The original 7 piece rock and roll horn band formed in Concordia, Kansas in 1964. Members included Robin Hood, drums; Ron Balderston, lead vocals, trumpet & organ; Larry Jackson, bass, trombone & vocals; Phil Pfister, lead guitar, organ, vocals; Paul Justyna, saxophone; Mike Srite, trumpet & organ; Bob Burns, rhythm guitar.
The Original Sensational Showmen
National Guard Armory-Concordia - 1965
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Interesting Biography of the Rising Suns/Young Raiders band members
The Rising Suns/Young Raiders/Southern Flavor 1962-1978 Postscript- 2009
On Sat. Jan 13, 2007 The Rising Suns were inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Members of the first Topeka band, Greg Thompson, John Neal, Dave Newman, Donnie Wierman, Steve Dahl, Ron Mikkelson etc/ along with Steve Clark and Ken Weidenbach of the "combo- Rising Sun/Young Raider " bands were inducted. In March 2009 The Young Raiders were inducted in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and 21 members who played in the band from 1967 to l971 were inducted. "......everybody played in the Young Raiders....." has been said many times but the musicians who came and went in the band were not your every day players. The following postscript may surprise you.
John Neal, vocalist, band leader. Several Rising Sun and Young Raider bands were built around his voice. John is still playing in Calif. He has a new (2006)blues CD out. After leaving the Young Raiders also played with The Germs and was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame with them in 2006. Johnny Neal stays busy performing with his band, Johnny Neal and Bluesprint.
Steve Clark, trpt. trombone, sax, leader. Took over after Neal. "Kept band together" until late 1977. Young Raiders became Southern Flavor who toured all 50 states, toured with Ike and Tina, Righteous Bros. in Canada and Hawaii. Clark still plays 60 gigs a year with Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes, a successful 9 piece R&B show band. Clark has also toured and recorded with Okla. and Ark. Country bands. Greg Thompson The original band member lives and plays in Topeka and continues to try and keep all the "boys" connected from the Dantes, Rising Suns,Young Raiders/ Southern Flavor. Responsible for successful Rising Suns induction at KMHOF. Who knows what's next? Rock and Roll,..........
Ken Weidenbach, bass, vocals, co- leader with Clark until 1970. Later played with The Smoke Ring, did recording in Calif. and was called on to do a few emergency gigs with America.
Marlin Butcher, bass, vocals, leader. Took over after Clark. Later played with Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Sensational Shoes. Continues to play with "Harvey and the Wallbangers, a successfull Oklahoma City, party band.
Steve Dahl, trpt. vocals, Left Suns to be front man/vocalist for the Red Dogs for years. Made them one of the premier bands in the mid-west. Later fronted The Smoke Ring. Currently manages Monteray Entertainment in Nashville, one of the most sucessful booking agencies in the entertainment business.
Larry Lingle, guitar, vocals, left Young Raiders/Risings Suns to join Dennis Loewen's The Fabulous Flippers, the top show band in the mid-west. Later played guiter and sang in the Four Seasons with Frankie Vallee. Currently a guitar rep.
Mike Lingle, drums, vocals, left Young Raiders/Rising Suns for the Germs. Continued to play for many years in Calif.
Bill Leacox. drums. Came from the Germs, After two years with The Young Raiders, joined the band "America" who he has toured with for the past 30 years and recorded with on several million selling hits such as "Horse with no name" etc. Elected into the the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Roche Grace. organ, vocals, A major part of the l 970 Young Raiders and composer of many of the songs on their l970 album. After leaving The Young Raiders, Rocky put a new Blue Things band together, then played with Denny Loewen's Sanctuary. Co- wrote, million selling "Rocky Mountain Way with Joe Walsh.
Tom Stephenson, organ vocals, Young Raider organist before Grace in l969. Tom also later played with Joe Walsh and Tommy Bolin. Later recorded with Glen Frey of the Eagles and Poco.
Kenny "Ajax" McKenna continued to play on the road after Southern Flavor and today his a successful western artist and gallery owner living in Oklahoma but he still plays when he is not painting and can sometimes be found backing up singers in casinos and clubstheOklahoma City area.
Jeff Severson, guitar, vocals. After leaving The 1970 Young Raiders Jeff moved to the Washington D.C area where he runs a very successful recording studio. He also played four tours with Hall and Oates and did two solo albums for C.B.S. Records.
Greg "Grog" Ayers, trombone. After leaving The Young Raiders he toured for several years with Kent Leopold's "Central Standard Time," "Calliope" and finally Danny Hein's "Heinsight" Grog has written several musicals, and church anthems.
Mitch Bible, guitar, vocals. Played with Eric and the Norseman before joining "The Young Raiders in l969. Mitch left The Young Raiders to play with Central Standard TIme. Mitch was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame as a member of Eric and the Norseman
Steve "Klondike" Solmonson, guitar, vocals Klondike was the first musician hired by Clark for the l971 Young Raider band and stayed at Mid-Continent when the band moved to Chicago. Klondike later was a major part of the Daisy Dillard band of Minnesota which he still records and tours.
Tom Taylor,vocals. After fronting both The Young Raiders and Southern Flavor, Tom returned to Nebraska where he still continues to sing with his own band. He also owns Taylor's Steak House.
Cleve Warren, drums. Played in both The Young Raiders and Southern Flavor with Clark, touring most of the U.S. Later played with Gary P. Nunn, composer of the Austin City Limits theme. Currently is the first call drummer in Oklahoma City in everybody's book.
