On the subject of records, in the January 18, 1961 Echo, Park High reporter Linda Weiner wrote “LPs Offer Wide Variety of Subjects, Albums Range from Bernstein to Buddy.”  She meant Buddy Hackett, not Holly. In fact she mentioned no rock ‘n’ roll at all.

 

Roy Milton’s band, featuring Mickey Champion, blues and ballad singer, were appearing at the Key Club starting January 19, 1961.  They apparently had a long stand, as they were still there on March 12, when they did a show at the Marigold Ballroom.

 

Folk music was all the rage, and St. Louis Park High had a group called the Statesmen, consisting of Dave Kushner, Jeff Liebo, Chuck Enestvedt, and Steve Hobart.

 

The Little Sandy Review reported on an appearance by comedian Shelley Berman at an unidentified “posh Mpls. night club,” with  folk singers the Clancy Brothers and Tom Makem on the bill.

 

The Ink Spots Revue, featuring Bill Josephs and Daisy Banke, appeared at the Key Club on March 15, 1961.

 

Odetta, “the most dramatic interpreter of American Folk Music,” appeared at the St. Paul Auditorium Theatre on May 19, 1961, presented by Paul Fink.

 

Joe Williams, formerly with Count Basie, appeared at the Marigold Ballroom on June 16, 1961.

 

Pianist Eddie Heywood appeared at Freddie’s in July.

 

Big Joe Turner, “Boss of the Blues,” came to Stem Hall on September 22, presented by the Progressive Gents.  Also appearing were Lefty Bates and his band.

 

Sarah Vaughan appeared at Freddie’s on October 2, quite a difference from the bawdy Rusty Warren, who followed her.

 

The St. Louis Park Echo reported that since October 5, recorded music was being piped into the study halls, corridors and lunchroom of the high school “to soothe, settle and satisfy the students as they study.

However, these soft and smooth sounds often tend to disturb the class routine rather than contribute to it.  Sometimes one may find himself listening to the background music instead of to the instructor.  At other times the entire class may burst into laughter as the tune changes from something quiet and moody to the “tooty” notes resembling those made by a circus calliope. ….  Before and after school the music is very pleasant to hear.  Between classes it is impossible to hear.

 

Mantovani and his “New Music” came to Northrop Auditorium on October 18, 1961.  Probably didn’t twist.

 

The Jolly Northerners presented a Holiday Dance at the Johnny Baker Post Hall (2951 – 5th Ave. So.) on December 23, with music by the Big M’s.