Jokers Wild
From a five-piece band to the first power trio in the Twin Cities
History
Jokers Wild
1965 – 1969
October, 1965: Local band The He-Too’s (the first version of the band and formerly The Aardvarks) break up and guitar player Gene Balabon and bass player Dave Waggoner decide to put together a new band. Dave Waggoner calls Denny Johnson to see if he is interested in playing in a new band and he signs on with the two former members of The He-Too’s /Aardvarks. Dave Waggoner plays Farfisa organ and sings lead vocals, Gene Balabon plays lead guitar and vocals, and Denny Johnson plays bass guitar and sings backing vocals. The band now needs to find a drummer so Dave and Denny head over to The Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis, where booking agent David Anthony Wachter rents space for bands to practice in and to try out new band members in a “live” club like setting with a stage. At The Ritz, Dave and Denny meet Pete Huber, a drummer from The Gremmies, a band that had just broken up due to their singer Jim Larkin leaving the group to take over as lead singer for The Rave Ons, as the group had lost their lead singer Lonnie Knight due to his family moving from Minneapolis to Detroit. Pete Huber joins the newly forming group on drums. After practicing for a few weeks at Denny’s house in North Minneapolis, Dave decides he no longer wants to play keyboards and wants to focus on being a front man on lead vocals. Denny recalls a guitar and keyboard player that he had worked with in the past and calls Dave “Kink” Middlemist. Dave is playing with The Cavaliers but decides to try out for the new band and leaves The Cavaliers to join on with the new band which is now up to five members. The lineup is: Dave Waggoner on lead vocals; Gene Balabon on lead guitar and vocals; Dave “Kink” Middlemist on keyboards/Guitar; and backing vocals; Denny Johnson on bass guitar and backing vocals; and Pete Huber on drums and backing vocals.
Pete Huber has a job booked for his former band, The Gremmies, at Fararrah’s Fourth Floor Ballroom on East Hennepin Avenue by the University of Minnesota in early December. The band plays their first live job under the name, The New Gremmies. The band plays Top-40 cover songs with a lot of songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The next several jobs come about through booking agent Dick Blonagan who had booked jobs for bands under the name Chord on Blues as well as other band names. The band also plays under the name The Scoundrels for a very short time period, named by the group.
Early Spring, 1966: One night Dave Waggoner is playing cards with Doni Larson, the bass player for The Underbeats. During the card game, Doni suggests to Dave that he should call the new band Jokers Wild. Dave likes the name and tells the band members of Doni Larson’s idea for a new band and all of the band members approve.
Jokers Wild, now signed on with David Anthony Productions, plays teen clubs, ballrooms, and armories throughout the upper 5 State Midwest area.
Late June, 1966: Lonnie Knight moves back to Minneapolis after graduating from high school in Detroit and rejoins the The Rave Ons. With the return of Lonnie Knight, lead singer Jim Larkin departs the Rave Ons to join The Stillroven.
Early Fall, 1966: Jokers Wild opens up for The Shadows of Knight (from Chicago) at Proache’s Popular Ballroom in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
October, 1966: Gene Balabon finishes up his schooling, gets married and leaves the band. Tryouts are held for a new lead guitar player and Bill Jordon is hired after he auditions. Bill’s father had played in a band with Mike Waggoner’s father, who is a cousin of Dave Waggoner. This version of the band lasts for four months.
Late January, 1967: Dave Waggoner informs the band that he and Dave Middlemist are leaving Jokers Wild in order to be part of a new band that David Wachter and Bruce Brantseg are putting together that will be called South 40. Also joining South 40 are three members of The Rave Ons: Larry Wiegand, Dick Wiegand, and Harry Nehls which brings The Rave Ons to an end.
February, 1967: Lonnie Knight joins Jokers Wild on lead vocals.
Denny contacts Greg Springer from The Illusions and invites him to join the band. Denny had seen Greg in the band and knew he was a good keyboard player and singer. Greg accepts the offer.
Jokers Wild are now a five-piece band once again and gain in popularity by adding a Psychedelic light show with a strobe light and use dry ice to create a fog effect to their performances. The band adds Progressive and Psychedelic Rock songs to their set list.
May 12, 1967: The band is playing for a high school prom at the Glenwood Ballroom and at the end of the second set a student makes a request to hear the band play “Let’s Spend the Night Together” a hit song by The Rolling Stones. Immediately after the song ends, the school principal and a number of parents come up to the stage and announce to the band that they are fired for playing a “vulgar” song at a high school dance and are ordered to pack up and leave. The band is not paid for the job.
June 29, 1967: At the suggestion of David Anthony, the band records two songs for a 45 at Kay Bank Recording Studios in Minneapolis: “All I See Is You” written by Lonnie Knight and “I Just Can’t Explain It” written by Bill Jordan.
July 3, 1967: Jokers Wild plays on the bill with The Association and The Five Americans (among other bands) at the Majestic Hills Ballroom in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The audience numbers around 4,000 people which is the largest crowd the band has yet played for.
August, 1967: The band’s first 45 is released on the Metrobeat label with “All I See is You” backed with “I Just Can’t Explain It.” Metrobeat is a local record company owned by David Anthony, Mike Jann, and Tony Andreason (from The Trashmen). The record gets airplay on local radio stations WDGY and KDWB.
