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Wrapping Up the Stowaways
If Kenny Phillips were working on a Hollywood movie script about a high school rock band from the Sixties that reunites with their friends forty years later, the script couldn't turn out any better than what happened on Saturday night at Jim's Place.
About a thousand people showed up, or at least that's what it seemed like, to see and hear the Stowaways, the Plattsburgh High School kids from the Sixties who have obviously never lost the musical talent they showed us way back then. If you shut your eyes you could imagine yourself at Brodi's on a Friday night.
The parking lot at Jim's was so full that people began parking at the North Country Shopping Center, taking a shuttle bus to the greatest musical show I've seen in a long time. I'm not sure who got there first, but I do know that the best table in the house was occupied by Ken and David Baker and their family and friends. It was great to see my old Little League Baseball Nitzi's teammates.
The opening band was called Last Lyx, and they were a group of guys who are even older than I am. But they are guys that I used to dance to, back when I had happy feet.
On stage were John Champagne, who had played lead guitar for bands like the Montereys, Triads, Friends and Speed of Sound.
And Joe Gebo, who is still married to one of the prettiest cheerleaders who ever wore the OLVA colors of maroon and gold. Joe played rhythm guitar and sang with the Montereys, Frozen Sunshine and Friends.
Bill "PJ" Pajonas, an MAI grad, played keyboards for Willy and the Wanderers, the Stratatones and the Twilighters, among others.
Fred Passino, a great tenor sax musician, also played keyboards, harmonica and did vocals for bands such as the Falcons, the Franklin Brothers, Demolition and Speed of Sound.
And John Kains played bass guitar and did vocals for numerous bands way back when, such as the Persuaders, the Falcons, Carousel, The Attic and Hickory.
They were joined on stage by young drummer Bobby Sears, who made his mark in the North Country with the band South Junction. As Fred told me, "Bobby is the only one of us who doesn't have to check back in at Meadowbrook at the end of the night!"
Last Lyx entertained the crowd and it didn't take too many songs before people were up on their feet dancing. After all, people our age always did love to dance. We lived through the dance craze, when every week there was a new popular dance. It started with the Twist, and went on to the Stroll, the Mashed Potatoes, the Hully Gully, the Jerk, and at OLVA Dennis Mooney used to lead the whole school in the Locomotion! There we would be winding around the OLVA gym and into the hallways of the school, the whole student body -- all 35 of us!
The next band to the stage was the All-Star Band that was comprised of a nice mix of oldsters and youngsters. Bentley Austin started the rocking and nearby was his own son. This band kept the by-now-overflow crowd jumping.
And then it was "SHOWTIME." By this time, the crowd was ready. With their introduction and with the roar of the crowd, the Stowaways took the stage: Bentley Austin, Jim Wells, Geoff Jones, Spencer Bosworth, Mike O'Connell. But, wait a second! One was missing. Where was Kenny Phillips, the guy with the long straight hair and electric guitar? He apparantly was delayed for some reason.
Suddenly Phillips emerged from the back of the crowd with a pretty girl on each arm. Some things never change! Escorted to the stage with a big ovation, the band was finally back together for the first time in nearly forty years. Hundreds of their fans jumped to their feet and never sat down the rest of the night. They crowded toward the stage, and the Stowaways tore into songs like it was 1967.
All six of the guys were rocking and sweating and singing and playing and, most of all, smiling. And so were the thousands moving to the music. It was like a movie. This show could not have turned out better. There was Spencer still bopping around the stage, minus the big red Afro. There was Mike, belting out a song, stretching out those vocal cords like he was eighteen years old again. The six guys still had the girls screaming! The six guys still had a bunch of old guys wishing we could have been a Stowaway for a night!
And in the crowd were some of the North Country greats, from every walk of life, all getting reacquainted, renewing friendships. And I could swear I saw about twenty girls from the old YMCA dances that I'd always dreamed of dancing with. And, if someone had looked carefully, you might have seen Bob Anthony over by the door, leaning against the wall, enjoying the music and making sure we all behaved.
And then there she was, walking my way, a girl I knew back in 1965. She was a beauty then and she still is, and she was still walking my way. And she said, "Foxy, do you want to dance?" I took a swig of my refreshment to remove the gulp from my throat and yelled, "Are you kidding me?" And when the Stowaways broke into a slow song, I couldn't have been happier. Forty-something years later there we were on the dance floor.
