West Michigan Mid-Sixties Bands
Lyn & The Invaders
Grand Rapids
Fenton
From Linda Grzybowski of Lyn and the Invaders (July 2001)
So glad to know that there is SOMEONE out there who is interested in THE GLORY DAYS of West Michigan Rock. Here is some information on our group to help you fill in those blank spaces. Also, don't forget to add "Common People" (United of FLBl&G record label, their own) and "Me and Dem Guys" (a great group and good friends of many area bands). Anyhow...some "Invadinfo" for you:
Group originally formed 1964-65ish
Original members:
David Bergsma (South High) Guitar
Bob Phillips (South High) Drums
Denny De Cook (South High) Guitar
Linda Nowicki (West Catholic High) Vocals
De Cook left band 1965. Added Fred Munch (South High) Keyboard, and Randy Bear (Ottawa High) on Bass. Randy was later replaced by Doug Pollak (Creston...or Central High). Worked with the core group of Dave, Bob, Fred, Doug, and Lin' for a couple of years, playing "Teen Clubs," college parties and dances before adding Roger Harcourt (from Cadillac) to the band, more guitar/vocal. Roger left after a few months. Invaders disbanded and soon reformed as a new band called the Commom People, but that's another story.
I hope this peaks your interest... LOTS of Lore goes with....Battles of the Bands, Drama, Romance, Music friends from all over the state, a trip to New York, sleazy agents, and more. What a way to spend your high school heydays! And putting out some great souds too. Live Love Laugh Learn... It was great, Wouldn't change a thing! Incidently, David, Bob, a couple of new guys, and myself are currently working on a new musical project called "Boomerang." Yes, the dinosaurs STILL ROCK!!!
Last updated on May 17, 2004.sorry a little about myself i was givin this copy of the roger harcourt band and the horse you rode in on, from a friend that lived in mich. during the 70. like it and what to know what happen to them.
Posted by: karl hawkes at December 3, 2005 06:57 PMThe last I heard,( within the last year or so....goes so-o-o-o-o quickly), Roger is alive-and-well, and still playing around Michigan as a single act. His vocals are still very strong, as well as his multi-instrument vertuosity. He is based out of the Cadilac/Traverse City area.
If you call the Harvard Tavern, just off M57, between Rockford and Greenville, they might be able to tell you where he is playing. The last I heard, Roger plays there quite often.
Good luck finding him, and when you see him, tell him "Hello" from me.
I have been looking for Roger for YEARS! He gave me an autograghed copy of "....and the horse you rode in on" years ago when we dated briefly, and I lost it in a fire. Does anyone know if there are any copies around, and how to find him???? The last time I saw him was in 1980 when I lived in Jackson, Michigan..he and his daughter stayed with me.
Posted by: Bobbi Jo at January 23, 2006 10:55 PMroger played for years with the grand rapids based "just jake band " he left in 1997 after 8 years and he's currently living in traverse city. he still plays out although he's slowed down some and dosen't do as many dates these days due to declining health.
Posted by: bob d at February 11, 2006 06:23 PMHEY LIN. LONG TIME NO SEE. LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, WE ARE IN NASHVILLE,TN. NOW BUT WE COME UP TO MICH. EVERY JULY. SEE YA, RILE
Posted by: BOB REILLY at February 26, 2006 10:03 PMHey-Bob-A-Reeeee-Bob!
Miss you,Love you,Miss you.....So glad to hear from you. July IS the time for gatherings. Keith Seccombe, and Jan Porter (Me & DemGuys)have been including Ken and me in an annual July party for the last few years. It would be great if we were able to ALL get together... CP folks, and the GUYS...YAY!...(This is an extra incentive to loose some excess flesh,by summer!) I would love to see you and Lori. Keith, Jan, Hymie, Donnie, Doug, Dan, Dave (Clelland), and maybe some surprizes ...all faces from "The Days" may be in attendance this next July. Let's coordinate... and plan to meet. SOMEONE BRING A GUITAR! ...and, OH, to look into your face and see you again! Please keep in touch. If you lose my perameters, Keith always knows how to find me. My Love to you, and to Lauri.