After the first 45 came out the band contacted local record producer Timothy D. Kehr and told him that they were not happy with the recording quality of their first 45 and wanted to get a better sound for their next recording. Timothy suggests the band go to IGL Recording Company in Milford, Iowa, where two Iowa bands (Dee Jay and the Runaways and the Pete Klint Quintet) had recorded national hits. Timothy books studio time for August 24th at 10:00 AM and agrees to produce the record. The band has a job the night before the recording session at the Blue Note Ballroom in Winsted, Minnesota and the group drives right to Milford after the job and park in front of the studio and sleep in the van. In the morning the guys stop at a nearby convenience store to pick up some breakfast consisting of pop and cup cakes. Timothy drives down to Milford and meets the group at the studio and talks with the recording engineer Roger Blunt and the session gets under way. The band is set up in a room that is approximately 15′ x 24′ which is next to the control room which is about 10′ x 12′ and has a three track Ampex recording machine. The band is planning to record four songs and do the basic tracks for “Echo” and “That Man’s Not You” and then notice the time is running short, so the other two songs are out on hold for the time. The plan is changed to finish the two songs in process. The basic tracks recorded for the two songs are: drums; bass; rhythm guitar; and keyboards. These tracks are recorded on two tracks and then mixed down to one track. Next, the guitar solo is recorded on a track and then mixed down with the first tracks. Then, the lead vocals are done on one track and the backing vocals are recorded on the last empty track with the members standing around a single microphone in a half circle trying to get the right blend of voices as Timothy gives instructions from the control room. The session lasted until 6:30 that night when both songs were mixed down to a submaster. The band leaves Milford, Iowa and drive to Jamestown, North Dakota where they have a job at the armory for KSJB Radio. With the band having a heavy travel schedule there is not enough money to press up the two songs recorded at IGL. Timothy D. Kehr had agreed to manage Jokers Wild after the recording but was busy with other local bands at the time and was trying to land a job with a national record company which he eventually did. After a short while, Jokers Wild would become a three piece power trio with David Anthony Wachter taking over the booking and management of the band.
September, 1967: Bill Jordan informs the band he is leaving in order to play country music and joins the Chill Hillman Band, a local country band. Lonnie Knight becomes the lead guitar player. Dale Strength from City Strangers joins on second lead guitar and vocals and the band is once again a five-piece band. Dale plays with the band for six weeks and then leaves to finish his schooling as a graphic artist. The band is now a four-piece group.
October, 1967: Danny Kane from The Stillroven joins the band on rhythm guitar and vocals for three weeks and then leaves for a job opportunity outside of the music business.
January 30, 1968: Jokers Wild books studio time at Universal Audio (formerly Kay Bank) and records four songs: “Because I’m Free” written by Greg Springer; “Sunshine,” “Witch” and “Copper Penny” written by Lonnie Knight. Tony Andreason from The Trashmen produces the recording session.
February, 1968: Greg Springer leaves the band and the group is now a three-piece with Lonnie, Denny and Pete. This is the first three-piece “power trio” band in the Twin Cities.
February/March, 1968: The band builds their own Fender experimental amps and Pete goes from a single kick drum to a double kick drum.
May, 1968: The 45 of “Because I’m Free” and “Sunshine” is released on the Peak label. The record gets airplay on the local radio stations. Pete goes from a double kick drum to a triple kick drum and also adds floor toms and upper toms as well as cymbals. Pete also starts to amp up his drum style by shattering drum sticks during his drum solos.
June, 1968: Greg Springer rejoins the band. The band is now a four-piece goup again.
Late July, 1968: Lonnie Knight and Greg Springer leave the band and move to Chicago to join The Litter. The Litter are staying in Chicago at this time and working on material for the “Emerge” album.
Early August, 1968: Lonnie Knight and Greg Springer leave The Litter and return to Minneapolis and rejoin Denny and Pete in Jokers Wild.
September, 1968: In addition to booking the band, David Anthony begins to manage the band.
The band plans on releasing a 45 with the other two songs recorded in January, 1968: “Witch” on the A-side and “Copper Penny” on the B-side. Due to financial issues the record is never released.
October, 1968: Greg Springer leaves Jokers Wild and joins Clover with Danny Holien. The band is now a three piece group again. The three piece band gains in popularity due to its wild stage show, original songs, and massive amount of musical equipment on stage… enough for three bands, with all their Sunn Amps.
November, 1968: The band begins to rehearse songs for a new album to be produced by Warren Kendrick. The rehearsals are held at the teen club Someplace Else (temporarily closed) in Robbinsdale. On Wednesday, November 13, there is fire at the club and the $20,000 worth of musical equipment is destroyed, that the band was using courtesy of Park Music in St. Louis Park. There is no insurance coverage on the equipment and Sunn refuses to replace the destroyed equipment after the band drove it all back to the Sunn factory in Portland, Oregon. The band switches to Custom Amps and a PA, through Park Music, however the band is not happy with the sound and decide to make a switch and go to Torp’s Music in Richfield and obtain Marshall Stacks for Denny and Lonnie (two stacks each). David Anthony buys the band a Voice of the Theatre PA system with cabinets and monitors for the band.
