It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine: Children of the Mushroom interview with Dennis

It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine: Children of the Mushroom interview with Dennis.

California Gold Coast Dreamin'

Just acme across a new Band blog that is covering the Tri County rock bands from the 1960s. There are a few bands that I'm now becoming familiar with outside of Ventura County. I look forward to checking California Gold Coast Dreamin' often. The featured band on the blog this month of July 2011 is, Children of the Mushroom

makes ya wanna join a band all over again...

A Sunday's Cast of the Light of the Moon

The Gentlemen of the 'Sunday, Jammy, Sunday';~
Frank Akrey on keys, Bil McCombe on guitars and Cast included.

Thanks to Frank for sharin' his space for a sunny Sunday gathering of friends, a clear night n' a full moon...

...is that lava flowing down the Conejo Grade?
 

March 23, 1968 Billboard Magazine Mentions Children of the Mushroom

Well, while enjoying a little wifi time at a Ventura Starbucks I happened on this internet archived March 23rd 1968 (page28, see highlighted area) Billboard Magazine which mentions radio station KELP located in El Paso Texas. Their program music director/deejay, Charlie Russell, picked Children of the Musroom's "You Cant Erase A Mirror" for the Best Leftfiled Happening. The El Paso area is where this song took off in a regional breakout which resulted in Children of the Mushroom charting.

Billboard's own definition: Best Leftfield Pick is a record by a new artist/established artist who hasn't had a hit recently that has a chance to go all the way.

Ricky knew he'd be Rockin'

Garage Rock Radio Theme - MySpace Video

Garage Rock Radio Theme - MySpace Video

Nice of Garage Rock Radio to include a photo of Children of the Mushroom into their new video theme!

ebay Bidding - Children of the Mushroom

Well I haven't seen one of our 45s for sale on ebay for a while. This one seems a bit worn. How much will it sell for?

I did contact the Seller & this is his reply

YOUR THE MAN!~I wish you lived down the street for i would beg you to sign it....Oh you probably would have just talked me out of this record...how many of you guys are still around?.....Picked this up at an estate sale here in El Paso...Mil.bases everywhere so no telling where it came from....the listing originated on Craigslist....I will see this lady again I'm sure at another sale and will find out everything i can about the family but this may take time..(I wont forget)....Thank you very much for your email...Have you seen the jerry bright on line? take care.....drew

Da' Rec n' Crew

Larry 'Spider' Webb on the T.O.H.S. Quad with Dale Poune in BG

Phil Hareff Reminiscing At Band Tree lll August 2009

You never know what will pop up in conversation at one of Jim Rolf's Band Tree events. Here Phil Hareff is remembering Conejo Car Wash which used to be located at 399 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Owner Hugh Holbert hired many local rock band members. Since our bands didn't generate the funds for us our job there allowed many of us to buy equipment & cars. Along with the hard work we were able to keep up with all the band & girl gossip. Oh the stories we could tell you! Any of you remember Phil's 64 red GTO?





Conejo Car Wash owner Hugh Holbert (seated left) with California Grassfield members (L to R) Rich Severson , Boyd Cannon, Pat Flynn, Colin Kyffin (seated). Boyd & Rich worked at the car was wash with many of us.

A Concert at CLC, Thousand Oaks

Dennis Looks Perplexed - Band Tree lll 2009

Well, Dennis looks hot & like he kinda missed so many friends at the 3rd Band Tree Reuinion. What no Children of the Mushroom! Anyway the day was a great success. Click on the photo link to see a few pics ... Hats off again to Jim Rolfe!!

Thousand Oaks Bandtree Reunion III

I'll be there in spirit for III.

My good friend Joe Dean

will be the Bassman for Cast this year.

Y'all hav'a Blast n' Rock da' Joint!

Rec Zeppelin

Excerpt from 'The Rec'

Band Tree lll - In The Making

Well Jim Rolfe, famous Conejo Valley guitar player/teacher, is getting the word out about BandTree lll Sunday August 30th. See the list below of the confirmed bands so far. Its not easy for many of us that live out of state to get there. I'm considering attending even though Children of the Mushroom might not play. For me its just rubbing shoulders with old friends and hearing and re living the ole stories...

All the Info can be found at the Thousand Oaks Band Tree lll Facebook event page.

