Music festivals abound in U. P.

Erik Koskinen will open
Gladstone's Rockin' the Bay
Music Festival on June 12.


By STEVE SEYMOUR

If you want to enjoy musical entertainment in a festival setting this summer, the Upper Peninsula offers many worthwhile events.

More than a dozen festivals are scheduled, featuring a wide variety of musical offerings.

Some of these events, like Hiawatha and Grand Marais, have been going on for decades, while Gladstone's Rockin' the Bay is new.

Here are some details to help you decide which ones to attend:

Swamp Rock Bash, June 3-6, Stephenson

Featured entertainment for the 9th annual event includes Strutter, a Kiss tribute band; Free Fallin', saluting Tom Petty; and Jasmine Cain. Born in Sturgis, South Dakota, Cain has been playing for major motorcycle rallies for much of her career. For details go to swamprockbash.net.

Thunder Fest, June 6, Brimley

Sponsored by the Bay Mills Resort & Casinos, Thunder Fest is billed as a "veterans charity biker/ musicfest on the shores of Lake Superior." The evening concert features Bobby Friss, the Outer Vibe, and blues band Measured Chaos. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. Go to thunderfest.baymills.org for details.

Rockin' the Bay Festival, June 12-13, Gladstone

This is the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event. Seven acts covering jazz, blues, Americana, rock and rockabilly will be presented. Friday's line -up includes Erik Koskinen Band, Alex Wilson Band and Hillbilly Voo Doo Dolls. Saturday's entertainment features Ben Durbin's Modern Antiques, Molly Maher and Her Disbelievers, Cadillac Kolstad & the Flats and Randy Weeks. Rockin' the Bay is sponsored by the Gladstone Yacht Club and supports the Gladstone Schools' Fine Arts Dept. For details call 428-4924.

Jam Dam Jamboree, June 26-28, Wilson

Among the performers at this year's Jam Dam Jamboree will be Grassfire, an Escanaba-based bluegrass combo.

U. P. Hog Wild, July 17-19, Kingsford
Held at Lodal Park, U. P. Hog Wild is actually a championship barbecue competition, antique car show and music festival. The featured acts this year include Pink Houses, Johnny Wad, Fat Brass, Inc., Big Mouth, Red, White & Blues Band, Next Myle and Whiskey Stil. For more information, go to uphogwild.com.

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, July 17-19, Marquette

This year marks the 31st annual Hiawatha Festival, held at Tourist Park. Entertainment includes bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, blues and folk music. Scheduled acts include Tangled Roots, Derrell Syria Project, Lucy Kaplansky, Cafe Accordion, Mamadou Diabate, Josh White Jr., Rhythm in Shoes, Stairwell Sisters, Feufollet and Pat Donohue. For details, go to hiawathamusic.org.

Aura Jamboree, July 17-18, Aura

In case you didn't know it, Aura is located 15 miles north of L'Anse in Baraga County. The 33rd edition of the Jamboree presents regional bluegrass and acoustic musicians playing inside Aura Hall and jam sessions all over the grounds. First called "The Fiddlers Jamboree," the event raises funds for the Aura Community Hall. Tickets are $5 per day. For details, go to CopperCountry.com

Motongator Joe's Country Music Festival, July 22-26, Wallace

Put together by Joe Grinsteiner, also known as Motongator Joe, this is the 13th annual event. Featured entertainers this year are Buddy Jewel and Tommy Horton. The 120-acre festival grounds can accommodate 5,000 music fans. For details, go to bigtimecountry.com.