Butch Neese, vocals, Joined Southern Flavor on the east coast after many years with The Red Dogs, In 2005 was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame with the Red Dogs. He also continues to sing with the Coffeyville Rising Suns.
Bruce Dunlap, bass, guitar vocals, Played bass in the l971 Young Raiders, left to join Leopold's "Calliope" and later returned to play guitar with Southern Flavor. Inbetween, he played with "Little Anthony and the Imperials." Bruce is still on the road somewhere.
Steve Schmitz, drums. Played nearly every state in the union with Southern Flavor. Came off the road in Houston, Tex. in the late l970's and continues to play regularly in the Houston club scene.
Donnie Weirman, after leaving The Rising Suns, "Gorilla" played with Spider and the Crabs and the Soul Express. Today, he is a factory guitar rep. and still plays and records in Minnesota. He has a new CD out in 2007.
Dave Sisson, organist/vocalist in last Southern Flavor band, toured for several years as organist, musical director for numerous vocalists, eventually put himself through law school as piano bar performer. Today, successful attorney in Norman, Okla. but can't stop playing keyboards. Key member of successful Southern Flavor recording and concert reunion in June, 2006.
Fletcher Buckley Fletcher was the last member hired into Southern Flavor, replacing longtime member Steve Clark in late l977. Fletcher still continures to play his sax today in New York City and has performed and recorded in recent years primarily in Florida and New York. Fletcher also spent time on the road with the Talking Heads.
Gary Michaels "Muck" was almost killed in the wreck that ended the Topeka Rising Suns, being saved by Greg Thompson. Gary moved back to South Dakota before moving to Southern Calif. where he has worked as a record producer for many years. His current project is with Lou Marini and he sometimes records old friend Mike Finnigan .
On Sat. Jan 13, 2007 The Rising Suns were inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Members of the first Topeka band, Greg Thompson, John Neal, Dave Newman, Donnie Wierman, Steve Dahl, Ron Mikkelson etc/ along with Steve Clark and Ken Weidenbach of the "combo- Rising Sun/Young Raider " bands were inducted. In March 2009 The Young Raiders were inducted in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and 21 members who played in the band from 1967 to l971 were inducted. "......everybody played in the Young Raiders....." has been said many times but the musicians who came and went in the band were not your every day players. The following postscript may surprise you.
John Neal, vocalist, band leader. Several Rising Sun and Young Raider bands were built around his voice. John is still playing in Calif. He has a new (2006)blues CD out. After leaving the Young Raiders also played with The Germs and was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame with them in 2006. Johnny Neal stays busy performing with his band, Johnny Neal and Bluesprint.
Steve Clark, trpt. trombone, sax, leader. Took over after Neal. "Kept band together" until late 1977. Young Raiders became Southern Flavor who toured all 50 states, toured with Ike and Tina, Righteous Bros. in Canada and Hawaii. Clark still plays 60 gigs a year with Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes, a successful 9 piece R&B show band. Clark has also toured and recorded with Okla. and Ark. Country bands. Greg Thompson The original band member lives and plays in Topeka and continues to try and keep all the "boys" connected from the Dantes, Rising Suns,Young Raiders/ Southern Flavor. Responsible for successful Rising Suns induction at KMHOF. Who knows what's next? Rock and Roll,..........
Ken Weidenbach, bass, vocals, co- leader with Clark until 1970. Later played with The Smoke Ring, did recording in Calif. and was called on to do a few emergency gigs with America.
Marlin Butcher, bass, vocals, leader. Took over after Clark. Later played with Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Sensational Shoes. Continues to play with "Harvey and the Wallbangers, a successfull Oklahoma City, party band.
Steve Dahl, trpt. vocals, Left Suns to be front man/vocalist for the Red Dogs for years. Made them one of the premier bands in the mid-west. Later fronted The Smoke Ring. Currently manages Monteray Entertainment in Nashville, one of the most sucessful booking agencies in the entertainment business.
Larry Lingle, guitar, vocals, left Young Raiders/Risings Suns to join Dennis Loewen's The Fabulous Flippers, the top show band in the mid-west. Later played guiter and sang in the Four Seasons with Frankie Vallee. Currently a guitar rep.
Mike Lingle, drums, vocals, left Young Raiders/Rising Suns for the Germs. Continued to play for many years in Calif.
Bill Leacox. drums. Came from the Germs, After two years with The Young Raiders, joined the band "America" who he has toured with for the past 30 years and recorded with on several million selling hits such as "Horse with no name" etc. Elected into the the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Roche Grace. organ, vocals, A major part of the l 970 Young Raiders and composer of many of the songs on their l970 album. After leaving The Young Raiders, Rocky put a new Blue Things band together, then played with Denny Loewen's Sanctuary. Co- wrote, million selling "Rocky Mountain Way with Joe Walsh.
Tom Stephenson, organ vocals, Young Raider organist before Grace in l969. Tom also later played with Joe Walsh and Tommy Bolin. Later recorded with Glen Frey of the Eagles and Poco.
Kenny "Ajax" McKenna continued to play on the road after Southern Flavor and today his a successful western artist and gallery owner living in Oklahoma but he still plays when he is not painting and can sometimes be found backing up singers in casinos and clubstheOklahoma City area.
