COWTOWN BALLROOM...SWEET JESUS!
02.03.12 | trask
didn see her concert listed but sure thought i was sellin' a lil green product outside and to roadiez of janis joplins concert at cowtown.....helped paint n lay the grass carpeting down in prep of cowtownz opening.....saw so many great bandz there....wasn sly n his stoned family there n kept us waiting also....golden earring was good newcommerz....grand funk was the loudest band i ever heard there.... carried out alot of ....junk,lol, turning a bowling alley into a hippy haven..........just sayin'....reply plz=ty
01.12.12 | Robert Sokol
I didn't notice Loudon Wainwright III in your list of acts.
Unless I'm suffering from drug-induced brain damage, I remember lying on the floor of Cowtown with him after his concert, doing shots of tequila, and looking up at the disco ball.
After Bonnie Harney left Cowtown Productions, she and I and Bambi opened a talent and booking company in Westport, Shooting Star Productions. It was located above Fannie's, an Italian restaurant and disco across the street from the Westport post office. After I moved to Colorado in 1976, the building burned down. I still have (somewhere) a business card from Shooting Star. The cards were quite expensive for the time, having foil embossed stars "shooting" out of a gun. When I find it, I'll scan it in and send a copy to you.
Wish I had known about your doc while you were working on it. I might have had something to offer.
Best,
Robert Sokol
12.14.11 | Amy Berry
Hello! I found your page tonight trying to find a Christmas gift for my dad...he talked about the Cowtown Ballroom all the time and all the shows he saw there in the 70's. I just purchased the DVD and paid through paypal..I'm really hoping to get it before Christmas. Please let me know if I need to expedite the shipping somehow. Thanks so much!
10.10.11 | Stephanie Pappas a/k/a Stasha
I could have written Gene Mueller\'s 1/5/2011 comment in the guest book . Same time frame, same experience(except the ice). So many good memories/shows. Black Oak Arkansas Tranquility, Van Morrision, Little Feat, It\'s a Beautiful Day, on and on. I went to so many shows there I couldn\'t possibly name/remember them all. Never a bad moment. So glad I found this site!
10.05.11 | Gene Mueller
Wow!
For some reason for the 1st times in decades..."Cowtown Ball Room" popped into my head.
I must have been there a dozen times & can actually recall about 6 of them.
Forgat, Steve Martin Opening for Nitty Grit Dirt Band, Ozark Mountain Dare Devils, Styxx, Bad Finger, Poco, Hot tuna, Its a Beautiful Day.
I'm sure Nitty Grit Dirt Band, recorded live, part of Will The Circle Be Unbroken, there one night, and we were all on it.
I recall that it was an old roller skating rink, with often very low cover charge. $2.00? $5.00? Is that possible?
Never the less, that was too much for us, so we would buy one or 2 bags of ice and put them on our shoulders, and just walk in the gate, holler "consision"! drop the ice off at the consesion stand, and go sit on the floor right up front.
I never spent a dime in there, but of course came fully loaded and with plenty to share of whatever we had.
And it seemed like a lot of other people sure did ..too.
I had to crawl out of there a time or two. I got in a 6 car, 2 mile per hour pile up, 50 feet from the front door of Cowtown, one night. Real bad ice storm and real bad timing on my part.
I left KC in 1974 and was never sure of what happened to that place.
Very cool to see this information.
If you read this and are interested in something that's current, and been getting stronger for over 30 years.
Check out Edmonton Folk Music Festival. I help build it, along with about 1000 other volunteers that donate are time & sweat to build a village for 10,000. Happens every year in a wonder of the world kind of place.
Hasta,
Gene
10.05.11 | Rick Hellman
Hey, Cowtowners! Check out my website, www.kcrockhistory.com, and share your memories of the KC music scene there. Inspired by Joe and his film, I have been working on this project the past two years. I intend to publish a book with the best photos and memorabilia I can find about the KC rock scene throughout history. But I need your help! Thanks.
08.25.11 | marty long
Saw many concerts @ cowtown. 2 many 2 remember. Sure do miss the 70's. Smoking weed & planting seeds.
07.25.11 | kelly hennessy
Hello, I am the marketing director for Pipeline Productions. We are concert promoters based out of Lawerence, KS. We are bringing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Brewer & Shipley to Kansas City on August 5.
07.24.11 | Sam Morgan / Zort Ziffle
Two very distinct memories of Cowtown!
The Sugarloaf all night concert and finding the snow that wasn't there when we went in, and a gal in a 57 Chevy took me home and I lost my virginity that morning.
And the Holloween costume party, I had dressed up as A bearded lady and the reaction later when trying to pee in the mens room (rednecks) and there was a 4' witch with moving limbs on the wall and I umm took her with me and she accompanied me and several friends to breakfast at Denny's on Broadway.
Also I remember it as Suzi Quatro's jam band with the laser shooting from the guitar and the explosions coinsiding with the drum beats.. or was that just me??? Har Har.
Thank you so much for the site and memory jolt.
07.23.11 | Alex
Have nice day! Much useful information, nice design, but this color hurts your eyes. 蒻
07.06.11 | Terryl W. Elliott
Since the main functions of the ballroom, through all its various incarnations, were on the second floor, it's never been clear to me what was going on down below. Was it different down there during the El Tor.ballroom, El Tor. skating rink and Cowtown days or did it serve a similar purpose and what was it? If you can help free one more question from my overworked brain, please do. Thank you
07.02.11 | cheryl lipp
Is there any footage of ELO .. Jeff Lynne is my hero. This was the only cincert I missed of ELO in town and I had a 20 day old baby at the time. I would love to have any reproduction of any concert pocters or anything from that date Thank you
06.14.11 | Bridget Loosen
Hi I just ordered a t-shirt and a DVD from you. I did not see how
to order the size. We need an XL. Watched the wonderful show on KCPT we were wondering why the show has not gone national.
06.13.11 | Mark Ballard
In October, I would like my students to begin work on a tribute to Cowtown Ballroom. I have always wanted to do a show that features Kansas & Missouri artists but could not come up with a strong enough list to excite my students enough to have them sign up for the show. After seeing the movie the other night on KCPT it 1) lit a bright light bulb over my head re: a tribute 2) brought back so many terrific memories and 3) prompted me to visit this website and realize that there were many concerts I attended that I did not remember (not because I was hig because I never smoked pot there...wanted to...was too chicken to approach anyone hoever...I was just 14 or 15 years old). Anyway...I would love to invite you guys to the school and talk about it. I would do it sooner but our summer shows are already in rehearsdal and will be performed in late September. I am as serious as can be and would love to make it very big deal. LONG LIVE COWTOWN'S MEMORY!!!
Sincerely,
Mark Ballard
06.12.11 | Craig Harrah
I caught the doc last night. Very well done. Learned a lot. I was like eight when this all went down. Always heard people mention it in passing. KCPT got $60 out of me but I got a T-shirt:) Anthony, I remember seeing you with Sandoval at Brother Ike's Rural Grit Happy Hour. Are you guys planning to take Sweet Jesus on the doc festival curcuit?
06.12.11 | Paul Callicoat
My first concert at Cowtown was Halloween 1972. Wishbone Ash opened for the Steve Miller band and kicked ass! Miller came out rolling around the stage in a gorilla suit, did an acoustic set and announced we should have noticed they were better than the opening act. The vibe was gone. Never liked them since for that reason. I remember going in the balloom several more times but for the life of me, can't remember who I saw. Used the free cllinic. I remember that. Thank you so much for taking me back into the cloud for a little while.
06.11.11 | Kathy Smith
My friend and I went to see Black Oak Arkansas. We loved Jim Dandy in his skin tight pants. That blond hair flyng through the air like a big whie fan was amazing. I purchased all of their albums. We also saw Steve Martin and The Nittly Gritty Dirst Band. I remember that big mirrored ball rotating in the ceiling of the venue. By the way we waited in line twice to see BOA. What a blast. I have some pics. They were taked with a small camera but they give you a sense of the place. We had fun and were not stoned. You didn't have too be. You got a contact high. Those were the days of long hair and beer shampoo that you could buy at Donovans in the old Plaza Laundry buildings. Stores like Temple Slug and 7th Heaven were the great hang outs of the day. Brewer and Shipley used to apear at a coffe shop on Main. I think the owner was Stan. Jimmy Spherus(sp) would also apear there. What a time. Grannie glasses and dresses and no bra's! Such freedom!
06.11.11 | Wayne Goebel
I stilll have 2 posters, 1 w/just the cow and the other w/the cow and all the bands listed. pretty good shape, but corners are torn from tape. Saw many shows, Favotites: Badfinget, Ravi Shankar, Ozark Mtn Daredevils, Brewer and Shipley, and the best $1.00 I ever spent, Golden Earring.
06.05.11 | Richard Levantini
I am in the process of setting up a new website, rockbooksandmovies.com. I was wondering if you have the presskit for Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus" available? If you do, please send via email for inclusion.
Thank you,
Richard Levantini
06.04.11 | Barb Heizman
It was 1972 or 73, saw Brewer and Shipley there. I wish I could remember the year exactly, but I do remember there being no seating, just a floor.Fun.
05.29.11 | Todd Pederson
Thought I'd forward info on a past C Ballroomer, legendary fiddler Blly Spears, nearly 80 yr's young. He and his band play the first and third wednesdays of every month in Lawrence at Johnny's bar in north Lawrence. It's a hoot, a real slice of americana, all types show up and take in a true legend of the midwest. They play about 6:30 til 9:30 rock on love all the things you guys are doing and keep it up! Still got an original smoking cow off a poster, a true classic never duplicated only imitated....
05.26.11 | Lenett Morgan Waite
I I loved seeing the movie we took our sons 16 yrs. & 19 yers. I even have a sigend copy of the movie & the poster that is on my living room wall. Thanks for the memories.
05.24.11 | Mickie Chappell
Hi Joe,
I met you a couple of years ago at a showing at Manor Square. I'd like to post the trailer for the movie on my Face Book page to help promote the upcoming Lawrence show. I want to encourage my old friends to make a daytrip to see it.
Is there any way I could do this? I also think you ought to put it on you tube. No telling when someone might be up late one night thinking about the old times & search Cowtown there..
II sent the 2nd copy of the dvd to a friend who moved to Indiannapolis & she also thought it was groovy!
Thanks, Mickie Chappell
PS Please forgve any typos, but, I'm visually impaired and this reddish brown print is hard for me to see. (You know all of us CT alums are over 50 now)
05.18.11 | jon steinert
Is this website still good? I wanna buy a t shirt. Iwanna t shirt...
05.14.11 | Annle Perkins
Hi my husband's sister spent a few great nights at the cowtown ballroom. She has now passed, but we came upon a publication of the Trucker issue 71 date October 22, 1973. This has been a great read and enlightening on the good days and talks a lot about the concerts and good times at the cowtown and many other things going on at the time. It also has some great artwork by Big Danny B as well and many other artist from the area.
05.14.11 | Tim O'Rourke
Everybody loves your Movie Joe. I wish you could get it on PBS. It's Excellent!
I don't know where the rest of our Band, "One Thing At A Time" is, but I just finished a CD, "Women Rule The World".
I continue my Steely Dan approach to Music in the 21st Century. Go get 'em Joe!! Tim
05.12.11 | Dennis Gredell
Thanks for the recent spam/update. I have not seen the movie in a while so I'm over due. Sad to say that I've never been in THE BUILDING so I also must get down to the Cowtown Mallroom soon.
05.10.11 | merilee ballew
I saw the KC philharmonic there and Ravi Shakir,
05.02.11 | Holly B. Smith
I lived and breathed Cowtown Ballroom!! The memories keep all of us going. Wished everyone could enjoy those times. They were the best!!!!!
01.14.11 | Shelley (Chambers) Granger aka Charley
Hi, I was wondering if this was still avalible to buy? I ran across it while searching for an old gf of mine. I would love to see the whole thing. Hi Jimmy! It's great some one has began to archive those lost days. We had a great time back then. I worked at the Silver Cricket which was next door to the Magic Circus. Hung out at the Sign, Aquarius, Vanguard, Volker Park, and Westport as a whole. I often wonder what has happened to all these people. I hope life has been good to them all! I skated at Cowtown while I was very young and hang out there alot when it was the ballroom. Went to most of the concerts that were there. Let me know if I can still get a copy. Peace, Shelley
10.19.10 | Jim Curnutte - JC Story-Teller
You had me for one show, JC story-teller, although I played there several times. I recal at least 5 other times. I ran wil Frank Poltie, Larry Knight (he played lead guitar on my second album), Billy Barrasinie and all of the dare devils. I also did reviews of all the concerts for the West Port Trucker. After seeing your trailer I was a regular each sunday at Volker Park. Jeans west had a 24 track mobile unit parked out back behind the stage so as to record their King Biscute flower hour shows from Cowtown Ballroom. A friend of mine who now lives and works in New York had access to all of the 24 tracks that we done from Cowtown. He said that he found my name onn several of the boxes. Wow wee, I will need to own this video. Has anyone ever metioned the 3 B's, they were Good Karma employees who did the food and hospitallity for Cowtown. Their names were Bonnie, Bambi and Brandy?
This is incredible news from the great days of Kansas City.
09.19.10 | Michelle Anderson
Yes, I do have some stories. In 1971 Frank Polte and I packed up the 1965 black Fleetwood we had bought for $1200 at the State auctions and abruptly left Mill Valley CA, where he had taken over the impossible task of managing Quicksilver Messenger Service from his brother Ron. A few days later we wound up in Kansas City just when Stan Plesser found out Good Karma had the lease on Cowtown. Frank had road-managed Quicksilver on a tour with Brewer and Shipley not long before. I had traveled with them for a good portion of the tour, and so we all knew each other. Stan and Frank came to an agreement, and Frank took a lead in putting the place together, booking the acts and producing and running the shows at Cowtown as well as at the Veterans Auditorium (BB King, Michael Bloomfield) a smaller hall I can't remember the name of (Crosby Stills & Nash) and the Stadium (Jethro Tull, The Stones). My job was to take care of the artists backstage. When Frank Zappa played he asked for fresh orange juice. I went to the wholesale market on the river-front, bought a case of oranges and squeezed them with an old-fashioned pump-handle aluminum juicer I found at a thrift store in Westport for a buck. Zappa's next stop after K.C. was London, where he fell off the stage and broke a leg. That is just a teensy tinesy taste of the memories filling my head all of a sudden. I have not thought about any of this for years. For some reason tonight I was moved to google Julius Karpen, Big Brother's ex-manager--I just wanted to know if he was OK. That led me to Mark Naftalin's site where I found a picture of these three old men that turned out to be him with Brewer and Shipley. Then I saw Cowtown mentioned--more than once. It finally sank in that there was a live link and here I am. So many memories. So many wonderful people, and Spikenard (ask Gary Peterson). I am going to stop now. It's 6:22 AM and I have not been to bed. Kind of reminds me of those days, like when I found myself perched on an amp with a left-over bottle of Courvoisier after the Stones concert, waiting for the roadies to finish up so we could go home. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Michelle
09.07.10 | dave johnson
Great Memories , KC misses this place ... Something like this or Freedom Palace .. really needs to come back .. Sprint center sucks ..