Woodtick Music Festival, July 30- Aug. 2, Hermansville

The 16th annual Woodtick will again feature a main stage and an acoustic "front porch." Main stage performers on Friday include: Acoustically Challenged, Bordertown, Next Myle, Schizophonic and Billy Shears Show. Saturday's line-up is Sawdust Symphony, Rainbow Stew, Suns of Memphis, Flat Broke Blues Band, Bad Axe Rodeo and Night Train. Sunday's acts are Norton & Chartier, Bill Martin & the Blasters and Woodtick Jam. Entertaining at the front porch are Buffett Bash, Bounty Hunter, Willow Ridge, Grassfire, Sawdust Symphony, The Martinz, Cosmic Bob, Fossil, WG3 (Whitens Generation Three), and Crooked Creek. For more information, contact brian@woodtickfestival.com

Grand Marais Music & Arts Festival, Aug. 7-9, Grand Marais
Friday's line-up features Tanglemere and the Town Pants for the 28th annual event. Performers on Saturday include Greg Koons, the Overtones, Red, White & Blues, the Harvestmen, Charlie's Root Fusion and Macpodz. Sunday's schedule features Grassfire, New Third Coast and Cabin Fever. For details, visit their website.

Mackinac Island Music Festival, Aug. 18-20, Mackinac Island

Presented by the Mackinac Arts Council and Great Turtle Festivals, the 5th annual event will feature Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels on the 19th at Mission Point Resort Theatre. The festival will also stage a recreation of the Band's "Last Waltz," performance as seen in the film directed by Martin Scorsese. Other weekend entertainers will be Kraig Kenning, Ash Can Van Gogh, Barbara Payton, Michelle Chenard and the Forbes Brothers. For further information, go to MackinacIsland.net.

Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Aug. 28-30, Ontonagon

This year marks the 5th annual event, held at the Ski Hill and Chalet area of the Porcupine Mountains State Park outside Ontonagon. Entertainers include Cadillac Sky, Clumsy Lovers, Gandolf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Deke Dickerson & the Eccofonics, Pieta Brown, Seth Bernard and Daisy May, Drew Nelson, Charlie Parr and Reverend Eddie Danger. For details visit porkiesfestival.org.

Marquette Area Blues Fest, Sept. 5-6, Marquette

Staged at Lower Harbor Park, Blues Fest is now in its 6th year. The Saturday performers are Zydecology, the Original Delta Fireballs, Biscuit Miller and the Mix, Gina Sicilia and James "Super Chikan" Johnson. Millie Street, Reverend Sexton, Maurice Davis, Curtis Salgado and Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King will entertain on Sunday. There's also a don't-miss after party for fans who can't get enough of the blues. For details, visit marquetteareabluessociety.org.

Like thousands of other fans, my wife Sue and I are planning to attend some outstanding music festivals around the Upper Peninsula this summer.

Maybe you should, too.

Vincent rocked at U. P shows

This promo photograph was used to publicize
Gene Vincent 's 1960 Escanaba show.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

When rock legend Gene Vincent, known for "Be-Bop-A-Lula," appeared in Escanaba near the end of 1960, he had been on an emotional roller coaster.

As fans filed into the William W. Oliver Auditorium on Dec. 29 to witness Vincent's fabled stage show, they were probably unaware of what the performer had gone through during the previous 12 months.

Vincent started the year with a tour of American Air Force bases, then found himself on a hugely-popular British tour titled "Anglo-American Beat Show." His good friend Eddie Cochran, the Minnesota native responsible for "Summertime Blues," shared the stage with Vincent.

Eddie Cochran

On Jan. 12, he appeared with Cochran on the British variety show "Boy Meets Girl." The two entertainers performed at the Empire Theater in Glasgow on Feb. 1 and ended a 12-week tour of the British Isles on April 16.

But, after that final show, tragedy struck. A taxi carrying the two singers and Cochran's fiancee, Sharon Sheeley, blew a tire and struck a concrete post on the way to London airport. Vincent and Sheeley survived, but Cochran died at the hospital.

Vincent sustained a broken collarbone, fractured arm and cracked ribs. He also suffered additional injuries to his left leg, which doctors had nearly amputated following a motorcycle accident in Norfolk, Virginia, years earlier.

Born in Norfolk, Vincent was given his first guitar at age 12. Despite his interest in music, he joined the Navy in 1952.

Shortly after he re-enlisted, the Triumph motorcycle Vincent was operating was struck by a car. Doctors saved Vincent's leg, but the Navy issued him a medical discharge and orders to wear a leg brace.