Jeff Severson, guitar, vocals. After leaving The 1970 Young Raiders Jeff moved to the Washington D.C area where he runs a very successful recording studio. He also played four tours with Hall and Oates and did two solo albums for C.B.S. Records.
Greg "Grog" Ayers, trombone. After leaving The Young Raiders he toured for several years with Kent Leopold's "Central Standard Time," "Calliope" and finally Danny Hein's "Heinsight" Grog has written several musicals, and church anthems.
Mitch Bible, guitar, vocals. Played with Eric and the Norseman before joining "The Young Raiders in l969. Mitch left The Young Raiders to play with Central Standard TIme. Mitch was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame as a member of Eric and the Norseman
Steve "Klondike" Solmonson, guitar, vocals Klondike was the first musician hired by Clark for the l971 Young Raider band and stayed at Mid-Continent when the band moved to Chicago. Klondike later was a major part of the Daisy Dillard band of Minnesota which he still records and tours.
Tom Taylor,vocals. After fronting both The Young Raiders and Southern Flavor, Tom returned to Nebraska where he still continues to sing with his own band. He also owns Taylor's Steak House.
Cleve Warren, drums. Played in both The Young Raiders and Southern Flavor with Clark, touring most of the U.S. Later played with Gary P. Nunn, composer of the Austin City Limits theme. Currently is the first call drummer in Oklahoma City in everybody's book.
Butch Neese, vocals, Joined Southern Flavor on the east coast after many years with The Red Dogs, In 2005 was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame with the Red Dogs. He also continues to sing with the Coffeyville Rising Suns.
Bruce Dunlap, bass, guitar vocals, Played bass in the l971 Young Raiders, left to join Leopold's "Calliope" and later returned to play guitar with Southern Flavor. Inbetween, he played with "Little Anthony and the Imperials." Bruce is still on the road somewhere.
Steve Schmitz, drums. Played nearly every state in the union with Southern Flavor. Came off the road in Houston, Tex. in the late l970's and continues to play regularly in the Houston club scene.
Donnie Weirman, after leaving The Rising Suns, "Gorilla" played with Spider and the Crabs and the Soul Express. Today, he is a factory guitar rep. and still plays and records in Minnesota. He has a new CD out in 2007.
Dave Sisson, organist/vocalist in last Southern Flavor band, toured for several years as organist, musical director for numerous vocalists, eventually put himself through law school as piano bar performer. Today, successful attorney in Norman, Okla. but can't stop playing keyboards. Key member of successful Southern Flavor recording and concert reunion in June, 2006.
Fletcher Buckley Fletcher was the last member hired into Southern Flavor, replacing longtime member Steve Clark in late l977. Fletcher still continures to play his sax today in New York City and has performed and recorded in recent years primarily in Florida and New York. Fletcher also spent time on the road with the Talking Heads.
Gary Michaels "Muck" was almost killed in the wreck that ended the Topeka Rising Suns, being saved by Greg Thompson. Gary moved back to South Dakota before moving to Southern Calif. where he has worked as a record producer for many years. His current project is with Lou Marini and he sometimes records old friend Mike Finnigan .
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A quip from Ron Balderston
I pulled this old post from the Yahoo group while the 2009 induction was in process. Since there were 3 different Sensational Showmen groups in Kansas from 1964 to the early 1970's, Ron did a good job of clarifying that the Concordia group was the original group and had actually been the group that made the name "The Sensational Showmen" popular and well-known. Thank you Ron, for this excellent posting.
From: baldy60ron
Subject: [KS_and_KC_GenOne_Rockers] Re: The Sensational Showmen-Concordia to Parso...To: KS_and_KC_GenOne_Rockers@yahoogroups.comDate: Saturday, November 15, 2008, 11:27 AM
Hey guys, my name is Ron Balderston and I was lead singer & trumpetplayer for the original Sensational Showmen "back in the day"! Itstruck me funny to see the times of your posts this morning. Once anight owl always a night owl!I can appreciate the dilemma you are faced with and am honored simplyfor the consideration. If you look at Bills post on Oct. 31referencing an archived post I had made on another website you willget a sense of who and what we were. We did establish the name of theShowmen, performed extensively thru-out Kansas and the midwest. Weadvertised heavily on KOMA radio the last year or so of our existence.As a bunch of high school, or recently graduated kids we knew we hadreached the pinnacle when that first ad played over the airwaves!!!Ha, what great times those were to see the crowds growing bigger andbigger as we became better known and certainly more accomplished. Wewere booked out of the Dark Horse Inn and Jim kept us on the run. As amatter of fact, after my parents passing recently I had to clear outthe safe deposit box and in it was a copy of the summons for breach ofcontract from James N. Reardon & Associates, naming the Showmen underthe leadership of Ron Balderston as defendant when we came home in themiddle of our 1967 summer tour. We were not well networked and whentwo of our original members gave notice we simply returned home topursue our careers or education. It occurred to me when Chris, (SEK Showmen), stated in some post alongthe way that they were approached to take on the name and addedmembers to become a Rhythm & Blues Horn band, that it had been anestablished name and reputation. The group from SE Kansas no doubtmade an impact in those days and much to their credit they continue tocontribute today. My guess is they are very deserving of inductioninto the Hall of Fame.I was told a couple of years ago by a dear friend that our group wasgoing to be put into nomination. I started trying to get caught up viaa couple of different websites and saw then the potential confusion.I, like Chris, new nothing of another Sensational Showmen as