June 24, 1969: The band is on tour and traveling through Illinois and find out that Blue Cheer are going to be headlining a concert at the Joliet, Illinois fairgrounds and decide to stop by and take in the show. Blue Cheer (a three-piece hard rock band) has a national hit with their hard rock – blow out the speakers version of “Summertime Blues” originally a hit by Eddie Cochran. Jokers Wild and David Anthony get to the show and wait to see Blue Cheer, but there is a delay, so David Anthony goes backstage to find out what is going on. David discovers from the highly agitated concert promoter that Blue Cheer are a no show for the concert and David proposes that Jokers Wild take the stage for the headline act. The promoter agrees and Jokers Wild end up headlining the concert instead of Blue Cheer and play a version of “Summertime Blues” which brings the crowd to their feet. Some members of the audience actually think that Jokers Wild are Blue Cheer.
January 16, 1969: The band goes into Mic Side Recording Studio (formerly Universal Audio) and record a number of songs in Studio B. Most of the songs are originals, plus a few covers, and the band records the instruments live and then take a break and come back in to record the vocals. The idea is to record a large number of songs in a short time period in order to get a tape to a record producer from New York who believes he can get the band a national record deal. The band completes the recording and gives the producer a tape of the songs but do not hear back from the producer. David Anthony checks up on the progress and discovers the producer has moved on to another company.
February 23, 1969: The band opens a show for Procol Harum at The Labor Temple.
April 29 and 30, 1969: David Anthony takes the band back to Mic Side Recording Studio to record an album planned to consist of 12 of the band’s original songs. The band advertises a “name our new album” contest and a fan from Storm Lake, Iowa mails the group a two-page letter with a list of 95 potential album names. Among the list of 95 names is “Liquid Giraffe” which the band decides to use for their new album. Five songs for the album are recorded but due to the heavy touring schedule of the band they do not return to the studio to finish the album.
May, 1969: The band opens a show for Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Minneapolis Armory.
June 1, 1969: The band opens a show for Albert King at The Labor Temple.
June, 1969: The band releases two of the songs that were recorded in April for the planned album to be called “Liquid Giraffe.” On the A-side is “Peace Man” written by Lonnie Knight and the B-side is “Tomorrow” written by Pete Huber. The 45 comes out on the Peak label and gets airplay in the Twin Cities and other markets including Rochester, Minnesota (KNCV FM) where “Peace Man” goes to Number 1 and then the B-side “Tomorrow” also goes to Number 1.
July 2, 1969: The band opens a show for Canned Heat at Kelker Junction in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
July 3, 1969: The band travels to Albuquerque, New Mexico at the invitation of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) who offer the band a job opening up for them on their Southern Tour of the United States. The tour is supposed to be a three to five week job. Unknown to the band is that there are internal conflicts within CCR and Tom Fogerty leaves the band to start a new band, the Blue Ridge Rangers. The planned CCR Southern Tour is cancelled and Jokers Wild returns to Minneapolis after waiting in a motel in Albuquerque for three weeks. While in New Mexico the band plays a few jobs at local clubs and at Albuquerque College.
August 31, 1969: Pete Huber plays his final job with Jokers Wild at The Blazer in Nisswa, Minnesota and leaves the band due to health problems.
September 1, 1969: Bill Gent joins the band on drums. The band rehearses with Bill for four days at Dial Recording Studio in Northeast Minneapolis. The group decides to finish up the year playing as Jokers Wild and then plan to change the name of the band to Flash Tuesday starting in January, 1970.
December 27, 1969: Jokers Wild plays their final job under the name Jokers Wild at the Willmar Armory as the decade of the 1960’s comes to an end, and Flash Tuesday starts till April 1970
After Jokers Wild came to an end in 1969, there were two versions of the band that played for very brief time periods in 1971.
February, 1971: A new version of Jokers Wild comes together with: Denny Johnson on bass guitar and vocals; Ron “Honeybear” Hort on keyboards and vocals; Lorenzo Whitmarsh on lead vocals; Scott Holmstrom on guitar; and Robby Belleville on drums. This version of the band plays for about five weeks.
September, 1971: Another version of the band comes together with: Lonnie Knight on lead guitar and vocals; Chuck Edwards on second lead guitar and vocals; Denny Johnson on bass guitar and vocals; and Robby Belleville on drums. This version of the band plays for about four weeks.
UPDATE:
In 1990, a compilation album was released called “The Best of Metrobeat” which featured songs recorded by local bands in the later 1960’s and early 1970’s that were released on the Metrobeat or Peak labels. Included on the album were five songs by Jokers Wild: “All I See is You”; “I Just Can’t Explain It”; “Because I’m Free”; “Sunshine”; and “Copper Penny.”
In September, 1998, Jokers Wild played a reunion concert at the Mill City Music Festival at the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis.
On December 12, 1998 Jokers Wild played a reunion concert at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, along with The Litter, Crow, and The Stillroven.
In 2007, a compilation album was released called “Garage Beat 66.” Jokers Wild song “All I See Is You” was included on Garage Beat 66, Volume 6. Numerous other local bands were also included in the compilation series which has a total of 7 volumes.
On September 18, 2010 Jokers Wild were inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame at the Sheraton Bloomington. Playing live at the event were: Lonnie Knight; Denny Johnson; Pete Huber; and Bill Jordan.