With his Navy stint over, Vincent formed the Blue Caps and won a talent contest sponsored by Norfolk disc jockey Bill "Sheriff Tex" Davis, who was soon managing the group.

By the summer of 1956, Vincent had written "Be-Bop-A-Lula" with Davis and watched it become a number seven hit for Capitol Records. The song charted for 20 weeks and launched Vincent's career in rock 'n' roll and rockabilly.

Vincent performed "Be-Bop-A-Lula" in the film "The Girl Can't Help It."

The singer-songwriter-guitarist burnished his reputation with an appearance in four motion pictures, including "The Girl Can't Help It," starring Jayne Mansfield. Dressed in black leather and blue denim, Vincent's biker look in the film was widely copied.

Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps enjoyed another hit in 1957, when "Lotta Lovin'" went to number 13. "Dance to the Bop" followed.

Vincent's reputation grew when he appeared on television programs hosted by Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark and Steve Allen.

By 1959, the Capitol Records recording artist had discovered audiences in England, France, Japan and Australia eager to see his raucous stage show.

Eddie and Gene

Those shows were twice as exciting when Vincent teamed up with Cochran, another talented guitarist and dynamic live performer. When the calamitous road mishap claimed Cochran, his single at the time was "Three Steps to Heaven," which topped the charts in the United Kingdom.

Although he sent flowers for Cochran's funeral service, Vincent was too devastated to attend. He was discharged from the hospital on April 19 and returned to the United States the next day.

Still, Vincent returned to London and was back on tour on April 30. He booked time at Abbey Road Studio on May 11 to record "Pistol Packing Mama" and "Weeping Willow." The single reached number 15 in the UK.

Vincent's sixth long-playing record, "Crazy Times," was also released during the year. His wife Darlene gave birth to a son, Gene Vincent, Jr., although fans were still being told Vincent was single.

In the early 1960s, Vincent toured the upper Midwest, playing shows for $300 a night.

Now, the Upper Peninsula was calling. Vincent, then 25, agreed to appear in concert at the Junior High auditorium for two shows on Thursday, Dec. 29, 1960. The events were sponsored by the Escanaba Band Boosters and Escanaba High School Fan Club, with proceeds being used to buy new band uniforms.

Admission to the matinee was 60 cents, while entry to the evening show cost $1. Tickets were sold at Delta Music Center, Gust Asp's and Advanced Electric Co. Advanced stocked Vincent's albums and the High Lights' single for interested customers.

A newspaper advertisement promised Vincent's show would be the "greatest Rock and Roll jamboree ever presented in our town." It urged readers to "fall in and make this scene, it's the absolute end." The notice promised the star would "rock it up in person."

Vincent did not appear with his Blue Caps as fans may have expected, but instead performed with members of the High Lights, a combo from Austin, Minnesota. Led by drummer Al Anderson, the group also included Gary Bailey, Bob Bulger, Dale Olsen and Barry Rush. They were known for their recording, "Ah So," an instrumental released on Play Records.

Certainly, Vincent played "Be-Bop-A-Lula" during his Escanaba shows, but the remainder of those long-ago setlists might never be known.

Bob Hanson

Although guitarist Bob Hanson did not play with Vincent during the Escanaba show, he did perform with him at a gig in Iron Mountain. "I remember it was about 20 below zero and we didn't have much of a crowd," Hanson told me.

Vincent played "Baby Blue," "Be-Bop-A-Lula" and "Bluejean Bop," Hanson recalled. The audience also heard Vincent perform "Corrina, Corrina" and many other songs.

"He had a marvelous voice," Hanson added.

"You had to be crazy and do crazy things on stage with him that no other band would do in those days. We had a lot of fun working with him."

Piano player Roger Johnson relates another story when Vincent had to travel overnight from Hancock to a Canadian show. Vincent had recently returned from England and Cochran's death was probably still on his mind.

