It's Friday Night! Time to Blog!
Thanks, Gordon Hom, for your comments about your first job at Olson's. Never heard of the place.
I appreciate you Revealing Yourself, you are not anonymous, you are the brave one.
FYI Gordon's comment is buried in my blogspot: it is found on the blog "Photo and Other Images..."
The music was so important, wasn't it Gordon? To hear one of those songs, it takes you back to the crowds on the dance floor. Gordon, I think Summer Sun is the anthem of the Asian dances. Once the tune starts up, I think about the camaraderie in the mutual enjoyment of that song. I had not heard it in decades, and now anytime I want to hear it, I find it freely on YouTube.
I was at the hairdresser yesterday, asked my long time stylist about his memories of attending dances. He started using antiquated words like "gabardine pants" "tube tops" "see-through blouses."
The night before last I was on the phone with my sister-in-law. She hails from San Jose and she recalls Carry On playing up there. I would enjoy getting more details about the dance scene up in the Bay area.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Remembrances from the South Bay
New Email sent to me:
I'm a SouthBay person who remembers all the dances. I enjoyed the street cruising after the dances. I owned a muscle car as well but only cruised with it as my friends did all the racing. Working in a gas station let me hang out with all the other guys who had muscle cars like me. I remember hanging out at Carrow's in Gardena where some to the southbay racers meet. I enjoyed muscle cars more than the small imports that took over later.
The dancing venues were places like Roger Young's, Blarney's Castle, Embassy Hall, Parkview, Baces Hall, Elks Club, La Mirada, Casa Escabar, Quality Inn, Baby Lions, Gung Hay's, Lococo's, Jockey Club, Golden Tale, Lahana's, Osko Disco, etc..
The bands I remebered were Hiroshima, Carry On, the Prophets, Free Flight, Beaudry Express, Winfield Summit, Dynasty, Benjo Blues Band, We the People, Barkada, Prism, Something Else, Long Time Coming, Headstone, Crossroads, Just Us, etc,, and the music of Kalapana, CK, and others from the Islands.
The after dances we went were places like Holiday Bowl, Mago''s, Al Penny's, Van de Kamp, Denneys in Montebello, Gardena, Torrance, on Western in LA, JoJo's, Carrow's (Karissa the waitress), and sometimes to Harry's Chop Suey in Gardena. And if we didn't go to the dance, we hung out at Mr. Pockets or Andy's Pool Hall.
I remember the crazy dances we did like the cha cha, rock steady, bump, chase, hustle, point, white boy, and the soul train lines for the lockers. The music is still fresh in my mind and the songs I still remember. It's good that some of the dances are back again thanks to Music Company, Steve Kikuchi and band, Mojo's, and I here that Carry On may get back sometime in the Future again. Thanks for the memories Kenny!
I'm a SouthBay person who remembers all the dances. I enjoyed the street cruising after the dances. I owned a muscle car as well but only cruised with it as my friends did all the racing. Working in a gas station let me hang out with all the other guys who had muscle cars like me. I remember hanging out at Carrow's in Gardena where some to the southbay racers meet. I enjoyed muscle cars more than the small imports that took over later.
The dancing venues were places like Roger Young's, Blarney's Castle, Embassy Hall, Parkview, Baces Hall, Elks Club, La Mirada, Casa Escabar, Quality Inn, Baby Lions, Gung Hay's, Lococo's, Jockey Club, Golden Tale, Lahana's, Osko Disco, etc..
The bands I remebered were Hiroshima, Carry On, the Prophets, Free Flight, Beaudry Express, Winfield Summit, Dynasty, Benjo Blues Band, We the People, Barkada, Prism, Something Else, Long Time Coming, Headstone, Crossroads, Just Us, etc,, and the music of Kalapana, CK, and others from the Islands.
The after dances we went were places like Holiday Bowl, Mago''s, Al Penny's, Van de Kamp, Denneys in Montebello, Gardena, Torrance, on Western in LA, JoJo's, Carrow's (Karissa the waitress), and sometimes to Harry's Chop Suey in Gardena. And if we didn't go to the dance, we hung out at Mr. Pockets or Andy's Pool Hall.
I remember the crazy dances we did like the cha cha, rock steady, bump, chase, hustle, point, white boy, and the soul train lines for the lockers. The music is still fresh in my mind and the songs I still remember. It's good that some of the dances are back again thanks to Music Company, Steve Kikuchi and band, Mojo's, and I here that Carry On may get back sometime in the Future again. Thanks for the memories Kenny!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Update from Dane on Paul's Kitchen - Thanks Goes to Thomas Yee!
Hi Everyone, this is an email from Dane:
Wow, I didn't expect my emails to end up on this page. I would like to clarify a few things. I just don't like the way it sounds on the blog page. I met Thomas Yee (the owner of Paul's Kitchen) when I was 15 years old. He was the lead singer for the band "Beaudry Express" before I had joined their band. At that time (1970), Thomas was serving in the U.S. military and he would always come to see us play when he was on leave in LA. Now, concerning the Paul's Kitchen thing. One night (about 30 years later) after playing for a private party at Paul's Kitchen, I asked Thomas if I could put a band together to come play on Thursday nights. Thomas being the music lover that he is, gave me the open arm, go ahead to do whatever I like, musically. Well, we played there every Thursday night for just over 3 1/2 years which are 6 months longer than we were all in high school. I may have been the chief instigator but the credit goes to Thomas, all of the great musicians, and friends who showed up week after week that supported our effort to promote "live" music. I was lucky enough to have some of the best local musicians from our community come out and play their hearts out. We all made many new friends and reunited with many old friends. It was just great and I am very grateful to have had that opportunity. It was full circle, like playing at dances thru my high school years all over again. I sure miss it and will never forget all of the good times we had there. Thank you all for your contribution. Thanks Thomas for allowing us!!!
