Alberta Rock N Roll Reunion

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Almost fifty years after they first went into the recording studio, nearly 50 Alberta rock and roll recording artists re - united in one of Canada's finest concert halls, the fabulous Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, to once again make Rock & Roll history. Produced by music columnist, photographer and historian, Bill Borgwardt, and faithfully captured and edited by award winning cinematographer, film producer, and editor, Jim Tustian, a team that grew up with and appreciates the music of the 50's and 60's, this DVD radiates the excitement and energy of the original artists once again playing their first rock and roll recordings. It also provides a biographical perspective, supplemented by historic photos and artifacts from this exciting musical time period. This is an important piece of Canadian musical history that has never before been documented. 2 1/2 hours of Rock N Roll memories ** 17 Acts ** 38 Songs **

A Borgwardt/Tustian Production

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History

Background

On September 9, 1956, all of North America watched their tiny black and white television sets to see a young Elvis Presley appear for the first time on the Ed Sullivan show. This was the event that introduced a new form of music, rock and roll, into the homes of an entire continent. In Alberta, Canada, during the fifties and sixties, the local community hall dances were the centres of activity for teenagers and young people, and many young musicians began forming their own rock and roll bands. On any given Friday or Saturday night you could find rock and roll music being played in the major cities of Edmonton and Calgary, and throughout the province. In a time before radio became categorized, country, pop, and rock and roll, could all be heard on the same station. Rockabilly, a cross between country and the new rock and roll, became all the rage in the late fifties. Alberta artists like Dickie Damron, Joe Kozak, and Shirley Field, and bands like the Rock-A-Tunes, were some of the versatile musicians who embraced this new musical form, and released rockabilly recordings. There was Gonna Have A Party, Hillbilly Rock, Ski Rock, amd even Honey Sugar Baby, as everyone tried to capitalize on the latest teen musical fad. All these songs came to life once again when the original artists from the era got back together for one big reunion concert in the comfort of the Winspear Centre in Edmonton.Moving into the sixties, the music styles changed again. Teen crooners, such as Jerry Palmer, took the spotlight with tunes like Travelin' Shoes and Party Pooper. Also in the sixties, the bands became bigger, sometimes having eight or more members, and adding brass instrumentation into the mix. One of the very popular Edmonton groups, fronted by lead singer Mel Degen, was the A&W Lords. A lot of people can still recall the band playing on the roof of the Highlands A&W on 112th Avenue in Edmonton while the teenagers danced in the parking lot. The band later became just the Lords and then changed their name to the Privilege in 1966. Both Jerry Palmer and Mel Degen once again stood in the spotlight at the reunion concert.Wes Dakus and the Rebels were one of the most successful groups to come out of the Edmonton area. Although they were unable to re-unite for the concert, Wes Dakus made a special guest appearance at the show. The Nomads were another leading Edmonton group, as were the Frantiks, who became Allan Lee and the Peppermints, and the Royal Family, who later became Troyka. Calgary too hosted a large number of bands. and spawned groups like the Happy Feeling, but Edmonton was definitely the band capital in the sixties. It has been said that the city had more bands per capita in that era than any other city in Canada. There were litterly dozens of bands who played in both the major and smaller Alberta centres but never made it into the recording studio.During the summer months, streams of teenagers flooded to the Alberta lakeside halls like Lakeview Pavilion, Alberta Beach Pavillion, Mameo Beach, and the Varsity Hall in Sylvan Lake, and in the winter months the Rainbow Ballroom on Whyte Avenue and 109th Street in Edmonton, and the Club Stardust at the Highlands Community Hall, were packed with young dancers. Calgary too had it's hot dance spots. Many a romance began at those dances and in some cases couples who met on the dance floor are now celebrating more than forty years of wedded bliss. Many of the original members from the bands who walked into the recording studios forty to fifty years ago, can still rock the house and sound as good today or even better than they did back then. They definitely demonstrate this on this historic DVDOne of the most popular American groups to tour western Canada in the sixties was the Fireballs from New Mexico. George Tomsco, a founding member of the Fireballs, wrote many of the tunes recorded by Alberta artists, and persuaded several Alberta bands and artists to fore go recording in the small studios at local radio stations and travel to Clovis, New Mexico, where Norman Petty had a state of the art facility. Petty had already established himself as one of the premiere rock and roll producers, having had success with such artists as Buddy Holly and Buddy Knox, along with the Fireballs. George Tomsco flew in from New Mexico, to play at the Winspear Centre with many of those whose careers he influenced. The artists and their audiences may have aged some, but the enthusiasm for the music has never waned. For many, both as artists and as audience members, it was definitely an old time reunion and a chance to relive past glories. The members of the Happy Feeling from Calgary hadn't played together since 1988 and even restored some of their vintage equipment and instruments for their part in the show. Jerry Palmer, who also lives in Calgary, said he hadn't seen some of the artists who appeared since they shared stages some forty years ago. Backing many of the artists was one of the top new Rockabilly bands, the sensational Shackshakers out of Duluth , Minnesota. Canadian born Shawn Nagy, leader of the band, was the one who originally conceived the idea of the reunion after going through the Petty studio archives and discovering how many Alberta bands recorded there. He pitched his idea to Bill Borgwardt to work with him to co-produce the event. Bill decided to make it a major concert featuring all the Alberta artists, who had actually made a rock and roll recording, that he could find and persuade to be part of the show . The artists had to have lived in Alberta at the time or spent a substancial part of their career as Alberta residents, Shawn Nagy also acted as Musical Director for the concert, charting all the old tunes and backing up many of the artists. Shawn runs SuperOldies.com, the top oldies internet radio station. which incorporates many early Canadian rockers in it's extensive play list. Shawn has also re-issued on CD format, many of the original works of pioneer Alberta rock and roll artists. At the concert, all artists and bands performed the original material that they played and recorded in the Golden Era of Rock and Roll, between 1959 and 1969, or paid tribute to the musical artists who they had worked with that were unable to perform at the concert. Also incorporated into the reunion was a fan-fair event, where audience members could renew acquaintances with their favorite artists and get their memorabilia and special souvenirs posters signed. The video also provides a glimpse into this exciting part of the reunion. Put on your dancing shoes and take a trip back in time - it's the Alberta Rock N Roll Reunion. ORDER DVD ONLINEBiographies