"It had been snowing heavily and I drove the road manager's car, with Gene in the passenger seat. The poor man was scared to death all night long, while the road manager slept in the back seat, oblivious to everything," Johnson recalled.

Vincent never regained the momentum he enjoyed before Cochran's untimely death.

The hectic life of a touring musician took a toll on Vincent, who continued to suffer chronic leg pain throughout his life. Wedded bliss escaped him as he was married and divorced four times. Mood swings and bouts of drinking disrupted his life.

The end came on Oct. 12, 1971 when Vincent ruptured a stomach ulcer in a fall at his parents' house in Newhall, California and died an hour later. He was 36 years old.

"When people find out I worked with Gene, they all want to hear his music which I know inside out," said guitarist Hanson, who still performs a few nights a week in Florida. "I can assure you he was one of the nice guys in show business and died at a much too early age. At one time, he was as big a star as Elvis."

Cocker's gruff vocals entice fans

Veteran rock singer Joe Cocker performed at
the Island Resort and Casino in Harris last weekend,
showcasing his uniquely gritty vocal style.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

Rock 'n' roll singer Joe Cocker demonstrated his unmistakable vocal abilities during two shows at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris last weekend.

The veteran performer, born in the northern England steel town of Sheffield, tore through a 16-song set spanning four decades.

My wife Sue and I watched in awe from the third row during the May 9 concert.

Cocker led an impressive eight-piece band which included Laurie Wisefield (guitar), Mike Finnigan (Hammond B3 organ), Nick Milo (piano), Norbert Fimpel (sax and congas), and Nichelle Tillman (vocals). The rhythm section was anchored by bassist Oneida James-Rebeccu and drummer extraordinaire Kenny Aronoff, known for his appearances with John Mellencamp and John Fogerty, among others.

During the 90-minute program Cocker, dressed in black, mesmerized the audience just as he had at the Woodstock Music Festival in August, 1969.

Known for his wailing interpretations of songs written by others, Cocker gave especially powerful renditions of his songs, considering he'll turn 65 on May 20.

"Hitchcock Railway," an album track from Cocker's second long-player, opened the show, with the band instantly finding a groove behind Cocker's sandpaper vocals. Aronoff was quick to show-off his muscular drumming technique which has made him a well-known session player. Cocker's physical delivery included pounding some keys on his "air organ."

Cocker rolled-up his sleeves and got down to business with "Feelin' Alright," a track composed by Dave Mason and contained on Cocker's first album, "With a Little Help From My Friends," released in 1969.

The iconic performer followed with "The Letter," a Top Ten hit from 1970's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" disc. Milo and Finnigan dished out some tasty keyboard work to accompany Cocker's gritty singing. "The Letter," was first made popular by the Box Tops in 1967.

Next, Cocker reprised a trio of hits from the 1980s.

"When the Night Comes," written by Bryan Adams, reached number 11 for Cocker in 1989. The live version included an intriguing guitar solo by Wisefield, a former member of Wishbone Ash.

Cocker's sole chart-topper followed. He smiled when the crowd recognized "Up Where We Belong," a duet he originally performed with Jennifer Warnes. The song appeared in the 1982 movie soundtrack for "An Officer and A Gentlemen."

Tillman soared as Warnes' replacement for the concert version of the hit, composed by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jack Nitzsche and Will Jennings. The audience showed its approval with a standing ovation.

"Shelter Me," released in 1986, included an appealing sax solo from Fimpel and a few well-placed screams from Cocker.

"You Are So Beautiful," a ballad from 1974, drew renewed attention to Cocker's raspy vocals. The tune, from Billy Preston's catalog, earned Cocker and the band another standing ovation.

Cocker picked-up the with pace with a stunning version of the Beatles' classic "Come Together," recorded for the film "Across the Universe." The propulsive number was one of the highlights of the show.

Andy Fairweather Low's "Hymn For My Soul," title track from Cocker's 2008 album of the same name, followed. The compact disc includes cover version of songs written by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder and others.