Sailors and soldiers in KCK ..was a great venue!
09.01.10 | Tom
hello there,
I like your site, an impressive tribute! I was wondering, is the live at kansas city CD by BB King also recorded at the Cowtown ballroom?
Best regards from Amsterdam, Tom
08.28.10 | Elizabeth
Saw the move at Black Oak Amp. What a treasure for music history that place is! Thank you for a your hard work (purely a labor of love, I know). I only got to go to a concert at Cowtown Ballroom one time, in February of 1974 to see Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Commander Cody. I stll have my tattered ticket stub. After seeing the movie (and the terrifice concert the following night), I had to come home and get my ticket stubs out to see the date. Anyway, your movie brought back lots of great memories. I saw it with my sis, who was also at the Cowtown concert with 1
me. Thanks for preserving the memory of a great KC icon
08.26.10 | Gale (Nash) Robinson
I use to hang with Jim Rose so I know some of the people who use to work at Cowtown with him.
Would like to know if you have any info on them and how everyone is doing.
Thanks,
Gale
08.08.10 | Jennifer Ade
Hi there, Am totally jazzed to see this site and glad Cowtown Ballroom is being remembered as I remember it many moons ago. I attended more than a few concerts there and regardless of how mellowed out I was (to put it mildly), I still remember the $5.00 tickets and sharing everything with everyone sitting on the floor of this unforgettable venue. I do have color photos of a Hot Tuna concert there and somewhere in my house, I have black and white negatives of the Ozark Mtn. Daredevils. I still have my ticket stubs too. I am now saving up to buy the movie you have of CB and a poster or two. Thanks soooooo much for commemorating such a wonderful time in music history and the great memories for me.
Peace.and lovo to all.
07.30.10 | Tracey Rogers
Inviting everyone to the Cowtown Ballroom August 8, in Lampe MO. It's a great venue and every seat has a great view of the stage. Concessions are outstanding. The venue and especially the parking lots are well lit. Security guards as well as medical staff are on hand. A great place to hear your favorite band, in which mine is the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Cowtown Ballroom, August 8, 2010; history in the making.
06.20.10 | george higby
Frank Polte was a wonderful human. I was his daughters boyfriend for many years a long time ago. If anyone out there has a specific Frank story, I would love to hear it. His most cherished memories were of managing Quicksilver and Cowtown Ballroom. I miss him.
06.18.10 | Linda aka "Blue"
Interesting reading the reminisces of Cowtown, Freedom Palace and Volker Park. Have ordered the dvd as a gift for my husband. I sort of wish it talked about all three, though I realize Cowtown was special.
To Devin Sells: Sorry I can't tell you any info on your father, though I do remember him. I also lived across the hall from you and your mom at 42nd and Campbell the spring of '69 and used to babysit for you sometimes while your mom worked!
06.03.10 | Steve Hicks
I remember standing line (like 3rd in line) to see Robin Trower in 1974,.. when one of the old "KUDL" (FM) ot what was at one time KCJC jocks coming out and telling everybody that "Robin has left and refused to play because his marshall amps were picking up channel 5 TV,.. but if you still wanted to see the warm up band they will play"
that band was 10CC on thier first american tour and it was fantastic,.... just something to add to who has played ther ,..
Thanks
06.01.10 | Margaret Ragan
Can't wait for Saturday night at Knuckleheads. Joe, thanks for the t-shirts and DVD for my friend and my brother, My brother loves the t-shirt.
05.31.10 | Jeff Lujin
Hi, I'm currently working on a documentary about a rock festival that took place in Sedalia Missouri in 1974 called the Ozark Music Festival and am curious if you've run across any footage that may be useful to us. Several of the groups in your film played at OMF. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
05.22.10 | mary johne
comments, pictures, biography of Cathy Helmick
05.20.10 | Bill Henderson
Just ran across your webpage and it is fantastic. The first concert I ever attended was at Cowtown Ballroom and the concert was Mott the Hoople with the backup band being Queen with Freddie Mercury! I'm pretty sure I still have the ticket stub which should provide the date of the show. I will look for it and let you know. Thanks for providing such a fascinating look at Kansas City's concert past.
05.18.10 | Monte Railey
2010 and I finally got online. Great site, great movie, great times! I was a kid from Exelsior Springs who was lucky enough to catch rides to the big city for fabulous shows at Cowtown. Joe, thanks for the clarification about the the poster art. June 5th will be a blast. Unfortunately, I'll be sitting in with another band elsewhere. Have fun everyone! To quote a noted philosopher, "what a long strange trip it's been".
05.13.10 | bill white
I went to lots of concerts there...the main one I remembered was supposedly the last time that Hot Tuna was going to play together and so they ended up playing all night ...It's a Beautiful Day was the opening act....by the way I ordered a t-shirt and couldn't find the size chart so could you please send my a 2x sized shirt ...thanks
05.10.10 | Neil Haverstick
Hey guys, just got the DVD, will watch soon...who would have guessed that almost 40 years after Grits played there, this film would come out? What a hoot...if you guys are interested, I'll send a CD or two, show you what I'm up to these days...be safe, best from Denver...Hstick www.microstick.net
05.07.10 | Denise
I grew up at Cowtown Ballroom. So nice to see this happening.
-Denise-
05.04.10 | Larry H Miller
the memorabelia disappeared yeare ago with the bellbottoms and most of my hair, However I did make to many of the concerts at the Cowtown and I just ordered the DVD and T Shirt but forgot to include my size which would be an "XL". Hope this gets to the right person! Thank you , Larry H Miller
04.29.10 | Nick Dawar
Hi I'm a seventh grader at Barstow School and I'm doing a project on Cowtown Ballroom. I've seen the documentary already but still have a couple of questions about the event.
How do you think Cowtown Ballroom influence the music in Kansas City?
Why do you think it only lasted for three years?
Why do you think it was held in Kansas of all places?
If you can answer any of these questions please email me back. Thanks.
03.22.10 | Christina Edmondson
hello, just reading about the Cowtown, saw Rocky Rude name. Is he still around? My husband Rocky, Steve from what was called S.E.C.T. had some business stuff going on with Morgan Maxfield.
03.21.10 | Tom & Jiniwin Schroeder
Keep us posted on any upcoming events.....Thanks!
03.13.10 | Mark Dillman
I listened to Kansas City's progressive rock radio stations A LOT in the late 1960s through mid 1970s: KCJC, KBEY, and KUDL-fm. There were MANY live concerts originating from Cowtown on KBEY & KUDL. There was a Sunday evening program on KBEY that promoted upcoming concerts in KC that heavily promoted shows at Cowtown. There were endless commercials for concerts at Cowtown. It was hard not to know about Cowtown Ballroom if you cared for that sort of thing, which, as you might guess,I did.
Daddy-o Dilly
03.13.10 | Mark Dillman
I attended six concerts at Cowtown Ballroom:
It's a Beautiful Day / Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee (First time I ever saw blues musicians (Sonny & Brownie). I became a blues fan that day!!! Was David LaFlamme pissed-off about something that day? He kinda seemed like it.
Ravi Shankar (I have always appreciated Indian classical music. I wish Americans knew more about it that just TV commercial music.)
Poco (Richie Furay!)
Frank Zappa & Mothers of Invention (w/ Flo & Eddie) (I think I would have liked the '60s MoI group better.)
Seals & Crofts (Seals & Crofts had at least 100 people from this concert follow them to the Baha'i Center of Kansas City for a late-night Baha'i fireside. We were there.)
Loggins & Messina / Leo Kottke (Leo played like a man possessed!)
I remember there being very large exhaust fans at floor level facing West. As the sun would go down the sunlight filtering between the fan blades would really stobe, man! Part of the light show!
Daddy-o Dilly
02.26.10 | Patrick Chambers
Joe, is the Guestbook function now permanently disabled? Just curious, as it has been an awesome resource for people reconnecting and sharing. Just watched the movie last night. You really hit a home run, sir. I have goose bumps from the depth of the nostalgia and fond memories all of this has produced. Cowtown forever!, and thanks so much for your efforts.
02.20.10 | Rick Hellman
Dear Joe,
The success of your film has me wanting,, as one of the guest bookers says, to write a sort of companion book, but with a larger scope, KC rock history in toto. Can we meet to talk about your experience, leftover materials, etc? Email me, pls, Thx.
02.19.10 | John Eaton
for those of you that were camped on the sidewalk at 5 for an 8 o'clock show, can remember...
"Heeeyyyy...yawannabuyacopyofthaWinterSoldierPaperputoutbytheVetshowmuch?adollar"
02.13.10 | Peter Griffith
I saw the Who (?/1970) and Quicksilver Messenger Service (8/14/1970) there. The Who blew out the power several times during the show.
02.13.10 | Bill Mitchell
Just visited your site for the first time! What took me so long?
Wow, you guts are blowing my mind from the memories alone!. Or is that just my mind fighting off the Alzhiemer's.
Any way thanks for the memories! You're on my favorites now. Keep it up.
P.S. Having trouble signing the guest book, can you help?
02.12.10 | Margaret Ragan
To Scott Locke - that "head shop" where you bought your tickets at 47th and Mission Rd was our very famous record store, "Capers Corner". Owned by Ben Asner, brother to Ed Asner who starred on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. I still drive by that place and think of Ben and the records and concert tickets I bought there. It was one of a kind.
02.09.10 | Frank Maskil
My future wife and I were at the Mothers of Invention concert in the fall of 73. Stil one of the best concerts I have ever seen. I remember Frank, before playing the last song, saying something like," This is the last song. There wont be any of that phony shit where we leave the stage, you applaud alot, then we come out and do an encore. This is it." He had moxie!!!!!!!
01.19.10 | Julie Viar
Hello, I am hoping that you will be able to help me solve a mystery.....I realize that your history logbooks, regarding all the artists that have played there is a work in progress, but my question is regarding the years from around 1975 thru 1977'ish.......My husband was around 8 0r 9 at the time & his Mom took him to his 1st rock show at the Cowtown Ballroom.... The main band was Mountain, with Felix Pappalardi as the bass player at the time....Down in front, right next to the stage, my husband was lifted by the crowd and put at Felix Pappalardi's feet, a little bit into the show. Despite security wanting to remove him off of the stage, Pappalardi, told the security to back off and let my husband sit at his feet for the rest of the entire show. (It must have made a hell-u-va impression, because he is now a bass player in his own right, gigging & recording.... Felix would've been proud!) Anway, his really cool Mom that took him to this show, is currently waiting for a liver transplant...... we are hopeful that she will make it, but I know that she doesn't always feel that way. My husband has been such an awesome son, taking care of her, making sure that someone is always by her side. I am in awe at how well he is holding it together & in positive spirits..... I don't mean to digress, but other than being as supportive I can be, after losing my Mom to cancer, I feel so helpless and I want to do something really special for them both..... It has been my experience that most touring bands/shows have a photographer on staff, or at least someone that takes pix of the bands & shows on a regular basis, not to mention photographers that work for the venues they are playing in, as well as the promoters, etc..... (please tell me if this is an incorrect assumption).... I am hoping that since a young kid of 8 or 9 being placed on stage by the crowd, and rocking out there for most of the show is not a normal occurance. I am also very hopeful that somewhere there may be a photograph of this show, depicting my husband sitting at Pappalardi's feet, during this show. I would love to get a copy of any or all photographs that may be out there in the universe....... something very special to give my husband and his Mom,.... especially at this critical time in her health. I have searchjed on some archival "Mountain" websites, but I have not been able to pinpoint the exact date.......According to my husband and his older brother, the bands Canned Heat & Wet Willie also played the show. Do you have anyone that still works for the Cowtown Ballroom, that was around during that time period? My husband Mark could probably give you more details and can be reached through my eamil address... or at mviar@allwest.net . I really look forward to hearing from you. Keeping my fingers crossed and blessings to anyone & everyone that can help. Cheers! Julie Viar
01.02.10 | kathy childs
WOW !! You are really pulling my memory strings now.....I remember Volker Park on Sundays (and Monday thru Saturday, too !! )....
Had always wondered what happened to Rabbit, Lora, PaPa, Shorty, Dusty, the PickleMan, to name just a few.....
But, alas, guess we all scattered to points beyond KCMO in the summertime. Guess some, like I, wound up joining the Establishment....and others....well..maybe not !
01.01.10 | Ken Holmes
Went to many shows at Cowtown when I was a kid, 14-16. But the show I don't see listed is the all night concert event for $1.00. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steve Martin, Red Bone, Black Oak and others. The things I brought with me beside my friends was, a bag of mini-whites (white cross) a bag of Red Bud, a generous supply of Orange Sunshine, not those inferior orange barrells but the real 8 way, and money. OK that is four things but you can see where my head was at in those days. Do you remember that all night concert? We (my three friends and I) would hitch-hike to every show we could attend. In the beginning that ment lying to the old folks. I miss venues like Cowtown. Great atmosphere, great acoustics, great friendly crowds. I bought the movie tonight and cant wait to relive some of those old memories and show my now grown kids the kinds of things that they have only heard me tell stories about. Rock On and Praise the Lord.
Pastor: ken holmes
12.17.09 | M. Scott Locke
Steve Miller , Thet Wild Mountain Honey is the absolute BEST .
12.17.09 | Scott Locke
Dicky Betts You are Cowtown Ballroom !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12.17.09 | Scott Locke
Not Bragin , just bragin , I bet I have seen more concerts at Cowtown than anyone .I used to save my ticket stubbs for when my memory would fade me . As with time , not only does the memory fade but the tickets did too .It wasn't a choice , We HAD to do it ! Like an artist has to paint , We had to see ALL the concerts .The locals including me said " We are not a cow town "! Truth be told we were a cow town and damn proud of it .The music dictated who we were . The lyrics made our every day life what it was .When CowTown Closed , it was like loosing the best girl friend you ever had , and then some.What went with CowTown Ballroom ? A head shop at 47th @ Mission road .We got our tickes there and our parafinalleia at that one stop .Thanks Lou. or Lous brother ,who ever you were . We Loved you . Mary Tylor Moore Friend.Thanx Scott.
12.15.09 | Miguel Rodriguez
Hello Sir,
for over 20 long years, I´m trying to find members of a Band that played in the COWTOWN BALLROOM in the early 70s called "BULBOUS CREATION".
