Remember
the Anchorage Music Scene?

by Michael R Dougherty
(California)

The Blue Chip Stock

The Blue Chip Stock

Do you remember some of the bands that comprised the Anchorage, Alaska music scene back in the 1960s to 1970s?

Every Friday night, Saturday night or Sunday night, there were local bands playing all over Anchorage.

The comments below (mostly from musicians) also tell this story.

Rock Bands

The band in the picture above is the Blue Chip Stock. Their keyboard player, Skip Konte, also played for Anchorage's Pulsating Heartbeats, and went on to play for Three Dog Night and the Blues Image and co-write their hit song, “Ride Captain Ride”.

Other Anchorage rock bands included the Arsons, the Outlaws, the Pulsating Heartbeats, Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band.

Country Western

When I worked at KTVA channel 11 in Anchorage, a KBYR DJ by the name of Bruce Kier brought in Johnny Collinsworth from the Buckaroo Club to do a 1/2 hour weekly television show. The “Johnny Collinsworth and the Country Capers Country Music Variety Show” was produced during the week and broadcast on Saturday nights.

My brother Tom Dougherty and I directed the shows. Guests included Nancy Lee and a fiddle player named Shorty Ladd. The band was excellent, and the TV show was very creative.

KTVA also did another show called “Country City Music Time”. We shot that weekly show on location at Country City on the Seward Highway.

While at KYES channel 5, we did a weekly show with a country singer named Sonny Day. His steel guitar player's day job was Chief Engineer for KTVA.

The Pines Club was another popular venue for local music and well-known entertainers. The house band at the Pines was called The Pacesetters.

Show Bands

A fellow by the name of Doug Hager became a local Anchorage, Alaska legend known as Mr. White Keys.

I first met Mr. White Keys when KAKM channel 7 had him host a series of local radio DJ stories for the weekly Anchorage TV magazine show, “Southcentral”.

Mr. Whitekeys, aka, “W. Keys” and his band played regularly at Chilkoot Charlies, where they “cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you”.

Later, Mr. White Keys opened his place in Spenard, the Fly-by-Night Club, where his band was known as Mr. White Keys and the Fabulous Spamtones.

At the club, if you ordered spam, you got a free glass of champagne. Later, Mr. White Keys put together the “Whale Fat Follies” and the rest is Anchorage and Spenard history.

For Teens

The place to go for live music for Anchorage youth were some teen nightclubs put together by local DJ Ron Moore (the Royal Coachman) and an organization called Pacesetters.

Some bands included the Arsons, the Chandels, G Morgan S and the Jets, the Gatormen, the Pulsating Heartbeats, the Johnson Brothers, the Nomads, the Outlaws, Proof, the Prophets, and the Quarrymen to name a few.

Do you remember the Royal Pad, Cinnamon Cinder and of course the Cheetah on Government hill?

There were also weekly teen dances featuring live music at Shindig City, a Mountain View roller rink, the National Guard armory and the old Sports Arena on Fireweed.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

What are your memories of the Anchorage, Alaska music scene from the early days up through the 1970s?

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You can hear Anchorage bands from the 1970s.

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Comments for Remember
the Anchorage Music Scene?

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May 29, 2024
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Teen Club in Spenard
by: Barbara

My buddies and I had a great time dancing the night away at the Lakeshore Club in Spenard on wintery weekends, 1969-70.

Mar 04, 2024
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Fantastic Zoot
by: Anonymous

The Fantastic Zoot was made up of:

Danny Dixon, Lead singer
Harold Green, Keyboards
Bob Witt, Bass
Dave Myers, Lead Guitar
Dave Washington, Drums

Initially, Larry Waldron was Rhythm/Lead guitar before leaving for San Francisco to attend Berkeley.

We played all the assorted venues in the late 60s, including, Shindig City, the Armory, West High, the Sports Arena, the Teen Club out on the Base and finished up at the Cheetah on Government Hill.

Feb 18, 2024
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I Remember Warmly
by: Bobby Mitchell

As a peninsula boy, Anchorage was the big Time to me as a budding guitar-hero band guy.

I started when I was 15 in 1965 at Larry’s club, N. Kenai with Lee Svedlund, my mentor, and Ted Luther (Turrentine).