In March, 2013 Jokers Wild signed a contract with Shadoks Music out of Germany. The contract called for a vinyl album to include fourteen original songs recorded by the band in the later part of the 1960’s. The album will be a limited edition of 500 (numbered), pressed on high quality 180 gram vinyl, with a two-page insert and a heavy weight color jacket that shows the band in their Psychedelic/Futuristic stage outfits. The cover also features Psychedelic artwork that Lonnie Knight came up with (completed by an artist) when the band was playing to use for concert posters. Following the vinyl album, a CD of the band is planned that will include songs not on the vinyl record. The name of the album “Liquid Giraffe” comes from 1969 when the band advertised a “name our new album” contest for a planned studio album that was never completed. Loren Cave of Storm Lake, Iowa, was a fan of the band and had seen them perform at the Cobblestone Ballroom (in Storm Lake) on numerous occasions and sent the band a two-page letter with 95 proposed album names. Among the list was “Liquid Giraffe” which the band decided to use for the album. Due to the band being heavily booked in 1969, the group did not return to the studio to complete the album. When the band was contacted by Shadoks Music regarding a new album, Lonnie, Denny and Pete all agreed that the name “Liquid Giraffe” would finally be put to use as the title for the new album and CD. The vinyl album is set for release in September, 2013 and will only be available online.
In September, 2013, Shadok’s Music out of Germany released the “Liquid Giraffe” album by Jokers Wild, followed up by the CD. The record can be ordered through the website: psychedelic-music.com.
On June 15, 2015, Jokers Wild played at the Minnesota Legends concert held at Maple Grove Town Green. Original Members Lonnie Knight and Denny Johnson were joined by Denny Ball on drums. Also on the bill were Lonnie Knight and Reid Papke, Thundertree, and The Litter. The concert helped raised funds for Guitars for Vets and was organized by local musician Billy Hallquist.
Written by Tom Campbell
September 7, 2013
Posted on September 11, 2013
Copyright 2013 by Thomas R. Campbell
All rights reserved.
Photos ( click on photo for full screen – arrow to next )
Group One – 5 Piece – November 1965 to March 1967
Group Two – 5 Piece – March 1967 to October 1967
St. Boneventure Church June 1967
Group Three – 4 Piece – October 1967 to January 1968
Group Four – 3 Piece – January 1968 to August 1969
November 1968 “THE FIRE”
Labor Temple Shows
Jokers Wild VIDEO ” On The Road ” from the 3 weeks of Waiting in Alburquerque, New Mexico
go to ( https://youtu.be/RE3W9i5e7KI )
Group Five – 3 Piece – New Drummer Bill Gent September 1969 to April 1970
The Reunion Shows
Recordings
September 2013 – New LP from Shadoks Music Germany
“Liquid Giraffe” LP Cover, Record and Insert
“Liquid Giraffe” Jokers Wild Front Jacket Cover
“Liquid Giraffe” Jokers Wild Back Jacket Cover
Cloquet – December 28, 1965
To listen, click on the audio player arrow
Born In Chicago – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
Come On Up – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
If You Need Me– From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
96 Tears – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
Time Won’t Let Me – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
Little Girl – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
You Really Got Me – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
Roll Over Bethoven – ( Whole Song ) From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
I Wanna Do It – From the Cloquet CD – Peak Records 16017
Live at The Algon Ballroom – Summer of 1966
Hey Joe – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
This Weeks Children – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
I Can Only Give You Everything – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
Midnight Hour – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
Talkin’ Bout You – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
Stick & Stones – I Go Crazy – Money – Live at The Algon Ballroom CD – Peak Records 16018
1st 45 Record Released In August 1967
All I See Is You / I Just Can’t Explain It
All I See Is You – From the Masters CD Peak Records 16020
I Just Can’t Explain It – From the Masters CD Peak Records 16020
2nd 45 Record Released in May 1968
Because I’m Free / Sunshine
Because I’m Free – From the Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
Sunshine – From the Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
Live at MaGoo’s – Summer 1968
Sunshine of Your Love – From the Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Show Me – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Something Called Goodbye – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Have You Ever Loved Somebody – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Witch – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
It’s Got To Be Tonight – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Knock On Wood – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
Have You Heard – From The Live at Magoo’s CD ONE – Peak Records 16019
3rd 45 Record Released in June 27, 1969
Peace Man – From the 45 RPM Peak Record
Tomorrow – From the 45 RPM Peak Record
“Live” at Casino Royale August 10, 1968
Witch – Time 4:09 From The Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Peace Man – Time 3:00 From the Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Star / Uptight – Time 8:34 From the Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Grass Is Greener – Time 3:20 From The CD Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Have You Heard – Time 7:01 From The Live At Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Purple Haze – Time 3:51 From The Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Have You Ever Loved Somebody – Time 3:13 From The Live at Casino CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Another Voice – Time 5:11 From The Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Shake & Drum Solo – Time 8:02 From The Live at Casino Royale CD ONE – Peak Records 16022