Wow, I didn't expect my emails to end up on this page. I would like to clarify a few things. I just don't like the way it sounds on the blog page. I met Thomas Yee (the owner of Paul's Kitchen) when I was 15 years old. He was the lead singer for the band "Beaudry Express" before I had joined their band. At that time (1970), Thomas was serving in the U.S. military and he would always come to see us play when he was on leave in LA. Now, concerning the Paul's Kitchen thing. One night (about 30 years later) after playing for a private party at Paul's Kitchen, I asked Thomas if I could put a band together to come play on Thursday nights. Thomas being the music lover that he is, gave me the open arm, go ahead to do whatever I like, musically. Well, we played there every Thursday night for just over 3 1/2 years which are 6 months longer than we were all in high school. I may have been the chief instigator but the credit goes to Thomas, all of the great musicians, and friends who showed up week after week that supported our effort to promote "live" music. I was lucky enough to have some of the best local musicians from our community come out and play their hearts out. We all made many new friends and reunited with many old friends. It was just great and I am very grateful to have had that opportunity. It was full circle, like playing at dances thru my high school years all over again. I sure miss it and will never forget all of the good times we had there. Thank you all for your contribution. Thanks Thomas for allowing us!!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Hey, I'm New to Blogging
Hi, it's Betty.
It appears that the Blogspot allows the public to make comments, and your comments will be published once I hit the okay button as the administrator of the Blogspot.
However, if you want to actually post a blog, I can authorize your email (and you would still have to sign up for a Google email account.) Sorry for the complications; you can always email me at betty_uyeda@hotmail.com, and I can then post a blog for you.
I truly welcome your participation to this 21st century method to document the social culture of the Asian American dance experience.
It appears that the Blogspot allows the public to make comments, and your comments will be published once I hit the okay button as the administrator of the Blogspot.
However, if you want to actually post a blog, I can authorize your email (and you would still have to sign up for a Google email account.) Sorry for the complications; you can always email me at betty_uyeda@hotmail.com, and I can then post a blog for you.
I truly welcome your participation to this 21st century method to document the social culture of the Asian American dance experience.
The Scoop on Musician Dane Matsumura
Dane Matsumura/ bass and Peter Fong/ drums at Blarney's Castle 1970
Peter Fong and me at Gardena YMCA 1972
Dane Matsumura has been an accomplished musician and an integral part of the Asian American music and dance scene. Dane wrote to me:
I have pics of that dated 1970 at Gazzarri's. I had all of these pics already scanned. I've been trying to preserve my old shoe box full of band pics. I have a bunch of these pics on myspace.com/danematsumura
Yes, I started the Paul's Kitchen thing with my band "LOCAL MOJO". It sure was a blast. I also play and handle the business for the band "Music Co".
Dane also sent to me the following bio:
Dane Matsumura was 13 years old when he began playing the electric bass guitar. After high school he was on the road for 2 years with a nightclub cover band that performed all over the Western United States and Canada. In 1978 he joined the Asian American band "Hiroshima" and played on their first two albums titled, “Hiroshima” and “Odori.” In 1981, he received a Grammy nomination for “Best R & B Instrumental Performance” as one of the co-writers of “Winds of Change” from Hiroshima’s second album. He performed and toured with Hiroshima until 1982. He has produced 3 CD’s for Crane Productions: Dane Matsumura & Friends, The Music Co. – “Just like ol' times”, and The Music Co. LIVE! He resides in Gardena, CA and is a freelance bassist.
The Music Company is the culmination of Japanese American musicians who grew up together in the 1960’s and 70’s from various LA bands of that era: Randy Yoshimoto (drums/ vocals), A Long time Comin’ & Free Flight; Dennis Yokotake (keyboards), Easy Living; Dane Matsumura (bass) Beaudry Express; Mariko Nishizu (vocals), Free Flight; and Howie Hiyoshida (vocals) from A Long Time Comin’.
In 1982, Randy Yoshimoto and Dennis Yokotake formed The Music Company. Dane Matsumura was soon asked to sit in on electric bass and
for the next decade, this trio performed at nearly a thousand wedding receptions, private parties, and community functions. Long-time friends Mariko Nishizu and Howie Hiyoshida have been adding their vocal talents to the band ever since 1992.
The Music Co. has recorded 2 CD’s titled “Just Like Ol’ Times” and
“MUSIC CO. LIVE!” produced by Crane Productions. Their “old school” musical style continues to be a favorite at weddings, dances, private parties, and many special community events.
Photo and Other Images Submitted by Dane Matsumura
Year: 1970
Beaudry Express at Blarney's Castle 1970L-R - Marty Tatsumi (Guitar), Dane Matsumura (Bass), Peter Fong (Drums), Norman Quon (Guitar), Grayson Izumi (Organ). Beaudry Express used to rehearse at Norman Quon's house on Beaudry right outside of Chinatown.
Dance Bids
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dance Organizers
Betty here blogging:
I remember the first dance I attended, at the Mary Knoll school (church?) in Little Tokyo around 1973 or 1974, when I was still in high school.
I remember that Tom Collins was a drink to ask for - it was a novelty to be old enough to have the freedom to order an alcoholic drink if I chose to. I never had exposure to drugs or chemical abuse. I was never confronted with a drug culture at these dances. It was very innocent. I remember the excitement of the bands, the music, the guys and girls, but the parties were never complete for me without sticking around afterwards to see the cars cruising, challenging each other, burning a bit of tire, sometimes seeing the cops arrive and the crowds dissapate.
I remember a carnival in J-Town - there were so many hot cars, even some Asian guys with low-riders, I heard they came out from Arizona to cruise.
Remember the name George Tong? He used to thrown dances...where is he now?
How about the lovely Claudia Mark? She threw many New Year's Eve parties in the 1990s...what is she doing these days?
General Lee's in Chinatown, many events and New Year's Eve parties were done there, too.
I remember the first dance I attended, at the Mary Knoll school (church?) in Little Tokyo around 1973 or 1974, when I was still in high school.
I remember that Tom Collins was a drink to ask for - it was a novelty to be old enough to have the freedom to order an alcoholic drink if I chose to. I never had exposure to drugs or chemical abuse. I was never confronted with a drug culture at these dances. It was very innocent. I remember the excitement of the bands, the music, the guys and girls, but the parties were never complete for me without sticking around afterwards to see the cars cruising, challenging each other, burning a bit of tire, sometimes seeing the cops arrive and the crowds dissapate.
