in the control room is April Silva
(daughter of Bill Silva).
*******************************************
Melco Dance - 1965
** Note that the price to see all five groups was
$1.50 (bottom of page). Times have sure changed!!
*****************************************************
.jpg)
The de-Fenders
Lemoore, Ca
(1964)
This photo is of The de-Fenders during a break while performing at The Club Amnona. Band members
(L to R): Mike Wagner, guitar; Dick Lee, drums;
Bob Virden, bass guitar; Keith Branson, keyboard;
and Ken Valentine, guitar. The Club Armona was where the group performed six nights a week for five hours per
night for over a year. The de-Fenders developed their
classic rock sound and were discovered by Diplomacy Records. The record label later changed their name
to The Brymers.
*************************************************
Rick Lee and The Barons
Bakersfield, CA
L to R - Back Row: Randy Cierley Sterling,
Rick Lee Holguin, Mike Woods, and Tom Salmons.
L To R - Front Row: Dave Pearson and Jim Burress.
Rick Lee and The Barons were billed as one of the
best groups from Fresno to LA and from Tehachapi
to San Luis Obispo. The Barons drew audiences
from all over central and southern California.
To thwart negative press about Rock-N-Roll
dances The Barons placed an ad in the
"Bakersfield Californian" inviting parents to
attend free of charge to see what good clean
fun was being had at the well attended, alcohol
and violence free, concerts. The Barons backed
"The Paradons" on Diamonds and Pearls" (1959)
and "The Blue Jays" on "Lovers Island." Randy
Cierley later changed his name to Randy
Sterling and continued in the music business.
He worked with indviduals such as Larry Taylor,
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Sonny and Cher, The
Kingston Trio, and spent three years as
part of the road band backing Neil Diamond.
Many thanks to Susan Burnett for providing this
information and photos.
***************************************
Rockchester Bang
Kingsburg, CA
(1967 - 1970)
"Rockchester Bang" hailed from the Kingsburg area and
played through-out the San Joaquin Valley.
The members (L to R) were: Paul Lopez (Lead Vocals);
Dana White (Rhythm Guitar); Chuck Weaver (Congas
and Vocals); Ritchie Ruiz (Drummer); Lyle Martin (Bass Guitar);
Warren Beath (Organ); and Joey Ramirez (Lead Guitar). The
photo was taken at the Dinuba Memorial Building during the
late 1960's.
"RockChester Bang" later morphed into "Sweet Savage" after two members left the group. "Sweet Savage's" new members were: Jerry Margosian (Bass Guitar) and Jeff Lehman (Organ). Later on the group added a brass section and lead singer/harmonica player
(Larry Lopez). "Sweet Savage" played locally and
specialized in music by Santana, Led Zepplin, Spirit, Three Dog Night,
The Beatles, and Chicago.
* Many thanks to Dana White (Rhythm Guitar) and Lennis
Scheline for providing the photo and information.
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"Leviathan"
Fresno, CA
"Leviathan" was formed during the fall of "1969." Its members
consisted of Denver Cross (lead guitar - formally of The Roadrunners);
Jeff Christensen (drums - formally of Jim Waller and the Deltas); Chuck Yrulegul (bass guitar); and Jack Baker (organ). The group performed through-out the San Joaquin Valley (Atwater, Merced, and Fresno).
"Leviathan" performed in many of the hot clubs in the area such as
"The Whatever," The Maxatorium," The Apartments," "The Casual," and
"The Guys and Dolls." In late 1970 the group disbanded. Unfortunately,
there is no photo of "Leviathan." The only evidence that the group existed is a live recording (10 songs) that was recorded in Merced at "The Maxatorium" night club. Many thanks to Jeff Christensen (percussionist) for providing this information and the 10 tracks.
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