I movedout of state in 1969 and currently reside in Boise, Id.No worries!!! Chris and the guys have lobbied hard. Our group was outthere on the circuit with the likes of The Blue Things, The Red Dogs,Spider and the Crabs, of course The Flippers. We did well, we had amarvelous following and I am sure got the most out of our abilities.Of course you always wonder "what might have been"!! When I think of the days of hauling all of our gear in u-haul trailersto buying and customizing our bus, and finally having a custom builttrailer and our big ole Suburban to travel the midwest, not to mentionlugging that heavy Hammond B-3,(wish I had it today), all of ourKustom Amps and one of the biggest & best PA systems available, in andout of different venues every night it makes me tired, but then I amold now!! I feel I can speak for the rest of the guys when I say we are humbled,thrilled, and greatful for your consideration and appreciate themanner in which you are trying to resolve this confusing issue.Founding members were;Robin Hood...Drummer- --Concordia, KsPaul Justyna...Saxophone ---Concordia, KsLarry Jackson...Bass & Vocals (Note) Larry is deceased---Clifton, KsBob Burns...Guitar- --Concordia, KsPhil Pfister...Lead Guitar & Vocals---Clifton, Ks.Mike Srite...B-3 & Trumpet---Concordia , Ks.Ron Balderston.. .Lead Vocals & Trumpet---Clyde, Ks.Others along the way;Dick Bokius...Drummer- --Salina, KsDick Grube...Saxophone- --Kearney, Ne.Ray McComas...Hammond- --Concordia, Ks.I apologize for the extremely long post.Respectfully,Ron
From: baldy60ron
Hey guys, my name is Ron Balderston and I was lead singer & trumpetplayer for the original Sensational Showmen "back in the day"! Itstruck me funny to see the times of your posts this morning. Once anight owl always a night owl!I can appreciate the dilemma you are faced with and am honored simplyfor the consideration. If you look at Bills post on Oct. 31referencing an archived post I had made on another website you willget a sense of who and what we were. We did establish the name of theShowmen, performed extensively thru-out Kansas and the midwest. Weadvertised heavily on KOMA radio the last year or so of our existence.As a bunch of high school, or recently graduated kids we knew we hadreached the pinnacle when that first ad played over the airwaves!!!Ha, what great times those were to see the crowds growing bigger andbigger as we became better known and certainly more accomplished. Wewere booked out of the Dark Horse Inn and Jim kept us on the run. As amatter of fact, after my parents passing recently I had to clear outthe safe deposit box and in it was a copy of the summons for breach ofcontract from James N. Reardon & Associates, naming the Showmen underthe leadership of Ron Balderston as defendant when we came home in themiddle of our 1967 summer tour. We were not well networked and whentwo of our original members gave notice we simply returned home topursue our careers or education. It occurred to me when Chris, (SEK Showmen), stated in some post alongthe way that they were approached to take on the name and addedmembers to become a Rhythm & Blues Horn band, that it had been anestablished name and reputation. The group from SE Kansas no doubtmade an impact in those days and much to their credit they continue tocontribute today. My guess is they are very deserving of inductioninto the Hall of Fame.I was told a couple of years ago by a dear friend that our group wasgoing to be put into nomination. I started trying to get caught up viaa couple of different websites and saw then the potential confusion.I, like Chris, new nothing of another Sensational Showmen as I movedout of state in 1969 and currently reside in Boise, Id.No worries!!! Chris and the guys have lobbied hard. Our group was outthere on the circuit with the likes of The Blue Things, The Red Dogs,Spider and the Crabs, of course The Flippers. We did well, we had amarvelous following and I am sure got the most out of our abilities.Of course you always wonder "what might have been"!! When I think of the days of hauling all of our gear in u-haul trailersto buying and customizing our bus, and finally having a custom builttrailer and our big ole Suburban to travel the midwest, not to mentionlugging that heavy Hammond B-3,(wish I had it today), all of ourKustom Amps and one of the biggest & best PA systems available, in andout of different venues every night it makes me tired, but then I amold now!! I feel I can speak for the rest of the guys when I say we are humbled,thrilled, and greatful for your consideration and appreciate themanner in which you are trying to resolve this confusing issue.Founding members were;Robin Hood...Drummer- --Concordia, KsPaul Justyna...Saxophone ---Concordia, KsLarry Jackson...Bass & Vocals (Note) Larry is deceased---Clifton, KsBob Burns...Guitar- --Concordia, KsPhil Pfister...Lead Guitar & Vocals---Clifton, Ks.Mike Srite...B-3 & Trumpet---Concordia , Ks.Ron Balderston.. .Lead Vocals & Trumpet---Clyde, Ks.Others along the way;Dick Bokius...Drummer- --Salina, KsDick Grube...Saxophone- --Kearney, Ne.Ray McComas...Hammond- --Concordia, Ks.I apologize for the extremely long post.Respectfully,Ron
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Soul Express
A group that came along in the late 60's, unknown to me, but I am sure that many remember them as one of the excellent traveling Kansas groups of the 60's. Very interesting and thorough history of the band and its members. Good reading.
http://web.me.com/richardtade/Soul_Express/History.html
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Hammond B-3 Organ
Just like ours with the exception that we had TWO (2) Leslies!!! Talk about being blown away. What a great sound and addition to our band.Saturday, November 21, 2009
Mary Etta Hotel, Fairbury, Nebraska
Memories of playing gigs in their small ballroom. Hauling all our stuff in from the side street, up a few steps into the ballroom with tiny stage. Not large crowds but a lot of fun. Could even drive home after the gigs, which was a luxury.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Hollyhock Ballroom, Hatfield, Minnesota
Memories of playing this small ballroom with big crowds.
