Feature of the Month
REMEMBERING THE BANDS...by Don Fritz
Written on 1.10.11

This is the seventeenth edition of the Feature of the Month for the South Dakota Rock & Roll Music Association. We are rock and roll fans, and looking to write a feature each month, that will not only bring back wonderful memories, but will also remind us all of the history that was made in our great state of South Dakota. We are hoping to write a feature each month selecting one of the many talented Bands, DJ's, Radio Stations, and Dance Halls throughout SD.
 
The Chivons
In 1964 four friends from tiny Gary, South Dakota decided to start a band. David Law (rhythm guitar, trumpet, vocals), Paul Jacobsen (lead vocals, guitar), Leon Peterson (bass), and Merlin Gilbertson (drums) got together and the Chivons was born. Jim Rourk, on keyboards, was a later addition. Their first gig was at the American Legion in Gary and they played their entire playlist, four songs, over and over. despite a "limited" number of songs, they were well received.

After early trials and tribulations the Chivons became the unofficial house band at Tunerville. They also were frequent entertainers at Horatios in Brookings. Their harmonies allowed them to play a lot of Beach Boys and Beatles music. In the mid sixties they took first place at a "Battle of the Bands" in Brookings.

The band was together until 1968, when marriage, college, and Uncle Sam broke up the band. David and Paul, along with Larry Gruseth, played in a new band, Harvey Wallbangers Big Time Band. Today David is a DJ at KXLG in Watertown, Paul lives in Michigan and is still active in music, Merlin is retired in the Twin Cities area and Leon is deceased.

 

Lads of Sherwood

The "Collectors" was a band from Sisseton, South Dakota consisting of friends who were sophomores in high school. They changed their name to the "Lads of Sherwood" with Paul Sanden (lead vocals), Steve Olson (lead guitar), Dennis Olson (keyboard), Dave Briles (bass), and Kerry Smith (drums) becoming the permanent members. Most of their gigs were at local ballrooms and dance halls, including Dan's Coliseum in Browns Valley, White Eagle in New Effington, Rainbow in Britton, and the Depot in Aberdeen.

The guys dressed for the part, wearing dark green tunics, puffy-sleeved shirts, and knee-high boots. They quickly developed into a polished band with a unique style and played to large crowds. Soon they were performing at the big ballrooms around the state in places like Tyndall, Grand Forks, Detroit Lakes, and the Black Hills. They had a booking agent out of Minneapolis. Transportation was provided by an uninsulated Red Owl panel van, making for some long and frigid trips in the winter.

In 1968 the Lads graduated from high school and went on to various colleges, making it impossible to keep the band together, ending a three year run. They reunited in 2008 for their high school reunion and again in 2010 for "Bring Back The Bands" at the beautiful Sisseton Performing Arts Center, once again giving their loyal fans an opportunity to step back in time with the talented "Lads of Sherwood"