Can you help me with this by any chance?
Do you remember this band or any name of the members?
Thanks and best regards.
Miguel
12.04.09 | Pattie Pogue
I don't know what website I got onto earlier but with your response to my email query I accessed your website again and was able to purchase the dvd, so my problem is solved. I'm VERY excited to get this. It's a gift for my brother who asked specifically for it. Thank you.
11.12.09 | Patrick Chambers
Joe, the Guestbook is getting to be quite a tome in and of itself. It is filled with great memories, and there's a surprisingly large number of the names of old friends of mine in there - Rich, Mark, Wayne, OB - lots of the of Grandview crowd. You know who you are. :-)
I still haven't managed to see the film, so I'm just going to buy it and savor it in my good time. Until then, perhaps the people and memories from this Guestbook would be a great starting point for a companion book? It would surprise me if there weren't a lot of photos and other material left that couldn't fit into the film that would go well in a book, alongside the memories and comments from the people who express their love for Cowtown here.
11.02.09 | Bob Hudgins
Met you guys at Austin Film Fest--so sorry I didn't make the screening--would really love to see the film if I can.
all the best
10.17.09 | Robert McWilliams
I designed several posters for some of the acts. I got $50 and back stage passes as payment. The most memorable experience was drinking tequila with Steve Miller and the train wreck that followed.
09.21.09 | corky williams
The film was wonderful! I enjoyed conversing with both Joe & Penny at different times.. So, MY thought is that you doubtless shot a LOT more film/interviews than what we saw in the film. I know the movie swallowed a lot of your time & dollars. But I think that a LOT of us would spring for future releases related to Cowtown! Now that the film has been & gone from KC's screens and you've heard & read ALL these loving comments..you gotta put out some more film! Seriously, collect e-mail addresses from this site! Post a link to a poll to see what kind of interest there would be to additional releases of Cowtown related footage. I'm sure folks have come forward with home viseos, audio tape, there were LOTS more interviews (I believe I heard 90+ hours of film were shot?) If anyone reads this and has the ear of the films producers, please tell them that it doesn't have to end here! There are a lot of folks with one or two extra $20 bills to spare that, like myself, would love to view the excess footage.
I'd love to hear back from anyone about this. My contact info is: corky@everestkc.net
09.17.09 | Brian Bruce
I loved that place. Simply the love of music and people that loved music.
When is the DVD released?
Keep my in the loop with updates please. And I'll help spread the word. Kudos to all involved.
09.15.09 | Dennis Sherman
Is this movie going to take a tour of "art houses" or museums?
09.15.09 | ed maxin
hi.got a chance to see the film this weekend at the Temecula Valley fest. Can't tell you how much i loved it. i'm a feature writer with the no depression roots music website and posted this today. will be on the front page later today for a day or two.
http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/film-cowtown-ballroomsweet
08.17.09 | Danny Burns
I made it through the '70s alive! I see you did, too. It's a miracle that any of us did. Here's what I've been up to lately:
http://www.myspace.com/dannyburnssongs
Love and blessings
Danny Burns
White Eyes Ex Bass player
and ex pot head
07.28.09 | Wendy Smith
Dear Joe,
We had the opportunity to view “Cowtown Ballroom” last weekend while visiting Derek. Both my husband and I loved it, and thinking about it the last few days has brought back so many memories.
I was a very naïve college freshman when “One Toke Over the Line” was released. The first few times I heard it on the radio (this is very embarrassing to admit), I thought the lyrics were “One toe over the line”. The counter culture was very slow in reaching my little corner of northeast Missouri. When someone finally told me the correct lyrics, it all suddenly made much more sense.
Your film captures the importance of the music to our generation and how it helped us make sense of all the chaos that was going on around us. I grew up in an area where there were no black residents (and where there are still very few). My parents, who I would not consider to be bigots, regularly used “nigger” in conversation. I’m proud today that my children have friends of all races. Music helped that happen.
We were all traumatized by Vietnam. The scenes in your film referencing the war showed just how much that war is still with us. The traveling Vietnam war memorial made an appearance here several years ago, and I could not bring myself to visit it. There were too many familiar names on that wall. It still seems impossible that the shootings at Kent State happened, and I can close my eyes and see the photo of the long-haired girl screaming over the body of a dead student. Music helped us deal with the horror.
Thank you for making such a wonderful film that touches on all these serious subjects, and still looks back at the era with joy, humor and pride. Music was our connection, our form of expression, and our release. “Cowtown Ballroom” puts it all in perspective, and reminds us that while there were bad times, there was also much that was good. It helps me remember a time when I believed all things were possible, that people were inherently good, and that it was possible for a generation to change the world.
As a Baby Boomer, it has been hard to hear our generation described as greedy and to be blamed for much of the current ills of the world. People have forgotten how much good we accomplished. For me, the most touching part of your film was when you made the statement “I’m proud of my generation.” I’m proud of us too, and it was wonderful to see such a fun and joyous reminder of why we should be proud. Thanks for sharing your vision and your memories with us.
Wendy Smith
P.S. As much as I loved your film, I must admit my favorite part was seeing “Derek Smith” listed in the credits. I am a very proud mom and I’m glad Derek had the opportunity to work with you.
07.28.09 | JOSEPH PLANETT
GREG DEAN CAMP was a GOOD FRIEND AND BROTHER I am trying to reach LIL JOHN HOWARD please give him my phone number 913-302-2833 OPEN ALL NITE 24 HRS JOSEPH PLANETT !!! THANK YOU !!! !!! !!!
07.22.09 | Wayne Duke
My wife and I viewed the DVD that we bought and initially thought it was only going to be abour Cowtown! Sweet Jesus! You guys produced a documentary about my early life! It was so great to see the old places I used to haunt! The Vanguard, Freedom Palace, Volker Park and the shops in Westport! I lived on Warwick and we walked to all these places! The community there was so great and very few people understand what it was like! You captured the spirit of the time. We really were feeling nostalgic watching your film and were just more than a little sad that those wonderful times have passed us by. Thanks for a great film! Oh and we look great in those t-shirts we ordered all we need now is a doobie, a Westport Trucker, and a stack of R. Crumb comics! LOL
Sincerely
Wayne & Robin Duke
07.21.09 | Patrick Luebbert
I am saddened by the loss of Greg Camp. "White Eyes" "Camp-Harlow" He was very talented and inspiring to me. Takes me back to the old Columbia days. Nice memories. Peace is his. Pat Luebbert
07.15.09 | heather polte
Wow. Blown away that something like this even exsists and want to know anything I can about this movie. I am the grand-daughter of Frank Polte and all my life have heard stories about this place. I am in awe and look foward to hearing from you.
07.06.09 | teri keele
only heard today about this documentary...i NEED TO SEE IT!! will it show again? when? where? dvd available? HELP!!! please......thanks!!!
07.06.09 | Rich Reavis
Any chance of additional screenings this summer? Really want to see it at a theater. Just got back in town and found that I missed the last screenings.
Thanks,
Rich
07.05.09 | Ron Skelton
My apologies with the last post. Just checked and have seen RORY GALLAGHER date. Perhaps this shows how frustrated RORY fans usually are with the treatment that RORY generally gets elsewhere. Many, many apologies.
Ron.
07.05.09 | Ron Skelton
Is it me or when I clicked on "who played there?", as with everything else in the world, the greatest musical performer to bless this planet "RORY GALLAGHER" has been overlooked. Oh how I hope I'm mistaken and foolishly missed your wording.
All the best,
Ron Skelton.
07.02.09 | Margie Flattery
Loved the cowtown documentary you folks did a wonderful job. I just thought you might be interested in a piece of memoribilia that I have and I thought you might want to photograph it for additional documentation of the era. It is an invitation to the first international "Love In" (summer of love event) that was sent to me in 1967 by an unknown person. Let me know if you are interested. It is very unique. Thanks again for the walk down memory lane.
Keep on truckin'
Margie Flattery
07.01.09 | Mark Cullen
I have an original (and very tattered) Cowtown Ballroom poster hanging in my studio. What great memories - bringing our blankets (and tactfully hidden "refreshments") to some of the best shows I've ever seen. The intimacy of it all was the best. And I even got to see the Kansas show with Captain Beefheart which was, by the way, one of their debut appearances following the release of their first album. Ironically years later, I ended up in a band with Kerry Livgren's cousin. What a great site!
06.25.09 | Neil
Really excited to see this. My first shows were at Cowtown as a young teen-ager. Now I have been in the music biz over 20 years and seen hundreds of shows, but the shows at Cowtown will always be some of my fondest memories. First show, Badfinger. Sat up in the balcony smokin' dope with some "older girls" probably all of 17 years old, loving the music, the vibe, and the sense of community that just isn't around anymore. Can't wait to see the film, good luck to all involved.
06.25.09 | Angene Fisher
What about all the folks at the trucker newspaper..Like Dennis..I know where Dave Doyle is if ya knew him...
06.24.09 | Don Hook
Hi, When I was a kid I went roller skating at the El Torreon. And when I was in my 20's I played in a band and went to many concerts at The Cowtown Ballroom. Poco was my favorite.
I wrote a song called, "Cowtown Ballroom", about what a cool place it was to rock out. I was with a group called, The Whole Heart Band. We recorded that song. I would like to send it to you. If you send an email, I can attach the song to it. I live in N.Y. state now.
Thanks, Don Hook
donaldhook@excite.com
06.20.09 | cleankev
I Loved the Film ! I"ve been talking to many of my C.B. Vetran friends , I was Too young(though I did have a T-shirt) Also hoping yall give Kati McGillivary her share of whatever rewards may come of everyones very hard work. I know that she was an important factor, who dedicated alot twards the sucsess of this Film... Bravo !
06.20.09 | Abe
Wow just got through watching the DVD (thanks for such a prompt ship!!!)
And all I can say is SHIT !!!!!!
Shit was I ever that young
Was I actually lucky enough to witness some of the shows that made a mark on a city
When we didn’t seem to need the smoke and the mirrors that that ugly salad bowl
Of a Sprint Center center gives us today?(well the smoke maybe !!!)
God ive turned to such a doddering old cynical fuck but Shit
I seen good music played at its purist and its best form by men and women with heart and soul on the floor of the Cowtown we were all so young and receptive sometimes it was great sometimes it may have fell short but nonetheless it was all honest and true
For those of us who were fortunate enough to see these gems that the past provided us
We can consider ourselves lucky
Fuck how did we know anyway ?? we were just out to listen to some good tunes cop a buzzzzz and go down to the park on Sunday
If you haven’t seen this great little flick get off your ass and go !! if you’re a social shut-in (as I im so fuckin cranky people usually piss me off!!!! ) crack open ur moldy assed wallet and throw Joe and the gang a quick twenty and see this flick !!! I promise you
You wont be sorry
You will be in wonderment I guarantee
I hung out in Westport a lot at that time I lived not far off east wood traffic way and I was 14 when I snuck out and would ride my western auto 20” bicycle to Westport and Volker park
Shit I even seen people in ths film I hadn’t seen in years !!
The guy with the Boa well that was Fat Frank M owner and proprietor of Tiny Tims Magic Circus the boa was Tiny Tim then next you see some people standing round a pinball machine the big guy with curly hair was Big Danny B aka Brooks De Soto
Who wrote for the Westport trucker
My son watched this with me and could not belive that KC was so cool
Like in the film I told him we thought the west coast an the east coast were cool
Little did we know we tried to emulate and instead we did originate
I would like to thank the nitty gritty dirt band john jeff and the boys for your kind words
On on our shining moment that was the cowtown you guys helped shape the way music was and is played today
I have said this to whoever would listen to me so I will say it to you all
We have left this world fucked up for our kids its our fault as a generation for the way things are some of you may not agree with me well sorry and fuck you too
But I think we can all agree on this we will leave our kids a great soundtrack of our lives
The music our generation produced will be our legacy
Anyway I will close with my favorite little known lines from the song The Boxer
Now the years are rolling by me
They are rocking evenly
And I am older than I once was
And younger than I'll be, but that's not unusual.
No, it isn't strange
After changes upon changes
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same
thanks and god bless
unkleabe55
06.19.09 | Richard "Red" Chapman
I just ordered the DVD since I am living in Berkeley now. I'm pretty sure I had some great times at the Cowtown Ballroom and can't wait to see the video. Nice to see Carl "Flash" Washington looking so great. Royal Scanlon was a good friend back in the day - what was the name of the coffee house on Main Street? He was the most earest hippy ever. I'm looking forward to checking out the links he put on the guestbook. Lots of other names that bring back great memories from those early 70s in Kansas City.
Red
06.19.09 | Shawnna Sheriff-Gelatka
I have a lot of great memories from Cowtown Ballroom concerts. Going to concerts on school nights was no big deal and the tickets were $7 or $8 dollars. I remember when Nitty Gritty Dirt Band filmed and recorded their Stars & Stripes Album at Cowtown. We were in the front row leaning on the stage, the back of our heads are on the album cover. Where else could you go and bring your own chair a "Bean Bag Chair". Thanks for bringing back a great time in my life. Shawnna Sheriff-Gelatka
06.16.09 | mark bond
dear joe, thank you for your generosity. i understand mix ups. it happens to all of us. i just got through watching your movie. what a great movie! loved it top to bottom! i grew up in kansas city. although i was to young to attend any shows at the ballroom (im 46 years old) its allways something i wished i could have done. your movie allowed me to do that. and i thank you. someone in my neighborhood where i grew up gave me a concert poster of the 12/02/72 frank zappa show. i still have it hanging on my wall today. it also has tim buckley as the opening act. your web site has steely dan as the opening act. anyway i now live in the atlanta area but have many friends in the kansas city area. i will be telling everyone i know what a wonderful movie you have and tell them it would be worth their time and money to check it out. once again thank you very much for the wonderful trip back in time. mark bond did you know that on the canned heat dvd live at montreux 1973, henry vestine has a cowtown ballroom sticker on his guitar. pretty cool.
06.15.09 | Richard McKie
do you all remember the place on westport road about 68? what was the name of the band from here that played there so much? it later became the flea market
06.15.09 | John Seguin
Hi Guys,
Congrats on the completion of your film! I am new to the Kansas City area and recently signed up to receive updates from the Film Commission of Greater Kansas City and noticed that you guys will be featured at a "networking event" next week. Regrettably, I will be out of town and unable to make it, but I wanted to pass on my congrats to you and wish you all the best! In the future, if you need a composer/sound designer for a new project, please feel free to drop me a line. Take care and good luck!