Hatfield is a city in Pipestone County.
The latitude of Hatfield is 43.951N. The longitude is -96.189W.
It is in the Central Standard time zone. Elevation is 1,683 feet.The population, at the time of the 2000 census, was 47.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
2010 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees
2010 Inductees are announced
The results of the recent voting are that the following will be inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame on March 6, 2010 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence , Kansas :
Oleta Adams , Kansas City
Conny & The Bellhops, Pittsburg
Green River Ordinance, Emporia
Moanin' Glories, Wichita
Morning Dew, Topeka
Plain Jane, Manhattan
Pott County Pork & Bean Band, St. Marys
Vernon Sandusky , Edna
Tree Frog, Lawrence
The results of the recent voting are that the following will be inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame on March 6, 2010 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence , Kansas :
Oleta Adams , Kansas City
Conny & The Bellhops, Pittsburg
Green River Ordinance, Emporia
Moanin' Glories, Wichita
Morning Dew, Topeka
Plain Jane, Manhattan
Pott County Pork & Bean Band, St. Marys
Vernon Sandusky , Edna
Tree Frog, Lawrence
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"Voice of the Theater" by Altec Lansing
Two of these babies with the horns on poles provided our vocal sound system to carry through and over the large crowds at all the locations we played.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sensational Showmen- Parsons/Pittsburg Version 3
We salute the 3rd version of The Sensational Showmen from the Parsons/Pittsburg, Ks area. We congratulate this group for reuniting and providing southeast Kansas with good music of the late 60's and early 70's. You can check out their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/thesensationalshowmen
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
FOUND-One lost Showmen member
Ray McComas, Concordia, although not an original member of the Sensational Showmen, Ray traveled with us for a time and offered us his talented keyboard playing. Whether it be throwing watermelons out the bus window onto passing cars or playing the old standards by himself at a wedding dance in Nebraska, he was definitely an intricate part of our group while traveling with us. Many good memories.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The "ORIGINAL" original SHOWMEN!
A little before the 60's but I am sure that you will remember the songs. Being a South Carolinian now, this type of music is referred to as "Beach Music". South Carolina claims to be the "Beach Music" (oldies to us), pioneer. It all started at Myrtle Beach on the Grand Strand. Being from Kansas and growing up in the 60's, I had never heard of beach music, much less of the SHAG, the proclaimed South Carolina state dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThbLqXXQVtE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThbLqXXQVtE
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Sensational Showmen - Chanute versions 1 & 2 1967-1971 Pictures courtesy of Don Gould
Version 1-LEFT
Version 2-RIGHT
Picture No 1-The Sensational Showmen represented by America'S Best Attractions.Toured all 48 states and was ABA'S no one group.1967-68.Members back row left to right.Terry Blackburn-Don Gould-Jim Garrett-Mike Golay- Front Row-Jeff Leverenz-Frank January-Bob Golay- Picture No 2.2nd edition 1969-1971.America's Best Attractions no 1 group.playing all 48 states and Canada.Both editions played a number of times at Red Dog Inn.left to right-Don Gould-Randy Jenkins-Keith Kenyon-Terry Blackburn-Mike Brundage-Greg (doc) Hockett
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Washington County News-Washington, Ks. Week of 3/23/09
Former Clifton-Clyde band inducted into Kansas Music Hall of Fame
By Tom Parker
At the 2009 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert, held March 7 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, the Sensational Showmen officially took their rightful place beside other Kansas musical luminaries such as Pat Metheny, Chet Nichols, Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge and Kansas.
Sharing the stage with the Sensational Showmen and the Sensational Showmen at the 2009 Kansas Musical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert were, you guessed it, the Sensational Showmen. They, too, officially took their rightful place beside other Kansas musical luminaries.
In fact, at one point during the ceremony there were about 40 people on stage, all of them Sensational Showmen, all being honored for the music they produced in the 1960s and 1970s.
For the sake of clarity, it might be easiest to identify the three groups with their towns of origin, such as the Sensational Showmen Clifton/Clyde/Concordia, the Sensational Showmen Chanute/Fort Scott, and the Sensational Showmen Parsons/Pittsburg.
For even easier identification, the groups can be remembered as #1, #2 and #3.
“We were the first,” said Phil Pfister, formerly of Clifton and now president of an architectural glass construction company in South Carolina. “Our band was the original group.”
The Sensational Showmen went on to three incarnations, each from different parts of the state. Unknown to the original members, a clause in the contract allowed the manager to retain the name if the members quit.
SS #1 was formed in 1964, consisting of Pfister, lead guitar and vocals, Larry Jackson, bass guitar, trombone and vocals, and Ron Balderston, trumpet, organ and lead vocals. Pfister and Jackson hailed from Clifton, Balderston from Clyde. Other members were recruited from Concordia, including Robin Hood, drums, Paul Justyna, saxophone, Bob Burns, rhythm guitar, and Mike Srite, trumpet and organ.
“We were just a bunch of 15-16 year olds making music,” Pfister said. “We were in it for fun and to be popular with the girls.”