Something Called Goodbye – Time 3:10 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Give Me Your Love – Time 2:47 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Because I’m Free / Uncompleted – Time 5:42 From the Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Do You Know What I Need – Time 3:34 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
I’m So Glad – Time 3:56 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Season of the Witch / Born to be Wild – Time 18:21 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Sunshine Of Your Love – Time 4:54 From The Live at Casino Royale CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
Roll Over BREAK-TOVEN – Time 1:02 From The Live at Casino CD TWO – Peak Records 16022
The Masters CD – Collection of Recorded Studio Songs
Echo – From The Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
That Mans Not You – From The Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
Stranger – From The Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
The Grass Is Greener – From The Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
Copper Penny – From The Masters CD – Peak Records 16020
Studio B Vol. 1 Sessions – Recorded January 16, 1969
Tomorrow – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
River – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
American Dream – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Have You Ever Loved Somebody – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
When The Suns Up I’ll Be Gone – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Dissatisfied – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Hard Road – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Good Time – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Park Music – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Witch – From the Studio B Vol. 1 CD – Peak Records 16078
Rehearsal – December 12, 1998
Peace Man – time 2:28 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
Witch – time 3:53 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
Because I’m Free – time 4:15 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
3rd Degree – time 8:06 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
Bottle of Red Wine – time 3:42 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
I Pay The Bills – time 3:26 From the Rehearsal CD – Peak Records 16069
Sundazed The Best Of Metrobeat compilation
Jokers Wild Touring Schedule
Contracts for November 25, 1965 through April 6, 1967 are missing
April 1967
Date Place City / State
7. Montgomery High School, Montgomery, MN
8. Wadena Armory, Wadena, MN
14. Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka, MN
22. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
23. Waverly Air Force Station, Waverly, IA
30. Wakota Arena, St. Paul, MN (with: More Tishans – Del Counts – Beats – Grasshoppers)
May 1967
5. Wilmar Armory, Wilmar, MN
8. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
9. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
10. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
11. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
12. Genwood High School, Glenwood, MN
13. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
19. Palms Ballroom, Renville, MN
20. North St. Paul Teen Center, North St. Paul, MN
21. Bobby’s Teen Club, St. Paul, MN
26. Playmor Ballroom, Glencoe, MN
27. L R C Pavilion, Hallstad, MN
28. Terp Ballroom, Austin, MN
29. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
30. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
31. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
June 1967
1. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
2. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
3. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
7. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
8. Wilmar Armory, Wilmar, MN
9. Coliseum Ballroom, Oelwein, IA
10. ______ _______, MN
11. Wakota Arena, St. Paul, MN
14. Lake Marion Ballroom, Hutchinson, MN
16. New Munich Ballroom, New Munich, WI
17. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
18. Spring Hill Ballroom, Spring Hill, MN
19. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
20. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
21. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
22. Alp’s Inc., Bloomington, MN
23. Kato Ballroom, Mankato, MN
24. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
28. Midway Ballroom, Independence, WI
29. Recording Day Hours at Kay Bank Minneapolis, MN
29. Alp’s Inc. ( in the evening ), Bloomington, MN
July 1967
1. Richmond Ballroom, Aberdeen, SD
2. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
3. Majestic Ballroom, Lake Geneva, WI (with The Association and others)
5. Club Pop House, Beloit, WI
6. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
7. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
8. Montgomery Auction Barn, Montgomery, MN
12. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
14. Fairgrounds, Dubuque, IA
15. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
17. Starlite Drive–In Movie Theater, Montevideo, MN
20. Madison Armory, Madison, MN
21. Proache’s Ballroom, Ellsworth, WI
22. Crookston Armory, Crookston, MN
24. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
25. Downtown Armory, Faribault, MN
26. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
27. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
28. Playmor Ballroom, Glencoe, MN
29. Tip Top Club, Suring, WI
August 1967
1. Video Ballroom, Montevideo, MN
3. St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center, MN
5. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
8. Mower County Fair, Austin, MN
11. Palms Ballroom, Renville, MN
12. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
13. Spring Hill Ballroom, Spring Hill, MN
14. Blue Moon Ballroom, Marshall, MN
15. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
16. Midway Ballroom, Independence, WI
18. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
19. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
20. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
22. The Hul La Baloo, St. Louis Park, MN