I remember a carnival in J-Town - there were so many hot cars, even some Asian guys with low-riders, I heard they came out from Arizona to cruise.
Remember the name George Tong? He used to thrown dances...where is he now?
How about the lovely Claudia Mark? She threw many New Year's Eve parties in the 1990s...what is she doing these days?
General Lee's in Chinatown, many events and New Year's Eve parties were done there, too.
Social Clubs from 1950s
November 20th Email:
Hi Betty.I started a club in 1957, charter president, called the Chanels. It continued through the 70's and quite active in throwing dances at the Aeronatical and Womens' club and other venues I can't even remember. I can ask some friends if they remember..
Q: Was the club chanels a mostly asian american group?
November 21st Email:
A: The club was primarily Asian and then later excepted non Asians. I can't remember the particulars.
Hi Betty.I started a club in 1957, charter president, called the Chanels. It continued through the 70's and quite active in throwing dances at the Aeronatical and Womens' club and other venues I can't even remember. I can ask some friends if they remember..
Q: Was the club chanels a mostly asian american group?
November 21st Email:
A: The club was primarily Asian and then later excepted non Asians. I can't remember the particulars.
November 30th Email
November 30th Email:
Here's the youtube video- you'll enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nukJYZT1SCw [Visual Communications fundraiser held November 7, 2009 "Dance the Night Away 2009]
dances were also at Lococo's, La Mirada Country Club, Park View, Elk's Club, Jimmy's.
Other bands were Free Flight, Windfield Summit, Beaudry Express
And lastly the music...including Summer Sun, If you were there you'd know (Ace Spectrum), Pretty World (Sergio Mendez), Nobody Loves You (Classics 4).
Here's the youtube video- you'll enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nukJYZT1SCw [Visual Communications fundraiser held November 7, 2009 "Dance the Night Away 2009]
dances were also at Lococo's, La Mirada Country Club, Park View, Elk's Club, Jimmy's.
Other bands were Free Flight, Windfield Summit, Beaudry Express
And lastly the music...including Summer Sun, If you were there you'd know (Ace Spectrum), Pretty World (Sergio Mendez), Nobody Loves You (Classics 4).
November 29th Email
November 29th Email:
I think on Tues. nights at Gung Hays, they had the live bands i.e. Carry On, Free Flight and (Prism)?. "Soul" music was the order of the day. There were alot of dances held at hotels near LAX too. One time a very large Asian dance was held at the LA Convention center in the late 70's. I think in the eighties the place to hang out was either at a club called "Down Under" in Century City? and some other places down in Redondo and Hermosa Beach.
The carnival scene usually started with Chinese new year as the first one of the year in LA's Chinatown. Then the Cherry Blossom Festival in Monterey Park followed. Then came the Crenshaw carnival, then the Obon festival in J town and finally the Nisei week culminating the end of summer. In between those there were a few small carnivals, one down in Gardena on 166th st and one time there was one out in the San Fernando Valley. All were sponsored by Churches.
Cruising the carnivals was the norm during and after each one. Street racing inevitably followed especially after Nisei week ending up on Stadium Way. Many people specifically prepared their cars for Nisei week to show off after the carnival as they cruised back and forth on San Pedro Street.
Street racing usually occurred Tues., Fri and Sat. nights either on Stadium Way or in Torrance meeting at the Denny's on 190th and Western. There were usually rivals from different parts of the city. They were known as the West Siders who were always rowdy and looking for a fight and the East Siders who were thought to have the rich parents who bought their kids their cars and parts. Then there were the ones from the the South Bay known as the Gardena Boys. IN LA's Chinatown, there was a rowdy group known as the Homeboys.
For some of us on Weds nights, we went to cruise Van Nuys Blvd and then after head up to Mulholland Drive to race on the "hill". On a Friday or Sat. night, we would sometimes race on the hill too if there was no racing on Stadium way.
Nobody I knew cruised Whittier Blvd since that was all for lowriders and nobody wanted to be associated with that culture.
Here's another Hawaiian band performing an excellent rendition of Summer Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apwegd8SgB4&feature=channel
On this link, they also perform an excellent rendition of "You're still a young man" by Tower of Power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvbc5Ayth-o&feature=channel
I think on Tues. nights at Gung Hays, they had the live bands i.e. Carry On, Free Flight and (Prism)?. "Soul" music was the order of the day. There were alot of dances held at hotels near LAX too. One time a very large Asian dance was held at the LA Convention center in the late 70's. I think in the eighties the place to hang out was either at a club called "Down Under" in Century City? and some other places down in Redondo and Hermosa Beach.
The carnival scene usually started with Chinese new year as the first one of the year in LA's Chinatown. Then the Cherry Blossom Festival in Monterey Park followed. Then came the Crenshaw carnival, then the Obon festival in J town and finally the Nisei week culminating the end of summer. In between those there were a few small carnivals, one down in Gardena on 166th st and one time there was one out in the San Fernando Valley. All were sponsored by Churches.
Cruising the carnivals was the norm during and after each one. Street racing inevitably followed especially after Nisei week ending up on Stadium Way. Many people specifically prepared their cars for Nisei week to show off after the carnival as they cruised back and forth on San Pedro Street.
Street racing usually occurred Tues., Fri and Sat. nights either on Stadium Way or in Torrance meeting at the Denny's on 190th and Western. There were usually rivals from different parts of the city. They were known as the West Siders who were always rowdy and looking for a fight and the East Siders who were thought to have the rich parents who bought their kids their cars and parts. Then there were the ones from the the South Bay known as the Gardena Boys. IN LA's Chinatown, there was a rowdy group known as the Homeboys.
For some of us on Weds nights, we went to cruise Van Nuys Blvd and then after head up to Mulholland Drive to race on the "hill". On a Friday or Sat. night, we would sometimes race on the hill too if there was no racing on Stadium way.
Nobody I knew cruised Whittier Blvd since that was all for lowriders and nobody wanted to be associated with that culture.