The band played many outdoor dances in Clifton and Clyde as well as performing at local schools, National Guard armories, community centers, fairs, carnivals, clubs and bars. Their repertoire consisted mainly of top 40 hits from the ‘60s, with those by Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, and James Brown being their favorites. “We enjoyed those kind of songs more than the Beatles,” Pfister said. “And we choreographed our moves—we didn’t just stand around playing our instruments.”
The band spent hundreds of hours practicing and learning songs by listening to 45 records and copying the sounds strictly by ear, Pfister said. They didn’t have sheet music but used their ears and then arranged the songs, not only for the guitars but for an entire horn section as well, which use a different key. “I don’t know how we had time for everything,” Pfister said. “We had a lot more energy in those days.”
As the group became more popular, their travels took them on the road, from Oklahoma to Minnesota, playing all summer long and every weekend.
“It was a very hectic schedule,” Pfister said.
That very hectic schedule lasted four years.
“We decided to call it quits somewhere in South Dakota in the summer of ’67,” Pfister said. “We were burned out.”
After coming home to Kansas, they split up and went their own ways. Jackson and Burns continued their musical careers for a while, others sought careers and Pfister joined the Air Force. In 1980, he moved to South Carolina with his wife, Patty.
Though Pfister had kept tabs of where former band members had wandered off to, he hadn’t seen them for 40 years, until a fateful e-mail popped into his inbox with news of the Kansas Musical Hall of Fame’s induction.
Prior to the notification, Pfister had never heard of the hall of fame. “I didn’t even know of the organization until I heard from a board member from Beloit who said we should try to get votes to be on the list,” Pfister said.
But because only hall of fame board members could vote, and because they were all from the eastern side of Kansas, the group felt it unreasonable to pursue the nomination. Only when the Parsons/Pittsburg group lobbied members to vote for them did the hall of fame decide to honor all three incarnations.
Bill Lee, president of the hall of fame, finally concurred.
After contacting several former members, Pfister traveled to Concordia where he reunited with Justyna, Burns and Hood. Gone were the fresh-faced youngsters in their velvet finery. “We’re getting so old now,” Pfister said.
Being nominated gave Pfister an urge to rush out and buy a new guitar, just like one of the many he’d used during the years he toured with the band. “If I would have kept all the guitars I played in those few years,” he said, “I could probably retire. They’re all very valuable now.”
He still owns a 12-string guitar and a 6-strong acoustic guitar that his son plays regularly.
At the induction ceremony, five of the original seven members were in attendance: Srite, Balderston, Burns, Justyna and Pfister. Hood was in California and couldn’t attend. Jackson passed away in 2002 but was represented by his family and his youngest son, Nick, who took the stage with the others to accept the award on behalf of his father.
Looking back on those years as the Sensational Showmen, Pfister said he thinks they were quite good. “The equipment was not as sophisticated as it is today,” he said. “You actually had to sound good back then. We had top notch equipment and were proud of how we sounded, and how we appeared on stage—clean cut and dressed to a T.”
Members of the Sensational Showmen #1 didn’t play at the ceremony. “I haven’t picked up a guitar in 30 years,” Pfister admitted.
However, members of the Sensational Showmen #3 did, and did well, Pfister said.
“They deserve credit for still being able to play,” he said ruefully. “They sounded good.”
By Tom Parker
At the 2009 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert, held March 7 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, the Sensational Showmen officially took their rightful place beside other Kansas musical luminaries such as Pat Metheny, Chet Nichols, Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge and Kansas.
Sharing the stage with the Sensational Showmen and the Sensational Showmen at the 2009 Kansas Musical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert were, you guessed it, the Sensational Showmen. They, too, officially took their rightful place beside other Kansas musical luminaries.
In fact, at one point during the ceremony there were about 40 people on stage, all of them Sensational Showmen, all being honored for the music they produced in the 1960s and 1970s.
For the sake of clarity, it might be easiest to identify the three groups with their towns of origin, such as the Sensational Showmen Clifton/Clyde/Concordia, the Sensational Showmen Chanute/Fort Scott, and the Sensational Showmen Parsons/Pittsburg.
For even easier identification, the groups can be remembered as #1, #2 and #3.
“We were the first,” said Phil Pfister, formerly of Clifton and now president of an architectural glass construction company in South Carolina. “Our band was the original group.”
The Sensational Showmen went on to three incarnations, each from different parts of the state. Unknown to the original members, a clause in the contract allowed the manager to retain the name if the members quit.
SS #1 was formed in 1964, consisting of Pfister, lead guitar and vocals, Larry Jackson, bass guitar, trombone and vocals, and Ron Balderston, trumpet, organ and lead vocals. Pfister and Jackson hailed from Clifton, Balderston from Clyde. Other members were recruited from Concordia, including Robin Hood, drums, Paul Justyna, saxophone, Bob Burns, rhythm guitar, and Mike Srite, trumpet and organ.
“We were just a bunch of 15-16 year olds making music,” Pfister said. “We were in it for fun and to be popular with the girls.”
The band played many outdoor dances in Clifton and Clyde as well as performing at local schools, National Guard armories, community centers, fairs, carnivals, clubs and bars. Their repertoire consisted mainly of top 40 hits from the ‘60s, with those by Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, and James Brown being their favorites. “We enjoyed those kind of songs more than the Beatles,” Pfister said. “And we choreographed our moves—we didn’t just stand around playing our instruments.”