23. Blue Note Ballroom, Winsted, MN
25. KSJB Radio Station, Jamestown, ND
26. Fairgrounds Ballroom, St. Cloud, MN
30. Lake Marion Ballroom, Hutchinson, MN
31. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
September 1967
1. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
2. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
9. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
15. Spring Lake Park VFW, Spring Lake Park, MN
16. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
22. Sauk Rapids High School, Sauk Rapids, MN
23. Richardson’s Pavilion, Clayton, WI
28. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
30. Tower Teen Center, Austin, MN
October 1967
6. Wilmar High School, Wilmar, MN
7. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
11. Wilmar Junior High School, Wilmar, MN
13. Wayzata High School, Wayzata, MN
14. The Hullabaloo Club, St. Louis Park, MN
21. Interlacken Ballroom, Fairmont, MN
27. Virginia National Guard Armory, Virginia, MN
28. LRC Pavilion, Halstad, MN
29. The Idle Hour, Aberdeen, SD
November 1967
3. Wahkon A-Go Go, Wahkon, MN
4. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
10. Video Ballroom, Montevideo, MN
11. Bowlarena, New Richmond, MN
17. Country Air Ballroom, Appleton, WI
18. Country Air Ballroom, Appleton, WI
23. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
24. Wadena Armory, Wadena, MN
25. Fairgrounds, St. Cloud, MN
December 1967
1. Palms Ballroom, Renville, MN
2. Tower Teen Center, Austin, MN
8. Wahkon A-Go Go, Wahkon, MN
9. Beuna Vista College, Storm Lake, IA
15. Proache’s Ballroom, Ellsworth, WI
16. Baldwin-Woodville High School, Baldwin, WI
23. Marshall Armory, Marshall, MN
25. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
26. Jackson Golf Club, Jackson, MN
27. St. Mary’s Grade School, Durand, WI
28. Amery High School, Amery, WI
29. St. Josephs Gym, Rice Lake, WI
30. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
31. Guild House, Faribault, MN
January 1968
1. St. Cloud Armory, St. Cloud, MN (March of Dimes)
2. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
3. Cathedral High School (Gym), New Ulm, MN
4. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
5. New Munich Ballroom, New Munich, MN
6. The Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
13. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
19. New City Opera House, Minneapolis, MN
20. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
21. Blue Note Ballroom, Winsted, MN
26. Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka, MN
27. Dells Ballroom, Dell Rapids, SD
30. Recording Universal Audio Studios Minneapolis, MN
February 1968
2. Proache’s Ballroom, Ellsworth, WI
3. Wadena Armory, Wadena, MN
9. Video Ballroom, Montevideo, MN
10. Chippewa Falls High School, Chippewa Falls, WI
16. Forest City Auditorium, Forest City, IA
17. Old Hayward, Hayward, WI
18. Telemark Ski Lodge, Mt. Telemark, WI
25. Star Ballroom, Dakota City, IA
27. Canby Elementry School, Canby, MN
28. Jackson High School, Jackson, MN
March 1968
1. Cuyuna Range Youth Club, Crosby, MN
7. Richardson’s Pavilion, Clayton, WI
8. St. Michael Ballroom, St. Michael, MN
9. Teen Center, Bismark, ND
16. Eagle Grove Ballroom, Eagle Grove, IA
17. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
21. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
22. Someplace Else, Robbinsdale, MN
23. New City Opera House, Minneapolis, MN
29. Purple Cigar, St. Louis Park, MN
30. The HullaBaloo Club, Minneapolis, MN
April 1968
5. Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka, MN
6. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
9. New City Opera House, Minneapolis, MN
13. Hibbing National Guard Armory, Hibbing, MN
14. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
18. In-Too’s, Menomonie, WI
19. Magoo’s, Minneapolis, MN
20. North St. Paul Teen Center, North St. Paul, MN
21. St. Bonaventure (Gym), Bloomington, MN
26. Luverne Armory, Luverne, MN
27. Mod Hill, Rice Lake, WI
May 1968
4. Someplace Else, Robbinsdale, MN
5. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
10. Gibbon Ballroom, Gibbon, MN
11. New City Opera House, Minneapolis, MN
17. Cathedral High School, St. Cloud, MN
18. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
19. St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center, MN
23. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
24. New Munich Ballroom, New Munich, MN
25. Tower Teen Center, Austin, MN
26. Fox Lake Park, Sherburn, MN
28. LRC Pavilion, Halstad, MN
June 1968
1. LRC Pavilion, Halstad, MN
2. The HullaBaloo Club, Minneapolis, MN
6. New Chaska High School, Chaska, MN
8. High School Auitorium (Buffalo Days), Buffalo, MN
10. P. J’ s, Burnsville, MN
15. Club Pop House, Beloit, WI
22. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
23. Fairgrounds Ballroom, Dubuque, IA
24. Fairgrounds (fill in for BLUE CHEER’s no show), Joliet, ILL
25. K C Hall, New Prague, MN
26. Someplace Else, Robbinsdale, MN
30. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
July 1968
2. Fairgrounds, Cannon Falls, MN
3. P. J’ s, Burnsville, MN
4. Two Harbors Teen Center, Two Harbors, MN
6. The Barn, Eden Praire, MN
10. Lokates Teen Club, No. St. Paul, MN
11. Durand City Hall, Durand, WI
13. George’s Ballroom, New Ulm, MN
17. Someplace Else, Robbinsdale, MN
18. Madison National Guard Armory, Madison, MN
19. Club Irving Wildman, St. Cloud, MN
20. Richardson’s Pavilion, Clayton, WI
23. Moorhead Armory, Moorhead, MN
24. KOVC Radio Station –(VC Armory), Valley City, ND
25. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
26. The Barn, Eden Prairie, MN
27. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
28. Air Way Bar, Marshfield, WI
August 1968
1. National Guard Armory, Wahpeton, ND
2. Memorial Hall, Rugby, ND
3. Tower Teen Center, Austin, MN
4. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
7. Someplace Else, Robbinsdale, MN
8. Hutchinson National Guard Armory, Hutchinson, MN
9. Crosby Youth Center, Crosby, MN
10. Casino Royale, Fridley, MN
17. Roof Garden, Arnold’s Park, IA
Half of August 1968 Through December 25, 1968
The contracts are lost and the job dates cannot be verified.
Most likely all of the month’s were booked pretty full.