Here's another Hawaiian band performing an excellent rendition of Summer Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apwegd8SgB4&feature=channel
On this link, they also perform an excellent rendition of "You're still a young man" by Tower of Power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvbc5Ayth-o&feature=channel
November 28th Email
November 28th Email:
There were some other clubs and dance places... Redondo Beach- Lahani's..The owner was Bobby..something...I heard he recently passed away. A restaurant in Gardena on Western Ave that had dance parties - Baby Lion? Hilton at Figueroa and 7thBiltmore Hotel. John Kim, used to be a club promoter.. Places to eat...Spikes in San Gabriel...Dennys...Western and 8th..Vermont and Wilshire...101 and VignesIHOP- 6th and Vermont...Sambos across the streetWon Kok in Chinatown Atomic Cafe...Mitsuru Cafe...Suehiro Cafe Oiwake the birthplace of Karaoke in LA... From the 60s I have a ton of things on the Asian American experience I will write to you soon...It will take a while...From the 60's elementary school to HS in the 70's...Being a true minority, one of three Asians in elemantary school , to having identity in HS because of these places and activites. Thank you for taking interest in this...I don;t have many photos or written material to give, but a lot of memories...
There were some other clubs and dance places... Redondo Beach- Lahani's..The owner was Bobby..something...I heard he recently passed away. A restaurant in Gardena on Western Ave that had dance parties - Baby Lion? Hilton at Figueroa and 7thBiltmore Hotel. John Kim, used to be a club promoter.. Places to eat...Spikes in San Gabriel...Dennys...Western and 8th..Vermont and Wilshire...101 and VignesIHOP- 6th and Vermont...Sambos across the streetWon Kok in Chinatown Atomic Cafe...Mitsuru Cafe...Suehiro Cafe Oiwake the birthplace of Karaoke in LA... From the 60s I have a ton of things on the Asian American experience I will write to you soon...It will take a while...From the 60's elementary school to HS in the 70's...Being a true minority, one of three Asians in elemantary school , to having identity in HS because of these places and activites. Thank you for taking interest in this...I don;t have many photos or written material to give, but a lot of memories...
November 24th Email - Dances in the 1960s
November 24th Email:
This is a great project to capture the times and the activity of the Asian American experience. You're focusing on the 70s but I think they are leaving out a big group, those that went to these dances in the 60s. I grew up in the 60s and my friends older brothers went to these dances at the Roger Young Auditorium and Parkview Women's club. They created clubs to host these dances. They used to haunt old record stores for the 45s of great music. They were car enthusiasts. They worked at gas stations and worked on their own cars. One thing that stands out in my mind during this period is the integration of the Japanese American and Chinese Americans and probably Korean Americans. Kids came from all over LA to these dances. Prior to this, our parents were probably not so open to the notion their kids were mixing from all the political stuff from the 30s-50s. Today we have many mixed Asian families. Anyhow, I got excited about your project and will pass along the message to those friends who were part of this scene. I wish you success and thank you for the doing this. ---------(Gardena, class of 66)
November 24th Email:
While I was not part of the Asian American Dance Scene of the 1970s, eventhough I should have been...
I was born in and grew up in LA Chinatown, went to Castelar School,Nightingale Jr. High, Belmont High (1971), and UCLA (1974), so I am veryinterested in documenting the history of Asian Americans in LosAngeles/Southern California. Thank you, -----Laguna Niguel, CA
This is a great project to capture the times and the activity of the Asian American experience. You're focusing on the 70s but I think they are leaving out a big group, those that went to these dances in the 60s. I grew up in the 60s and my friends older brothers went to these dances at the Roger Young Auditorium and Parkview Women's club. They created clubs to host these dances. They used to haunt old record stores for the 45s of great music. They were car enthusiasts. They worked at gas stations and worked on their own cars. One thing that stands out in my mind during this period is the integration of the Japanese American and Chinese Americans and probably Korean Americans. Kids came from all over LA to these dances. Prior to this, our parents were probably not so open to the notion their kids were mixing from all the political stuff from the 30s-50s. Today we have many mixed Asian families. Anyhow, I got excited about your project and will pass along the message to those friends who were part of this scene. I wish you success and thank you for the doing this. ---------(Gardena, class of 66)
November 24th Email:
While I was not part of the Asian American Dance Scene of the 1970s, eventhough I should have been...
I was born in and grew up in LA Chinatown, went to Castelar School,Nightingale Jr. High, Belmont High (1971), and UCLA (1974), so I am veryinterested in documenting the history of Asian Americans in LosAngeles/Southern California. Thank you, -----Laguna Niguel, CA
My Inquiry Gets Passed Along
November 20th Email:
I received this email from a friend, -----. It brought back lots of
memories of late nights, dancing, drinking and the 2:00AM breakfast
November 21st Email:
Hello, my name is ----------- and I met ------------- at a La Mirada dance put on by LT PRO (Little Toykyo people's rights organization) back in the 70's and we just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary!
I received this email from a friend, -----. It brought back lots of
memories of late nights, dancing, drinking and the 2:00AM breakfast
November 21st Email:
Hello, my name is ----------- and I met ------------- at a La Mirada dance put on by LT PRO (Little Toykyo people's rights organization) back in the 70's and we just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary!
More Email Responses on November 23rd
November 23rd Email:
I attended dances at the Rodger Young Auditorium. These dances were in a way, a gathering point for Asians from around the area. During those years, 1968 & 1969, everyone had a tendency to run with his or her own crowd, which in most cases did not include individuals from other schools. however, these dances drew from all around the city. I remember distinctly, listening to the band play, "More Today Than Yesterday" by the Spiral Staircase, and the most popular song of the time, "In A Gadda Da Vida" by Iron Butterfly. Unfortunately, I also remember some fights, although rare. You know, at that time, the dances were probably one of the few places where Asian kids could cut loose so to speak. In an environment where being "conservative" was considered the norm, almost required, I remember seeing the girls "dressed to kill" and the guys sporting all of the hairdo's that had to be held in place by hairspray. I remember that the Hispanic kids were lowering their cars and the Asian kids were raising theirs. If you owned a nice "ride" it was par for the course to be seen arriving at the dance. Good memories!
November 23rd Email:
I use to belong to the band Thee Prophets in the 70's and presently in the group Carry On. We have many contacts who have valuable information and pictures from " those days". I will ask them to contact you with what ever information they have. Some people even have the actual entrance bids to the dances. THe only thing I can offer personally is my wonderful memories of that era and the music that drove the asian dance experience.