The band spent hundreds of hours practicing and learning songs by listening to 45 records and copying the sounds strictly by ear, Pfister said. They didn’t have sheet music but used their ears and then arranged the songs, not only for the guitars but for an entire horn section as well, which use a different key. “I don’t know how we had time for everything,” Pfister said. “We had a lot more energy in those days.”
As the group became more popular, their travels took them on the road, from Oklahoma to Minnesota, playing all summer long and every weekend.
“It was a very hectic schedule,” Pfister said.
That very hectic schedule lasted four years.
“We decided to call it quits somewhere in South Dakota in the summer of ’67,” Pfister said. “We were burned out.”
After coming home to Kansas, they split up and went their own ways. Jackson and Burns continued their musical careers for a while, others sought careers and Pfister joined the Air Force. In 1980, he moved to South Carolina with his wife, Patty.
Though Pfister had kept tabs of where former band members had wandered off to, he hadn’t seen them for 40 years, until a fateful e-mail popped into his inbox with news of the Kansas Musical Hall of Fame’s induction.
Prior to the notification, Pfister had never heard of the hall of fame. “I didn’t even know of the organization until I heard from a board member from Beloit who said we should try to get votes to be on the list,” Pfister said.
But because only hall of fame board members could vote, and because they were all from the eastern side of Kansas, the group felt it unreasonable to pursue the nomination. Only when the Parsons/Pittsburg group lobbied members to vote for them did the hall of fame decide to honor all three incarnations.
Bill Lee, president of the hall of fame, finally concurred.
After contacting several former members, Pfister traveled to Concordia where he reunited with Justyna, Burns and Hood. Gone were the fresh-faced youngsters in their velvet finery. “We’re getting so old now,” Pfister said.
Being nominated gave Pfister an urge to rush out and buy a new guitar, just like one of the many he’d used during the years he toured with the band. “If I would have kept all the guitars I played in those few years,” he said, “I could probably retire. They’re all very valuable now.”
He still owns a 12-string guitar and a 6-strong acoustic guitar that his son plays regularly.
At the induction ceremony, five of the original seven members were in attendance: Srite, Balderston, Burns, Justyna and Pfister. Hood was in California and couldn’t attend. Jackson passed away in 2002 but was represented by his family and his youngest son, Nick, who took the stage with the others to accept the award on behalf of his father.
Looking back on those years as the Sensational Showmen, Pfister said he thinks they were quite good. “The equipment was not as sophisticated as it is today,” he said. “You actually had to sound good back then. We had top notch equipment and were proud of how we sounded, and how we appeared on stage—clean cut and dressed to a T.”
Members of the Sensational Showmen #1 didn’t play at the ceremony. “I haven’t picked up a guitar in 30 years,” Pfister admitted.
However, members of the Sensational Showmen #3 did, and did well, Pfister said.
“They deserve credit for still being able to play,” he said ruefully. “They sounded good.”
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Recognition of All 3 Sensational Showmen Band members
Parsons/Pittsburg band:> Tony Teebo> Bob Golay> Steve Hartman> Tom Broadhurst> Mike Fitzmorris> Jeff Crane> Chris Cruz> Jerry Cruz> Brian Cruz> Joe Horton>> Chanute/Ft Scott band:> Andy Oberg> Jon Sherman> Don Gould> Terry Blackburn> Bill Barker> Mike Brundage> Randy Jenkins> Bo Gutierrez> Doug Rike> Alan Stanley> Larry Brown> Ted Sears> Greg Hockett> Mike Birmingham> Larry Cunning> Jeff Leverenz> Dave Henry> Mike Flanagan> Jim Garrett (deceased)> Mike Golay (deceased)>> Concordia band:> Phil Pfister> Ron Balderston> Robin Hood> Paul Justyna> Mike Srite> Bob Burns> Larry Jackson (deceased)>
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Long Lost Sensational Showmen pictures
We were surprised when the photos of some of the band members surfaced this week. L to R-
Pic 1 - Mike Srite, trumpet, Paul Justyna, sax and Larry Jackson, bass guitar
Pic 2 - Very cool, "Snake" Justyna
Pic 3 - Robin Hood, drums, Mike Srite, trumpet and Larry Jackson, trombone
(click pictures to enlarge)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
THE SENSATIONAL SHOWMEN PLAYLIST 1964-1968