November 1968
23. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
December 1968
20. Anoka Armory, Anoka, MN
26. Country Club, Jackson, MN
January 1969
3. Brainard High School, Brainerd, MN
5. Magoo’s, Minneapolis, MN
9. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
10. Proache’s Ballroom, Ellsworth, WI
11. City Auditorium, New York Mills, MN
12. Magoo’s, Minneapolis, MN
16. Recording at Micside Studios Minneapolis, MN
17. Kasperson Ford, Huron, SD
18. Park Ballroom, New Prague, MN
19. Magoo’s, Minneapolis, MN
25. St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center, MN
30. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
February 1969
1. Carlton College (Salles Hall), Northfield, MN
2. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
6. Will-Moore School, Bismark, ND
7. Club Irving Wildman, St. Cloud, MN
8. Buffalo High School, Buffalo, MN
14. Macalester College Student Union, St. Paul, MN
15. The Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
16. St. John Viarney School, Fairmont, MN
23. Labor Temple w/ Procol Harum Minneapolis, MN
March 1969
7. Ryan’s Ballroom, Plymouth, MN
13. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
14. Armory, Brookings, SD
15. Miners Memorial Arena, Virginia, MN
16. Dania Hall, Minneapolis, MN
22. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
21. Lea College – Albert House, Albert Lea, MN
28. Memorial Building, Devils Lake, ND
29. Ballroom, Granite Falls, MN
31. Dania Hall, Minneapolis, MN
April 1969
2. ___________ Aberdeen, SD
5. Carlton College, Northfield, MN
7. St. Mary’s Central High School, Bismark, ND
11. Armory, Duluth, MN
16. St. Johns Church, Minneapolis, MN
18. Benilde High School, St. Louis Park, MN
19. Avalon Ballroom, Sandborn, MN
20. Dania Hall, Minneapolis, MN
24. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
25. The Castaway Club, St. Louis, MO
26. The Castaway Club, St. Louis, MO
27. The Castaway Club, St. Louis, MO
29. Recording at Micside Studios Minneapolis, MN
30. Recording at Micside Studios Minneapolis, MN
May 1969
2. New Munich Ballroom, New Munich, MN
4. Redwood Falls Armory, Redwood Falls, MN
9. Casino Royale, Fridley, MN
10. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
15. London Inn, Eau Claire, WI
16. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
17. Fargo Civic Auditorium (3 pm to 4 pm), Fargo, ND
17. City Hall (9 pm to 12 am), New York Mills, MN
18. St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center, MN
23. Magoo’s, Minneapolis, MN
24. Sac City Roller Rink, Sac City, IA
27. Bel Rae Ballroom, Moundsview, MN
29. Hutchinson Armory, Hutchinson, MN
30. Club Irving Wildman, St. Cloud, MN
31. Parkway Ballroom, Foley, MN
June 1969
1. Labor Temple w/ Albert King Minneapolis, MN
6. House of Edmond Chute, Wayzata, MN (Graduation Party: 1:00 am to 4:00 am)
6. Southwest State Junior College, Marshall, MN (7:30 pm to 8:45 pm)
7. St. Margaret Mary’s Church Cafeteria, Minneapolis, MN
9. Miner’s Memorial Arena, Virginia, MN
10. Oaks Armory, Oaks, ND
11. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
12. Rainbow Gardens, Rice Lake, WI
13. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
14. Redwood Falls Armory, Redwood Falls, MN
16. Recording all Day Micside Studios Minneapolis, MN
17. Recording all Day Micside Studios Minneapolis, MN
18. Recording Day / Magoo’s at Night, Minneapolis, MN
19. Casino Royale, Fridley, MN
21. Sac City Roller Rink, Sac City, IA
24. 4-H Building, Perham, MN
25. Mayo Civic Auditorium, Rochester, MN
26. Hutchinson Armory, Hutchinson, MN
28. Aquarius and The Park, Kansas City , MO
July 1969
2. Opened Show for Canned Heat Colorado Springs, CO
4. Albuquerque College, Albuquerque, NM
Most of July 1969 was spent waiting to open the Southwest Creedence Clearwater Tour
The tour was cancelled after two weeks of waiting because of Creedence Clearwater Revival break up.
Tom Fogerty left CCR to start a new band: The Blue Ridge Rangers
29. Lectric Theater _________ , __
August 1969
1. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN
4. Hibbing Armory, Hibbing, MN
5. Virginia Armory, Virginia, MN
12. Armory, Minot, ND
15. Spearfish Park Pavilion, Spearfish, SD
16. Pines Ballroom, Bloomer, WI
17. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
19. Fairgrounds Main Stage, Webster, SD
22. New York Mills Auditorium, New York Mills, MN
23. Old Hayward, Hayward , WI
29. Edgeley Armory, Edgeley, ND
30. LRC Pavilion, Halstad, MN
31. The Blazer, Nisswa, MN Pete Huber plays last show with Jokers Wild
September 1969
1. Bill Gent New Drummer starts Dial Studios NE Mpls, MN
2. Dial Recording Studios Work in Bill Gent NE Mpls, MN
3. Dial Recording Studios Work in Bill Gent NE Mpls, MN
4. Dial Recording Studios Work in Bill Gent NE Mpls, MN
5. Fergus Falls Armory, Fergus Falls, MN
6. Macalester College Student Union, St. Paul, MN
12. Two Harbors Arena, Two Harbors, MN
13. National Guard Armory, Duluth, MN
19. Miner’s Memorial Arena, Virginia, MN
20. Lisbon Park Pavilion, Lisbon, ND
26. Michigan High School Gym, Michigan, ND
27. Carlton College, Northfield, MN
October 1969
3. Breck High School Cafe, Hopkins, MN
10. Farmington High School Gym, Farmington, MN
11. Biskay Town Hall, Biskay, MN
15. National Guard Armory, Duluth, MN
16. St. Cloud Armory, St. Cloud, MN
17. Youth Center, Hibbing, MN
24. Iowa State University Union, Ames, IA