Venue Address & Map

Jim Rolfe says...

Admission Free:

You can bring: Hats, sunscreen, money, cameras,

You can't bring: Chairs, ice chests, drinks, food. The venue requests that all drinks and food be purchased there. They are doing a great favor providing the venue so save your pennies and help the T.O. Band tree and have a nice lunch and dinner. See their lunch menu. There many be a change in the food provided.

11:20	Chuck Sternburg and Friends
12:10	Boa Bab Blues Band
12:45	Moore & More
1:30	Shamus Twins
2:15	Blue Coats
2:50	Gary Meinhold and Friends
3:35	Dana Bailey
4:20	Chadwick Williams Band
5:05	Spider Webb
5:50	Cast of a Thousand
6:35	Unsound Souls
7:20	Retro Rocket
8:20	Arlene Kole and Family

Gossip: I found a reference on Wikipedia connecting Jim Rolfe with The Palace Guard's Emitt Rhodes. Something new in the making?

1967 Grad Night Photo From Disneyland

Seems like Jon from Capital City Arts Initiative was on the Internet one day recently hunting for the right photograph for their upcoming graduation celebration mailer & chose this shot of myself & April Pierson (taken at Disneyland Grad Night 1967). The 60s things just keep popping up. Anyway who'd a thought.

Click here for their particulars on Facebook.

Jerry McMillens Vox AC 30

Yes this is the same Vox amp used by Jerry McMillen on August Mademoiselle & You Cant Erase A Mirror back in 1967. Currently owned by Gary Meinhold. Jerry made this thing scream with his Fuzzbuster.



PS - no wonder I cant hear very well today! playing drums in front of this baby...

& Yes that's Jerry in the photo at a BandTreell practice 2007.


Vox History by Jim Miller

Jerry McMillen Interviewed On Takilma FM

Children of the Mushroom's Jerry McMillen was interviewed by Spaceman, a DJ from Takilma FM this last week in Oregon. Jerry unveiled some new tunes as well as an up to date version of "The Mushroom Theme". Yes he shared a bit of the ole 60's stories too. Click here for the archived recording of the show. Jerry's interview starts approximately 30 minuets into the show.

Thanks Spaceman! www.takilmafm.com

I heard Al Pisciotta & Dave Fontana listened in live via the Internet, cool.

Bill Eucker & Pink Dominos

Came across some cool information about a song that the famous Thousand Oaks guitar teacher Bill Eucker was credited for writing in the early 1960's called Pink Dominoes. The web site I read www.officenaps.com also spoke about a group called The Crescents featuring a lady guitarist named Chiyo from Oxnard. You can read all about it at officenaps.com

Children of the Mushroom practice with Krista Swanson

What a very nice treat for a drummer dad to have his daughter invited to sing with Children of the Mushroom at the last Band Tree ll event. Also nice of Frank Akrey to allow some the participating bands a very well equipped place to practice. Hope we can all do it again...

Rock N Roll Meltdown, Glasgow Scotland - Plays "August Mademoiselle"

Hi Dennis,
I am a Radio DJ in Glasgow, Scotland and I recently got my hands on a Pebbles album featuring the Children Of The Mushroom track August Mademoiselle - WOW!

It's the only track I've heard but it is amazing and slightly sinister (which I like even more!). I was doing some research for my show and I came across your site - it's great to see that you guys are still good friends, when so many garage bands have drifted apart. I'm definitely gonna play Children Of The Mushroom on my show in the next few weeks, I'll let you know when. My show is called Rock N Roll Meltdown and it is on Sundays 4-6pm (in the UK) on subcity radio.
So many bands of the time are really hard to find out stuff about - it's great that Bandtree keeps the spirit of these bands going. People in the UK are really into garage rock there is a whole scene going on in Glasgow.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you have a fan base over here, and if you guys are ever in Scotland you would be most welcome to come on the show.

All the best
Pete Howard

Children of the Mushroom Anthology DVD

J & K Productions produced a half hour DVD of Children of the Mushroom. This is a very short sample. Its mixed with early photos of the band as well as clips of some of the cover tunes they played early on. Contact Jerry McMillen at mushroom@cavenet.com to order.