Cheers,
John Seguin
Composer/Sound Designer
jseguin@seguinsound.com
573.201.4804
www.seguinsound.com
06.15.09 | John Colle
I got to thinking and I remembered taking some pictures at Volcker Park in spring of 1969 on a beautiful Sunday. I have found the black-and-white negatives, 8 or 10 of people (some not to happy to be photoed), but mostly just great shots of people and a band that day. Lemme know if you'd like some prints.
06.12.09 | Robert Lear
I lived in Westport during the summor of 1970 so I went to the Freedom Palace alot. But I left for LA in the fall of 1970 so never got to go to the Cowtown Ballroom. However, I did see the documetary last night, which was great. I went to a lot of concerts at Volker Park. In fact I have photos Gary Signor playing drums there in 1970 in a band I think was called Trip Hammer Road. I want to find out how to get the DVD of the film.
06.12.09 | Del Thompson
We have an independent movie theatre here in Springfield, Missouri called The Moxie. Your movie would be perfect for that place! I know there are many among Springfield's citizenry that made the drive to KC to attend concerts at the Cowtown. I was just a kid growing up in West Plains when bands were burning up the stage at Cowtown, but my musical roots are planted in that very vibe. Would love to see it come to Springfield. I will contact the Moxie as well, and hopefully you two can make a love connection (ha). Thanks for doing this.
06.10.09 | Larry Smith
Unfortunately I missed most of Cowtown's lifetime by being in the Air Farce. So all of the shows I saw were 73 and after. I was there for the Leo Kottke/Jesse Collin Young show, Poco/J.D, Souther show and the Harry Chapin show. I would love to hear the tape of Harry's show. I realized that night, as Palmer explained the difference between an experience and a lesson ("in a lesson you learn something") that I was an experienced person. I have slides from that show somewhere.
I also remember Jesse 'Colin Young opening for Leo Kottke. The crowd really got into Young, everyone up jumping up and down, dancing around. Then Kottke came out and everyone sat down to listen. Then you started seeing heads nod and people laying down.
It wasn't long after that Poco show that Richey left the band and formed the HSF (Hillman, Souther, Furray) Band. As a hugh Poco fan (I fist saw them opening for Credence in '69) I was sure glad I got to see them that time.
06.10.09 | PAULA LEMBERGER
hey there...
i would love to get a patch to put on a hat or maybe put on a sweatshirt...what are the chances of that happening???
06.08.09 | Kathy Wyant
I saw the show Sun 7. Great! Thank you so much! Great old footage of volker Park.I was usually there.I bought two c.d.sand I got my brother Dick Schulte a poster. I really enjoyed myself! Kathy
06.07.09 | JoCo
Very happy to see the quick video of Clarence White, Roger McGuinn, and Skip Battin, I think ,in characteristic shoulder-striped white- over-black shirt. Michael Clarke, Byrds early drummer, sat in again. I remember, like yesterday, of course, Roger wearing the T-shirt with "BYRDS" over the US eagle emblem. They performed TWO 1-hour+ sets covering their side 1-2 of then-current "Byrds Untitled" double album. A long version of 8 Miles High, with 2-man rhythm bridge culminated followed by the sweet ballad encore"Bugler", sung by little Clarence.
06.06.09 | Cindy
I am trying to find any thing merchandise wise of Whizzo the clown. When I typed in Whizzo the clown, your site comes up. My fiancee gre up watching Whizo and met him once. I am desperatly trying to find someplace that sells Whizzo merchandise
Cindy
chuffman@tri-lakes.net
06.06.09 | JoCo
Saw Nate Marsh and trio Thursday. Very tight; thot Nate might be channeling a young Lowell George. Y'know, lyrical, quick, streety, harpy.
Rhythm right there.
And the movie? Home footage of my early 20's. A place for your being: Physically, 2-4 times a month; psychically, what?--on demand? Damned straight. And to this day, I find. Thanks so much, doers.
Good to see Rat, a high-school character/whiz; who always originated. Not a follower, he.
06.06.09 | mickie chappell
Saw the film today. All I can say is, if you were there you NEED to see this movie! It moved me straight back to a sweet piece of my life. Joe et al, thanks for the memories. I came home & played my dvd very, very loud, as directed...Sweet Jesus!
06.05.09 | leon richards
those were the best of times .i could tell you stories that i personally witnessed. the magic circus , fat frank. westporttrucker,m.f.. the train has arrived. if you are an original you know the meaning.
06.04.09 | Patty Roberts
I was just told about this documentary and did spend time there. I saw Brewer & Shipley, Danny Cox, Janet Jamison and Poco.
Please tell me how I can purchase the DVD,
Patty
06.04.09 | Arne
Herb,
Thanks for the memories.
It was fun.
Nice to see you.
Arne
06.03.09 | Conan Hall
I went to several shows including one awsome halloween night (don't remember what year) when Whizzo the Clown was MC and a big joint (compleat w/smoke) won the costume contest. Also there is a Hot Tuna album called Double Dose (double live AP) compleat with Jack Cassidy in a Cowtown t-shirt.
CH
06.02.09 | kathryn A Wyant
I have 4 tickets 2 sets of two. One for Jimmy Hendricks ans 2 for Led Zeplen in 1969?I do noremember where they played. Iwas only 16 when I saw Hendricks and about 17 when I saw Led Zeplin when they actually fell over their equipment and where so stoned they could not play. The tickets have dates and that's all. kathy
06.01.09 | paul allee
I am dying to see this film, but am not able to make it to any of the current run of dates at the "Tivoli". Went to a number of shows there. Steve miller, Wishbone Ash, Daredevil's, etc. Had to have been there, cuz I can't remember it all!!! PLEASE let me know how I can purchase, or at least get the privilage of seeing this. Many thanks, and many good memories. P. A.
06.01.09 | Miles Stotts
Hi - Thanks for making this all happen...but is it over? Can I still go see the movie somewhere. I live out in Baldwin City and just realized that I might not get to see the movie! The schedule seems to end this weekend. I loved CB - Country Heir were really good friends - they played at our Animal House frat parties at Baker in the earlry 70's. Billy Spears and the ladies were the house band in Lawrence, and of course we loved the occasionally tripping into KC to CB to see our friends and the music at CB was the music we loved - still do! Our only regret is the the Dead never played that venue....So, did we miss it? Where when after thsi week (like in June).
Thanks again, and peace from Douglas County, Miles
05.31.09 | Gregg Gassman
Along with Rocky Rudy, I was the main sound man for Cowtown. Rocky and I installed the sound system, and every concert, I sat in the control booth either running the pots or helping the band's sound man. On more than one occasion, we were told to turn it down a notch (then we would turn it back up). I have great memories (and too many gone) of my times at Cowtown. Thanks for bringing it back together. Would love to have a copy of the film when you release it.
BTW: I still have my Cowtown pipe. Stan and Mike had a bunch made and passed them out to all the helpers!
05.31.09 | asjenkins
just watched the dvd last night, GREAT!! Wish I was in KC to see it on the big screen. Keep up the good work, you did a fantastic job capturing the entire scene, I could actually smell the weed at one point...
05.29.09 | Cynthia Willis Esqueda
I attended nearly every concert at Cowtown Ballroom...and partially remember a lot of them. As my sister posted earlier, my grandmother danced there when it was the El Torio, and later my mother roller-skated there. One of my most fond memories is the night Redbone played. Redbone was a really solid band, and the first American Indian rock band. The house was filled with students from Haskell who were totally groovin and proud. It was one of those nights to remember.
Thanks for the memories.
05.28.09 | Scott Henson
I heard the film will be at the Rio in OP, Friday, 5/29. Is that correct?
I was surprised when I read Cowtown was open 38 months. I saw so many shows there...guess time was more relative or (or expanded) then! So many great memories - the Dirt Band and Steve Martin, Loggins and Messina and Leo Kottke stands out as one of the most memorable. Leo K.'s patter with the crowd was a rich and hilarious experience. I'm sure I saw Loudon Wainwright, III there at least once - a great show. Poco was another memorable show. Thanks for putting all this together. It has brought back so many great memories (and sometimes hazy recollections!) I called my buddy Riley in Texas to tell him about the film. He is a film maker, too. He said he can't wait to see it. Heading to KC this weekend with my wife. We didn't know each other then, but comparing notes from who played there figured out we saw a lot of the same shows. Again - thanks for bringing back some great memories of times shared with friends and fellow human beings.
sh
05.28.09 | Tamara & Abraham Haddad
Love the work you all have put into this project. EL Torreon has always been, and no doubt will continue to always be a very special place.
Brst Wishes,
El Torreon Ballroom Owners since 1997
Abe and Tamara Haddad
05.27.09 | Linda
I thought I heard the movie was to begin playing at the Rio in Overland Park this week?
MZU
05.27.09 | Kevin Cassidy
I attended the first showing last Friday at the Tivoli. Well done! You should be proud of what you created.
One of the first faces I saw was Penny whom I haven't seen in 15+ years. It was great seeing so many familiar faces in the film. I worked in the music business starting in the early 80s with Shooting Star and One Block West and never looked back. We moved away to seek fortunes elsewhere in the mid 80s. My wife and I have recently moved back. Its such a different music scene in KC now. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane
05.27.09 | Jacqui OConnor
Had a fun time at the showing last Friday.
Also at the after party...do you have a link
where they show the photos of that evening?
Thanks a lot....Told lots of people about the movie..many are defintely heading down to the Tivoli
Jacqui O.
05.24.09 | Terrance L. Michaels
I remember seeing Ozark Mountain Dare Devils, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steve Martin when he first started out would open for the Dirt Band. I would be in the balcony with my feet dangeling over the edge, high as a kite and here comes this guy onto the stage with an arrow thru his head and a banjo, Steve Martin. Little did I know then, that I was witness to the begining of a legendary comedian's footsteps into the business and historic folk rock bands. Those were great memories in my teenage years at the Ballroom, Thank You Cowtown Ballroom, I'll never forget you.
Peace, Love & Serenity to all you Cowtown Rockers.
KCTnT
05.24.09 | roy graham
Congratulations Joe,
I had no idea back when I first e-mailed you that the
film was going to be this succesful ( according to your press reviews). Having lived in K.C. ,and living in the Westport Trucker house, at exactly, and for only, the same
years as Cowtown BR existed makes me elated that so many good people recall our old hangout.
I saw just about every concert so I can't wait to see the film. I also have a very close friend here in Pennsylvania
That was in K.C. at the same time so we're planning a bash when we can finally view , and re-live ,the best times of our lives and show our wives what we endlessly go on about
every time we get together.
Please let me know when it's available.
Thanks from all of us for taking this project on, we're with you in spirit.
Roy Graham
05.24.09 | Lenett Morgan Waite
My husband still has his gest pass from Cowtown Ballroon. It really bring's back memories, we both enjoyed concert's there. His 53ed Birthday is the 28th I would really love to get ticket's for Mon. the 25th. Thanks for the Memories. Lenett Morgan Waite
05.23.09 | Len Dale
SAw the film today. GREAT! Thanks for doing such a fantasic job revisiting the Cowtown as wel as the era.
It brought back some greeat memories, and I loved the sound track.
05.23.09 | Abe
sheeze!i sure seen alot of shows there and left alot of 15 year olds brain cells there !the first show i seen there was its a beautiful day the best show i seen there was the 72 steve miller and foghat show on halloween steve miller came out and started playing an acoustic set the crouwd was milling around and wanting to rock steve miller got really pissed and cussed everyone out and stormed off the stage frank came out and polte cooled the crowd and miller when miller came back on stage he was wearing a gorilla suit and no one knew who he was he ripped off the facemask grabbed his strat and gave the one of the best shows (with the exception of Pink Foyd at memorial hall when darkside came out) the place could be hot as all hell even in the winter you get that many people together in that small of venue u could get a heatstroke and a buzz all at the same time ! i seen at least 8 shows that i can remember there im sure there were a few more but drugs and time can scew the best of memories
thanks your unkle
05.22.09 | jackie morrison-spring hill
listening to the review on walt bodine-going to the show tonight at the tivoli-great shows-i remember-zappa with flo and eddie-frank wearing only opaque tights-great visual for a 15 year old girl...it's a beautiful day, brewer & shipley, nitty gritty DB-numerous times-earl scruggs, bb king, danny cox, ozark mountain DDs-all in a haze of smoke....now my kids are going to shows there-also my mom used to roller skate when it was a rink(el torreon then and now)....
05.22.09 | jay smith
looking for posters from flying burrito brothers and was curious of what others site only shows one kind was also looking for an original cowtown ballroom one also
05.21.09 | M.Scott Locke
I allway's lover the " No PassOut" sighn on the way out . I saw Frank Zappa take a piss on stage there . I couldnt tell you how many time I have seen Sweaty Teddy there,over five. Mot The Hoople ,Purple riders of the new Sage .Nitty gritty dirt Band .STEELY DAN! And of coarce Jerry Garcia.Many more way back from the early 70s Scott.
05.21.09 | Peggy Nichols
I remember Cowtown well. My sisters (Robyn & Penelope )
probably saw every concert there. Lot's of great memeories.
My sister Robyn designed a poster for Cowtown Ballroom.
The 3 of us were referred to as the "Nichols Sisters" back then. We did frequent the concerts. When I was going to the KC Art Institute, I used to draw the bands from the side of the stage.
I'm so glad you have produced this film as a tribute to
Cowtown Ballroom. It was a special place.
Thanks!
Please keep me informed about screenings, especially since I no longer live in KC. I would love to see it come to L.A.
Peggy Nichols
KC Art Institute,
05.21.09 | debby schenk
The reviews are ALL excellent, as is the film. I'm so proud to have been a small part of this project. Now I know all of us "geriatric types" (thanks Jason Harper for making me feel ANCIENT) really outdid ourselves partying and patting ourselves on the back last weekend, but let's make a special effort to COME ON OUT FOR THE RECEPTION tomorrow at Californio's. Joe and Tony deserve so much gratitude and praise for this film AND surely we can manage to party for two weekends in a row. Can't wait for the fun to begin!
By the way, I want to continue collecting and archiving memorabilia from the Ballroom. You can e-mail me directly if you have anything to contribute but DON'T e-mail to ask me for stuff that I have collected - that all goes through the filmmakers. debs@kc.rr.com (use a subject line of COWTOWN STUFF).
While I'm at it, I sure hope the webmaster on this site decides to add a message board that we can all participate in and share stories and add threads to. It's way overdue!
05.21.09 | WILLIAM HORTON
We [my ex-wife Sarah, Suzie White, Lonnie Reeves, and a couple of dozen others in our group] were at Cowtown frequently.
Sarah and I have some pics.
I will attached one of our park wedding [how we all used to look] in reply.
05.21.09 | Devin
The following is a copy of my comments on the Pitch article about your movie:
"I would very much like to see that film.