Then teen Rock bands, T-Rex and Inquiry, playing fire halls from Homer to Kenai.

I came to Anchorage for a Turtles concert. I saw the warm-up band, Gary Sloan and Proof.

Then I was truly hooked.

Out of the Navy, I started at the Green Dragon in Anchorage with the Versatiles, and the Kona Club with Blu Rok Mountain.

Then I formed Timberwing and later played RonDons, the Pines Club (both locations), Cabin Tavern, Fly By Night, and every major Hotel including the Captain Cook for 1 1/2 years, Suite 201, and the Chefs Inn.

Then later as Blues Central at the Northern Lights Inn, Club Valdez and Acres. All before 1980.

I had the honor of playing with or next to hundred’s of superb players and bands during my tenure as an Anchorage Musician.

Now I know or have acquaintance with most.

I feel blessed.

Jan 02, 2024
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Albatross Drummer
by: Mike Deaton

I played drums in Albatross in the 60s.

With Scott, Jay, Jim, and Gene. We were the Anchorage "King of the Bands" before Scott and Jay went to Berkeley in Boston…

Jan 01, 2024
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Albatross Band
by: Anonymous

My cousin Mike Sandoval played drums for the band, Albatross, when they won the battle of the bands. R.I.P.

Dec 28, 2023
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The Pines House Bands
by: Anonymous

I see a lot of mentions of the Pacesetters band at the Pines club, but there was another band, called Family Tradition, with Jimmie Barnes.

Pacesetters would play for an hour and Family Tradition would play an hour.

Jimmie and the band also did the Thursday night broadcast to the North Slope.

Another lead singer at the Pines was Rusty Frets, a tall lanky guy from Texas.

Apr 18, 2023
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Anchorage Music Memories
by: Gene Wilson

We (Albatross) opened for Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Armory!

At West High, we opened for Jefferson Air Plane with our drummer Kieth, who is drumming for "Wang Chung".

Jul 18, 2022
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Great Post about Anchorage Music
by: Anonymous

What a great post!

I came to Anchorage in mid-1971, and went to many of these places a few times (raising kids and working, so didn't have a lot of time).

Fun to read and recall how lively Anchorage was then (and now).

Feb 06, 2022
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Jazz at the Brief Encounter
by: Rich Ligus

I played jazz on tenor sax with the Al Rylander Trio at the Brief Encounter in 1965.

I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB at the time and was invited to join the group.

Aug 19, 2021
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Great Memories
by: Shindig City and Pacesetters

I worked for them (Pacesetters) in 67 and 68 doing security.

As an Army dude thousands of miles from home and only 18 myself, it was a lifesaver having that "family".

I think of those times often.

Apr 26, 2021
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Memories
by: Anonymous

Mike Howe, Andy Grunza, Terry Mullins, Gary Tipton and I were in "Heavenly Blue" in the early 70s.

"A Burgundy Rose" had ceased by then.

I was also in "Albatross", "Susan Rhodes Show", "Special Delivery"("Z-Out & the Misthrows"), A Jacque Condor "Vegas Goes Star Wars Show" and "The Entire Turkish Army". Also, a short-lived Led Zeppelin copy band.

Apr 26, 2021
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Update
by: Mike Deaton

I talked to Dave Cuddy a few months ago.

And we're kinda trying to compile a chronological listing of 60s-70s bands/musicians.

Keep sending in your recollections, and I'll cull out the details as best I can.

There is no "Alaska Music Historical Stay Warm Society & Hall of Fame".

I played in Rock, Country, Blues, Funk, and even a Vegas type Show and Jazz bands in Alaska from 65 to 81.

Lots of people did the same. Let's hear from you.

I've already gained a much greater appreciation of the Music Industry in Alaska.

Apr 26, 2021
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Were there Arsons in the basement?
by: Mike Deaton

When My family first moved to Anchorage in 1965, I remember, before I'd even got my first drum set, going by a square, little brown house, with a rock band rehearsing in the basement (I seem to see a big porch.)

This was in 'Wonder Park'. on the Glenn Hwy and Boniface Parkway area.

I think it was the Arsons…

I used to stop and listen for as long as I could. Never saw anyone. Wonder if Mark or Dave or someone remembers the little house?


