January’s “Third Saturday” event will present the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sheboygan County
“It’s Only Rock’n Roll, The First 25 Years in Sheboygan County,” is the focus of the Jan. 16 “Third Saturday” program at the Sheboygan County Historical Museum at 3110 Erie Ave. in Sheboygan.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, rock-and-roll music had emerged in a big way and it was here to stay. Young people around the world had found the music of their generation. Sheboygan County was no exception to this trend. From 1957 to 1982, Sheboygan County produced 175 bands that involved hundreds of young people with this newest musical expression. The Sheboygan Jaycees often sponsored the Battle of the Bands at the Sheboygan Armory to showcase local talent. In addition to playing local venues, several area bands traveled regionally and produced 45 rpm records. All were dreaming of making the big time.
Visitors will be able to listen to the music of local, regional and national bands, see posters and pictures and meet many of the local musicians active in the early years of rock and roll in Sheboygan County.
Musicians and key people who helped put this event together include Rick Gustafson, Darrel Mand, Randy Schwoerer, Kevin Zimmermann and collectors and researchers, Ted Dalton and Neil Altman. Many other musicians are planning to attend. Artifacts, posters, pictures and period instruments will be on display.
Altman will show an extensive collection of national, regional and local materials, including several videos of the earliest years of rock and roll on the national and international levels.
Kevin Zimmerman, musician and long-time radio host for WHBL, will be the DJ as he plays the records made by area bands. He will add comments and insight into their history. Some of the area bands that made 45 rpm records include The Furys, The Vikings, The Teen Kings, The Chantels, The NightCappers, Matadors, Primates, Chain Gang, Blue Feeling, Love Society, Loyal Opposition, Sweetleaf, Purple People and the Rings. Bands formed and dissolved regularly. Most of the musicians played in many bands over the years.
The people working on this project as well as the Museum and Research Center are looking for additional posters and pictures of area bands and assistance with the identification of area musicians. Any help in this regard will be much appreciated.
Collections, displays, demonstration, historic videos, hands-on activities for people of all ages and great big pictures will all be part of the day. Local history handouts will include “time line,” “learn the lingo,” “a day in the life of,” “best resources” – and much more.
“Third Saturdays” start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Guests are welcome any time throughout the day. Lunch is available. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 7-12. Children ages 6 and under are free. Members and their guests are free. The event is sponsored in part by H. C. Denison, Kohler Foundation Inc, Sargento Foods Inc., Windsor Family Foundation, Sheboygan Press, Alliant Energy Foundation and Great Lakes Blue Printers. “Third Saturday” programs extend from January through October.