Jerry McMillen With Dennis At BandTree ll

Children of the Mushroom band-mates Jerry McMillen & Dennis spend a moment toghether at BandTree ll. Well, it all started in 1965 so the story goes...

Unsound Souls Featuring Gary Meinhold

What a pleasure to watch these guys play one more time. Gary Meinhold was spectacular and full of tons of energy. And Talk Talk remember that one! I visited with Gary at one of the practices. He shared about his early 1960's days with the band and the years he spent on the road. Thanks Gary for being a part of BandTreell.Gary has the red ball cap in the video. Playing with him some other famous T.O. guys , Jim Rolfe, Rich Severson, & Boyd Cannon

Children of the Mushroom - BandTreell 2007

In Thousand Oaks one more time together August 26th, 2007 with all our friends.
Children of the Mushroom
(left ro right) Paul, Al, Dennis, Jerry, Larry

Click on the link.... You Cant Win

One BandTreell Practice, Camarillo

Marlene Allawos Hallack, Remembering Thousand Oaks Band Times

One beautiful smile that brightened up COTM's day (as well as many others) at BandTreell belonged to Marlene Allawos Hallack! She seemed to remember so much about those past days. I could see eyes light up and smiles appear on everyone she talked with. The memories were so thick you could cut em with a knife. Thanks so much, Marlene for taking the time to remind some of us about some precious times out of our Thousand Oaks band days. I always seem to feel more alive after a BandTree event. My brain was on overload at this function so Marlene I'm so sorry I wasn't very quick to remember. I did wake up the next day with a smile remembering everything. Give my love to Christy and Karen too! Thanks for being there!

Dennis

Just A Small Portion Of BandTreell

Just a quick camera scan of BandTreell at setup, including a shot of Jerry McMillen playing the lead lick in You Cant Erase A Mirror. All of us missed Bob Holland's organ playing but were glad to have Larry Weisman there to fill in. It just amazes me to see how the music has brought so many people together after so many years, just powerful!

See You There Sunday

Poster was created by Dave Fontana. Awesome work Dave!

10:45- 11:15AM Dana Bailey
11:25- 11:45 Cody Road
11:50- 12:10 Tempo Cats
12:15- 12:35 Chadwick Williams Band
12:40- 1:05 Severson/Cannon Band (feat. Bill Eucker and Dennis Tuttle)
1:10- 1:25 Children of the Mushroom
1:30- 1:50 Lady
1:55- 2:20 Unsound Souls
2:30- 2:55 Sea Cloud
3:00- 3:20 Cast
3:30- 3:50 Jonny Huck Flynn
3:55- 4:20 Santa Fe
4:25- 4:45 BluCoats
4:50- 5:10 Dave Dumille/Hayes Tribute Band
5:15- 5:35 Spider Webb & the Nightcrawlers
5:35- 5:55 Bricklayer Love Then
5:55- 6:15 Bricklayer Love Now

Children of the Mushroom 45 Discoverd

I also received this note from John in Texas who contacted me through Mike Dugo's 60sgaragebands.com site.

I grew up in the 60's and have always loved the music of that era -- I heard your record about 20 years ago and thought it was incredible -- I was fortunate enough to get a copy back when it was "only" about $200 a copy !

Thanks again --

John B.

Rate Your Music

I received this comment the other day from screen name Skelter on the Rate Your Music web site about Children of the Mushroom's 45. "Your 45 is one of the greatest singles of the sixties, two brilliant sides! Greetings from Belgium!"

Two Friends Meet In Las Vegas

It was so nice to meet up with Al Pisciotta at the Luxor Hotel this week. I was able to get this clip of us talking about some of our Children of the Mushroom days. Visiting with Al made realize how fortunate we all were to have been in a band together.

The National Pepecast, Episode 3

"August Mademoiselle" Gets a little attention in this podcast program from Yorkshire England. The two fellas playing the song comment at the end that they don't know anything about the band. They do point to the Mike Dugo interview located at beyondthebeatgeneraton.com. The song plays 4th from the last on the 3rd episode


Click here to get your own player.

