Kingpins, Dirty Pickles, and Hot Rods
By ROD ICE
CONNEAUT – At The Conneaut Sock Hop on June 15th, there was no reason to stand still. In fact, it just might have been impossible.
Vintage cars were everywhere, as were aromas of hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh pizza. It was the kind of street fair only a close-knit community like this could muster.
Participants were entertained by live music from two different stages, and two different generations, at the colorful event.
Jim Fuller and the popular local group Kingpins provided a dramatic lesson in Rock history. "I was lucky to grow up in that era," he said. "We all were. There’s a connection here with the very beginning of our local Rock ‘n’ roll scene. To artists like Johnny Cado and Jimmy Calabreze."
With his band mates, Fuller performed a varied collection of tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Each was its own trip down memory lane.
Fuller played keyboards in the group, and handled lead vocals. Dave Koski played bass; Jimmy Atzemis played guitar; and John Leombruno kept the backbeat going, on drums. Each was a cultural historian at work.
For Matty B. and The Dirty Pickles, the years might have been fewer. But their love of Rock ‘n’ roll was no less intense. They rendered a stellar list of songs by artists like Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Bobby Fuller, and the heroic Link Wray.
"We love this stuff," Matty said with a grin.
Matty B. played guitar and sang lead vocals in the band. Ben Jammin played bass. Marky G completed the trio, on drums. Throughout their performance, their truck-trailer stage bounced up and down. Onlookers were impressed by the group’s energetic interpretation of classic Rock anthems.
The automobiles displayed ranged from primitive early models, to big-motored performance cars from the 1960’s. There was literally something for everyone. Products from GM, Ford, and Chrysler were well represented.
A Volkswagen Microbus from Pennsylvania boasted V-8 power, mounted amidships, in the vehicle’s interior. The VW amazed nearly every passer-by - not an easy feat, considering the variety of cars available to view.
Local residents Joy and Amanda wore matching polka-dot dresses to the Sock Hop. They were a festive sight, dancing between rows of custom, chrome chariots.
"This is great!" Amanda observed.
Undoubtedly, everyone else at the Sock Hop would have agreed.
CONNEAUT – At The Conneaut Sock Hop on June 15th, there was no reason to stand still. In fact, it just might have been impossible.
Vintage cars were everywhere, as were aromas of hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh pizza. It was the kind of street fair only a close-knit community like this could muster.
Participants were entertained by live music from two different stages, and two different generations, at the colorful event.
Jim Fuller and the popular local group Kingpins provided a dramatic lesson in Rock history. "I was lucky to grow up in that era," he said. "We all were. There’s a connection here with the very beginning of our local Rock ‘n’ roll scene. To artists like Johnny Cado and Jimmy Calabreze."
With his band mates, Fuller performed a varied collection of tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Each was its own trip down memory lane.
Fuller played keyboards in the group, and handled lead vocals. Dave Koski played bass; Jimmy Atzemis played guitar; and John Leombruno kept the backbeat going, on drums. Each was a cultural historian at work.
For Matty B. and The Dirty Pickles, the years might have been fewer. But their love of Rock ‘n’ roll was no less intense. They rendered a stellar list of songs by artists like Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Bobby Fuller, and the heroic Link Wray.
"We love this stuff," Matty said with a grin.
Matty B. played guitar and sang lead vocals in the band. Ben Jammin played bass. Marky G completed the trio, on drums. Throughout their performance, their truck-trailer stage bounced up and down. Onlookers were impressed by the group’s energetic interpretation of classic Rock anthems.
The automobiles displayed ranged from primitive early models, to big-motored performance cars from the 1960’s. There was literally something for everyone. Products from GM, Ford, and Chrysler were well represented.
A Volkswagen Microbus from Pennsylvania boasted V-8 power, mounted amidships, in the vehicle’s interior. The VW amazed nearly every passer-by - not an easy feat, considering the variety of cars available to view.
Local residents Joy and Amanda wore matching polka-dot dresses to the Sock Hop. They were a festive sight, dancing between rows of custom, chrome chariots.
"This is great!" Amanda observed.
Undoubtedly, everyone else at the Sock Hop would have agreed.
posted by Rod Ice at 4:26 PM
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