Biographies

In Order Of Appearance on DVD

THE WALKERS

NOMADS

JOE KOZAK

SHACKSHAKERS

ALLAN LEE ROPCHAN

ROCK-A-TUNES

WES DAKUS

ROYAL FAMILY

HAPPY FEELING

GEORGE TOMSCO

BILL HERSCHE

THE CLASSICS

DON E SCOTT

MEL DEGEN

JERRY PALMER

SHIRLEY FIELD

DICK DAMRON

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DVD Set List

Rock-A-TunesTomorrowYou're Some Kind Of NiceHoney Sugar BabyHeartbeatMule Skinner BluesHappy FeelingHey, Little ManSacroiliac BoopStill HillHappy FeelingThe ClassicsChantilly LaceMel DegenLife Is A SongRovin' HeartSummertimeHigher and HigherPeppermintsInstrumental mixGoin' Home To MemphisLamb StewA Little Bit Of Your LoveRoyal FamilyI Told A LieDon't You Ever Want To KnowTroykaTroyka ThemeBill Hersche(tribute to Buddy Knox)Party DollDon E ScottI Still Miss SomeoneDick DamronThat's What I Call Livin'Gonna Have A PartyJoe KozakHillbilly RockMy Baby's Crazy About MeNomads InstrumentalCry BabyEl RingoShackshakersSidewinderGeorge Tomsco (of the Fireballs)Rockin' In The FiftiesBulldogLas Vegas SceneJerry PalmerTravelin' ShoesParty PooperShirley FieldSki RockTerry Lodge (tribute to the Walkers)Diamonds and GoldORDER DVD ONLINEComments

