First is a band called Lotus that was around USD while I was there. This show was at the Clay County Rodeo Grounds on Sept. 24, 1981. All I can tell you about them is this girl's name was Mary Ellen. Maybe someone will see this that knows more about them.
The next night was the only time I saw South Dakota 80s legends Aaron Baron. They played that infamous Old Style Saloon basement in downtown Vermillion on Sept. 25, 1981. I really never got to know these guys at all, but they were extremely popular in eastern South Dakota for a while.
11 comments:
I remember hearing Aaron Baron at The Barbarian in Rapid City. They were a pretty good band. I think they were the band that did Tommy Bolen's "Post Toastie"
That is Mary Ellen Klein from Lotus. The band also featured players such as guitarist, Russ Mayer. They were from Yankton.
Yes, that was the now infamous "Roll the Dice" rock pose, used specifically for "Roller" by April Wine. That one got me laid more than once. Ironically, when I stopped using it, I got married four times. I have since began employing it nightly, and, as "Luck" would have it, I haven't been married for quite some time now...
My name is Russ Mayer. I was one of the 2 guitarists for Yankton based "Lotus". Band members were myself-guitar/vocals(still in Yankton), Brad Combs-guitar/vocals(Minneapolis), Gordon Groft-bass/vocals(location unknown), Dave Kline-drums/vocals and Mary Kline-keyboards/vocals(both also still in Yankton). Great memories! Nice web site-keep up the good work.
Well now, isn't that cool. Members of two different bands chiming in. Thanks for reading guys, hope you enjoy my photos. Sorry I wasn't a better shooter back then.
OMG!! Aaron Baron...
I used to go to see them in Miller SD at the Stein Tavern.
.saw them in Brookings too...
I used to have the major hots for the lead singer Scott Miller!!!
I still remember that they used to always open with April Wine's Say Hello.....
God I feel old now....
That is NOT Mary Ellen (person with red bandanna, white sweater and Scott Miller in back ground) but actually Dawn Sorlien singing with the Aaron Baron band. Not sure where, but quite likely at the Old Style in Vermillion along with the accompanying pictures of Brian, and Joe.
Okay, I can't swear that's Mary Ellen, but I do know she's singing with Lotus at the Vermillion rodeo grounds, not Aaron Baron at the Old Style. Kind of thinking Lotus band member Russ Mayer's comment would have corrected me if I was wrong about her name or the band/location. Thanks for reading!
She is NOT signing with Lotus. She is Dawn Sorlien (mic in hand)singing with Scott Miller (AB bass player) in background. Following photos are of Aaron Baron bandmembers Brian and Joe. Don't think Russ Mayer's comments were refering to who was who regarding pictures only that you have a great web site that brings back many memories for us to enjoy. I couldn't agree any more!! THANX FOR YOUR WORK!!!
Hello,
My name is Gordon Groft and I am the 'whereabouts unknown' guy from LOTUS and that photo of the girl in the red bandana is definitely Mary Ellen Kline.
I have since toured all over the country and in several other countries around the world with 50's, 60's and 70's stars. It seems amazing to me now that I got my start all those years ago back in South Dakota.
What a long strange trip it's been.
For more on me, go to: gordongroft.com
If anyone knows how to contact Russ Meyer...???
Hi Gordon!
Thanks for chiming in here. Looks like you've made a very successful life out of music. As the father of a 20-year old who's hoping to do just that, it's great to see the people who have made it.
Chad
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