25. Moose Lake High School Gym, Moose Lake, IA
31. Austin Armory, Austin, MN
November 1969
7. Albert Lea Community Center, Albert Lea, MN
15. Nativity of Mary Parish, Minneapolis, MN
16. Cobblestone Ballroom, Storm Lake, IA
21. U of M Pioneer Hall, Minneapolis, MN
22. Duluth Armory, Duluth, MN
24. U of M Coffman Union, Minneapolis, MN
27. Armory, Minot, ND
28. Edgeley Armory – KSJB Radio, Edgeley, ND
29. Jamestown Armory – KSJB Radio, Jamestown, ND
December 1969
5. Red Wing High School, Red Wing, MN
12. Humboldt High School, St. Paul, MN
13. Tower Teen Center, Austin, MN
19. National Guard Armory, Grand Rapids, MN
20. National Guard Armory, Virginia, MN
27. Wilmar Armory, Wilmar, MN
Jokers Wild is over at this time and Flash Tuesday starts
Band tree
Jokers Wild 1965 to 1969
_____________________________________________________
Dave Waggoner Lead Vocals 1965 to 1967
The Aardvarks
The He – Too’s
JOKERS WILD
The South 40
Crow
Jack Daniels Band
Crow featuring Dave Wagner
Whiskey River
Crosscut
________________________________________________________________
Gene Balabon Lead Guitar / Vocals 1965 to 1966
The Del Gardo’s
The Aardvarks
The He – Too’s
JOKERS WILD
________________________________________________________________
Denny Johnson Bass Guitar / Vocals 1965 to 1969
Denny – Doug – Cliff – John
JOKERS WILD
Flash Tuesday
Mojo Buford Band
Lexy Johnson Band
Bazooka
Carrion
Bullet
Christopher
Cookiefoot
Denny Johnson Group
Winterwood
Pecos
Gold Dust
Sunrise
Grand Avenue
Crow featuring Dave Wagner
JT Silverstar
Jynx
The Bowery Boys
The Dick Tracy Band
The Jonards
The Litter
2nd Generation Band
The Surf Dawgs
340 Magnum
________________________________________________________________
Pete Huber Drums / Vocals 1965 to 1969
The Rugby’s
The Gremmies
JOKERS WILD
________________________________________________________________
Dave “Kink” Middlemist Rhythm Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals 1965 to 1967
The Cavalier’s
JOKERS WILD
The South 40
Crow
________________________________________________________________
Bill “George” Jordan Lead Guitar / Vocals 1967 to 1968
The Family Band
Katormen
The Blue Lights
JOKERS WILD
Bananza House Band
Chill Hillman Band
Georganne Thorne Band
Night Train
West
Winterwood
Pony
The Carolee Band
Club 49 House Band
Honky Tonk Hearts
Second Generation
Swingin’ Country
________________________________________________________________
Greg “Squish” Springer Keyboards / Vocals 1967 to 1968
The Illusions
JOKERS WILD
The Litter
Clover
________________________________________________________________
Lonnie Knight Lead Guitar / Vocals 1967 to 1969
The Castaways
The Rave – ons
JOKERS WILD
The Litter
Flash Tuesday
Mojo Buford Band
Lexy Johnson Band
Lonnie Knight Solo
City Mouse
Chad Mitchell and Friends
The Knight Henley Band
Cowboy Angels
Crow featuring Dave Wagner
Arizona
Wild Horses
The Neilsen – White Band
Gorgeous
Cocktail Stevie & the Table Rockers
Michael Johnson and Friends
The Lonnie Knight Band
The Hoopsnakes
Blues West House Band
Inn Kahoots House Band
Lonnie Knight & Big Shoes
R nt Solo
Lonnie Knight & Reid Papke
Knight – Papke – Sansby – Haberman
Smokin’ Section
Mosquito Schoals
_______________________________________________________________
Bill Gent Drums / Vocals 1969 to 1970
JOKERS WILD
Flash Tuesday
Danny’s Reasons
Bacchanalia
Peace & Quiet
Chocolate Floon
Canary
Lois Lane
________________________________________________________________________
Where are they now?
Jokers Wild Where Are They Now ?
Jokers Wild 1965 to 1969
________________________________________________________
Dave Waggoner Lead Vocals
Active in Music Yes
Doing What ?……….. Lead Singer for Crow and Touring
________________________________________________________________
Gene Balabon Lead Guitar / Vocals
Active in Music No
Doing What ?………… Passed Away In 2006
_________________________________________________________
Denny Johnson Bass Guitar / Vocals
Active in Music Yes
Doing What ?…………….Playing in 2 Bands, Session Work, MN Band History
_________________________________________________________
Pete Huber Drums / Vocals
Active in Music No
Doing What ?……….. Retired, living in Minnesota
________________________________________________________________
Dave “Kink” Middlemist Rhythm Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals
Active in Music Yes
Doing What ?….. Playing Keyboards with Crow (reunion shows), living in Minnesota
_________________________________________________________
Bill “George” Jordan Lead Guitar / Vocals
Active in Music Yes
Doing What ?……………….. Playing in 2 Bands 52 weeks a Year
_________________________________________________________
Greg “Squish” Springer Keyboards / Vocals
Active in Music No
Doing What ?……………….. Retired in Southern California
_________________________________________________________
Lonnie Knight Lead Guitar / Vocals
Active in Music No
Doing What ?……………….. Passed away at age 68 on May 7, 2017.
Lonnie was living in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the time of his passing.
__________________________________________________________
Bill Gent Drums / Vocals
Active in Music No
Doing What ?……………… Passed Away In 2002
__________________________________________________________
Interview Part ONE – Time = 22:47
Interview Part TWO – Time = 17:00
Interview Part THREE – Time = 20:16
Interview Part FOUR – Time = 20:50
Interview Part FIVE – Time = 11:22