Turns out my father, one Steve Mitchell, met my mother (Susan - she used to work at the Cowtown Ballroom and the Genuine Article, among other places) at a concert he was playing there at Volker Park (would've been 1968, I guess - I was born in July of '69).
She mentioned that he played at The Aquarius on 39th and Main, and I used to have two clippings from the KC Star (1969 - 1971, I think, can't remember exactly). It's hard to locate old articles on microfiche at the library without an index - I did manage to find one of the two there a few years back, but it was just a small, wide-angle photo and caption.
One of them (the one I found again at the library) showed him playing at Westport Road and Pennsylvania (near Kelly's), and the other showed him playing guitar onstage at Volker Park, along with an interview with him and some lyrics from a song of his. I think the article was lamenting the hippie crowd and their pot-smoking ways[Heavens!], or something like that...
Anyhow, if any of you folks happen to remember anything about my father, Steve Mitchell, I'd appreciate it if you'd call me or drop me a line, or reply here.
I've only seen these very small, grainy B/W pics of him from the clippings, and if anyone could help me fill in a few blanks, or point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful. I don't know if he's still alive or not, or how I feel about him, or how he feels about me - but I'd still like to know a little more than I do now, y'know?
Thanks again - now, I gotta go see that movie!
Forgot to include my contact info: Devin Sells, (816)399-5002, 3435 Holmes, KCMO 64109.
One more thing - Mom used to work at the Freedom Palace - maybe NOT Cowtown. I'll have to ask.
God, things had cooler names back then..."
Hey, and if you guys ever do another doc on, say, Volker Park, or the 60s-70s concert scene, I'd like to see that, too. Wish I'd been around back then - the hippie "Force" is strong in this one....
05.20.09 | Patrice Myers
I would like to get a hold of Rat "Randy" Kratschmer I haven't seen him in 40 years. If there's a way, could you please forward him my email address? Thanks!
Patrice
05.19.09 | David Hodge
Do you know if any recordings exist for WHITE EYES? And if so how do I purchase them? I grew up in St. Joseph and would drive to the Cowtown Ballroom frequently, in fact I coproduced a Morningstar concert with Mike Waggoner at the Frog Hop Ballroom in St. Joe.
Thanks,
David
05.19.09 | Michael Waggoner
My congrats to Joe and his crew for the amazing amount of work and research they did for this film. It was my pleasure to be a part of the Cowtown era and to take part in the project!
05.19.09 | "Grateful Jeb" Newman
Hi Joe! Thanks for the great time last Thursday nite and Friday nite! If it makes you feel any better, I'm sure we've all been kicked out of nicer places! After all, we're hippies(and still having fun)! Looking forward to premier this Friday!
05.17.09 | Wendy Steinhaus
I don't know if my previous email saved. You met my daughter at the film festival. She is a bartender at AMC Mainstreet. She told you I still had my CB t-shirt. In the early 70's I worked at the new KCI airport for Hertz Rent A Car. I picked up King Crimson who gave me passes for their concert. I believe that was my first concert at the Ballroom. I don't remember anyone ever telling you to sit down or getting tired of standing up. I remember seeing Queen there, also. I was quite saddened when I learned of the roof collapse. I wasn't living in KC at the time but knew many others like me, were remembering all the good times we had at the "Ballroom." I did read the article in the Star magazine about your project and I remember thinking it would be awesome to help with it. I am glad to see it is completed. Amanda has been after me to take a few minutes and email you. I think it is great you have finished this project and hope it is a huge success!
05.17.09 | Brandon Chavez
I have Aud recordings of zappa's early and late show from 12/2/72. It is a fan favorite for that lineup/era.
05.17.09 | Charles Jones
Saw your documentary last night thanks to film critic Cynthia Haines. Wonderful! A reunion concert and film showing possible?
05.17.09 | George Archer
I had always heard of COWTOWN. In East KY/W.VA. we had a couple of places to see shows, but they were few and far between and you had to travel at least 7o miles of bad road to get there. Just heard about the movie, so proud of you for making memories come alive for KCMO. Love to see the film, better yet, back up and book all the acts again
(sadly some are gone) and geive it ONE MORE TRY!!! You don't need a Sprint Center if you have COWTOWN (Sweet Jesus).
(We now live in Parkville)
05.16.09 | John
I lived in KC in the mid 80's until mid 1993 and still listne to Fish Fry as often as possible. This movie sounds wonderful, will DVD's be available online?
05.16.09 | Kevin McGillivary
Thank you ; Joe Heyen & Tony Ladesich & Debby & David Schenk, & Stan Plesser, "Rat-The Philosopher"Randy Kratschmer, Roger Earl, Michael Brewer & Tom Shiply, Larry"Gator" Knight, & Especially my big sister Kati McGillivary!, Everyone else...
I Learned so Much on the Evolution of Music (Rock&Roll...). How & where The Fillmore's East& West, met in the middle @ "The Cowtown Ballroom" in KansasCity. It really is a Wonderful Film , I could tell there was a lot of Blood Sweat & Tears!
Michael Brewer exclaimed on Friday night @ theTower Bar on 31st " We Got 86'd from Cowtown Ballroom ! Ha Ha Ha!" Peace and Love to Everyone! Kevin McGillivary, Thanx
05.15.09 | Deuce Livers
I went to many concerts at Cowtown. I also saw Firesign Theatre there a couple of times. I have a collection of ticket stubs and will see if any of them can tie down some times.
05.15.09 | Debby Schenk
This is a shout out to all who I remember but haven't seen on these pages, and weren't at the screening and reception last night. Bambi, Gary Coulson, Jim Rose (aka Gunky), Paul Hohl, Jane Kincaid, Maple and Parick. If you're lurking, let's hear from you, if you're in K.C., COME OUT TO THE BALLROOM TONIGHT! (Joe, this is my official "put them on the list" request. The movie is TERRIFIC. Wherever you are, hound your local indie theater folks to schedule a run so you can see it on the "big screen". Last night was a blast..Tonight will be magic. You have no idea what Joe went through to secure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us to descend on the Cowtown Ballroom in droves once again. Meet you at Cowtown tonight!
05.14.09 | Arlene Foster
I would love to buy a T-shirt size large-I spent a lot a time at Cowtown Ballroom saw alot of excellent shows-I worked in the consession stand the last show we held hands and sang "Will the Circle be unbroken" My how times have changed.
05.14.09 | allen fishell
I had the pleasure of playing at Cowtown Ballroom. I was an extra percussionist with The Kansas City Philharmonic at the first Cowtown show, 1.9.1972. I was sixteen years old, what a hoot.
Also witnessed many concerts there. Frank Zappa, With Steely Dan, The Byrds, Poco, Robin Trower,Brewer & Shipley, It's A Beautiful Day, Van Morrison, ETC. What a wonderful venue. Any chance Haddad is going to bring that space back? I hope so.
05.14.09 | Rick Dodderidge
Hi Joe! I'd love to get an invitation for me and my girfriend, Jo Anna Stone, to the open house Friday night at the Cowtown Ballroom, if at all possible. The last time I was in there I was lucky enough to have seen King Crimson with Gentle Giant and Charles Lloyd, and I'd sure love to be able to get back in there at least once more! Thanks a million!
05.14.09 | Gary Sheumaker
Oh the memories. I saw lots of shows at Cowtown. Here's a few memories I haven't seen mentioned. I remember Ravi Shankar requesting that no one smoke during his concert, unheard of at the time. I remember the Kansas City Ochestra starting their set out with the music used in 2001, I don't know the name but you all know what I'm talking about. It blew the roof right off the place. I remeber people passing joints and bottles of wine and no one thinking twice about what disease anyone else might have. Zappa directing the band. Peter Yarrow without Paul and Mary and letting people in for whatever they were willing to pay. Van Morrison was a pent up ball of energy that finally let loose.
Someone said they saw the Who there but that was Freedom Palace which came before Cowtown. I hope that place is mentioned in your movie as it was the same format, general admission, sit on the floor and came before Cowtown. How ironic that there's a Cadillac dealer sitting on the property now.
Thanks for the movie, I'm looking forward to it, and stirring up all the memories.
05.14.09 | james shinkle
did the new york dolls play the cowtown ballroom?
rumor has it the new york dolls played with lynyrd skynyrd in springfield mo in this time frame.
thanks, james shinkle - chillicothe mo.
05.14.09 | Sara (Muckenthaler) Crane
I was only 14 years old, but I have such wonderful, warm memories of the Cowtown Ballroom. Hours and hours of dancing to Commander Cody and Nitty Gritty. It was my introduction to the thrills of live music and I feel very lucky to have experienced it.
I wish I could still fit into the groovy beaded leather halter top and bellbottom hiphugger jeans that I used to wear in those days. I'd love to wear it to the reunion. But, that's not going to happen!
05.14.09 | Nicolas Guibert
hello,
is there ELO in the documentary?
Regards
Nicolas
05.13.09 | Jim O'Neal, Founding Editor, Living Blues Magazine, 816-931-0383
There is a bootleg B.B. King album on the Charly label from England called "Charly Blues Legends Vol. 3: B.B. King – Kansas City 1972," released in 1994; also rereleased as "Live In Kansas City, " on Blues Factory (Holland), 2007. The review of the CD at amazon.com says it was from a Cowtown show:
I was there cow town ball room August 1972 It was my 1st B.B, August 17, 2000
By Ronald H Fahlstrom (Kansas City, Mo United States) -
"August 1972 myself and best friend at the age of 17 whent to Cow Town Ball Room. 2nd row! this was and still is the best of very many B.B. King concerts I have ever attended and I have attended many good ones. Met Mr. King that night in person shook his hand. therefore this c.d. which no doubt will be what I remember the actual concert to be is a must for my collection. That was 30 years ago and I am now the age B.B. was at that time! I heard it in person you must listen to it too! didnt know it even existed."
05.13.09 | Mike Pratt
I saw BB King there,(my 1st concert ever) No chairs horse shoe shaped building. at the ticket window was a lost & found full of Hash Pipes & Bongs. Thats what I remember. I thought Janis Joplin played there also? A friend of my brother said that there was a rope out the window and people where climbing up & the police showed up and he hang on... the next thing he new he was pulled inside to see Janis Joplin show? True??? I don't know we were all kids. I was 13 or 14 yrs old and saw BB King for the first time.
05.13.09 | Dan Siglar
I lived in the Trucker House on Central from the beginning to the end at that location. Sold the Trucker on the plaza and a variety of other places, as well as sold advertising for the paper for awhile. I attended some concerts at Cowtown and sometimes cleaned up. I was intruduced to a lot of the main people at the time, but I wasn't a big part of that scene. I met a lot of crazy,strange,mixedup,perverted,spiritual, interesting intelligent and bizarre (make up up your own combination) people in those days, and learned a lot about human nature. History is fun to reflect upon, but now is better and what does the future hold? Being a hippie nowdays ain' so bad, those who stopped never were. Ideals do not fail, peoples' willingness to live by them succombs to the easy path and the mundane. Live and learn, Folks Keep on Truckin'. Dan Siglar
05.12.09 | Linda Sterling
Jim and I are regulars to the LeVee and signed a sheet for the event May 15. Need two tickets - we are regulars at the LeVee and look forward to attending
05.12.09 | Jane Gotch
I heard you on the radio the other day. I would like to attend the event on Friday if it is still possible to get tickets. I would like one for myself and one for a friend. Thank you.
Jane Gotch
05.12.09 | Liz McVay
Joe...I want to come on Friday at 7 for you screening along with 3 friends for a total of 4 tickets. What do I have to do to get invited?
05.12.09 | Nancy L. Bell
I am very excited about this project! I have concert ticket stubs although most were torn in weird places but I wrote on the back either dates or artists.
Cowtown Ballroom.......those were the days!
05.12.09 | Bob McWilliams
Am so thrilled about your project! Every once in a while over recent years, I've mentioned Cowtown Ballroom on my radio show Trail Mix on Kansas Public Radio and always get calls from people who wanted to share memories of Cowtown. I would note that you don't have Phil Ochs on your lsiting of aritsts. My first time at Cowtown was in fall of 1972 when Phil played for McGovern campaign workers. I think it was Labor Day weekend but might be wrong. That is how i discovered both Cowtown and Phil Ochs--and both really changed the life of this then high school kid from St. Joe,
05.10.09 | Jeff Fish
I went to many shows at The Cowtown Ballroom. I remember seeing the Who there on a very hot night and on another afternoon seeing Sly and The Family Stone who I was concerned wouldn't show based on their reputation, but both bands played great shows. I can't wait to see the Documentary; will it be showing in the L.A. area?
05.10.09 | michael carpenter
I ordered a t-shirt. Please make sure it is xl. I grew up in K.C. and will never forget Cowtown. Thank you.
05.10.09 | Dudley Burt
I would like to be on your guest list please. I had many memorable nights at Cowtown. I remember seeing Van Morrison, Bad Finger, Detroit, Commander Cody, Dan Hicks, Climax Blues Band, Robin Trower, and many others and I have never stopped thinking about what a great place Cowtown was. I would love to be able to attend the private party!!!
05.09.09 | Sara (Montgomery) West
Spent many happy hours with my friends at Cowtown during my wild and misspent high school days. Great times and great music left me with some really fantastic memories. Hope I am able to go to the reunion next week. Maybe a few folks in the ole Pilgramage and February Birthday party gang can catch up.
05.08.09 | Bob Herren, from Overland Park Now in Denver
Please advise when the film is ready I want a copy. I only saw 3 shows at CT, Wishbone/Finnigan etc, Fanny alone andMott/Kinky.
Story: I had a friend that went to Robin Trower drank too much before the show and slept thru the entire set.
05.07.09 | Tom Walker
I felt as though I lived there, Van Morrison, wow!!! Don't remeber the band but the main sound board blew. The concert din't begin until midnight maybe later. Steve Martin and the arrow. Always loved Loggins and Messina, what a great band.
05.06.09 | John Gauld
Joe .....I have two guest that I would like to bring to the venue on Friday night....please add my son John and my lady friend Tara............thanks
05.05.09 | Buckwheat
In reading your guestbook today I reconnected some long idle synapses in my mind, wasting the better part of the morning remembering and reminiscing when I should have been working... thanks for that. One comment in particular intrigued me, in the post by Chuck Magerl, referencing the sad ending to a really great concert by Van Morrison... does anyone recall which Cowtown “Van” concert date that was? I found out some thirty years later my brother was at that very same concert, of which neither of us was aware, but share nearly identical memories of. Back in those hazy lazy days I never thought ahead enough to keep a ticket stub for future reference, and consequently have wasted way to much time trying to figure out things like which Dead concert I saw in which city, which time I saw Steve Martin with Nitty Gritty, which Zappa concert at Cowtown was it where the guy in the crowd kept yelling "shit on stage", to which Frank eventually gave his most eloquent of responses... or which Hot Tuna concert was it that the only place I could find to stand was right up next to the stage in front of the PA (an area void of people due to the painful level of amplification) when Pappa John leaned forward, looking me straight in the eye, and fingered such powerful and surreal notes on his violin that they still resonate throughout my body some thirty-plus years later.
