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

Lady Mushroom

Larry was calling the band Lady Mushroom, Mushroom Lady, Mushroom Ladies, Ladies of the Mushroom... some variations of the above.

Larry Weisman & Jim Rolfe Comments at CVD 2006

Larry & Jim's audio comments to Dennis at the Conejo Valley Days event. Two Mushroom members were very much missed! Al Pisciotta & Bob Holland were not able to travel this time.

Again, click on the above title for audio link.

Dennis & Dave Fontana Talking Onstage @ CVD 2006

At the Conejo Valley Days event this last Thursday I brought my digital recorder out to try to catch a few comments with some wonderful friends. I have to tell you every time I go to one of these events my emotions are affected for a few days, it was an extreme pleasure to talk and visit and play some of the old tunes from the 1960’s for me and 1970’s for others. I’m not a writer nor a reporter but I love all of the guys and gals from the past band times in Thousand Oaks and will try to get something down here. Hopefully others will help me as I cannot capture how they felt. Anyway If you click on the above title link you will hear some audio comments.
Dave Fontana is the first one. He begins with how some of Jim Rolfe’s old home recordings of Cast of A Thousand made him feel.
Children of the Musroom played but without Al Pisciotta & Bob Holland. They were missed by all! All the Bands sounded great! No easy task getting folks together from all over to practice and play. I guess it was easier for us back then because we all lived in the same town. The music was important back then and still is.

See You All Tomorrow In T.O.

Will try to get some audio interviews for the blog as well as some Photos....

Regards,

Dennis

Official Conejo Valley Days Web Site

For those of you who might be interested click on the above link for entertainment listings for Conejo Valley Days.