Apr 08, 2021
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Anchorage Music Scene
by: Tony Allers (Blake)

My wife of over 40 years, the former Diane Hunt, ran the Outlaws' fan club.

We moved to Nashville and I toured with many Rock and Country groups, from Hank Williams Jr to Joe Cocker…Eliane Baloug? Managed the Arsons.

Stay Blessed…Tony Blake KANC Country Sunshine

Jan 29, 2021
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The Northern Lights Band
by: Steve Roberts

Does anybody remember the Northern Lights, a band that was from Anchorage in 1969 – 1970?

Jan 26, 2021
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60s and 70s Memories
by: Teresa Hall (Cale)

I remember seeing Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane, It's a Beautiful Day in my high school gym at West Anchorage High.

Almost every weekend someone local was playing at Carpenter's Hall, The Den, the Teen Club on Elmendorf or The City Gym. I remember Proof, Bomax, Stevite and The Spitfires.

I also saw Eric Burdon and War, Rare Earth and Santana at the Sports Arena.

Also saw concerts at the community college and the National Guard armory had the battle of the bands.

Wasn't there a club called Angels where they also held a battle of the bands?

I lived in Anchorage from late 1968 until early 1972.

Awesome memories.

Jan 17, 2021
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Evolution was My Band
by: Tom Mitchell

Evolution was MY band.

I started it with Jim Wright in 1969. the early version had Marc Ritter on keys.

We played local and then went to the states for a couple of years. When the touring band exploded, I got out of the music scene and Jim kept the band name.

I see a lot of names and a few missing that should be mentioned. Pressed Block was one band that did a bunch of gigs, it had Dan Green, Gil Hanson, and Larry Waldron. all good players.

I think I saw Freddy Fleet mentioned. Kurt Cunningham was still playing last I heard. Russ Peace(sp) is still around. I think Mike Senn was in a version of that band, he played in several bands.

Jan 17, 2021
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Civil Collision
by: Anonymous

I was stationed at Fort Rich in 69.

I saw the band, Civil Collision, at a place called Angels, I think.

They were mostly a cover band from California.

Dec 24, 2020
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Everything Mike Deaton says is Gold....
by: Tim-Burgundy Rose

I am the original organist in Burgundy Rose.

We won the State Battle of the Bands, beating the Fantastic Zoot and the Boston Public Library from Fairbanks in the Anchorage Sports Arena… was it '67 or '68.

We were promised a trip to the national Junior Chamber of Commerce Battle of the Bands. But our local chapter told us they fell through with the funding, so I quit the band and went to Juneau with my parents instead.

I was amazed to find out that the Junior Chamber of Commerce actually came through with the funding. At that time I'd been replaced by Mark Ritter, a friendly acquaintance and a far better organ player than I.

Mike Deaton's description of that experience is the first I've ever heard, although Mike and I have remained friends. I just never thought to ask him, in detail, what happened… LOL

BTW, our success in that Alaskan Battle must be attributed, in part, to Karen-Kathy (I think that is it, but she went by another nom de plume then). She had been the leader of the Heartbreakers Fan Club.

I worked with her to create a fan base for us, but in truth, she was just a huge fan of Jim Martin (as was I – our success was built around his voice). She was a sweet a person as you could ever hope to meet. I was just a facilitator, LOL.

On KENI and KFQD calling request lines with dedications, she always received more dedications than anyone.

If anyone remembers her nom de plume or her real name, please remind us. I'll think of it eventually, but at 68, later may be too late. LOL

Nov 29, 2020
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Bands I played in and Others I Remember
by: John Helms

I played in several bands in the Anchorage area in the early 70s before I moved down to Seattle.

Evolution with Jimmy Wright, Harry Roseman, Chuck Colton, Phil Visnaw, and Kieth Nettle.

I also played with a band called Phoenix, another called Braid. And some others whose names I can't remember at the moment.

Some other local bands I also remember are Proof, Freddy Fleet and his Fast Feet, Timberwing, Mr. White Keys and the Whale Fat Follies.

I remember Evolution taking first place at a local Battle of the Bands one year and second place the next year. I'm not sure which years. Evolution opened for Quicksilver Messenger Service at one point. (They used us for their sound check and absolutely butchered our stage monitor sound leaving us having to watch the drummers hands since we couldn't hear each other.)

