After Bebop A Lula: Utica Bands 50's 60's

[jon hynes]

It's been a bunch of years but I do remember her well. I was thinking of Marie but you said Mary. Your mother seemed to always be walking around with a hand full of papers over by the filing cabinets. I was known best there for the Inserra job. I only went back to UPS a couple of times after it was sold.

[jon hynes]

It was a scream playing with Stan Fish. Ellyn was blind as a bat and she wouldn't wear her glasses when she played out with us because she was too vain. Then she imagined that some girl was flirting with Stan and she'd start by playing the drums faster and talking under her breath. Then murmured louder and louder. Then she'd stop playing all together. Stan finally had to replace her with a drummer from Oneida. She was also Don Reile's sister of Herkimer.


Stan used to play on WKTV channel 13 and one of the Syracuse Stations with Gordy Hood on Fiddle, Ellyn on the Cocktail Drums and some guitar player(s) back in the '50s. He most likely did some radio with Carl Swanson (Mr Sunshine) too.

I think you're right about the place I mentioned being on Martin Street out in Rome

[jon hynes]

Anthony Sheheen - Violinist

[jon hynes]

Chicky and the Jumping Jacks

Dave Tucci-Guitar Chicky Vennera-Saxophone
Butch DeAngelo-Drums Jon Hynes-Bass

[jon hynes]

Chicky Vennera

[bobbbiez]

jonhynes, thank you for posting Tony Sheheen's picture Surprised me when I came on. It was so good to see his face here on the forum.
I have the same picture sitting right here on my desk along with one of me and him dancing together.

Where do you find his picture?

I keep getting booted off the forum so if I disappear that's why. Don't know why it's happening.

Looking at the recent picture you posted of yourself, I did meet you years ago. You said he hung with Eddie right? If so, that's probably how I met you. Hopefully, I will remember where and when.

[wilum47]

bobbbiez,

I went back a little and saw your mentioning the Hickels and Club Monarch. Richie and I grew up together on Conkling Ave, he was my best friend.

Richie was my best man when my wife and I got married in 1972. It was the only time I ever saw him run. We were walking to Saint Mary's (South ST) when he realized he forgot the rings I gave him the night before! By the way, Jon, that was about a month after I played at Bailey's. Richie also stood up for my brother at his confirmation.

Of course, I new Tony Sheheen as a good friend also. Sarkis and Tony were playing at a friends wedding as a Syrian band and made me sit in! Tony was something!

For my folks 40th wedding Anniversary we had a little get together at Club Monarch and I asked Tony a couple of weeks before if he would play "I'll Get By" by the Ink Spots as that was their favorite song. He did more than that but told me I had to sing the song as part of the agreement. On of the toughest gigs I ever had to do!

Both were great friends and I miss them dearly.

[wilum47]

Jon,
Forgot to answer; yes, Mom's still alive and doing well for 84.

[bobbbiez]

Wilum47, told ya it was a very small world. Since you knew Rich and Tony so well then I'm sure you know who I am. I was always with those two nut cases. God, I could tell you some pretty hairy stories that they got me into. Especially Tony with all his "girlfriends," and he always getting me to handle business for him, so he wasn't bothered by all the exes.
If you attended Tony's funeral, I was the one who was chosen by his family to give his eulogy because of our 30 years friendship.
Just loved those two nuts.

Elaine Hickel (Tony's cousin) and kids are doing well. She and I keep in touch. I was happy to hear that she is finally dating and is starting to live her life again and she deserves it. She is such a sweet girl. She is now dating a retired UPD Officer but she said no marriage in her future.
I can fully understand where she's coming from. Hey, she had the best in Rich and when you had the best, you don't want the rest. Will be seeing her soon.

Before I forget. You said you still keep in touch with Scarecrow, (Dave), so please do me a favor. Tell him, Sunshine and Little Bo peep, still remembers him and send their love to him.
Little Bo peep is my daughter and when she was only six years old, Dave use to call her EVERY DAY on the CB radio when she got home from school and would talk to her. He made her so happy and feel so important and she still remembers her, "Scarecrow." Dave made his mark in her life forever and I so appreciated his love shown to her. Please tell him that for us. I want him to know that.

The last time I heard from him he had gotten married and was flying mighty high. I think he said he had a couple of kids to. I hope he is still very happy. He deserves the best.

[jon hynes]

Where do you think I get Tony Sheheen's picture, right there on your desk. Where else. Glad I didn't have to go to Constable, N.Y. to get it.

[bobbbiez]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, come on.

You would have had to drive to Constable to get it, since I'm still here. ;D

Now, where'd you get it?

[bobbbiez]

I know his picture (that one you posted) was hanging up at the old Hartford Queen and Ventura's, so is that where you got it?

[jon hynes]

Art and Rosemary Nicotera

Nicotera's Music Center

[wilum47]

Jon,

Great picture of Artie and Rosemary! I bought just about everything from him.

Because of my stubby little fingers I had an awful time with Fender Necks but the typical Gibson neck I had no problem. And Art was a definite Gibson Fan. Sold me my ES-335 Solid, my baby! And what a deal.

With all these pictures and your history, Jon, you should do a book. I'm sure there are enough people still around that would be more than willing to help you. You could give us all that last "15 minutes" Ha!

Oh, and I'd like to mention the SSB roster, Drums, Larry Ryan (CB Handle Firebird or Bird), Lead Guitar, Sarkis Sageer, (CB Handle Sgt. Snorkel or Sarge), Base, John Smith, (no CB) formerly from Pyramid III. Sarkis left in 1984 and Dave Wilson, from Ilion took his place. Dave played base and Farfisa in some bands in the valley in the 60's. John took over lead when Dave came on board. And that was us until 1995.

[wilum47]

Previously, Bobby Lynn was mentioned. My mother is friends with a family member and I waited until I got some more of the story before I wrote here..

Bobby has had Colon Cancer surgery, how long ago, I don't know. He was doing pretty well and he started having respiratory problems and several blood clots were found in his lungs. Last we know he is recovering from what was a close call and is recuperating in Florida.

Bobby always treated the band and me with respect and friendship. It was his help we ended up house band at the Court Room across from the court house.

He came over to empty our septic out about 15 years ago and he dragged a guitar out of his truck, I got mine, and we jammed on my porch while the Honey Was A Doin'