Now in Kenny Phillips' movie script, she'd be single and we'd exchange phone numbers and live happily ever after on Sunset Boulevard. But this was Plattsburgh and that's not what happened, but I was happy anyway.
Even some blogoteers were present at the Stowaways Reunion. I finally met Juan and Miney, and talked with Elaine Caron-Conway, who I haven't seen since my high school days.
It was a night to remember and anyone who was there will be talking about it for a long time. Jim's Place has never seen such a night. The Stowaways did not disappoint us. We want them back. I don't know what it will take, but already Plattsburgh is buzzing about the Stowaways 2008 Road Tour to Plattsburgh. Maybe a week long tour beginning at the Pavilion near Rouses Point, and winding its way to the Weathercock in Chazy, and then on to Brodi's parking lot for a show. And then over to Plattsburgh High School the next night. And, let's end it at Jim's Place next July!
Bentley, Jim, Mike, Spencer, Ken, Geoff, thanks for a great show! And as for that movie script that Ken might be writing: We want -- we need -- a sequel!
Comments
Thought you might enjoy this. It's a copy of an email I sent to Craig Austin in anticipation of the Stowaways reunion in 1967...oh, yeah....by the way....the Class of '68 reunion (again....feat. the fabulous "Stowaways"!!!) is coming up soon, Aug. 1 - 3, 2008 (at the Naked Turtle on friday, Tabu on saturday and St. Armand's Beach on sunday!!) - hope to see you there!!! Enjoy your blog Foxy, a real eye opener and draw-dropper to see so many letters and memories from old friends and commerades.... A special "Hi" (and a cyberspace hug!!) to Ken("Mr. Hollywood") Phillips, Mike O'Connel, Spence Bosworth, Geoff Jones, Jim Wells, Randy Vaughn, Stan Scroggins, Ginny Valenze, Sandy Lavene, Bob Anthony, Bentley Austin, Craig Austin, Eric Austin, Heidi Gross, Sue Mason, Becky Rowlson, Miney (Romeyn) Rowlson, Buzz Rowlson, Glenn Dalton, Jeff DelBel, Patty Maynard, Judy Brown, Judy Passinau, Leigh Graves, Tommy Morrison, Mickey Chaskey, Tom Jennings, Dale Derusha, Debbie Valenze, Judy ("Judd") Paro, Jerry Lavene, Danny Yokum, Mitch Pajonas, Jim Camp, Tom LaMar, Greg Nolan, Steve Nolan, Kim Baldwin, Holly Baldwin, Mark Egan, Chris Trigg, Billy Pajonas, Steve Davies, Steve Englehart, and, In memorium - Mike Murray, Jim Madsen and Dave McDowell, and , anyone else I've forgotten, please contact me at afee@sbli.com or call me at 978-5001377:
Hi Craig,
It was a beautiful thing when you, Eric, Bentley and
Glen (“Slow-Hand”) Dalton headed for Columbus, Ohio as “Pure Jam”
or something like that!!??!! Although it was very sad and painful as a
young musician to see you go…I mean, when you guys moved, you left
a very big hole in the curltural landscape of the north country….oops!
….oh, yeah….Dannemora too!!.
Then I heard you put a few albums out that were getting airplay
in the midwest or something.
Anyway, I was totally into it. Lost track of you but tried
to look you up in Columbus in 1985 when I was playing bass
(Music Man Stingray) with a showband that was touring
The United States and Canada called “Galaxy of Stars.”
Great to hear you’re putting together this excellent reunion.
It looks like I will be able to be there on Friday and Saturday
with my brother John and Chris Trigg. (I don’t know
If you know him, but he’s a great guy and a very good drummer).
but have to be back in Boston on sunday to work some overtime
at my computer job at a life insurance company.
I have been playing keyboards in a top 40 jazz/rock/r&b
funk outfit for the last 4 years. I left that band in December but am
now putting together a new band.
By the way, I don’t know if you know this but I played in a jazz/rock
Band with Jerry Lavene in the late seventies called “Citizens’ Band.”