Well, I don't know any of you who have commented above. But, I was just listening to "Aimee" by the Pure Prairie League, and was remembering over 25 years ago how Roger and his band used to play this song with many other well-loved songs at a bar on Front Street in Traverse City (where we all consumed many shots and beers inside, and partied a little more intensely in the lot out back). Roger and his band also played at a lounge/skating rink on Garfield Ave in Traverse city. I'm so glad to know that he's still singing in our state. I live in the Grand Rapids area, and would love to know where he is playing. Oh, those fond memories of days past. ...
Posted by: Bev Bacon at October 9, 2006 08:36 PMDriftwood , Second annual all day Acoustic Deck Fest . Featuring the music of West Michigans acoustic act The Music Club , Nashville Recording Artist Dana Cooper and recording artist David Hardin from Haynesville Lousianna . Keep an eye on the news page for more details...... Just added to the bill , Roger Harcourt from Traverse City
Posted by: jerry d at June 16, 2007 08:02 PMroger is on the bill at the driftwood acoustic deck fest this year to be held the last sunday in july (29th) he will be joined with some of his former band mates of the just jake band (music club )along with national recording artist david hardin ( cousin of the late tim hardin , reason to believe and if i were a carpenter fame )and dana cooper ( 1st album recorded with russ kunkle and leland sklar on warner bros.in 1973 ) come on out , i'm sure he would like to touch base with all his old friends.
Posted by: bob d at June 24, 2007 12:05 PMTO BOB D. HEY BOB, BOB REILLY HERE TO SAY HI. I'M IN NASHVILLE NOW , GET UP NORTH ATLEAST ONCE A YEAR. I'LL TRY AND LOOK YOU UP NEXT TIME. IF YOU SEE ROGER TELL HIM I SAID HEY. BOB R.
Posted by: Bob Reilly at August 22, 2007 10:40 AMhey hey bob r , would be great to see you next time your up in sand lake, say hello to lori for me. i'm still at the same place on myers lake rd , stop by the next time your up . still got the ole jazz bass ? peace ! bob d
Posted by: bob d at August 23, 2007 07:25 AMJust doing some late night web surfing and found this. Loved the music. Love the girl.
Lyn and I dated in high school.
I have somehow lived the dreams of my 20's while in my 50's. Check out extrastout.us. Hundreds of gigs lots of cd's. TV, radio lots of fun. Too bad I wasn't young enough to appreciate it, huh?
Posted by: ernie fisher at May 7, 2008 01:08 AMLin,
Drop a line if you get a chance. Long time no see.
We played in GR last year. I wanted to let you know but I had no clue how to get a hold of you.
If you get this e-mail back...
ebf
Posted by: Ernie Fisher at May 14, 2008 11:41 PM
Hello "Ern"!!!
By all means, call me when you can. I am in the phone book under my first initial and my maiden name.
You can also e-me at lyninvader@hotmail.com
It will be nice to touch base and catch up. So happy to hear that you are enjoying the world of music.
I will be doing an appearance with the Eschelons on June 21...at the GUEST HOUSE. It will be great fun.
Your "old"...um, I mean "full grown," gal friend.
Lin'
Posted by: Lin' at May 17, 2008 11:52 AMThe Eschelons, the Guest House , Lin you must be as old as I am. How are you doin? Bob R.
Posted by: Bob Reilly at July 18, 2008 11:43 AMSo Bob is alive hey Bob give me a call sometime
you old son-of-a-bitch
Hey Bob just kidding been a long time do you remember me? Just wanted to touch in with you.
Hope all is well. Joe
Found all of this very interesting...I used to work with Roger back in the 80's as a duo playing at the Sawmill on Front St in TC,with a 3 piece band w/Mark Avery on drums called Bonzo,then with Sh-Boom w/Roger Harcourt out at the Classic Lounge in 1981 doin a 50's-60's music/comedy thing. Havent seen him in years,but I did run into former Sh-Boom bandmate Ray Collins last month when I was in TC on vacation,and he said although Roger still plays out abit,his health is failing from diabetes,and is not getting around very well. He is a very talented guy,and at one time,was "THE" music scene in Traverse City. Any ?'s feel free to e-mail me...Charlee T. Bass/Vocals...Bloodline Blues Band www.bloodlineblues.com Chicagoland
Posted by: Charlee Throneburg at August 5, 2008 04:06 PMThe Eschelons, the Guest House , Lin you must be as old as I am. How are you doin? Bob R.
Posted by: Bob Reilly at August 30, 2008 03:11 PMThe Eschelons, the Guest House , Lin you must be as old as I am. How are you doin? Bob R.