New Band Reunion Planned

Jim Rolfe and his group are planning another BandTree ll Reuinon in August. Check out Jim's new MySpace BandTree ll Site for up to date information also he as posted some great old photos of several Thousand Oaks rock bands. The only way to see the photos is to join MySpace. (above photo copied with permission from Jim Rolfe's http://www.myspace.com/tobandtree page)

http://www.myspace.com/tobandtree

Disneyland Grad Night 1967 With April Pierson

At Disneyland with April Pierson, Thousand Oaks High grad night 1967. Man up all night too. Just a few few weeks after this Children of the Mushroom recorded our first and only 45.

More Ebay Auction Action COTM 45

Last year one of Children of the Mushroom 45's went for $399.00 at ebay. Now the bids are up to $290.00 with one day left. It makes me laugh..... click the link

Update: auction ended, after 12 bids this 45 sold for $442.77

Mushroom Fan In Sweden

Here is what Sebastian wrote me the other day concerning "You Cant Erase A Mirror" . Sebastian plays in a band called "The Giljoteens", in Sweden.

What can I say...Wow!
"You Can't Erase A Mirror" is the most mystic and beautiful song that I've ever heard and I have tried desperately to find the 45 on ebay.
Did you record more than that 45? If you have some recordings I would
gladly pay for a copy.
If you visit the site of my band and listen to "Point Of No Return" you might hear the inspiration you guys have given us.

http://www.myspace.com/thegiljoteens


Yours sincerely
Sebastian

ahhhh, the dreammmmmm

read on.... we finally settle (d) the fact that Jerry was in CAST for a moment in time. oh, yeah, the police were a pain in the ass, also(too)... who wouldn't want to go to Amsterdam in '72 ???? thanks to Dave Fontana for the source... (he's fishing in Florida soon, bastard!!!)

ahhhh, the dreammmmmm

Podcast Play of "You Cant Erase A Mirror"

Here is a new podcast radio station, Garage Rock Radio. They did play Children of the Mushroom's "You Cant Erase A Mirror" along with three other garage groups on their third program this month. Click here, to listen....

The Blu Coats Movie

What a pleasure to find this video post on youtube.com. By Jim Peritti. The Blu Coats were another great rock band hatched in Thousand Oaks back in the 1960's.

Tommy Boyce - Bass
Medardo Canales - Guitar
Larry Caird - Vocals
Wade Johnson - Drums
Jim Peretti - Guitar





Check this out! Sample the 4 songs recorded by the Blu Coats at 60sgaragebands.com

Stage Coach (written by Wade Johnson)
On Soft Feathers (written by Larry Caird and Jim Peretti)
I Know I'll Have The Nerve (written by Wade Johnson and Larry Caird)
It's Over (written by Wade Johnson and Larry Caird)

1960s Bass Player Extraordinaire - Al Pisciotta

Al Pisciotta as he looked back when Children of the Mushroom recorded our 45 and now as a father. I saw Al grow to be a driving force giving the group the beat that made us stand out. He helped us keep our heads too. Thanks Al for your valued bass playing and humor! Absoluty
irreplaceable!

Dave From Massachusetts Likes Mushrooms Too

This is the heading I found placed on a Donovan site by Dave. If you click on the above link you can preview some awesome music.

My all time fave sixties bands:

Children of the Mushroom was listed among several more famous groups. I guess you never know what young talent might do. The music might remain.

Quote from Dave:

You guys were great. The track, "You Can't Erase A Mirror" awesome song. Did Children Of The Mushroom ever release a full albums worth of recorded material? I would pick it up instantly if so. Your band and all the bands I've listed were so inspirational to me. I'm a recording artist as well. Thanks for speaking up.You guys will never be forgotten.

Update, from Dave and his band Mushroom Tea Stories: We play YCEAM three times a week. We also had a surprise video shoot of one of our shows. It came out pretty good though we had a very limited time slot on stage, we performed three late sixties tunes, one really obscure/The Boss Tweeds: a wristwatch band, then Cream: tales of brave ulysses, and Donovan: hurdy gurdy man. Were gonna try and get a set recorded with You Can't Erase A Mirror as well. That song will always be a fave of ours.

Cast of a Thousand Site

Come on over to the new Cast of a Thousand site. There are some pictures of CAST from the Photos link that Jim Rolfe pulled off of Jerry McMillen's video shoot at CVD.