I attended dances at the Rodger Young Auditorium. These dances were in a way, a gathering point for Asians from around the area. During those years, 1968 & 1969, everyone had a tendency to run with his or her own crowd, which in most cases did not include individuals from other schools. however, these dances drew from all around the city. I remember distinctly, listening to the band play, "More Today Than Yesterday" by the Spiral Staircase, and the most popular song of the time, "In A Gadda Da Vida" by Iron Butterfly. Unfortunately, I also remember some fights, although rare. You know, at that time, the dances were probably one of the few places where Asian kids could cut loose so to speak. In an environment where being "conservative" was considered the norm, almost required, I remember seeing the girls "dressed to kill" and the guys sporting all of the hairdo's that had to be held in place by hairspray. I remember that the Hispanic kids were lowering their cars and the Asian kids were raising theirs. If you owned a nice "ride" it was par for the course to be seen arriving at the dance. Good memories!
November 23rd Email:
I use to belong to the band Thee Prophets in the 70's and presently in the group Carry On. We have many contacts who have valuable information and pictures from " those days". I will ask them to contact you with what ever information they have. Some people even have the actual entrance bids to the dances. THe only thing I can offer personally is my wonderful memories of that era and the music that drove the asian dance experience.
November 23rd Email and Q/A Follow-up
November 23rd Email:
We actually set up a dance at Rodger Youngs back in 1971-72 (not sure exactly) and we did something unique. We set up 2 stages and ran 2 sets between 2 bands: Winfield Summit and Hiroshima. We had Winfield Summit play at on end of the hall then Hiroshima played at the other end. I can’t remember if Hiroshima played twice or just once during the second set. I remember they charged us $ 500.00/hr. It was packed is all I remember and people that I had never seen before showed up. They came from different areas of So Cal. Some from Van Nuys and other remote areas.
I had my first taste of alcohol there. I went with my friend ---- (I think)and we sat in the security guys office where I think he also resided and he gave us full glasses of Scotch. It tasted horrible and I think I got sick later that night. I went that night to see the Younghearts (African - American group). They were really popular those days and it was a mixed crowd but the majority were asians.
Another place we used to go.......Japanese Deer park in Orange County...Anaheim I think. It was far but a great atmosphere. I think it was outdoor and not in an auditorium.
There was also another place in West LA that had a lot of dances too but I can’t recall where it was or the name of the hall.
People used to sell discounted bids (admission tickets) prior to the event and they would have flyers printed and distributed. We recruited strangers to sell for us and we let them in free for their efforts. It was also an easy way to meet people and get their phone numbers. It was a crazy time but fun at the same time. Yes...gas prices were reasonable those days and it didn’t matter how far you drove or where you landed. Even the house parties were insane...we would always call people to find out where the parties were at and they would always seem to know...how? I think that it was like their job to find out where the parties or events would be happening for that upcoming weekend. We would soemtimes just show up at parties uninviited and have just a great time meeting people. The people were very different depending upon where the party was at. The West LA parties were different ..... lots of black leather jackets and "attitudes" seemed like they were always looking to have a fight or something...looking for trouble I guess. We were guys from the Eastside and they knew it instantly but if you didn’t stare back or act stupid they left you alone. One party we went to in West LA someplace was just jam packed!! It was like wall-to-wall people...all standing....truly SRO. As you entered the room you couldn’t help but rub up against someone to get to the other side of the room. So many people that it spilled outside and the outside garage area was also packed. I guess it was someone’s parents house. We crashed it so we had no idea who was throwing the party.
It was a lot of fun but a bit crazy. We were lucky to make it out intact with no problems
November 29th Email Responses to Betty's Q/A:
Q: I really enjoyed your recollections: were you one of the dance organizers? If so, how did you fall into doing this? besides the money - did you sense a social need to bring people together? A: Yes but honestly we did this for fun.
Q: When you did the set-up for Hiroshima and Winfield summit - were the 2 bands new to the scene, or already playing and had notoriety? A: Hiroshima was popular within the inner circles. I think they were charging $ 500.00/hr. so they were a bit pricy for our us but the primary draw. Winfield Summit already had a following.
Q: Were dances held at the Japanese Deer Park? With similar bands playing?
A: Yes, same setup but different crowd. I think a lot of the people were from the Orange County area. It was a great place ....open stage...outdoors...
We actually set up a dance at Rodger Youngs back in 1971-72 (not sure exactly) and we did something unique. We set up 2 stages and ran 2 sets between 2 bands: Winfield Summit and Hiroshima. We had Winfield Summit play at on end of the hall then Hiroshima played at the other end. I can’t remember if Hiroshima played twice or just once during the second set. I remember they charged us $ 500.00/hr. It was packed is all I remember and people that I had never seen before showed up. They came from different areas of So Cal. Some from Van Nuys and other remote areas.
I had my first taste of alcohol there. I went with my friend ---- (I think)and we sat in the security guys office where I think he also resided and he gave us full glasses of Scotch. It tasted horrible and I think I got sick later that night. I went that night to see the Younghearts (African - American group). They were really popular those days and it was a mixed crowd but the majority were asians.
Another place we used to go.......Japanese Deer park in Orange County...Anaheim I think. It was far but a great atmosphere. I think it was outdoor and not in an auditorium.
There was also another place in West LA that had a lot of dances too but I can’t recall where it was or the name of the hall.
People used to sell discounted bids (admission tickets) prior to the event and they would have flyers printed and distributed. We recruited strangers to sell for us and we let them in free for their efforts. It was also an easy way to meet people and get their phone numbers. It was a crazy time but fun at the same time. Yes...gas prices were reasonable those days and it didn’t matter how far you drove or where you landed. Even the house parties were insane...we would always call people to find out where the parties were at and they would always seem to know...how? I think that it was like their job to find out where the parties or events would be happening for that upcoming weekend. We would soemtimes just show up at parties uninviited and have just a great time meeting people. The people were very different depending upon where the party was at. The West LA parties were different ..... lots of black leather jackets and "attitudes" seemed like they were always looking to have a fight or something...looking for trouble I guess. We were guys from the Eastside and they knew it instantly but if you didn’t stare back or act stupid they left you alone. One party we went to in West LA someplace was just jam packed!! It was like wall-to-wall people...all standing....truly SRO. As you entered the room you couldn’t help but rub up against someone to get to the other side of the room. So many people that it spilled outside and the outside garage area was also packed. I guess it was someone’s parents house. We crashed it so we had no idea who was throwing the party.