I also played with a band around 1980 – 1981 at the Office opposite
another band that featured Mike O’Connel and Spencer Bosworth.
Great to hear that the Stowaway’s are getting back together
One more time!!! Glad you are going to be there and look forward to
catching up with you. Would like to hear any CDs or see any DVDs
Or videos you guys have made over the years. (I do have one video
of me doing two of my originals – I should say, I wrote the music
and Jimmy Madsen wrote the lyrics – on YouTube, although it’s
kind of skanky…it’s from a cable tv show I performed on in 1998).
Anyway, you are someone who made a heavy impact on me
musically during my nurturing years.
-look forward to seeing you this weekend,
-andy
Posted by: Andy Fee | July 24, 2008 9:56 AM
Foxy and all,
This certainly was a night to remember. The bands were excellent, it was difficult to think it had been 40 years, it seemed like yesterday. There was so much love and friendship in that establishment that evening. It was wonderful seeing so many friends.
Thank you for the birthday wishes, I will remember this year as one of the best.
(Foxy's note: Elaine made travels plans all the way from Orlando so that she wouldn't miss the Stowaways Reunion Concert.)
Posted by: Elaine from Orlando | July 31, 2007 7:02 PM
Foxy,
I can only say DITTO to all the comments about saturday night. It was magical!
I would love to see another like it, but matching this one will be close to impossible. Classmates you haven't seen in thirty years, even some from grade school.
My hat is off to Bentley Austin for the amount of work he put into the reunion. And to the rest of the stowaways, WOW!! Mike Oconnell, the energy he had on stage, rippled into the crowd. And of course Kenny, got everyone going!!
It was great meeting you Foxy and Goose as well. Thanks for the great job on saturday.
Juan
Posted by: Juan | July 19, 2007 10:21 AM
Foxy, I had the pleasure to speak with Spencer the night before last and got a first hand account of how the event went over in his own words. I wish I had been able to make it up. I am still coming up to pick up a load of Antiques we have stored just have to find the time. I would love to get my hands on a DVD. Please let me know how much and where to send the money. Sure sounds like a great time was had by all!!
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | July 19, 2007 9:50 AM
Foxy,
Need I say last Saturday night at Jim's Place was like Deja Vu all over again.
I enjoyed watching so many recognizeable and not so recognizable faces dance their socks off on the crowded dance floor. It was as if I was at the back bar in Brodi's with Mike Brodi and Pip Papa mixing the drinks except that they weren't there in body but I am sure they were in spirit.
The band didn't lose a beat and as for Mike O'Connell things never change. He can sure put on a show just like at the Y M C A 40 years agao.
I would like to thank the P H S Alumni for allowing the other schools to attend this wonderful event. I was very proud to represent M A I as I am sure my fellow Mounties who were there felt the same.
Thanks again to all involved with this Major League event. Also, a special thanks to FOXY and THE GOOSE for putting it all on tape for all to see. Those memories will be priceless.
One last thing to you Foxy. I noticed that when you were on the dance floor that you had more moves than Mayflower and were oh soooo smooth!
(Foxy's note: Yah, right, Crusher! But I will say this: I got to dance with a few of my dream-come-true girls that night. Also, the DVDs of the show are ready, so spread the word. People can contact me if interested.)
Posted by: Crusher | July 18, 2007 4:31 PM
Foxy,
The Stowaways reunion was great! This was my first Reunion Party in Plattsburgh and it was unbelievable! I was a graduate of the class of '69 and a Base Kid. I was only there for 2 years and haven't been back in years! But what a way to come back.
I just wanted to comment on how great it was to see the relationships that were reunited on that memorable night. The city of Plattsburgh is amazing. I have been in many schools and many places, Plattsburgh showed itself to be the most memorable on Sat night! It made me wish I had grown up in one place and forged the memories and relationships I observed at this reunion. What a wonderful and unique experience you all were part of and that I was able to be a part of for two years.
Like many others I hope you can talk the Stowaways into reuniting in '07. We have already started talking to Kenny and Jim at Peggy Haley- Gannon's house Sunday night.