It was a sad time when this exciting and intimate kind of music venue eventually lost out to the commercial juggernaut of sports arenas and large venues, and it all became more about the money than the music. These days I find myself seeking out live music at places like Knuckleheads, the Uptown, the Beaumont Club, etc., trying to find that same intimacy and magic from those glory days of the CTBR.
Looking forward to the movie, and best of luck to you all with the premier.
05.05.09 | Dennis Simmons
A friend of mine wrote a song titled "Cowtown Ballroom" all about the place, experience and KC those days that we recorded in 1976. We both attended shows there, and my mom roller skated there. I've known Jimmy Harlow since we were teens! It's a rock and roll tune I think you'd enjoy. If you'd like to hear it I'll get you a cd.
Thanks,
Dennis
05.04.09 | Nick
Great site. Brings back memories. I have handbills from the Hot Tuna and Frank Zappa Petit Wazoo shows at Cowtown. I couldn't figure out how to post in the guestbook, but in answer to Wanda's question, the shows at Fairyland Park were called Carny/Carney/Carnie Rock (not sure of the spelling). I went to the one in 1974, with Brownsville Station, Nazareth, and Rare Earth. Rare Earth played at Fairyland because they were supposed to play at Memorial Hall the porevious day, but for some reason, the show was cancelled.
05.04.09 | Royal Scanlon
Though I never headlined at Cowtown, as a young man and budding artist I was fortunate enough to have shared my music with audiences there on a number of occasions. That was, as you can imagine, a thrilling experience. But in all sincerity, just as thrilling were the opportunities to meet, interact with and listen to some of the greatest musical artists of the day: Ravi Shankar, Poco, Jessie Collin Young, Frank Zappa, Van Morrison, Leo Kottke, Janet Jameson, the White Eyes gang, (all of them) Butch and Jimmy and Greg and Larry and Phil and Kathy, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and of course all of the old Vanguard Coffee House folks: Danny Cox, Brewer and Shipley, Ted Anderson and Chet Nichols – wonderful times, great music and good people. There will always be a special place in my heart for Bonnie Harney and many thanks too for the kindness and support of some of the other behind the scenes folks like: Frank Polte, Rat, Bambi, Clark, Ellen and George. Last but not least I’d like to thank Joe and Tony for actually pulling this thing off, (i.e., making this movie about Cowtown) and for the great honor of them using 3 of my songs in the final production. Because of that, I’ve put together a site where old fans and friends can hear the music and see what we all looked like back in the day. Check it out, I think all of you Cowtown fans will really enjoy it, www.myspace.com/missouriwoodland
Wishing you great success
Royal Scanlon
05/04/09
05.03.09 | C B Bonham
I live in St.Louis and still play music and won't be able to make it up to the gala events. (I played in Freedom Palace's last event) Went to Cowtown a numerb of times. Question:
Will you please let me know when a DVD will be available for the movie? I have folks still in town there that can pick one up for me if they're not available otherwise.
Thanks
C B Bonham
05.02.09 | Jon Favrow
Hey, looking forward to the movie, trailer looks great!
Do you have the t-shirts in XXL? If so, I just email you my size, then how do I pay for it?
Thanks,
Jon
04.28.09 | Mark DuFresne
Terrific idea and long overdue. My first concert ever was
the opening of Cowtown Ballroom with the Burrito Bros.
and White Eyes.I was just out of high school. I remember
the dollar concert series with such acts as my then hero
Captain Beefheart (actually still my hero), Rory Gallagher
Harry Chapin, and some of the radio broadcasts from there
thanks to Larry Miller and KUDL. I also appreciate the fact
that Frank Polte supported local bands like KC Grits and
others. I read the comments from my dear friends Cardy
Quintero and John Paussa concerning the Halloween
contest and yes the audience was bribed with joints rolled
in my basement which is ironic since I did not smoke at
all. We should remember that Wizzo the Clown was the
host for that evenings competition. I'm glad Freedom
Palace was mentioned as a precursor to Cowtown because
there was for this brief period an actual musical culture in
Kansas City and I'm glad I got to share in a little of that.
04.24.09 | wanda
Really brings back memories. Went to the ballroom many times.
Also used the free clinic. Does anyone remember what they called the music festival at fairyland park? I remember seeing Commander Cody and his Airmen there also. I remember that some of these bands had close connections with KC and they were here all the time.
How to I get a t-shirt. need a medium.
04.23.09 | Stephen Hicks
I grew up 3 blocks away and used to roller skate here...
after the military I attend many a show.
I remember one concert that didn't happen.
Robin Trower was the head liner, but he didn't perform.
however 10CC did as the opening act on thier first american tour. but that one is missing from your "who played there" list
04.23.09 | Charli Lux
My husband, Jeff Lux (Lead guitarist on the hit single "Every Step of the Way"), played the cowtown years ago with the "Kansas" original band "Black Watch". Knew a couple of the owners (Frank Polty(sp), Chris Ritz)). He was tickled to hear about the documentary. He said he heard Johnny Winter there also. Winter fell off the stage mid set, and, before there was such a thing as mosh pits, the crowd just caught him and pushed him back on stage where he continued playing wthout missing a beat...lol.
04.19.09 | Jill Brophy
i grew up in KC and my friends and i loved getting out of Johnson County and seeing the *real* world! So many great memories, seeing Steve Martin open for Nitty Gritty was a highlight, one of many!!!!!! I now live in Wilmington NC and though i hold a KSU horticulture degree, I am now planted firmly back in my musical roots, running a hippie shop for several years now!! I would love to have a Cowtown poster in my shop, Revolution 9, and am wondering what is the dimension?
04.19.09 | doug epperly
what enjoyment this brings many friends and i. still remembering those days of free or cheap easy times . love you people and more so the people who were patrons of the arts then. thank you
04.17.09 | Margaret Ragan
Joe - I'm certainly looking forward to the movie. I so enjoyed the benefit at the Record Bar last summer, after the get-together a year ago in April. I can't wait - I'll be there with my camera. I'll be bringing my husband and Denna and Doug. Probably members of Pilgrimage, too.
04.16.09 | Mark Marvin
Joe, you are a friend for life dude. I am presently back in Houston, Texas and plan to TRY and be there in May.
Thanks sooo much for the CTBR t-shirt and the poster.
Ran into Rev.Billy G. and trying to do what I said I would.
Will give you a call soon.
04.16.09 | MATT "PAPPY" FORSTER
I've made the comment to several young friends that its a shame they will never get to experience concerts the way we did at
the Cowtown...its just not anywhere the same.Where concerts nowadays are not much more than a machine designed to produce profit for large venture cash mongers as opposed to bands touring venues like Cowtown to be heard and hopefully to make a buck or two to be able to keep touring.The road was hard...I know,I was there and saw how it was.
Anywho...Thanx to Joe and Company we'll get to relive a little of those three glorious years and the younger generations who are smart enough to see this film will understand what I mean.
04.14.09 | Ross Harmon
Joe n' Tony:
How can I secure tickets to your premiere and or crash your party? I'm willing to pay good money to support your great achievement! Seriously! Thanks for your response.
All the best - Ross
04.13.09 | Mike Thomas
Very interesting site; found it by accident. the Kansas boxed CD set on disc one, opening song is even says from Cowtown Ballroom. so Kansas did play thier back in the beginning...
Thnaks,
Mike
04.11.09 | Marty Hoffman
Just sent $20 Paypal for 1 T-Shirt size Large.
I also have an origional Cowtown Ball room Kite. It is yellow with the Cow Logo on it. It is not in the best shape (has a few holes and stains) from years of storage, But you are welcome to use it or display it for the opening etc.
Can't wait to see the movie!
Thanks
04.10.09 | Bill Walkling
Hello and good luck with the movie. I remember as a young music buff I was at the CTBR and it was free concerts to keep us punks off the streets. We had many problems during a year period with violence with blacks and whites. So CTBR was open on weekends with YES free concerts. I saw Charlie Daniels there. Harry Chapin, I ran home a and recorded two 8 track tapes from a FM under ground station that simulcasted the music out. I still have both tapes at my home in Seattle. I now live in Costa Rica and I sure miss the real music of our time.
Puda Vida, Bill Pure Live Man
03.25.09 | Patrick Sullivan
I stumbled on to this site while listening to the first Quicksilver Messenger Service album - there is a song credited to Polte and it was what I needed to remember the name of the former band manager who was so much of the music scene at that time - saw a lot of memorable shows there--got caught in a blizzard for the Byrds - great, great Hot Tuna show - It is amazing how often I have thought of the place after so many years and being miles away
03.06.09 | Marian Johnis
I have many memories of CB, I would drive my dad\'s 66\' station wagon from Shawnee, Ks. I can remember sitting close to the speakers up front. Always stayed till the end. Sat on the roller rink floor. One time my dad\'s car was broken into while I parked not far from the CB on a side street and my 8 track tape player was stolen. I saw Captain Beefheart and somehow connected with guitarist afterward. He was married, lived on a farm somewhere out West but I was young and nieve, I remember an older guy named Frank that was the head. I attended many concerts, sold Westport Trucker newspapers, went to the Trucker house in Westport a time or two and new Dennis Giangreco. Always remember the underground FM station that I listened to all night. Also bought many cheap record albums at Love Records on Main St. Hung out at Volker Park on Sundays.Went to the Biju theater on Main St., Went to many concerts at Memorial Hall in Kc,Ks, Downtown, Music Hall and old Convention Center in downtown KC,Mo., Many memories. Now I am a Christian, bridged all of the music of that day with Keith Green and Randy Stonehill and 2nd Chapter of ACTS and Andre Crouch and the disciples, Must say it was the past and now I am a true Jesus Freak from the 70\'s, Went to Full Faith Church of Love and hung out with House of Agape people from that day. All is well. Pray for all who lived thru those days.
Marian Johnis
02.28.09 | M.T. Winders
Please add me to your e-mail list to receive infromation re-
garding the premiere of your documentary and other related events.
Thank you,
M.T.
02.22.09 | Chris Byers
Dear Sirs,
I am an old friend of Paul Peterson and I was wondering how to contact him.
Sincerely,
Chris Byers
02.09.09 | Jo-Lee Smith
Very intrested in the project you are doing :) would like to know more..... I am the wife of Ray Smith former band member of the Band Heads Hands and Feet. Ray is very well .still writting music..... Would you like to have a pic of the band for your gallery ? Kind regards JoJo
02.04.09 | michael bratcher
can i pick a poster up in the metro area somewhere?
02.03.09 | Abbie Loyd Kern
Hi, Penny! I'm sure you don't remember me...I was a good friend of Keith Luecke! I remember meeting you at the Uptown in KC a few times! I just love being able to check your site - tapping in to wonderful past memories! It's just fabulous! Hope Keith is having a great life! Haven't had contact with him for many years. He was such a great friend! If you ever talk with him, tell him I send him the best! We had the best time with John, Danny & others! Thanks so much! Abbie
01.03.09 | Dean Ross
Hi there, I stumbled across your site. I can't wait for the film! I have so many incredible memories of shows I attended at Cowtown, including Detroit, Steve Miller, Frank Zappa and probably one of the best concerts I've EVER seen, Van Morrison. I'm a professional musician and I've
been living in London UK for most of my adult life. Best of luck with the project and please add me to your mailing list!
Best wishes,
Dean
12.11.08 | John Aikin
I worked at Freedom Hall and at Cowtown Ballroom. I also was on the road crew for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils for about 5 years in the late 70's. I still keep up with those guys. Supe's new book brought back memories of Old K.C. I wish I had been more "alert", I can't remember alot of the good stuff, but we sure had a good time. If anyone wants to contact me, I would love to share some great memories and maybe hook up with some old friends. I am still in the music biz, but live in Alabama now. I grew up in O.P.KS. I just happened to google Cowtown and found all this. Cool! Cell 256-710-5931
12.10.08 | Chris Henning
Is this film available. I would like to purcahse a copy.
thanks,
chris Henning
12.09.08 | GratefulJeb
I would like more info on Cowtown Ballroom poster(what are the dimensions, what is it printed on, cardstock etc.) Also the posters available , the first 5 shows? I only see a picture of Frank Zappa. Are there more and how do I see them...the dimensions, printed on etc.? Thanks! Best regards, GratefulJeb
11.03.08 | Jesse
I saw a lot of shows at Cowtown. The sound was so much better than memorial hall or municipal auditorium.
The clearest memory was at the end of one show, (forgotten which one) the house lights came on and all I saw were dozens of empty Boone's Farm bottles from one end of the floor to the other.
I also used to put up posters around Columbia, MO in exchange for free tickets. Such a deal!
Please put me on a mailing list when the film is finished. I will buy a copy.
11.02.08 | Chuck Magerl
As one of the poster crew who got into the shows for spreading the handbills through the city, it was a treat to see so many of the shows at Cowtown, starting with the Burrito Bros (after Gram left). The Van Morrison show was eagerly awaited, and I stayed five feet from the stage all night. He had that geeky uneasy style, nearly falling off the stool as he strummed along on guitar. Throughout the show he kept referencing Charlie Parker, and his legacy. As the show was wrapping up, he kept calling for another song, unwilling to leave the stage, and the band was sighing and rolling their eyes, ready to be finished. At the end, completely out of character, so eager to connect with this Kansas City heritage, he came to the front of the stage to reach down and shake hands with everyone. His face was beaming, smiling like he so rarely seemed to let himself do. Then, someone held onto his hand a little too long, and gave it a tug, threatening to pull him into the crowd. A stark, blank mask descended across his face, he took five or six staggered steps backward from the edge of the stage, still staring into the crowd in front, then spun and split from the stage. Such a sad ending to a wonderful night.
10.18.08 | John The Farmer
If you want to borrow a hash pipe from "Tiny Tim's Magic Circus" let me know
09.30.08 | Dave Janicke
I just purchased a shirt, but it did not ask for my size. I wear a Men's Medium. You may see the purchase via PayPal as Sue Janicke.
Thanks,
Dave
09.30.08 | Dave Janicke
I saw several great concerts there during my days in High School. I do not remember the dates, but I saw Brewer and Shipley, It's A Beautiful Day and Poco.
The experience of attending a concert there was like no other. Simply outstanding!