Comments

ORDER DVD ONLINEThanks for the fast delivery of the DVD... but more importantly, thanks for putting such a great video together. Of course it was a great show... but to have captured it as a legacy piece, of fantastic production quality, is just supper!!! Well done... and its great for the memories!!!Wayne LambleEdmontonWe really enjoyed the show. It even brought back a few memories that we forgot. The way you put it together made it very enjoyable to watch, and I guarantee it will be watched many times. It's a wonderful keepsake.We are looking forward to your next production, maybe in HD???Thanks again. Jim HoitsmaGuitar player, EdmontonDocumenting Alberta music history is an important project with widespread cultural significance. Capturing the music performed by the artists that originally created it is an important touchstone to another time. When completed with your support, this DVD will be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come. I hope it opens the door to future historical musical projects celebrating our popular culture while the artists that created it are still here to share it with us. Dr. Holger Petersen C.M., D. LittBroadcaster and President of Stony Plain RecordsI remember these guys from the FIRST time around. It's great to see and hear them again! Senator Tommy Banks Musician, Member of the Order of Canada - EdmontonI think this is a great project and I would like to endorse it.Mel ShawFormer Alberta promoter and manager. Publisher of the bi-weekly music magazine, My Voice, from 1961 through 1965. Now a Nashville producer. - NashvilleThis is great Bill....something that is long overdue! I think all involved in the arts community would love to see this project finished and for Albertans to enjoy. Good luck!Rob SmithRoyalty Records Inc. Sherwood Park your piece reminded of all the great memories listing (sic) to these various bands at sock hops and lake resorts and all the girls who dumped me there I think it is wonderful what you are doing preserving historyI will be the first one in line to buy your DVD so I can enjoy and maybe shed a tear for the Good Old Days and the best music ever written. Without someone recording our Heritage we are nothing!Bob PetersonAuthor of Paralympics Where Heroes Come - EdmontonWow-I wasn't aware of the Rock N' Roll roots from Alberta-really cool-thanks for sharing!! Brandi Lee Morin28 year old Singer/Songwriter Stony PlainWoW! Great Job!!!! I love the effects editing, I love the script! It's going to be a hit!Congrtulations on a job WELL DONE! Very Impressive, I can't wait to watch the whole show. Thanks for the sneak preview.Tyrone Reveen (Son of "Reveen, the Impossiblist") Las VegasI think that's awesome Bill, it's nice to see our Alberta talent recognized, especially since so many of them paved the way for so many of us now! Great job!Melanie Switzer Alberta country recording artist and member of the t rio Blush - Sherwood Park....an important project.... way to go Bill!! Troy KokalCCMA Award winning songwriter (Pickup Truck Number 1 country hit recorded by Shane Yellowbird) - CalgaryHey Bill, Looks like a ton of fun! Bob MartineauRadio Tracker Prince George, BC Jeez Bill you really get yourself into some great projects. Looks like a winner to me.Bruce WoytuikFormer co-ordinator of the Songwriters Café for the Canadian Country Music Association and well known Edmonton House Concert host - Vancouver Island Looks great Bill!Anthony L FarrautoPromotions, | SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (CANADA) INC - EdmontonBill your preview looks TERRIFIC ! I sure do hope that someone recognizes the historical value of that Reunion Concert and is able to provide the funding you need to complete this documentary. John RossVintage jukebox collector - Edmonton Hi Bill, Thanks for the note and info.... I watched your demo on youtube..... it looks great, really good idea....... I hope the remaining half of the production will go by fast and you will soon have your great product on the market..... Congrats for your creativity and all the best in getting it ' out there '. Many Blessings, Eli Barsi / John CunninghamCanadian country recording artists living in Branson, Missouri.Looks great Bill! Keep giving us updates on the production! Spider BishopFormer bass player for Tim Hus and partner in the country group Spiderelli - Calgary Looks like fun Bill, all the best with your project. I had no idea there were so many AB early rock n' roll artists. Thanks for the clip. Warm Regards, Jordan DoellCountry Recording artist - VancouverIt looks great! I love it so far! Here's hoping you get the funding! It's well worth it. George Bendin Film Editor - TorontoI know you will do a great job Thanks again for inviting us to play at the reunionRon Lukawitski Original member of the Royal Family - EdmontonExcellent presentation for the Alberta Rock Reunion DVD. Thank you for all the hard work in getting it to this stage Everything looks great.I wanted you to know that I'm really proud of being a "spoke in the wheel" of this DVD. We are all