Little Latin Lupe Lu - Righteous Brothers; Louie Louie - Kingsmen; Long Tall Texan - Kingsmen; Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying - Gerry and the Pacemakers; Mustang Sally- Wilson Pickett; House of the Rising Sun - Animals; Turn On Your LoveLight-Bobby Blue Bland; Papa's Got a Brand New Bag-James Brown; Treat Her Right- Roy Head; Land of a Thousand Dances- Wilson Pickett; These Boots are Made For Walking- Nancy Sinatra; Harlem Shuffle - Bob and Earl; Hold On I'm Coming-Sam and Dave; Green Onions-Booker T and the MGs; In the Midnight Hour -Wilson Pickett; Gimmie Some Lovin'-Spencer Davis Group; Bring it On Home To Me- Sam Cooke; I Can't Get No Satisfaction- Rolling Stones; Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye- Casinos; Knock on Wood- Eddie Floyd; My Girl- Temptations; 96 Tears - Question Mark and the Mysterians; Kicks- Paul Revere and the Raiders; Good Lovin'- Young Rascals; Hang on Sloopy- McCoys; Wooly Bully-Sam the Sham and the Pharohs; Wipe Out- The Safaris; Twist & Shout- Beatles; I Got You (I Feel Good)- James Brown; Gloria- THEM; Shop Around- Smoky Robinson & the Miracles; Mony Mony-Tommy James and the Shondells; When a Man Loves a Woman- Percy Sledge; All Day and All the Night- Kinks; You Really Got Me- Kinks; Tequila- The Champs; Summertime- Billy Stewart; Money (That is What I Want)- Kingsmen; Walking the Dog- Rufus Thomas; Kind of a Drag - Buckinghams; Time Won't Let Me - Outsiders; Shotgun- Jr. Walker and the Allstars; Monkey Time- Major Lance; Wild Thing- The Troggs; Hungry- Paul Revere and the Raiders; Do You Love Me- The Contours; Sweet Soul Music - Arthur Conley; I'm A Man - Spencer Davis Group; 634-5789 - Wilson Pickett; Jolly Green Giant - Kingsmen; Got My MoJo Working - The Kingsmen; It's Alright - J.J. Jackson; Hippy Hippy Shake - Swinging Blue Jeans; Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry; Sock It To Me - Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels; California Sun - Rivieras; Too Many Fish in the Sea - Young Rascals; Shake - Sam Cooke; Been Lonely Too Long - Young Rascals; You Better Run - Young Rascals; Groovin - Young Rascals; She's About A Mover - Sir Douglas Quintet; SlowDown - Beatles; Out Of Sight - James Brown; Walking the Dog - Rufus Thomas, Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass; and probably many more that we can't remember. We will add to this list from time to time.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Liberty Hall
Location for the 2009 Kansas Music Hall of Fame ceremony. Back in the 60's the building housed the famous Red Dog Inn. The Sensational Showmen auditioned at the Red Dog Inn and played a gig also.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
In The Beginning - The VETTES
The first band that Phil Pfister and Larry Jackson formed in Clifton, Kansas in 1963 with Rob Haden on drums and the Simoneau brothers, Jim and Gary, on guitars. In picture, l to r, Phil Pfister, Jim Simoneau, Rob Haden, Larry Jackson & Gary Simoneau. The picture was taken at the Clifton teen town called "The Pad" and was located in the old International Harvester building, later being the headquarters for Unified School District 224.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Induction into Kansas Music Hall of Fame!
It's official, the Concordia based, ORIGINAL Showmen band is being inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame along with our counterparts from Parsons and Chanute. The ceremony is being held in Lawrence, Ks at the Liberty Hall (former Red Dog Inn) this Saturday, March 7, 2009. Although our picture was not placed on the KMHOF website, we are definitely included.
Visit www.ksmusichalloffame.org
Visit www.ksmusichalloffame.org
Saturday, February 28, 2009
CITIES PLAYED - BY STATE
KANSAS
Clifton, Clyde, Concordia, Jewell, Clay Center, Salina (The Lamplighter), Beloit, Cawker City, Linn, Delphos, Glasco, Solomon, Hays (The Dark Horse Inn), Norton, Tribune, Colby (The Rusty Bucket), Goodland, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Philipsburg, Manhattan, Liberal, Lawrence (The Red Dog Inn), Marysville, Belleville,
OKLAHOMA
Altus
NEBRASKA
Scottsbluff, Chadron, Sidney, Alliance, North Platte, McCook, Kearney, Holdrege, Red Cloud, Fairbury, Beatrice, Superior, Grand Island, Ravenna, Columbus, Norfolk, O'Neill, Crete, Geneva, Hastings, Valentine, Hardy, Minden, Ogallah, Central City, Seward
SOUTH DAKOTA
Tyndall, Mission, Kimball, Watertown, Pierre, Yankton, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Vermillion, Buffalo Gap, Brookings
MINNESOTA
Worthington (Last gig), Hatfield, Pipestone, Marshall
IOWA
Storm Lake, Clear Lake, Fort Dodge,
All gigs were at National Guard Armories, Ballrooms, Schools, community centers and most were sponsored by local civic groups as money making projects.
Clifton, Clyde, Concordia, Jewell, Clay Center, Salina (The Lamplighter), Beloit, Cawker City, Linn, Delphos, Glasco, Solomon, Hays (The Dark Horse Inn), Norton, Tribune, Colby (The Rusty Bucket), Goodland, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Philipsburg, Manhattan, Liberal, Lawrence (The Red Dog Inn), Marysville, Belleville,
OKLAHOMA
Altus
NEBRASKA
Scottsbluff, Chadron, Sidney, Alliance, North Platte, McCook, Kearney, Holdrege, Red Cloud, Fairbury, Beatrice, Superior, Grand Island, Ravenna, Columbus, Norfolk, O'Neill, Crete, Geneva, Hastings, Valentine, Hardy, Minden, Ogallah, Central City, Seward
SOUTH DAKOTA
Tyndall, Mission, Kimball, Watertown, Pierre, Yankton, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Vermillion, Buffalo Gap, Brookings
MINNESOTA
Worthington (Last gig), Hatfield, Pipestone, Marshall
IOWA
Storm Lake, Clear Lake, Fort Dodge,
All gigs were at National Guard Armories, Ballrooms, Schools, community centers and most were sponsored by local civic groups as money making projects.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Original Entry
Hope everyone out there enjoys this blog. Feel free to express your memories of attending our dances or any other posts of interest. Thank you for your interest.
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