It was a lot of fun but a bit crazy. We were lucky to make it out intact with no problems
November 29th Email Responses to Betty's Q/A:
Q: I really enjoyed your recollections: were you one of the dance organizers? If so, how did you fall into doing this? besides the money - did you sense a social need to bring people together? A: Yes but honestly we did this for fun.
Q: When you did the set-up for Hiroshima and Winfield summit - were the 2 bands new to the scene, or already playing and had notoriety? A: Hiroshima was popular within the inner circles. I think they were charging $ 500.00/hr. so they were a bit pricy for our us but the primary draw. Winfield Summit already had a following.
Q: Were dances held at the Japanese Deer Park? With similar bands playing?
A: Yes, same setup but different crowd. I think a lot of the people were from the Orange County area. It was a great place ....open stage...outdoors...
November 23rd Email
November 23rd Email:
I mentioned it to one of the people and he brought up Blarney’s Castle; and I remembered Parkview Women’s Club in the Crenshaw area but I don’t know if they still hosted dances in the 70s. I had to ask about Surfrider in Santa Monica—couldn’t remember the name. I just remember it was a smaller venue and it would get so crowded people would go outside to cool off and the window-walls were all steamed up.
I don’t remember going to the Elks Club at MacArthur Park, though....
Carry On and Somethin’ Else were the best 2 bands at the time although others were around and some later ones. Chozen Few, Free Flight... ?? There’s a band nowadays called Music Machine I think and the members are made up of musicians/singers from some of those other bands put together.
They just played a fundraiser for Visual Communications...
I mentioned it to one of the people and he brought up Blarney’s Castle; and I remembered Parkview Women’s Club in the Crenshaw area but I don’t know if they still hosted dances in the 70s. I had to ask about Surfrider in Santa Monica—couldn’t remember the name. I just remember it was a smaller venue and it would get so crowded people would go outside to cool off and the window-walls were all steamed up.
I don’t remember going to the Elks Club at MacArthur Park, though....
Carry On and Somethin’ Else were the best 2 bands at the time although others were around and some later ones. Chozen Few, Free Flight... ?? There’s a band nowadays called Music Machine I think and the members are made up of musicians/singers from some of those other bands put together.
They just played a fundraiser for Visual Communications...
November 22nd Email- Some LA History
November 22nd Email:
I would take a moment to send along something not directly related to your original research on Asian dances and social activities, however, I thought it appropriate to someone who works with archival information concerning Los Angeles.
By way of introduction, my name is --------. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1970
Your mention of the Rodger Young Auditorium brought back many memories. While this story is not directly related to the dance scene, it is certainly related to the history of many families now spread throughout the United States.
In 1947, soldiers and their families, and many displaced Japanese families were returning to California following the war. At that time, housing was scarce and many landlords were engaging in rent gouging. The local government was struggling with the homeless veterans and decided to create veteran housing projects around the city. The largest and most unique was called The Rodger Young Village and was located in what now is the LA Zoo parking lot. This village consisted of 750 Quonset huts divided down the center and built to house 2 families. Somewhere between 4500 - 6000 people from all races created a small city unto themselves....my family included. There were many Japanese families living there because one of the family had served in the armed forces. The kids attended LeConte Jr. High, and John Marshall High. Glendale which was just across Riverside Drive was still segregated and would not accept minority students. Long story short, this particular time in Los Angeles history is significant and the history of it is dying with the passing of each former resident. My first home was one of those Quonset huts and I have vowed to keep the memory alive. Just thought I would pass along this information for thought.
Thank you kindly,
I would take a moment to send along something not directly related to your original research on Asian dances and social activities, however, I thought it appropriate to someone who works with archival information concerning Los Angeles.
By way of introduction, my name is --------. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1970
Your mention of the Rodger Young Auditorium brought back many memories. While this story is not directly related to the dance scene, it is certainly related to the history of many families now spread throughout the United States.
In 1947, soldiers and their families, and many displaced Japanese families were returning to California following the war. At that time, housing was scarce and many landlords were engaging in rent gouging. The local government was struggling with the homeless veterans and decided to create veteran housing projects around the city. The largest and most unique was called The Rodger Young Village and was located in what now is the LA Zoo parking lot. This village consisted of 750 Quonset huts divided down the center and built to house 2 families. Somewhere between 4500 - 6000 people from all races created a small city unto themselves....my family included. There were many Japanese families living there because one of the family had served in the armed forces. The kids attended LeConte Jr. High, and John Marshall High. Glendale which was just across Riverside Drive was still segregated and would not accept minority students. Long story short, this particular time in Los Angeles history is significant and the history of it is dying with the passing of each former resident. My first home was one of those Quonset huts and I have vowed to keep the memory alive. Just thought I would pass along this information for thought.
Thank you kindly,
November 22nd Email
November 22nd Email:
Hi Betty, I had an old bid I had saved from the 70's @ Parkview Women's Club next to Mac Arthur Park, but I think it's long gone....
I was one of the younger ones at the time, but I also remember Roger Young Auditorium, Papa Lion, Surfrider, and Baby Lion...Yoko's Sushi @ Holiday Bowl after dances, Googies in Monterey Park, but I'm terrible about details, etc. I'll forward to other's who might remember better.
Also, there were Jr. YBA conferences that had a BIG dance on the last day - those were great!
Hi Betty, I had an old bid I had saved from the 70's @ Parkview Women's Club next to Mac Arthur Park, but I think it's long gone....
I was one of the younger ones at the time, but I also remember Roger Young Auditorium, Papa Lion, Surfrider, and Baby Lion...Yoko's Sushi @ Holiday Bowl after dances, Googies in Monterey Park, but I'm terrible about details, etc. I'll forward to other's who might remember better.
