MUSIC OF THE 60’s: Local Group ReunitesTo Recreate Legendary “Be There” CORONADO
In the late 1960s change was in the air for Coronado. Long hair and tie-dye T-shirts were the rule of the day. Music of the Doors, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Rolling Stones were blaring at them from car speakers all over town.A group of Coronado High School students, inspired by this new form of Rock & Roll, began playing music in their garages.
The West Coast Ironworks emerged, and won over a generation with their musical talent and stage presence.The band will reunite on Saturday, July 5th for a special “BE THERE” concert at the VFW Hall at 557 Orange Avenue. The event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $15.The band has reunited several times over the decades, performing their music from the Summer of Love at Coronado’s Concerts in the Park, numerous Coronado High School All-Class reunions and outside Coronado at various corporate galas.
In 1968 they would perform in the sand beaches and dunes of the old Hog Farm, where the luxurious homes of the Coronado Cays now sit. The West Coast Ironworks would stage bootleg concerts that attracted a huge underground movement eager to hear their music.
The band’s four “BE THERE!” concerts of the sixties are still remembered by many on the island. The band would roll up with a generator, beer kegs, and a barrel of what was popularly known at the time as “Rocket Fuel Punch.” In keeping with the traditional "BE THERE!," people can bring food and picnic outside at the VFW Hall July 5th, but all liquids must be purchased at the bar.
“It was a different time,” recalled Richie Heinz, bass player and one of the lead singers in the band. “The kids all just wanted somewhere they could lounge under the stars, listen to good music, and not be bothered by the establishment.”In their prime, the West Coast Ironworks won numerous Southern California KGB Battle of the Band competitions and original song contests. They performed many times on the Regis Philbin Show, and were the talk of the greater San Diego music scene.
Founded in 1967 the group's stellar harmonies and wide variety of music made all their gigs extremely popular." In 1989 the band reunited for an All-Class reunion party and transported everyone back to the '60s. It was so much fun, the band made a pact to reunite every year during July Fourth weekend in Coronado.Over the years, Ironworks members have played with, or shared the same bill with such great artists as Gary Puckett, Elvin Bishop, the Chambers Brothers, Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, Grace Slick, Journey, Buddy Miles, Freddy King, Albert King, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Greg Kihn, Robin Trower, Buddy Guy, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Boz Scaggs, the Neville Brothers, Robert Cray, Taj Mahal, Bobby Womack, Junior Walker and the All Stars, Alvin Lee, the Kingsmen, the Ink Spots, the Drifters, Steve Miller Band, BB King, and the list goes on.
One of the best Coronado-grown guitarists ever is coming to play the July 5th BE THERE gig. Danny Orlino is flying in from Guam to attend his CHS Class of ‘68 40th Reunion, and will perform with his old band.Also in the band will be lead singer Gary Maltby (CHS Class of ‘66) and John Chambers (keyboards/vocals, Class of ‘68). Coronado’s Robert Mansueto (Guitar/Vocals CHS ‘70) is making his comeback appearance with the band this year as well.Joining them will be Dave Gilbert (Guitar/Vocals), George Nelms (Drums), and Richie Heinz (Bass/Keys and Vocals) CHS Class of ‘69. Original band members Dave Vaughan (drums/vocals, CHA 1967), and Gary Carter (guitar/vocals CHS 1967) are scheduled to return in 2009.For more information visit their website at, http://www.wciwmusic.com/.
Photo Caption:The West Coast Ironworks, from left, are Gary Carter (replaced this year by Dave Gilbert) George Nelms, John Chambers, Richie Heinz, Gary Maltby, and Billy Thompson (Replaced by Bob Mansueto).
JOSEPH DITLERWriter/Publicist
http://www.josephditler.com/
1034 Encino Row, Coronado, CA 92118-USAOffice Phone: (619) 435-0767E-mail: josephditler@san.rr.com