Posted by: Pam McClain Cooper | July 17, 2007 8:21 PM
Foxy, What a night ! It was great to see some old faces. (some changed) Just like the Y dances, everybody got along. To see old classmates and people from one or two classes apart was just like walking the hallways at school. It was also nice to see the other schools (St.john's, M A I, Peru, Beekmantown, Plattsburgh) The class of 67 and the Stowaways did a fantastic job. It would be nice to see the class of 68 from the area schools get together and have a reunion like this next year.
The Team of Nitzi's had a pretty good turn out (I played with Goose ). Again Foxy the night was fantastic, The ones that missed it will most likely drop everything next year.
Posted by: LB from So Platt | July 17, 2007 4:23 PM
Foxy - I have to comment on this blog. I had such a great time.Thank you Stowaways,Thank you class of "67". I saw guys and gals Saturday night that I haven't seen since high school. Many great athletes that I played against since little league. I will never forget that night. Many memories have gone through my head since Saturday because of all the familiar faces. It was the place to be and those who didn't make it missed a walk down memory lane, that's for sure. Whoever came up with this idea THANK YOU!!! To all that attended to make my evening so special THANK YOU------Goose
(Foxy's note: Yeah, I know my brother Goose had a great time. When I saw him at the end of the night he had that look on his face and twinkle in his eye that I used to see back in 1969.)
Posted by: goose | July 17, 2007 3:28 PM
Foxy, what a gift you all gave us last weekend! For a few hours, we time traveled with the benefit of wisdom, and danced until our backs ached, hips hurt and throats were sore from singing and shouting.
And it was all because of you guys and the magical mystery tour you took us on to 1965, 66, 67 and 68...and then some.
I know I represent those of us from the Class of 1968 with a heartfelt thank you thank you thank you...for letting us all be both old and young again together. As I watched all the gray heads bobbing up and down, I saw somewhere in the shadows the faces of our parents, the Y, the Pizza Corner, Austin's, the Clinton Diner, the Crystal, Gordon's Boot Shop, Merkels, Beverly Pearl's, Brodi's, Filion's, the Egg & Machine Shop, and all those hopeful kids who had no idea what the next 40 years would bring as the world turned upside down from the one we had grown up in.
Thanks for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it from this side. We all went back to our adult worlds knowing that what we remembered about Plattsburgh and the 60s wasn't just a memory, it was real and very special.
Now as Chair of the Class of 68 Reunion, I need to persuade this fabulous fivesome to do that Reunion Tour next summer. Hope you can help me out!
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the great comments, Ginny. Don't give me any credit, however, because it was all done by the Stowaways and their crew. I was lucky enough to be asked to emcee and I had a lot of fun doing that. Hopefully, we can get the guys back next summer!)
Posted by: Ginny Valenze | July 17, 2007 3:02 PM
Hello Foxy,
Kudos baby, we heard about The Stowaways event as far west as Tinseltown, N.Y. (former site of "The Land Of Makebelieve") Congratulations Plattsburgh!
Bentley Austin is back in Malibu and through his nurse, has stated that he had a ball, even though he was upstaged once again by that "ham" Kenny Phillips. Kenny was dancing with all the beauties, and the best Bentley got was a hug from some lady he thought worked behind the PHS lunch counter in the 60's.
Anyway, Bentley thanks all 1000 alums for attending The Event Of The Century.
P.S. If anyone found a set of dentures on the dance floor, they're Bentley's. He's pretty sure he lost them during Wolly Bully.
Later Baby,
Hollywood Danny Rose
"Agent To The Stars"
Posted by: Hollywood Danny Rose (agent to the Stars) | July 17, 2007 1:52 PM
Foxy,
It was the night to remember. I hope that Plattsburgh can convince the Stowaways to reunite at least one more time. It was a magical evening.
All three bands were amazing. They rocked Jim's Place, I'm assuming, like it has never rocked before. Every age group was represented with all having a great time. I finally got to see the Stowaways. Something I had always wanted to do.
If you can, would you list the address where people can obtain the DVD. I know that there were a lot of people outside and they did not hear the announcement for the DVD--me being one!.
We never got our dance. Guess I'll just have to wait until next year.
(Foxy's note: OK, Deb, you are #1 on my dance list for next year. Was great to see you after all these years. And you still look like a teenager!)
Posted by: Debbie Wells | July 17, 2007 7:56 AM