Also, there were Jr. YBA conferences that had a BIG dance on the last day - those were great!
November 21st Email- More!!
November 21st Email:
Do you remember the song “Summer Sun” recorded by the group Jamestown Massacre? Remember it being played often at dances?
Yes, I remember this song well, this was one of my favorites.
What were the names of the bands? Who were the members? Where are they today?
Man, I can't remember any of the bands names, even that big one that's still playing today. I know you know who they are. I even had a friend that played in one of the bands, but I can't remember his name or the bands. : (
Where did you go to a dance? Rodger Young's, Elks Club were the 2 major places I went. Gung Hay was another on occasion.
What music do you remember hearing and dancing to?
Suavecito (Malo), Pickup the Pieces, Cut The Cake (AWB), Together (Tierra), to name a few
Who were the organizers of the dances?
Not sure about this.
Did you go cruising, or enjoy being a spectator?
I was a cruiser in my 1972 Datsun 510 and a spectator at times. I remember there was a lowered yellow Chevy El Camino that use to cruise all the time at dances, I loved that truck. I wanted an El Camino for the longest time. For some reason, I think the owners name was Lance, I could be mistaken.
What other experiences did you have, minor, inconsequential, or major?
- I remember at Rodger Young's, in the middle of the dance, everyone was ushered out of the building and into the parking lot. There was a police helicopter overhead shining its spot light down on the crowd. The details are a bit fuzzy now, but I think it was because there was a guy with a knife or because a guy threw a chair at a large mirror or glass framed picture on the wall and broke the glass. It could have been something else too, like I said, a bit fuzzy.
- I remember Hiroshima came to play at John Marshall's auditorium when I was in high school. I had my little tape recorder with me and taped them as they played. Every so often I think about where that cassette might be (I don't throw much of my stuff away, so it's probably somewhere). From what I remember, there music was more radical (for lack of a better word), than it is today. I wish I could find that tape.
- At the Elks Club on 6th(?) I remember seeing a couple people using an ice cube to re-wet their hand stamp so they could transfer it to someone else's hand, so they didn't have to pay to get into the dance.
- After dances we use to go to eat and hang out at various places. Maggo's (?), Holiday Bowl in Crenshaw...
Do you remember the song “Summer Sun” recorded by the group Jamestown Massacre? Remember it being played often at dances?
Yes, I remember this song well, this was one of my favorites.
What were the names of the bands? Who were the members? Where are they today?
Man, I can't remember any of the bands names, even that big one that's still playing today. I know you know who they are. I even had a friend that played in one of the bands, but I can't remember his name or the bands. : (
Where did you go to a dance? Rodger Young's, Elks Club were the 2 major places I went. Gung Hay was another on occasion.
What music do you remember hearing and dancing to?
Suavecito (Malo), Pickup the Pieces, Cut The Cake (AWB), Together (Tierra), to name a few
Who were the organizers of the dances?
Not sure about this.
Did you go cruising, or enjoy being a spectator?
I was a cruiser in my 1972 Datsun 510 and a spectator at times. I remember there was a lowered yellow Chevy El Camino that use to cruise all the time at dances, I loved that truck. I wanted an El Camino for the longest time. For some reason, I think the owners name was Lance, I could be mistaken.
What other experiences did you have, minor, inconsequential, or major?
- I remember at Rodger Young's, in the middle of the dance, everyone was ushered out of the building and into the parking lot. There was a police helicopter overhead shining its spot light down on the crowd. The details are a bit fuzzy now, but I think it was because there was a guy with a knife or because a guy threw a chair at a large mirror or glass framed picture on the wall and broke the glass. It could have been something else too, like I said, a bit fuzzy.
- I remember Hiroshima came to play at John Marshall's auditorium when I was in high school. I had my little tape recorder with me and taped them as they played. Every so often I think about where that cassette might be (I don't throw much of my stuff away, so it's probably somewhere). From what I remember, there music was more radical (for lack of a better word), than it is today. I wish I could find that tape.
- At the Elks Club on 6th(?) I remember seeing a couple people using an ice cube to re-wet their hand stamp so they could transfer it to someone else's hand, so they didn't have to pay to get into the dance.
- After dances we use to go to eat and hang out at various places. Maggo's (?), Holiday Bowl in Crenshaw...
November 21st Emails
November 21st Email:
Sure do remember the dances. It's where we spent most of our Saturday nights. Surfriders, Rodger Young, Orange County's Deer Park, Parkview.
November 21st Email:
Good luck on this project, believe it’s worthy. I talk about this time all the time with members of the Grateful Crane Ensemble; we just did our Nihonmachi show last Sunday at JAT. It’s all about JA history. As one of the elder members, I talk with wistfulness about those days, drunken guys fighting, girls in minis, the music and the fun, etc. Scott Nagatani, pianist, played at some, though he’s a tad younger. Our drummer is Danny Yamamoto of Hiroshima.
November 21st Email:
I received this e-mail about the 70's dances. I was probably considered a fixture at these dances since I used to go to all of them. My first dance was at Roger Youngs in 1969 and have attended dances until the early 80's at the Jockey Club. Back in 2004 before the return of Carry On, I made a compilation of music during these era and gave Kenny Ito copies, to validate these songs before he started the band back up and played at the Veteran's Hall in 2004.
Anyway, I enjoyed the music and dancing back in those days and picking up chicks as well. My music is based on the songs that were played at these venues. Roger Young, Elks Building, La Mirada, etc. I still have alot of memories of these venues and I use to drive a muscle car as well. Gardena was non for GM's and Crenshaw was known for Mopar and LA was known for GM and Fords. Let me know how I can contribute my memories.
I remebered most of the bands and songs, but didn't really know the members. I used to to the band members in the band Dynasty which they didn't last too long and Carry On played at my wedding in 1984 with Darrell.
Sure do remember the dances. It's where we spent most of our Saturday nights. Surfriders, Rodger Young, Orange County's Deer Park, Parkview.