We mostly played teen dances etc. at the time. Braid played a few clubs, mostly forgotten except for a club down in the Kenai area.

After I left Anchorage, I moved to the Seattle area where I played in numerous local bands. Eventually, I settled in Central Washington where I continue playing.

I'm semi retired now.

Oct 24, 2020
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1980s Band COHO
by: Anonymous

The band COHO played all around Anchorage in the 1980s and all around Alaska with Gene Byars, Doc, Gary, ??

Also, Lucille and Tex Johnston played in the Pink Poodle and all over Anchorage and Alaska in the 1960s I believe.

Jul 28, 2020
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Country Music in Anchorage
by: Terrie

I spent many (far too many) nights at The Pines club in Anchorage.

In fact, I still have my check cashing card from there.

Also enjoyed Country City.


Does anyone remember the club/restaurant at the end of Eagle River Canyon road. It was such a wonderful place but hard to get to in the winter.

Jul 27, 2020
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Mid 1960s Music Scene
by: Anonymous

I remember the Rock and Roll scene on 4th Avenue. One of the hot bands was "Good Rocking" and the Dancers. They played mostly at the Mermaid Club.

Another Club that had great entertainment was the "Brief Encounter" Night Club. The Oasis Club would import Broadway shows.

A great time to be in Anchorage.

Jul 21, 2020
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70s Music Scene
by: Anonymous

KYAK Country Gentlemen and Sue
Played all over Anchorage and the NCO Club on Elmendorf.

Jun 23, 2020
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The Zoot
by: Mike Deaton

Yes, I remember Zoot…

I'm getting flashes of memories… Danny Dixon? And they had a great drummer, black guy, can't remember, doggone it.

Jun 23, 2020
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Fantastic Zoot
by: Anonymous

I seem to remember a band called Fantastic Zoot?

They played at the armory.

May 07, 2020
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Civil Collision - Fancy Moose
by: John Grant

To: Jerry Bell, thanks for your post.

Stationed at Elmendorf back in the day, spent many nights at the Fancy Moose.

Couldn't remember the name of the place though, until you posted. And, I've been trying to remember the name of the band (Civil Collision) for just about ever.

The only thing I remembered was they had a charismatic and excellent trumpet player who went by 'Flower'.

Wonder whatever became of them?

Dec 09, 2019
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Model Citizen (band mid - 80s)
by: Bob Bennett

I played drums in a rock / power pop band called Model Citizen based in Anchorage in the mid-1980's.

The other members were Paul B. (lead singer and guitar), Carl B. (bass guitar and vocals) and Matt C. (lead/rhythm guitar and vocals).

We played all the usual South central AK venues including Chilkoot's and our set list included many original tunes plus covers.

We wore skinny black ties with white shirts and black blazers.

Good times!

Sep 01, 2019
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Name of old Rock and Roll club in the 70s
by: Jerry Bell, Drummer

My previous post about the band I was in at the Fancy Moose Inn from 1969-1971 included frequent visits to a club which seemed out in no man's land featuring a great horn band called, "Civil Collision".

For the life of me, now that I'm 77, can't remember the name of that nightclub. Does anyone remember it?

This band was loud and killer in their performances. A cross between Blood Sweat and tears and Chicago. I have searched a ton of sites and can't even find a picture of my old club, the fancy Moose Inn, before it was bulldozed for the Alaska Millennium Hotel at 4800 Spenard road.

Our band came up from California in 1969 seeking fame and fortune and fast realized it was the end of the road for the band.

I woke up one day and could not see myself as the father of 6 kids playing drums when I was in my 60s.

Great memories.

Any help with the name of that long forgotten club would be great.

Aug 30, 2019
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The Brother Love Band
by: Jerry Bell, Drummer

Does anyone remember the Brother Love Band from 1969 to 1971 at the Fancy Moose Inn in Lake Spenard?

I was the third member and drummer back then.

We purchased the old Idle Hour nightclub and rebuilt it from the ground up to be a very successful dinner club dance venue.

Both my bandmates are now gone, and I am retired in Texas. We had a huge drawing playing all types of music. Good memories of Alaska.