Cocker returned to the 1980s for "You Can Leave Your Hat On," written by Randy Newman. The song was featured prominently in the motion picture "Nine and One-Half Weeks" and lured women from the venue's seating to the front of the stage.

Since Cocker readily acknowledges the influence of Ray Charles in his vocal style and stage mannerisms, "Unchain My Heart" was especially striking. Charles made the song a hit in 1962.

After a lengthy intro, Cocker and his band-mates delivered a frenetic take on "With a Little Help From My Friends," another gem penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The song was Cocker's first hit and featured the guitar work of Jimmy Page on the studio version.

On stage, Aronoff's wild drumming and Cocker's patented screams packed the classic song with an excitement just hinted at in the Beatles version. Cocker ended the number with four jumps. On the last leap, he flashed the peace sign with both hands, then left the stage.

For the encore, he belted out Leon Russell's "Delta Lady" and gave his lungs a work-out with a third Lennon-McCartney tune, "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window." Both tracks were from his self-titled 1969 album. Cocker returned to 1970 for a heartfelt performance of "Cry Me a River," originally a hit for singer/actress Julie London in 1955.

During a second encore, Cocker put a soulful stamp on "Long As I Can See the Light," a John Fogerty road song released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1970. "Put a candle in the window, 'cause I feel I've got to move. Though I'm going, going, I'll be home soon," Cocker sang.

Cocker, however, won't be getting home in the near future. He's currently on a lengthy North American tour and remains a popular concert draw in Europe and around the world. While other people his age may be retired or wishing they were, Cocker is obviously still enjoying himself on stage.

So, it was a pleasant surprise when the singer left cheering fans with a pledge: "I'll come back some other time."

Vietnam derailed Henchmen VI

The Henchmen VI played the Upper Peninsula from
east to west, recorded a 45 rpm single and were poised
for greater success when the Vietnam War broke up the band.
Standing, from left: Joe DeHut, Jay Jackson, Jeff Jackson,
Scott Heinski and Bob Durant. Seated: Art Moinlenen.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

When Ontonagon's Henchmen VI rock group pursued their musical aspirations in the mid-1960s, the Vietnam War loomed menacingly on the horizon.

Started by Joe DeHut (rhythm guitar, vocals), the Henchmen VI also included Scott Heinske (vocals and lead guitar), Bob Durant (bass and vocals), Art Moinlenen (organ), brothers Jay Jackson (drums) and Jeff Jackson (tambourine).

Jeff Jackson was considerably younger than the other members of the group and was added for his ability to move about the stage and fire-up the crowd, DeHut said. Another sibling, Dean Jackson, played bass in the band for a brief period, giving the rhythm section a double punch.

Heinske and Durant hailed from the tiny community of White Pine, while the others were from Ontonagon where the band conducted practice sessions on the second floor of the local fire hall. "Nobody cared how much noise we made," DeHut told me.

Because there was a Marquette band also using the Henchmen moniker, the Ontonagon group added the Roman numerals to their name to avoid any confusion. The VI referred to the number of musicians in the band.

The band played popular songs, mostly from British groups like the Rolling Stones, although they also boasted a pair of originals penned by Heinske.

Like many other Upper Peninsula bands looking for increased exposure, the Henchmen VI traveled to Negaunee to perform for a March of Dimes Telethon on WLUC-TV6. Brief footage of their appearance is included in a 50th anniversary documentary prepared by the television station, "Lights, Camera, Action."

Distance didn't seem to bother the Henchmen VI. They played at the Soo Armory at the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula and in Ironwood on the west end, as well as neighboring Hurley, Wisconsin.

In early March, 1967, the band made a 250-mile trip to Cuca Studio in Sauk City, Wisconsin to record "All of the Day" and "Is Love Real" for a 45 rpm single.

With studio owner James Kirchstein at the controls, the band laid down instrumental tracks first, then vocals, for both songs.


Guitarist Joe DeHut, drummer Jay Jackson and brother Jeff at Cuca Studio.