creating "Musical Memories" and seeing that we have done this job for so many years ( and some continue to do so ) these DVDs need to be out there. Alberta has always been a hot bed for music ventures. I guess it is the LONG COLD WINTERS ha!Thank you and please keep the Musical Wheel Rolling.Rob Edwards Original Member of the Royal Family - Victoria, BCYou go, daddy-o!Miss Terri Mason Editor - Canadian Cowboy Country magazine - EdmontonWow, both Dick Damron and Shirley Fields have been my favorites for quite some time and I get out to listen to these classics whenever I can. So many other provinces have been stepping forward to promote their talent and making them a centre piece of their charm and culture for the tourist industry while Alberta has been so sorely lacking in that area. It is wonderful that someone is finally recognizing Alberta talent from today and the past and doing something about it. Wishing you all the best and break a leg on this one. John Glawson for Ol' Ugly Country entertainer and comedian - Nanton "Totally cool Bill!!!"Jimmie Dragatis Drummer - Edmonton"I like it!! music history is needed badly. Gerry Frost Canada Post employee - CalgaryIt looks great! It sounds like such a great idea Bill Masters Music promoter - Leduc"Makes me proud to be an Albertan!"Joanne Myrol Singer/Songwriter with recording act Myrol - Alberta"It looks pretty cool Bill. You did a great job. Sounds like it will be great!"Christina PierceMusic fan - Edmonton...looks like a very cool project...good luck with it.Alan Cochrane Columnist Times & Transcript - Moncton, NBLooks great. Very interesting. Good work. Brian Edwards President Rocklands Entertainment - Tommy Hunter, Rita McNeill, Stompin Tom ConnorsWhat a great collection of memories! Well presented and capable of shedding away quite a few years! Jim March Age 72 - Canada.....this is really cool! Rob Anderson Pedal steel player with Bryan Sklar & the Tex-Pistolskeep the ball rockin and rollinJim Aiello Member of the original Happy Feeling CalgaryEnjoyed the brief look Jim - brought back some tremendous memories - Happy Feeling played a dance at Bonnie Doon High School in my last year - probably my 'first' dance - you know the kind where the guys lined up on one side and the girls the other - til we got enough courage to go over to ask one to dance. Keep me up to date on the project...and good luck with it....Marty Forbes VP & general manager The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio - EdmontonBill Borgwardt is a lover and supporter of music. As an artist, I know this first hand; there have not been many shows in my career that Bill has not attended! His dedication to the Canadian music scene is relentless. Where there is music, there is Bill. I know that Bill and his team would produce a beautiful, tasteful, genuine illustration of music history allowing this music to live on and be enjoyed by a new generation on viewers. Lisa Hewitt Alberta country recording artist - Gibons I was very impressed with what I've seen and it got me thinkingI'm a 38 year old Canadian musician born in Ontario, living in Alberta for the last 10 years but I have never heard of any of these Artists before nor do I ever recall Canadian Artists being apart of the Rock'n Roll Revolution other than Paul Anka who I heard was a Canadian several years laterThis says to me one of two things....I need to get out more or that there is something significant missing in our Canadian heritage and history which needs to be established for every generation to see and hearI'm looking forward to view the completion of this Project Shane Chisholm Award winning Canadian bass player and singer/songwriter- CalgaryKudos to you and everyone working on this project. Alberta did play a big part in Canada's early days of Rock 'n' Roll. It's not only fun to see of this stuff, it's educational too. I think it's important that kids entering the music biz in Alberta today know about our history. Keep up the great work.Ron HarwoodEMI Music - St Albert Wow, this is absolutely wonderful and such a great collection. Wish I could hear the whole thing. Irma McPhearsonImac Management manager of country artist Samantha King - EdmontonIt was a great time had by all at the Reunion, I was glad to be a part of the Reunion. Nice to see the DVD is ready to go. Thanks for the Memories.Terry LodgeReunion artist - Tribute to the WalkersI know from the show to the DVD, this has been a monstrous project, but with monstrous rewards you deserve. Thenk you for letting me be a part of this historic music event, and thank you Canada and the Canadian artists who have been very rewarding to the Fireballs and to George Tomsco writer & guitarist as well !George TomscoReunion Artist - Lead guitarist with the Fireballsi lived the hayday of all the great music and halls of the day and would love to get in touch with anyone who was around at that time................the forum, stardust, mameo, alberta beach. rainbow..........................good times!Trudi HughesStore

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