Rock and Roll Retro at LCSC College of Art and History

http://inland360.com/music/2015/02/reunion-concert-sends-off-lewiston-rock-n-roll-exhibit/

Reunion concert sends off Lewiston rock ‘n’ roll exhibit

Posted By: Jennifer K BauerPosted date: February 20, 2015

The Paradons

Lewiston’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Retrospective” will come to a close with a final send-off reunion concert tonight, Friday, Feb. 20, at the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History, 415 Main St. Lewiston.

Music starts at 5:30 with the 54 year-old, Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, classic rock band the Paradons. Portland-based musician  Simon Tucker performs at  7 p.m. Admission is free.

Members of the Paradons are Bob Kesler (keyboards), John Gardner (original member, guitar, lead vocals), and Rick Grimm (drums). The band was originally formed by three high school students in Orofino in 1961.

Simon Tucker, originally from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley is now a Portland, Ore., based musician.

The “Rock ‘n’ Roll Retrospective”features memorabilia from a peak moment in history, when Lewiston was a thriving haven for rock bands during the 1960s. At its center was  Casey’s, an underage dance hall that brought in acts like Roy Orbison, the Yardbirds and many more. People from around the community have contributed items to the exhibit which ends Saturday, Feb. 21. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Video is from our performance at Moscow Farmers Market.

Moscow Farmers Market June 8, 2013

The Moscow Farmers Market will host live music this Saturday by The Paradons.

The Paradons will begin at 9:30 a.m. with classic rock and roll from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. The three-piece rock band emerged from the Lewiston-Clarkston valley, though the members have changed over the years since the band formed in 1961.

“I’m not one of the originals,” said keyboardist Bob Kesler. “I joined the band later as a saxophone player, but took over the keyboard when a member left. Then I left the band, then came back, left again, and finally joined again when I moved back to Lewiston in 1991. But John Gardner (guitar and vocals) has been with us since the beginning.”

The band’s name is a mistake that stuck, a fortunate mispelling on the part of the late Joe Musiel, whose position as drummer passed to Rick Grimm.

The Paradons have played for reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties.

“You name it and we’ve played it,” said Kesler.

The band said they will enjoy playing at the Farmers’ Market for the third year now.

“We like the varied audiences,” Kesler said. “The people from our generation recognize the songs, but the younger people enjoy the music just as much.”

We also had a special guest, Billy Bair.  Billy and I played together back in the 60's in a group called WJ and the Fantastics.

Origin of the name Paradons

 It's really a very funny story.  A radio station in Orofino would preview a lot of rock and roll records and let the listeners vote on whether the songs would be hits or duds.  The duds were thrown out of a window onto a pile of broken records.  The drummer at the time, Joe Musiel, would go through the old records and check out the names of groups hoping to find one to replace The Seniors.  He decided on "The Pardons".  As with most groups during that time, the band's name would be painted on the bass drum head for everyone to see.  Due to a misspelling, The Fabulous Pardons became The Fabulous Paradons and the name stuck.

Chipman-Taylor 2012

24th Annual Chipman Taylor Classic Car Show
Saturday, May 12th.  9:00-3:00
All Entries Welcome!!
No Entry Fee!!
Dash Plaques while they last!!
Free Hot Dogs and Coke!!
Rock and Roll Music by The Paradon's!!
Enjoy the sun and fun and tunes!!
See You There!!

Rusty Eck

Rusty Eck, who played guitar with The Paradons on several occasions, passed away. His smile, sense of humor and solid picking will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.

LCSC Summer Concert Series

Lewis-Clark State College & Community Programs Presents the 2011 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Performance Dates:

July 20 - The Paradons - Dance music from the 50's, 60's and 70's

Come join us for lunch and music on the LCSC Centennial Mall12:00 - 1:00pmBarbeque Lunch served by Sodexo 11:30am-1:00pm