Cast of a Thousand

Photos - Captives - Children of the Mushroom

Mushroom Equipment Hauling Machines - 1960s

The green 51 Cadillac ambulance was bought from a friend of Al Piciottas. As Captives then we could load all the equipment and members into this monster bought for $150.00. I later painted big yellow Mushrooms on it then actually took it to Earl Shibe and forced them to honor there $29.99 paint job. The Color then became dark blue. April Pierson named it Esmeralda (April was my girlfriend when we recorded our 45, a beautiful lady) . It had started out in New York City. I sold it for $25.00.

The 1963 Volks Piano Van was later painted Volks Orange with yellow wheels and a big chrome stinger at the rear. I paid $600.00 sold for $1000.00


The 1964 Falcon Sprint was purchased for $1000.00. It was my friend Pat VanAuken who had a very nice 65 who inspired me to get this one. Both of our cars were Vintage Burgundy in color.

I also had a 1955 Chevy between the Cady and the Volks, just have to dig a picture out one of these days and add it in.

Dick (Wayne) Parker and Dick Torst of 2 D Productions

Jerry McMillen, Children of the Mushroom, shown with Dick Parker, on the left and, Dick Torst on the right. Parker and Torst were the Producers that spear headed our 45 back in 1967. 2 D Productions took on the task. They produced the 45 with the SOHO label

Children Of The Mushroom 1967

(left to right) Jerry McMillen (lead guitar and vocals); Dennis Christensen Swanson(Ludwig drums); Al Pisciotta (Fender bass); Paul Gabrinetti (Fender guitar and vocals); and Bob Holland (Vox organ and backup vocals).

Jerry McMillen and Bob Holland

Jerry Mcmillen and Bob Holland of Children of the Mushroom, Reunion 2005. The music these two put together in the 60's has lasted after all.

Fuzz Acid & Flowers Referenced Children of the Mushroom

Here is an old Google catched link to Fuzz Acid & Flowers by Vernon Joynson that has Children of the Mushroom listed. How did that ever happen?

The link to the Fuzz Acid & Flowers page is no longer listed. I guess we need to buy the book!

Sea Cloud CVD 2006

Thousand Oaks had another great band from the early 1970's, Sea Cloud


Link for an audio moment with members of Sea Cloud waiting for the stage

Paul Gabrinetti Was There COTM Guitarist 1967

Paul Gabrinetti's Son, Ryan who plays a, you guessed it, Strat chats with me at Conejo Valley Days 2006. He told me he actually plays a right handed guitar restrung to be played left handed Just like Jimi Hendrix. Ryan, I hope you get to make a record one day just like your Dad.

Click on the title link above for audio

Another Children of the Mushroom Fan

This fan wrote this about us today. Located in Germany I believe.

I think that is a GRRREAT photo of MUSHROOM; just looking at it makes me want to go and experience the band live. I now understand that indeed you are a true first generation rock'n'roller and psychedelic, so it's all the more exciting to hear of your exploits. I gather that you must be a couple of years my senior (I was born in 1954); so you are of the generation that we used to look up to in those heady old days.

I the first time I heard of the Children was in about 1985, when 'You Can't Erase...' was included on one of the early garage and psych samplers; The Magic Cube, which incidentally was merely a flexi disc. it probably wasn't quite legal, since I don 't think you ever saw any money for it. yet, it probably was still to your advantage to be on it, because at least that way people got to know your name; people living thousands of miles away, like me, who would now be only too interested in acquiring a CD of your material.

From your words I understand that in the original days you probably didn't take the whole music scene quite as serious as we collectors tend to do; I suppose that's always the way it goes; we always have to interpret so much more into the bands and their motives.

My Daughter Krista Comments at CVD 2006

Krista's comments remind those of us who were there that evening how that nice breeze got to some of us, me anyway! But the fellowship was awesome! Music is important!

Click on above title link....

MOD 1967

If Scott Lee hadn't joined the band (Captives) I wouldn't have been able to spend my Conejo Car Wash bucks on clothes like these. He had me drive us down to the Hollywood strip then showed me the shops. It didn't take me long to get back to the jeans though.... Oh,yea.

Regards, Dennis

Wikpedia definition of MOD

cast of a thousand 05/06/2006 CVD

cast of a thousand - laid back

Children of the Mushroom Video Clip CVD 2006

Just a very quick clip of the guys....

hey, it's Dennis