Posted by: Bob Reilly at January 27, 2009 02:58 PMThe Eschelons, the Guest House , Lin you must be as old as I am. How are you doin? Bob R.
Posted by: Bob Reilly at January 27, 2009 02:59 PMI was Rogers half-assed "soundman" for a period back around 1980 at those gigs at the "Sawmill" in Traverse City.
Roger did two albums that I knew of at that time, "The Horse you rode in on" (which I don't have a copy of anymore, but would LIKE to) and "Here Before my eyes" which we took the cover photo of in the middle of Front Street downtown TC in the middle of a summer night with the help of the TCPD.
I have some reel to reel recordings of Roger at the Sawmill (I think ... somewhere) and another of a benefit show for the Wayne (last name escapes me at the moment) memorial that happened at the Manistee Armory about 1980.
Red Apple Road Band and a few others were there
I have this stuff on reel to reel tape SOMEWHERE.
Anyone remember shows at the Blue Shoe Zoo (Blue Slipper) in Onekama ... or the Wooden Nickle / Nickle in Lake County ?
I do !
Posted by: Marty Spaulding at February 20, 2009 04:21 AMIt was the Wayne Schrader memorial concert.
I have it on tape, somewhere.
Posted by: Marty Spaulding at February 20, 2009 04:23 AMLynn was good to see you few years back at the reunion day at 54th st. complex i think wodj or wlav sponsored . You still looked great . I use to see you guys play at The Place . Later was playing bass some in Elysian Field out of Rockford . Take care just found this site .
Posted by: Tom at February 22, 2009 02:43 AMI was Rogers half-assed "soundman" for a period back around 1980 at those gigs at the "Sawmill" in Traverse City.
Roger did two albums that I knew of at that time, "The Horse you rode in on" (which I don't have a copy of anymore, but would LIKE to) and "Here Before my eyes" which we took the cover photo of in the middle of Front Street downtown TC in the middle of a summer night with the help of the TCPD.
I have some reel to reel recordings of Roger at the Sawmill (I think ... somewhere) and another of a benefit show for the Wayne (last name escapes me at the moment) memorial that happened at the Manistee Armory about 1980.
Red Apple Road Band and a few others were there
I have this stuff on reel to reel tape SOMEWHERE.
Anyone remember shows at the Blue Shoe Zoo (Blue Slipper) in Onekama ... or the Wooden Nickle / Nickle in Lake County ?
I do ! I love reel to reel best sound around
reel to reel is the best. I say bring em back!!!!
reel to reel I live for this stuff!!!!!!
Is there anyone else who loves reel to reel like I do? I just love reel to reel. Oh that sound!!!!
Posted by: Marty Spaulding at March 12, 2009 10:00 AMHey Marty, got a question for you about reels, can you e-mail me at blotchy1-kitty008@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Posted by: Matt at April 16, 2009 04:51 PMDoes anyone know anything about bob reilly? He might know something also.
Posted by: Joe at May 19, 2009 12:50 PMTo Mr. Spaulding
I have three reel to reels, one made by ROBYN
from rockford, and a AKAI with 8 track I brought back from NAM. they are the best.
Contact me by E-MAIL
Lynn, went to school with you and sis Karn hope you,s are well.
Posted by: dick bursley at June 28, 2009 05:21 PM marty email me about reel to reels.
dick
bursley@charter.net
I am Roger Harcourts son Ryan. Other than rare appearances with my Band he is officially Retired. He still resides in the traverse city area. Diabetes has in fact ended his gigging but his love for music rages on.... To his half assed soundman lol.... if you see this i would love a copy of any recordings if you can figure out how to transfer them to Cd. If anyone wants to email me for any reason my email is ryan.harcourt@yahoo.com
Posted by: Ryan Harcourt at December 19, 2009 01:05 PMI know Roger, saw him back in 2003 with Ray Collins doing a Shanana gig in TC. He performed with me in the Don Dougherty band also, back in the early 80's
Posted by: Kr at January 31, 2010 06:43 PMIf anyone want to know stuff about the Shifter and the Rainmakers, I was in both of those bands in the 60's. I'm still performing with David Eickenroth in our Duo "The David/Paxton Band. We play book store mostly. we have been banned from most all bars these days. ha, contact me at krb55@hotmail.com
Posted by: KRB-Keith Brown at January 31, 2010 06:44 PM