The old club was demolished, and a large Hotel chain now stands in its place.

May 24, 2019
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Anchorage Music Scene Early 70s
by: Kelly

Haven't seen it mentioned before, but I remember seeing Canned Heat play in the West High gym in 1971.

Lou Rails performed at East High (special invite from the fabulous Bettie McDonald) in 1971 or 1972.

Also remember a battle of the bands played in 1971 at the National Guard Armory, with I think Burgundy Rose winning. I think at the time, West High students Mike Brown, lead guitar, and Andy Grunza, bass guitarist, were members of the band.

Also remember the first (I think) open air concert played down the hill from C Street in the summer of 1971. For some reason, I think Free may have played there.

Great times and fantastic memories of teen years spent in Anchorage!

Sadly missed seeing the Doobie Brothers play in 1973- left Alaska to join the military.

Feb 14, 2019
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Anyone Heard of Skull?
by: Annette

My father told me he was the drummer in a band called Skull.

He was in the army, stationed in Anchorage. He told me he opened for BTO.

Anyone familiar with any of this?


Dec 01, 2018
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A Burgundy Rose - There's More
by: Mike Deaton

I forgot to mention that 'A Burgundy Rose' was the Alaska state "King of the Bands", in 1968 and 1969.

There's a Commemorative brick paver at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio…

Nov 30, 2018
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Performed at Pines Club Late 70s
by: Bobby Fisher

I loved doing my tribute to Elvis shows in Anchorage. Especially at the Pines Club!

I was there for several months. I was treated great by the Pace Family!

The fans were very loyal. We had a packed house every night. I regret I never came back to Anchorage.

I wrote a song called "Joneen" there after one of Russ Pace's daughters. I just loved that name. Took me just 15 minutes to write.

I still sing having 3 top 10 records now and 1 gold. Only I sing under Robert Fisher.

Miss everyone there. Love Anchorage and the great people.

Jun 21, 2018
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Gigs around Anchorage
by: Steve Tolley

I about fell off the chair when I saw the comment by Mike Deaton.

I played with him when we were with Susan Rhodes and met his parents some time after he left Alaska when I did a TV service call at their house.

Also, I played in and around Anchorage from 1969 to 1975. Many bands, many locations.

One band that was well known was "Bomax" We did all the usual gigs from Carpenter's Hall to the sports arena on Fireweed.

Others I played with were Dan Green (guitar), Jose Benitez (piano), Larry Waldron (killed by a bear at McHugh Creek). Larry was one of the most imaginative and original writers I ever met.

When he ripped into a guitar solo, it gave me a charge, and it really lifted my bass playing. He also doubled on sax, and he was killer there. He went on to teach and play in Anchorage for a long time. I remember his funeral. It was huge!

But one thing I still remember. He went to Berklee College of Music and when he came back it seemed he had lost his edge and, more importantly, his originality. Still accomplished but not the same before he left.

Larry's girlfriend also played on piano and trumpet, but I cannot recall her name.

We had a couple of drummers. Both stationed at Ft. Rich. First was Greg Nutt from Hawaii. He had played with Don Ho there and was a showy drummer.

The second drummer was Mike Nepo. He was from the Atlanta area and had played on the studio recording of Lou Christie's "Lightnin' Strikes" which hit No #1 on Billboard's top 100. Both great drummers.

We played in both a six piece with horns and in a power trio format. I really enjoyed the power trio stuff.

One of the best concerts we played was as warm up to the Guess Who at the Sports Area on Fireweed. The PA was awesome.It was about a third of the PA used by the Rolling Stones and Ten Years After on their Orient tour. They dropped it off in Anchorage on the way back from that tour.

It was from a PA company called Tychobrae. That was the big outfit that did the famous California Jam.

There were a LOT of great concerts at that old Sports Arena.

I must have played with 100 different musicians during my time. And at 100 places. I will get together a list someday.

I know in Spenard I can see at least 3 places I played in each block between Northern Lights Blvd. and Minnesota Drive.

Some under two or three different names and ownership. Many memories there.

I know I am forgetting a bunch right now, but I will post more of the musicians and places as I get a chance.