09.11.08 | Rick Redford
I was with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils for several years as a roodie. Supe, Mike Granda, has written a book called 'It Shined'. Its the saga of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. It includes stories from the road, covers the time around the Cowtown days etc... I still have a Cowtown Kite. Remember those yellow kites with the logo?Well, we are trying to contact Dan Mayo. Perhaps you have interviewed him and can forword any info.
Thanks
Rick
08.26.08 | Allan Coon
Just a question--was doing some Springsteen research, and the most extensive database of his shows contains an entry for a June 19, 1974 show at the Cowtown Ballroom. I don't think that's one that anybody would have overlooked, but I thought I'd call your attention to it and also see if you had any info about it (i.e., was it cancelled).
08.18.08 | Dave Dalzell
Dear Reader,
I would love to reconnect with some of my early musical buddies from my KCMO days. Some of the very best days ever. In particular; Rocky Rudy and/or Jack Nead.
Any tips?
very best, Dave
08.13.08 | Tim O'Rourke
Our Band, "One Thing At A Time", played for a 24 hour Show that ended with Sugarloaf. It went out Live on FM Radio. I don't know the Date. I also met Leo Kottke, Jesse Colin Young, & the Billy Spears Band after a Great Show at Cowtown. Leo put his "Bosco" Guitar in my hands & the Beer Flowed Freely. It was Beautiful! Tim
08.08.08 | Rainer Zepernick
Just saw your site on an Ozark Mountain Daredevils fansite and have a connection to the Van Morrison bootleg guys. The concert at the Cowtown Ballroom was taped but there are no pictures existing. Can you send me one or two live pictures to create a good cover?
Rainer Zepernick in Germany
08.01.08 | Steven Addison
Having attended many of the concerts you listed above one of my favorites was Mott the Hoople with Kinky Friedman. Of course the last concert was by far tthe most memorable with those great bands that had given Cowtrown it's soul. I worked at a public golf course in Kansas City while in school and became friends with one of the musicians that played with Finnigan and Wood. Eventually I bought an old mail truck from him which I proudly drove for several years. Cowtown Ballrooom, One Block West, Capers corners and Tiger's Records were all staples of that era. Many a story has been collecting dust of my adventures in those years.. Good luck<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Steven Addison<br /><br />
07.29.08 | Lee Frank
Wow! I remember well the Cowtown Ballroom and enjoyed many of the concers in the 70s when I was in high school in KC. Now, I'm a Denver-based professional field audio soundman working on documentaries and a wide variety of high quality projects. Just ran across this web site while in KC working on National Geographic documentary. Now a pitch---I'd be interested in working on your project. Let's talk! Good Luck. Thanks, Lee Frank
07.29.08 | Roger Jones
I have a record of all shows that played at cowtown and other cowtown shows..I ran the uptown from 79-83
07.24.08 | Bill Finan
I’d been wanting to Google Cowtown Ballroom for the longest time, but was never around a computer when the thought would strike me. So now it has and I’ve ended up here, and it’s like a weird reunion with the past after living all these years in Philly.
I would drive up from Leavenworth in my mother’s blue Plymouth Satellite, a 16-year-old pimply faced short-haired kid who didn’t fit in at all with all the longhairs, staring shyly at the beautiful women so out of reach, and man, all that dope smoke. But I was there for the music, seduced by hours of listening in my bedroom to KUDL and Larry Miller. So strange to hear and write that after so long. I remember my first show, sitting on that hard floor and listening, cross-legged, to Arlo Guthrie singing about telephones in the bathroom, telephones everywhere before they were. I remember coming to see Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with my friend who was black, and trying to get him to go eat at the nearby Sambos and not understanding why he would have nothing to do with a place with a name like that.
Thanks for the moment to reminisce. Haven’t been back to the area for 30 years. I think it’s time. Good luck with the documentary.
Bill
07.21.08 | Art Hadley
I was at the King Crimson/ Gentle Giant concert at Cowtown, too, and you'd never guess who else was there. I went back to get a Coke, and I saw an oddly dressed couple kind of sneak in, and slip around the side aisle up towards the stage where they stood and listened to King Crimson for a half hour or so, before they left. It was Karen and Richard Carpenter. They were all dressed in stagey flowing shirts that sort of matched, so I assumed they were playing a concert in town, and as soon as it was over they slipped into Cowtown to hear KC in KC.
Also, when Ashton, Gardner and Dyke opened for Badfinger, I may have seen the best live concert of my life. I was no big AG&D fan, but they rocked the house down and surprised everybody. Badfinger waited about 45 minutes for the excitement to die down, then tried to top them by being the loudest band in the world. It was awful, and I was a big Badfinger fan before that.
Where are all those guys these days, Stan, Herb Palmer, Paul Peterson, Frank Polte?
07.18.08 | Sara Koron
I wasn't even born when CTBR was open, but remember running around in the t-shirt before I even knew that was a joint in the cow's mouth. My father, Stan, worked in the KC music scene for some 30 years. He used to drive me around on business errands to the Lone Star, Cassidy's BFD and more. But, all the time he would be sure to tell me the legend of the cowtown ballroom and how none of these clubs could reach that level. Thanks to everyone involved in this film, maybe I can taste a bit of that history! Sara.
07.18.08 | Shannon (Smith) McNeely
In response to an earlier poster, the editor of the Westport Trucker was Dennis Giangreco (sp?)- I along with other street kids of the era used to peddle the Trucker for a quarter apiece, and got to kerp a dime of that for ourselves... And the concert venue with the artificial grass was not Cowtown but Freedom Palace. And yeah we did used to try to twist it up and burn it as a plastic reefer!!! I have many vivid memories of that era while being foggy about the events of last week or last month!! The Sign coffee house on Westport Road was/is more sacred to me than any religious site I have trekked to. Beautiful Day cafe (now The Corner) where I used to get an avocado tomato beansprout sandwich and drink Red Zinger tea nourished more than my belly.. Even if there weren't as many "big names" for these gigs, my favorite concerts at the Cowtown were the fundraisers for the Westport Free Health clinic (at that time on Baltimore just south of 39th) out of my gratitude for a doctor named Tom Filardo (who looked like us in tie dye and a beard to his midchest that went into two separate pointed tails) who tried and succeeded in saving my life when I got abscesses in my arms from shooting dope.. I remember Tiny Tim's Magic Circus on Broadway and of course the Temple Slug and the Vanguard, etc.. I am true to my early roots and still spell Amerika with a K!!!
07.17.08 | Bill blanck
I have a 4'" x 5" Cowtown Ballroom sticker - guess it went on the bumper or window. Anyway, never used. Several ticket stubs. I don't know who or how many but Van Morrison is one. I stopped regularly attending concerts after Cowtown closed. Will try and be there tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Bill<br />
<br />
07.17.08 | Jack Hanrahan
Joe, Jimmy, Tony... what a wonderful thing you are doing! I just donated $100 . I'm travelling on music business to Chicago so I can't make tomorrow nite's auction but I would love to have one of the Black Oak Arkansas or Foghat posters. That would be terrific. The experiences at Cowtown helped me not only become a better bass player in my bands Moonstone and Cobalt Rose but helped shape my future as I so wanted to get into the music business. It took ten years but I made it, opening and co-owning the Lone Star, The Hurricane and Guitars & Cadillacs among others. To this day, I still promote concerts in various markets! Thanks for doing what you do! Can't wait to see the final product!
Sincerely, Jack Spencer Hanrahan 12207 Avila Dr., KC, Mo. 64145
07.17.08 | Joanne Plevka
My husband at the time, Kerwin, was the staff photographer for much of the later years. When the Dirt Band recorded a live album, they were here for the weekend. Kerwin worked at the Westport Trucker and the editor (can't think of his name - many brain cells ago, he had long black hair and last name was something like Giocano or something - I hear he now is a War History Proffessor or something, go figure !?!?!?) - anyway, he and I prodded Kerwin to work his butt off all weekend to get a good bunch of photos together. He did end up with a few photos on their album, Stars & Stripes. He went on to photograph many more famous artists and I was very lucky to be with him at most of the shows. No one could remember my name, I was known as "Kerwin's Wife". K passed away a few years and I wish I had just a few of the photos he took.
Anyway, I am very anxious to see the Bill's, Brandy, Becky, anyone from back then. Hope they will be there Friday.
Joanne Plevka
07.16.08 | John Gauld
I have some Royals tickets to donate for the auction. I will bring them to the party.
07.15.08 | Cathy ( Hoyt) Van Hecke
Hey Joe,
I went to several concerts at the Cowtown Ballroom.
I seem to remember that Sly and the Family Stone and
Eric Burdon and War played there also. Did
the Cowtown Ballroom have a fake grass floor where
everyone sat. If not then I am confusing it with another
venue. Please e-mail if you get a chance. I need to put
this issue to rest. Great idea for a documentary. I plan
on coming down on Friday to the fundraiser.
See you then.
Cathy
07.15.08 | Doc B
Never was there but got the Tshirt
07.13.08 | Mary S. Willis
I have the August 10 and October 22, 1973 issues of Westport Trucker with a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band interview and the other with a list of upcoming Cowtown concerts. Also have a KCStar review of a NGDB performance which I attended (along with Marla Burkett) at Cowtown Ballroom and ticket stubs from various shows in 1972 and 1973.
My grandparents danced the El Torion, my mother roller skated there and as my friend Marla wrote, we attended many shows there during high school. Great memories.
07.11.08 | Tara King
Joe, I just want to support you in alll your endeavors. I was born in 1973, but I love all that old music. You can count on my support on the 18th. I am working at a club now, but I have the evening off & will make an effort to bring some appreciative cowtown fans to help get your soundtrack going and your documentary finished. Any word on your next documentary? I love documentaries and have some ideas..... I was a video production major. Anyway, I will enjoy seeing youat your big to do.
07.11.08 | greg clevenger
i practically lived there.
i have photos from every show i saw as well as some other things. if you are interested, please call.
07.10.08 | Cheryl Denney White
I've been in NY for over 20 years, and in DC for 10 years before that, but a friend from the old days sent the KC Star article to me. I freelanced as an entertainment writer for some of Kansas City's alternative newspapers during the Cowtown Ballroom years and attended and reviewed concerts there. I'll look to see if I have any old articles in a file of clippings. I remember meeting Danny Cox, Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin, the Dirt Band, and interviewing Arlo Guthrie in the back room (which was no more luxurious than the Ballroom itself, except for the chairs).
07.09.08 | Marla Burkett-Ruiz
THANKS FOR THE REPLY. I WILL BE SENDING THE CONTRIBUTION IN A FEW DAYS.
MY FRIEND,MARY WILLIS, AND I WERE YOUNG TEENAGERS DURING THE COWTOWN BALLROOM DAYS BUT WE DID MANAGE TO MAKE IT TO A GREAT NUMBER OF THE CONCERTS. WE BOTH HAVE SOME OF THE BEST MEMORIES OF OUR LIVES FROM OUR EXPERIENCES AT THE BALLROOM.
MARY AND I WILL BE CELEBRATING OUR 50TH BIRTHDAYS THIS YEAR AT THE END OF OCT. I WAS HOPING TO MAKE IT HOME FOR THE FUNDRAISER (I NOW LIVE IN SANTA FE,NM AND MARY LIVES IN NEBRASKA) BUT WILL BE UNABLE TO DO SO. I AM INTERESTED,HOWEVER, IN PURCHASING SOMETHING COWTOWN RELATED TO SURPRISE MARY FOR HER BD--- ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE ANY T-SHIRTS OR OTHER CBR THINGS AVAILABLE FOR SALE??? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
ONE OF OUR FUNNIEST MEMORIES OF CBR WAS THAT WE WERE SITTING OUT ON THE CURB AFTER A JOHN MAYALL CONCERT WAITING TO BE PICKED UP BY OUR PARENTS . WE WERE TOO YOUNG TO DRIVE AND WE HAD SET IT UP SO OUR PARENTS ALWAYS ARRIVED AT LEAST AN HOUR AFTER THE CONCERT SO WE WOULD NOT BE SEEN BEING PICKED UP. ANYWAY, THE AFTER CONCERT CROWD HAD DISBURSED, IT WAS QUITE LATE AND THE STREET WAS DESERTED AND WE WERE SITTING ON THE CURB AND OUT WALKED JOHN MAYALL ALONE. HE PROCEEDED TO SIT AT CURBSIDE WITH US AND OFFERED US SOME PISTACHIOS AND CHATTED WITH US AWHILE-- THIS WAS QUITE THE THRILL IN THOSE DAYS FOR 2 YOUNG GIRLS .
THANKS FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP THOSE MEMORIES ALIVE.
MARLA BURKETT
07.08.08 | Steve Barrett
Thanks for emailing back. I'm glad to hear that you're going to get this movie about the Cowtown Ballroom done! I attended the King Crimson/Gentle Giant/Charles Lloyd concert. It was my only time at Cowtown. I came to see King Crimson as one of my drumming idols of the time Bill Bruford had just left YES and joined them. They played songs from their Lark's Tongues in Aspic lp. Here are some of my impressions of the night.
I had never been to Cowtown and sat right down front and center the entire night. WOW, were our butts sore sitting on the hard wooden floors! Charles Lloyd came out and played one long hour, instrumental song with no vocals, no grooves played together, nor did they speak to the audience. This was "avante guard" jazz at it's worst. Musical chaos! Nothing to sink your teeth into musically. The drummer had a double bass drum setup that had candles burning on them with the huge piles of different colored candle wax adhered to them. The guitar player must have been on a bad trip or something as he played a solo then sat down on top of his amp, put his head in his hands and cried like a baby. At the time, I couldn't wait to see and hear King Crimson.
Next up was the surprise of the night. Gentle Giant came out and played the most complex, pristine music I had ever heard or seen performed live. They played about 32 different instruments between the five of them. The roadies stood at the sides of the stage and just threw them instruments constantly. They weren't just blowing "parts", but actually played each of these sometimes "unrelated" instruments on a virtuoso level. All of them played on the drum set at the same time completely coordinated musically. The recorder fugues they played, as well as their totally original vocal arrangements were jaw dropping. They performed with incredible showmanship and excitment and whipped the crowd into heights unknown. They totally blew King Crimson off the stage.
By the time King Crimson came out, the audience was completely drained. Robert Fripp the leader/guitar player sat on a high stool the entire night, John Wetton played bass and sang lead vocals, David Cross played the Mellotron and violin and Bill Bruford was terrific on his drumset. Their songs were long and drawn out. They just didn't connect with the audience. When someone hollered out for Robert Fripp to introduce the band, he dismissed the request by saying, "That is not important, however what is important is the name of our next song". Man that was cold and disappointing as I really wanted to love them. I remember a sigh or moan go through the crowd after he said that.
