By STEVE SEYMOUR Promoter Gene Smiltnick designed posters for dozens of acts signed to his Bands Unlimited booking agency, based in Escanaba.
These eye-catching broadsheets usually contained pictures of the group, taken in studio or at local sites, and information about their latest show, or dance.
Generating word-of-mouth advertising, posters were a main format to publicize appearances by local rock outfits.
They used to decorate store windows and school bulletin boards. Common back in the day, these posters are hard to find collector items now.
Outdated ones quickly hit the refuse bin, although a few survived, posted proudly on teenage bedroom walls.
Take the Riot Squad, for example. Active from 1965-1973, they were featured on a number of placards, including the one shown here.
Measuring 17 by 22 inches, this early poster promoted the young quintet's gig at the Gladstone Legion Hall on Sunday, March 10, 1968. It urged "casual dress" and noted a $1 admission charge to the 2-5 p. m. event.
Peninsula Records, printed prominently on the poster, released a Riot Squad 45 rpm record "Come On, Let's Go"/ "Ferry 'Cross the Mersey."
This collection displays the various graphics and textual messages used in Smiltneck's posters, circa 1969-1970.
They now serve as a storehouse of memories.
RIOT SQUAD Pictured are Bob Anzalone, bass; Greg Curran, lead vocals; Jim Joque, rhythm guitar; Dan Curran, percussion; Brendan Williams, lead guitar. With numerous personnel changes through the years, the group played a reunion show for Escanaba's sesquicentennial in 2013.
INFINITE BLUE THEM THREE & US TU Pictured from left are Loreene Zeno, Jane Brkopac, Larry Willette, Bob Derouin, Greg Swank. This group lasted just a short time as members were recruited by other bands, including Riot Squad.
UPSTAIRS TO THE LEFT Pictured clockwise from top: Kim Erickson, Dennis Combs, Dick Peterson, Dave Berndt. An earlier version included Mick Van Effen. The location of the bathroom in a band member's home inspired the moniker.
FLOOD Pictured clockwise from top: Tom Vardigan, Terry Steede, John Adams, Mark Olivares. Also known as Johnstown Flood after an 1889 tragedy claiming 2,000 lives. Flood won an "amateur" Battle of the Bands contest at the U. P. State Fair organized by John Chown. An "all aged" 14 version of the band included Joel Coplan.
THE PORRIDGE LECTRIK MUDD CHOCKOLIT ASHKAN Pictured are Mike Buckley, Jim Shomin, Duane Slagstad, Dan McDonald. Escanaba's Greg Tolman was also a one time member of the band with the uniquely spelled name.
PROPHETS OF DOOM Pictured are Dave Watchorn, Larry Olivares, Jay Olivares, and Larry Williams. Mike Steede was not in the group at this time. Jim Nelson was another founding member. The original 45 record "Baba-Do-Wah"/ "I Told You" is credited to the group. Sadly, Jay Olivares, Steede and Watchorn have passed away.
INSANITY'S HORSE Pictured are Doug Sjoquist, drums; Matt Gadnis, keyboards; Mitch Jensen, bass; Brendan Williams, lead guitar; Phyllis Sexton, vocals. The poster features hand drawn artwork. The group's name is included in the lyrics of the song "I Can't See Your Face" by the Doors.
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Pictured from left are John Smith, guitar; Steve Toohill, bass; Jim Bardowski, drums; Sam Steffke, keyboards. All members of the Menominee group also sang. They released a single "Black Train"/"Lies" on the Tevar imprint and held a reunion show in 2013.
Pictured from top: Brendan Williams, Mitch Jensen, Dan Curran, Tom McGovern, Dale Stannard. Also pictured in the oval photo is roadie Gary Buckley, referred to by the group as "our slave." Another incarnation of the band comprised Jensen, Williams, Loreene Zeno and Bob Derouin.
Pictured from left are Tim Brostrom, Ron Faccio, Marc Maga, Dave Cass. Late bluesman Jim "Smiley" Lewis was also a member at one time.
Friday, September 28, 2018
OLD POSTERS STIR MEMORIES
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I've enjoyed rock music and writing since I was a teenager in the 60s. I feel lucky to have been around when rock's greatest stars created their most enduring hits. At the same time I found I enjoyed writing, as well. I worked on my high school newspaper and magazine, was editor of several college publications and earned a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1973. I worked for the daily newspaper in my hometown after graduating, becoming managing editor after a few years. By the 1980s, I moved into public relations. In 1985, my wife Sue and I opened a retail music store, The Record Rack, which we still own. Rock 'n' roll has been integral to me and for the last 2O years I've been earning my living from it even though I don't have a musical bone in my body. In recent years, I've also I edited a small local magazine and launched a micro FM radio station. Now, I'm finally combining my love of writing and rock 'n' roll. I can't sing a note, but I know what I like. I'll tell you all about it when you read on. I hope you have as much enjoyment reading these installments as I've had writing them.
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