May 07, 2018
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Anchorage's Golden Age of Rock n' Roll
by: Mike Deaton

I went back to Anchorage in 2000/2001, first to see my family and then to play at the 2001 celebration with Dave Cuddy, Jim Martin and a bunch of us old rockers.

We played a concert at the downtown (I think it was the Arts Center?).

I put a letter in the paper, and it grew into an amazing reunion of old friends and musicians from Anchorage's 'Golden Age of Rock n' Roll'.

Wikipedia says that music in Anchorage didn't begin until the 80s, but they got it wrong.

May 06, 2018
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A Burgundy Rose
by: Mike Deaton

I was the drummer in the band in the 60s.

I replaced a kid who was leaving with his Air Force family, who knew me from the Elmendorf Teen Club.

Jim Martin, Mike Howe, Spike Poulin, Tim, (now Val) Rader and me played together for 3 years or so. Tim left for College, I believe in 69 and Mark Ritter came on board. Kay Hildebrand and her husband were our managers.

We were the Anchorage "King of the Bands" a couple of times and in 69, went to N. Carolina(in August, another story) and came in fifth! We were the only rock band there, all the other bands were Vegas type shows, with at least a dozen people on stage(a precursor to Madonna and Beyonce).

And we were amazed when we got through the first round and blown away by our placement. We also blew up some stage amps while playing. Oops. I put the two drum sets together and tried to play double basses. Told people we did, indeed live in igloos and ran an extension cord up from Seattle.

We opened for a bunch of 'big name' bands and played at the 'Sears Look-In Fashion Show', broadcast over the actual public radio. I got a recording. A 'big deal' 50 years ago.

I was the 'Band Room Magistrate' at The Cheetah while it ran, and saved it from a fire once (again, another story).

I also played with Proof, Tyme, Albatross (Anchorage "King of the Bands" in'70)The Entire Turkish Army and, later (74), the Susan Rhodes Show.

Another band I remember was Captain Soul's Sound Circus (great name). also the Blue Chip Stock.


A Note from Anchorage Alaska Memories

Mike:

Thank you for your very informative post about your involvement in the Anchorage music scene.

I'm sure our readers will remember many of the names and bands you mentioned.

Feb 11, 2018
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Apostol Brothers
by: Daniel

Regarding the photo on the right at top, The Pulsating Heartbeats.

Does anyone know is that one (or both) of the Apostol brothers, who later had their own band?

I remember them playing at Wendler Jr. High dances once or twice in the early 70s, and thinking they were the greatest.

A Note from Mike of Anchorage Memories

Daniel:

I have been friends with Rafael (John) of the Heartbeats since our days at Clark Junior High.

Unfortunately, Rafael's two brothers, Eddie and Raul, who were both in the Heartbeats, passed away some years ago.

Since then, I do know that Rafael was playing in another band for a time.

I spoke to Rafael on the phone not long ago, and he is still in Anchorage -

Check out this fun story about how the Heartbeats got started and remember.

Thank you

Mike

Jan 22, 2018
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60’s Local Bands - "The Affairs"
by: Art Braendel

I played in a high school band from 1965-‘67 called the Affairs with Bill Heisler, Temp Campbell, Tommy Chance, and Tommy Moffat.

We played a few times in Anchorage but mostly Eagle River, Palmer, and Wasilla, Alaska.

We remember the Blue Chip Stock, Checkerboard Blues, Heartbeats, and many others mentioned above. Those were fun times!

I am still teaching guitar in Eagle River.

Pay it forward to the next generation!

Nov 20, 2017
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Thanks for the Memories
by: Mark Thompson

I remember those days with great fondness.

What a great place for teenagers with the Cinnamon Cinder and Pacesetter's Shindig City. I had moved up in 1965 and a year later was playing twice or more every weekend and having a ball.

Playing for the Arsons and Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band was so much fun. We opened for all the great acts that came to town.

I especially remember opening for Sam the Sham, Charles Lloyd, Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band (Rick was a wonderful gentleman) and the Turtles both in Anchorage and at the Alaskan Centennial Exposition in Fairbanks.

After I did a hitch in the Air Force where I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, I joined Proof with Gary Sloan, Ted Luther, Curtis Cunningham and Spike Poulan. That's when I met Mr. Whitekeys when we both played at a lounge near Lake Spenard (The Fly by Night Club).

