The Heikes Family

by Sandy Heikes
(Oceanview Hawaii USA)

Heikes Family with Dick Berry

The Heikes Family played at Tips Bar in 1968-1970 in Eagle River… before child labor laws.

Roger, Jerry, JoAnne, and Sandy. Dad Don fronted the band.

We were called the Yukon Kids before Dad fronted the band. We played the first or second Alaska State Fair during the Battle of the Bands on the back of a flatbed trailer, when there were only 2 bands. That was over 50 years ago.

Tips is still there. It was across from The Red Barn, where The Country Gentleman and Sue worked. Dave Hearn was on the banjo, and Dave Dumas was on drums. I believe Johnny Wade fronted the band.

The barn used to let my brothers come in and play on Sundays when KYAK (country) radio had a live show.

I also worked with Nancy Lee and her sister JoAnne at The Waterhole on the old Seward Highway.

Years later, in 1973, we met Nancy Lee at Carpentiers. She came in to hear us with the family band after playing a square dance somewhere. I asked, "How was it?" She said, "You played one, you played them all."

I worked with Nancy years later at the old Pines, and yes, I was a PaceSetter for a couple of years.

Also worked years later at The Hub downtown on 4th Ave in 1986 and 1987.

I recorded a few tunes with Johnny Collinsworth and knew Shorty Ladd (he played his fiddle sideways).

Also worked on "The Whale Fat Follies" for a spell (around five years).

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“always a great read” Tony

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