"All of the Day" features jangly guitars, reminiscent of the Byrds, famous for "Turn, Turn, Turn," a top hit in 1965.

"Is Love Real," meanwhile, includes a fierce guitar solo. In the lyrics, Heinske pleads: "Tell the truth now. Is love real? Or, is it just something to steal?"

Both songs were recorded in the period of one hour, DeHut remembered. "All of the Day" clocked in at 2:35, while "Is Love Real" lasted all of 2:10.

Kirchstein also published Heinske's songs, as was the usual practice at the time.

The Henchmen VI paid Kirchstein $250 for his services, which included a number of 45s for the band to sell at shows. The single was given the catalog number 6731.

Back in the Upper Peninsula, DeHut, Heinske and the others waited impatiently for their order of 45s to arrive. Kirchstein shipped the records to Baraga by Greyhound bus. When the Henchmen VI finally took possession of the box they discovered it had been opened in transit and that many records were damaged or missing.

The records which survived carried a label which included the drawing of a figure with a sombrero taking a siesta.

Few copies of the 45 exist today, although the songs have appeared on a compact disc, "Garagemental," issued by Ace Records in 2006.

While the shipping fiasco was disappointing, the Henchmen VI were also aware that the Vietnam War was intensifying.

On April 20, 1967, sparsely-populated Ononagon County lost two U. S. Army soldiers to the war: SP5 Ernest Skinner and SP4 William Lundberg. Sgt. Kenneth Somero died the previous year.

"We knew we were doomed," DeHut said about the future of the band.

Although their career lasted just two years, the Henchmen VI enjoyed a number of accomplishments. They opened for the Left Banke when the New York-based combo, known for "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina," performed in Negaunee. "The audience seemed to like us better because we played the songs they wanted to hear," DeHut remembered.

DeHut still has a trophy the Henchmen VI took home for winning a Battle of the Bands contest in Ironwood.

DJ Chuck Gervasio, left, and guitarist Joe DeHut.

Their Cuca single also earned some airplay for the Henchmen VI. The record was played on WSOO in Sault Ste. Marie by disc jockey Chuck Gervasio, now owner of WUPM in Gogebic County. Radio stations in Ironwood and Duluth, Minnesota broadcast the recording too.

The Ontonagon sextet also recorded with Rob Kirk, a singer, guitarist and songwriter from Sault Ste. Marie, but due to a monetary dispute, nothing was released, DeHut said. Another song, titled "Girl Talk," credited to Rob Kirk and the Word was issued on Cuca in June, 1967. Kirk played some dates with the Henchmen VI where the two acts would alternate songs, DeHut recalled.

While the Henchmen VI talked to a promoter about playing the fair circuit, Uncle Sam soon came calling.

The group played together for the last time at a reunion show at Ironwood's Memorial Building in the fall of 1967.

Heinske, a member of the White Pine High School Class of 1967, was drafted first. DeHut joined the Air Force and served in Thailand. Durant and Moinlenen enlisted in the Navy. Jay Jackson was also drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam, DeHut recalled.

Today, the members of the Henchmen VI are dispersed around the country. Only DeHut remained on Ontonagon. He performs each week in a Christian band called Victory 8:28, at White Pine United Methodist Church where his wife Rosemary serves as pastor.

For his service in Vietnam, SP4 Heinske was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. The Vietnam War hero continued honing his music skills throughout his life.

Sadly, Heinske died at home in Garner, North Carolina on May 30, 1997 after a long illness. The Henchmen VI's singer, lead guitarist and songwriter was just 48 years old. Heinske was buried at the Raleigh National Cemetery in Wake County, North Carolina, on June 5, 1997.

Due to the Vietnam War, Uncle Sam took a toll on the Henchmen VI, but they left their mark with two memorable recordings and a measure of patriotism which can't be denied.

MORE HENCHMAN VI PHOTOS


The Henchmen VI with Rob Kirk (in red shirt).


From left, Jeff Jackson, Bob Durant and Joe DeHut performing.


The Henchmen VI with seven members.