November 21st Email:
Good luck on this project, believe it’s worthy. I talk about this time all the time with members of the Grateful Crane Ensemble; we just did our Nihonmachi show last Sunday at JAT. It’s all about JA history. As one of the elder members, I talk with wistfulness about those days, drunken guys fighting, girls in minis, the music and the fun, etc. Scott Nagatani, pianist, played at some, though he’s a tad younger. Our drummer is Danny Yamamoto of Hiroshima.
November 21st Email:
I received this e-mail about the 70's dances. I was probably considered a fixture at these dances since I used to go to all of them. My first dance was at Roger Youngs in 1969 and have attended dances until the early 80's at the Jockey Club. Back in 2004 before the return of Carry On, I made a compilation of music during these era and gave Kenny Ito copies, to validate these songs before he started the band back up and played at the Veteran's Hall in 2004.
Anyway, I enjoyed the music and dancing back in those days and picking up chicks as well. My music is based on the songs that were played at these venues. Roger Young, Elks Building, La Mirada, etc. I still have alot of memories of these venues and I use to drive a muscle car as well. Gardena was non for GM's and Crenshaw was known for Mopar and LA was known for GM and Fords. Let me know how I can contribute my memories.
I remebered most of the bands and songs, but didn't really know the members. I used to to the band members in the band Dynasty which they didn't last too long and Carry On played at my wedding in 1984 with Darrell.
November 20th Emails
November 20th Email:
At UCLA, Chinese club had their dances up at the rec center near the pools.
November 20th Email:
OMG, I do remember those dances! But besides Gung Hay and other JA "clubs" in Crenshaw and Gardena areas, we also dance in Little Tokyo! I remember there was a place on the second or 3rd floor of that row of buildings on 1st Street above all the shops and restaurants but forgot the name. We also danced at Tokyo Kaikan??? Anyone remember those????
After having my memories jolted by Jenny Cho's Chinatown book, this request is really getting me thinking back!
We also went to some Asian dance clubs along Wilshire Blvd too.
November 20th Email:
Wow, it does bring back memories...definitely of Gung Ha, and Chrenshaw Square--was there something in there that we used to go to--oh, the bowling alley. Yes, there was something upstairs on 1st street :). Dances at UCLA; I remember bringing Hiroshima to the dorms for a dance although I don't remember who gave me their name--very vivid memory of them playing in the cafeteria and no could dance to their music but we sat there in awe cuz we had a "feeling" they would or could be destined for greatness :) ...of course Carry On, but there was another popular band, yes?
At UCLA, Chinese club had their dances up at the rec center near the pools.
November 20th Email:
OMG, I do remember those dances! But besides Gung Hay and other JA "clubs" in Crenshaw and Gardena areas, we also dance in Little Tokyo! I remember there was a place on the second or 3rd floor of that row of buildings on 1st Street above all the shops and restaurants but forgot the name. We also danced at Tokyo Kaikan??? Anyone remember those????
After having my memories jolted by Jenny Cho's Chinatown book, this request is really getting me thinking back!
We also went to some Asian dance clubs along Wilshire Blvd too.
November 20th Email:
Wow, it does bring back memories...definitely of Gung Ha, and Chrenshaw Square--was there something in there that we used to go to--oh, the bowling alley. Yes, there was something upstairs on 1st street :). Dances at UCLA; I remember bringing Hiroshima to the dorms for a dance although I don't remember who gave me their name--very vivid memory of them playing in the cafeteria and no could dance to their music but we sat there in awe cuz we had a "feeling" they would or could be destined for greatness :) ...of course Carry On, but there was another popular band, yes?
Asian American Dance Scene in the 1970s
On November 19th I sent out an email blast seeking out information and recollections of the 1970s Asian American dance scene in Los Angeles, the period of time when I attended public dances at places like the Rodger Young Auditorium and the Elks Club at MacArthur Park, listening to bands like Carry On, Free Flight and Winfield Summit and into the early 1980s at LaMirada Country Club, before DJs and disco completely edged out the live sound.
Collecting the stories is important because it was “our” time as Asian Americans. The experiences, to my knowledge, have not been documented before. The decade of the 1970s was a period in the awakening of Asian pride following the Civil Rights movement, and minority groups were instilled with self-esteem in ethnic identity, as Chicanos and Blacks were experiencing also.
The home-grown band, Hiroshima, has been highly successful in their unique stature as the Asian American group to garner radio play of their music. But their early days were with us, their audience, listening to them play the standards of the day from Earth, Wind and Fire, Steely Dan, Average White Band and Chicago songs, just as we listened and danced to the popular group, Carry On.
I also recall the car culture associated with the dances – cruising took place before, during and after the parties – even heading to places like Stadium Way near Dodger Stadium in the late night to watch modified mini-cars street race. Those years, when gas was inexpensive, kept the streets busy on cruise nights along Van Nuys Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, and wherever there was an Asian dance or carnival, whether it was held in Little Tokyo or across town at the Buddhist Church behind Crenshaw Boulevard. The participants in the 1970s did not invent the pastime but were continuing the youthful rites of cruising.
The following posts are the responses I received following my email blast. Organized by date of response, I have kept them anonymous to respect the privacy of the responders.
Collecting the stories is important because it was “our” time as Asian Americans. The experiences, to my knowledge, have not been documented before. The decade of the 1970s was a period in the awakening of Asian pride following the Civil Rights movement, and minority groups were instilled with self-esteem in ethnic identity, as Chicanos and Blacks were experiencing also.
The home-grown band, Hiroshima, has been highly successful in their unique stature as the Asian American group to garner radio play of their music. But their early days were with us, their audience, listening to them play the standards of the day from Earth, Wind and Fire, Steely Dan, Average White Band and Chicago songs, just as we listened and danced to the popular group, Carry On.
I also recall the car culture associated with the dances – cruising took place before, during and after the parties – even heading to places like Stadium Way near Dodger Stadium in the late night to watch modified mini-cars street race. Those years, when gas was inexpensive, kept the streets busy on cruise nights along Van Nuys Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, and wherever there was an Asian dance or carnival, whether it was held in Little Tokyo or across town at the Buddhist Church behind Crenshaw Boulevard. The participants in the 1970s did not invent the pastime but were continuing the youthful rites of cruising.
The following posts are the responses I received following my email blast. Organized by date of response, I have kept them anonymous to respect the privacy of the responders.
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