I've recently communicated with Mike Caporale (drummer for Proof and Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band) and Dave Cannon (guitar in the Arsons and Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band). Mike is a screenwriter, director, and man of many talents. He just wrote a book called "The Best of Times" with a large section about those glory days. Dave Cannon is a retired lawyer living in Nashville. I actually went from playing for The Arsons to becoming a Firefighter/EMT in Kent, Washington. I married Karyne Brannon, and we are both retired and living in Edmonds, WA.

John Lee of the Breakers and Proof fame lives near me, and we're still great friends. He's still playing in a local blues band called "The Seattle Houserockers" and has CD's available.

Check out The Arsons on the Varsity Show and enjoy.

Thanks for the memories.

A Note from Anchorage Memories

Mark – thank you for commenting on our story about Anchorage bands. You were certainly a very important part of the Anchorage music scene, and it's great to learn about some of the other musicians who were also such a huge part of our lives in Anchorage "back in the day"

Thank you

Nov 05, 2017
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Past Member of Hydra
by: Anonymous

As a member of Hydra back then, thanks for the mention.

Kenny’s brother (and the main songwriter) Dave Gundacker is still writing and performing. Look him up on Facebook, etc. Still as good as ever…

Nov 05, 2017
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Hydra
by: Amy

Hydra was local. Kenny and Dave Gundacker were brothers and went to West High.

Their sister Donna was my best friend since I was 13, and I knew them growing up.

Dave was on guitar and wrote songs. Kenny was lead vocals. They played Monkey Wharf quite a bit too, in the early 80s.

They got a record deal, but then Kenny passed away. Dave is still rockin out in a band In California, and is on Facebook.

Jun 12, 2017
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Alaska's Music Scene
by: January Grizzell

I had the pleasure of singing and preforming with Johnny Collinsworth, Shorty Ladd, Jim Zusou (sp?), and others.

We did some Muscular Dystrophy Telethons driving around and singing at different gigs all day until the bars closed, ending up at Tips in Eagle River.

There was a recording studio in the basement of the old Country City where we recorded.

Mr. Whitekeys come down a few times to visit and talk to Johnny. History said the place was haunted.

Also cut a song with Kenny Blackwell.

And did guest spots at Mt. Alyeska in the original lodge.

Danced my heart out at the old Pines, and was offered the lead singing position there after Nancy moved on. But I had a good job and was raising two kids, so I declined.

Apr 17, 2017
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The Johnson Brothers
by: Nancy Crain-Smith

I have great memories of hanging out with the Johnson Brothers.

I dated Steve for a while and my girlfriend dated Pete. They were both great guys. Would love to know whatever happened to them. Lost contact after I married and moved to California.

Mar 06, 2017
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Hydra
by: Teena Malaski.

Yes, Hydra was in Anchorage band. They played at Chilkoot's, and opened for a few bands.

They played in the early 80s.

One of their songs made it onto an album that was strictly rock bands of Anchorage. Can't remember the name of the album, but I do have it put away somewhere. They were a very, very good band.

They got a record deal in California. Then Kenny passed away.


A Note from Anchorage Memories

Thank you for the update, Teena. We are sorry to learn of the passing of your friend.


Mar 04, 2017
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Alaskan Hill Billy Band
by: Anonymous

The Country Western performers Johnny Collinsworth, Nancy Lee, and Little Shorty, the Hunch Back, used to play at the Montana Club.

The Alaska'n Hill Billy Band, along with Dewy, ha ha Allen, and Drummer Lonnie. Nancy only played every so often.

Feb 09, 2017
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Hydra
by: Teena Malaski

I had a very good friend who started a band right out of high school.

They did pretty well. Until tragedy struck in California.

Kenny Gundacker was a very close friend. His band was Hydra.

Jan 16, 2017
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Burgundy Rose
by: Linda Cordle

Whatever happened to the band Burgundy Rose?

I remember them winning a national contest, the battle of the bands, I think. They usually played up at the teen club on Government Hill. Late 1960s early 1970s? It was a curling club later. I think.

A Note from Mike

Linda: Perhaps a site visitor can answer your question about the band Burgundy Rose.

The teen club on Government Hill was called the Cheetah.




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