In short the entire night belonged to Gentle Giant and to this day after seeing hundreds of live performances by sooo many different types of artists over the years, Gentle Giant's performance at the Cowtown Ballroom remains in my Top 10 list. I've been surprised that no one else has ever written about this concert. A friend who was with me that night saw Gentle Giant a few years later and got to talk with them. He brought up their night at the Cowtown and they said that that had been one of their best live performances and memories ever. They were totally aware that they captured the crowd.
I really miss the Cowtown Ballroom and wish it could make a resurrection. Please add me to your email list as I'd like to know when the movie is completed.
Sincerely,
Steve Barrett
07.08.08 | Cheryl Crumley
I was part owner of a custom design leather shop in the River Quay. We made a snakeskin guitar strap and arm bands for Alice Cooper and talked our way into the concert and backstage for free saying he had ordered them. He actually was impressed with the work and bought them!
07.07.08 | Kathi (Wingate) Simpson
Though most of my memorabilia from my days at Good Karma/Cowtown Productions was lost in a basement flood about 12 years ago, I do have a few posters and handbills that I would like to donate - they might help you raise a few bucks.
If you are interested, please let me know how and when I can get them to you in time for the fundraiser.
Peace -
Kathi
07.07.08 | MARLA BURKETT-RUIZ
I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE MONEY IN HONOR OF SOMEONE (FOR THEIR NAME TO BE IN THE CREDITS) BUT AM UNABLE TO DO SO THROUGH PAYPAL. IS THERE AN ADDRESS TO WHICH I CAN MAIL A CONTRIBUTION ?
07.04.08 | Scott Duncan
I have photos I took of King Crimson, Gentle Giant, and Charles Lloyd at Cowtown. Visited for quite awhile with Robert Fripp after the show.
I'm also a composer/producer, my instrumentals have been used worldwide for film, radio, tv, etc. Let me know of you need anything in that regard.
I'm glad you are making this film.
Scott Duncan
07.01.08 | Sarah Benson
Hello,
I'm a reporter for ink, a new magazine from the Kansas City Star. I'd like to write a story about the documentary you're working on as sort of a precede to the July 21 Record Bar fundraiser show. Would anyone working on the film (the director, maybe?) be able to speak with me over the phone Wednesday or Thursday about the documentary? Let me know at sarah@inkkc.com. Thanks!
Sarah Benson
writer, {ink}
inkkc.com
07.01.08 | Roquey Schofield
I've got wonderful memories of the Zappa show w/ Flo & Eddie and the last show w/ Brewer & Shipley. So much of the rest is pretty foggy, but these were my first and last shows there. Cowtown will live on in our hearts forever.
06.25.08 | Larry Salvato
Hay I worked on the Wesport Trucker during this HI:
I used to write for the Wesport Trucker during this time and I have a lot of Trucker issues with lots of CowTown ads in them If you would like to reproduce them you are welcome
06.23.08 | Pat Luebbert
Fay Street Columbia Missouri 1971.I was 12 years old and just so happened to live caddycorner to a wonderful group of merry music makers called "White Eyes". A house full of kind,friendly and creative folks who kept me out of trouble and stoked my own musical interests. They offered me an escape from my poor pitiful broken-home poverty situation that was leading me into juvinile delinquency. This union gave me new direction of an experience of music that to this day inspires me and enriches my life everyday as I hearand play the sounds of that era. I only experienced the ballroom once but will never forget the impact it has left in my life. truly a magical place of Peace and harmony. Thanks Pat Luebbert
06.19.08 | Bill Kotzias
Dear Joe,
It's been fantastic talking with you about the truly magical times we all spent at Cowtown Ballroom. To update the other readers and those who have shared their "blurred" memories of experiencing alot of groups that went on to be a major part of rock n roll history, I have given Joe my b&w negatives & color slides of some groups for all to enjoy! I am still searching for more negatives and am hopeful that they are worthy of being included. It's an honor to be part of your project Joe. Thank You for letting me part of a part of K.C. history that lives in our hearts and good memories of those who experienced a time of musical freedom and creative thought.
Bill Kotzias
06.11.08 | Bill O'Brien (O'B)
When I read the article in the paper the flood gates opened and so many grand memories of that place splashed in my head. The times I had there with family and friends were priceless. I think singing with WIZZO (Steve Miller Band) on Holloween night was the 1st memory that popped up (and was mentioned in the article). There'll never be another venue like "Cowtown", but at least I have the memories (some foggier than others of course). I wish I'd kept every stub from every show I attended. It would have been quite a collection. A good friend off mine gave me a CB poster from the last night as a birthday present a few years ago. They were passing them out as a tribute to the final curtain. Can't part with though... Sorry. See you at The Record Bar in July. I'll bring some dough. Bill (O'B)
06.11.08 | JOHN THOMAS
I had a friend that had a band called "The Impulse Federation Electric Rock & Blues Band" that played at Volker Fountain a few times around then. Cowtown events are a touch fogged out. Great memories should be remembered! I wish I could remember some of mine! Keep up the work! Thanks! "JT"
05.23.08 | Ron VanBenthusen
I saw Savoy Brown there, and it was great. They rocked that place to your very soul.
I also went there for an all night concert and remember a guy who set up a 8' ladder inside the building to watch the bands.
05.22.08 | Lori Klaudt
I loved the article in the KC Star. It made me think about those good old days. This was one of my favorite places in high school. I didn't get to start going until October 1971 when I finally turned 16 and was allowed to date. I met a lot of good people and saw Zappa and Alice Cooper for the first time at the ballroom. We even had special pillows we would take to sit on. It was our regular place to go listen to good music, met good people, have a great time and hang out. Those were different times for sure. I remember one night when we were standing out front waiting to go in and a guy went across the street and was climbing up a pole. He was pretty wasted and his friends keep calling to him to come back over with them and laughing at him. He was still over there when we went in. I always wondered what happened to him. This was my second exposure to Brewer and Shipley. They played at Memorial Hall a year earlier and that was my first time to go to a concert, see them and get stoned. Oh the memories:-) And to think my dad took me to that concert and picked me up. Yep, those were the days. I am glad you are doing the documentary. I know there are many more out there like me that LOVED the ballroom and everything it embodied. Rock on!
05.22.08 | Ronnie Weir
Beginning in St Joe. MO. I knew the White Eyes band when they were Dillions Children, Water Works Road and then W.E. Phillip Jackson was married to my youger sister Roberta, and Greg Camp and I went to high school together and later became (Butch and Sundance) best friends. When they got their first gig at Cowtown, I was there. I was there roadie,brother,driver, and (as Cathy Helmick told Derik from Chrystalis records), Spiritual advisor. I met Frank Polte and the crew at Good Karma Prod. What a Great Times, those were. I worked a couple qccasions and concerts for Rocky Roads and Rat, doing lights and sound.I attended almost all the shows in 1971 and even drove Frank's getto limo to the airport to pick-up Steve Miller. Long hair,tie-dyed Cowtown T-shirt,bell-bottoms, and scandals. When we got to Cowtown, I rushed him to the dressing room and he demanded "girls, where are the girls"? I stepped outside the dressing room and outside was all the girls that I knew, waiting to catch a glimpse or get an auto-graph. I pointed to five of the sexiest girls, and told them to come inside. Not only did I become the Cowtown's first pimp, but also the first who half- streaked the place during a Halloween costume party dressed as an indian brave, wearing NOTHING but a short leather loin cloth. The memories are still in tact and never a dull moment. Those were the best of my times. I have kept contact with most of White Eyes and Greg and I are still the best of friends. Go catch his act with Jimmy at the Levee with Camp Harlow, if you want a bit of that memory at Cowtown. Their version of Mike and Tom's, Witchy Tai Tai, will set it in motion. Love what you are doing here Joe...couldn't be better than this.
05.21.08 | Roberta Weir
I have a picture of the group White Eyes around the time of their Cowtown ballroom days. I was married to Phil Jackson, bass player, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter in the group (back when I was Roberta Jackson). Let me know if you would like to see it. Roberta Weir
04.25.08 | Kathie (paxton) Gillaspie
Wow! My sister who still lives in Kansas City met me in LA, and brought me the Star Magazine article. It brings back so many memories that changed my life forever.
When I was a kid growing up on Union Hill. My sisters and I would spend every Friday night at the skating ring, meeting our boyfriends or hoping we would meet the boy of our dreams.
So it is not a far jump when on April 22 I did meet the man I would fall in love with, and 1 year later marry. We just celebrated our 34th year anniversary on April 20. But I am getting a head of my story.
My girlfriend had come into town from Florida for a visit. We decided to go to a concert. That afternoon she went to get the tickets for B.B. King's performance that night. On our arrival she hooked up with the stage manager for the opening act and left with him before the concert started. Since she had driven, that left me without a ride home.
As I was looking for some one to hang out with and a possible ride home, a tall thin long-haired blonde guy, Steve, who I had noticed earlier that night, came up to me and put his arm around me and said hi. My response was hey I got some good stuff, you want to go upstairs and get high. After the concert he said he would give me a ride home. Which he did and we started dating and the rest is history. We moved to Mexico in November '06, after my husband was unable to work due to Parkinsons. We now volunteer with the Vineyard Church in Mazatlan. So Cowtown Ballroom holds, and always will hold, a special place in my heart. It changed my life forever.
04.22.08 | Bob Fowler
Love the site. I have so many memories of Cowtown in the early '70's. Hot Tuna, Van Morrison, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I could go on. I remember It's a Beautiful Day coming in and playing several nights back in June of '72, right after I graduated high school. As I recall, they were scheduled for Thursday and Friday and the response was so overwhelming that they stayed over and played a 3rd show Saturday night. A show that i'm trying to track down was one that included Blue Oyster Cult and Charlie Daniels Band. It may have been in the December '73 timeframe???? What folks may remember about it was that CDB was to open, but ran late. BOC agreed to open the show, and CDB arrived and came on later. If anyone remembers that one and can help to confirm the timeframe and circumstances, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks again for the great site and the memories.
04.17.08 | Kimberly Kitterman/Kim Williams
Hello again! It has been so great to re-connect with old friends that I've lost touch. After seeing MaryKay Savage's note, It just reminded me how I need to get in touch with her. We have been close friends since the Cowtown days, in fact thats where we probably met? We don't see each other nearly enough. This Web site helped me to reconnect with Paul Peterson my Boyfriend from back then. I would Love to see Danny Cox, he lived with us for a while out on the Farm in Raytown. Mike Brewer and Tom Shipley lived down the road, Wow! Those were the Days. KK
04.16.08 | Joe Flynn
What a great site! Remember the big ole fire marshall who always tried to scoot everyone back from the stage? Dirt Band, Daredevils, Steve Martin, Ravi Shankar (asking everyone to quit smoking). Thanks for all the memories. Peace.
04.15.08 | Bev Humphrey (formerly Isidore)
I just found this site. Interesting..... I worked for Stan at The Vanguard, later worked at Cowtown. It was while I was working there one night and Robin Trower cancelled his show because he didn't like the sound system or something...and I went out with the drummer, Reg Isidore. We kept in touch for months after. He invited me to join them on tour, which I did, and later to come to England. We got married, had two children, and divorced in 1985. So Cowtown has good memories for me because it is where I met the father of my children. And I have lots of other good memories of good times there.
04.13.08 | Mary Kay Savage
I think my favorite memory of Cowtown, besides hanging with Danny above Paul's office, is the evening I was at the - what - IHOP? -across the street. I was in Cleveland chiropractic college and a group had been studying, we broke for breakfast. I am thinking it was James Brown had performing - 1973? And every imaginable person of color was in the restaurant or on the street so totally decked, so completely fly. Jeez, can I just have one second back now to see and taste, just one more "there" moment of beauty tinged with soul and passsion?
04.13.08 | Kimberly Kitterman/ Kim Williams
Hi Joe,
I regret missing the reunion but something came up. I found a few Pictures. One of the last concert, last song with a bunch of us on stage singing" Will the Circle be Unbroken" Call or e-mail me when you want to meet up....
Kim
04.13.08 | Kelly Hostetler
Cowtown, wonderful memories. I saw my first concert there, it was either It's a Beautiful Day or Canned Heat, they had chairs that concert and we sat up front in the first few rows. It was also my first 'date' and my dad drove us there in the station wagon. It was an eye opener for me. There was a couple in the row in front of us really enjoying each other, the days of 'free love' to say the least. I guess you could say. The joints were always flowing freely. You actually never had to smoke any to get high since the room was full of smoke. I would love to have a poster original or a copy if anybody has one for sale. I look foirward to seeing the documentary. The people at those concerts were so much more real than today.
04.08.08 | chuck boyd
Hi Joe----Just want too let you know I have a poster of the Westport free clinic benefit,let me Know if you need a copy. I have a good storie about the lead singer for K.C.Grits I`ll send It out too you. Chuck
04.07.08 | Margaret Ragan
Joe - yesterday's get-together was so much fun. Thank you for having it. I'll see you July 18th at the Record Bar. I took lots of pictures - will e-mail them to you, Joe. Pilgrimage - I haven't seen you all together since I was in college the 1st time!! That summer of '73, visiting you on the farm was fun. Carl - it was great seeing you again and meeting your wife, Chris. Moby and Allen, I don't get to see you often enough. Hugh - I'm glad I got to see you again and give you those old pictures of you and the band. Jungle Bill - I'm glad you drove into town - seeing you is too rare an event. Rick (not w/ Pilgrimage, but from my Baker days, and of Morningstar) - I'll be seeing more of you, because my husband and I will be seeing more of RPS when they play around mid-town. I will never forget Cowtown and all the fun I had there w/ my friends when I came up from college for a concert, and especially the summer of 1973 when I was living only a few blocks away.
04.04.08 | Carl Washington w/Pilgramage
Looking forward to Sunday, this should be a great event for our city. It's been a long time since we've all been together. Also looking forward to seeing the Hot Ice band together again. Joe, I think that your vision is incredible and I look forward to meeting you. My wife and a few friends will be stopping by. Take care.
04.02.08 | Corky
Joe, Count me in for the reunion on Sunday afternoon. As of this writing it should be just me unless my wife decides to come along.
Looking forward to it.
Corky
03.31.08 | stephen williams
i was there when the battle of the bands went down,i remember 'hot ice band' they played right before 'the charlie daniels band' came onstage, i also remember that people were coming back to life after a ' blistering guitat solo by dennis laplant , doing ''situations '' by jeff becks ''truth' album. when they ended thier set people were screaming more more more, slaming the metal chairs on the floor as charlie daniels set up, i also remember larry saying sorry but we have more bands to play man.and saying they were good and never heard of them ! shock and awe as k.c. produced alot of real talent
03.31.08 | DENNIS LA PLANT W/HOT ICE BAND
WE PLAYED AN ALL NIGHT SHOW WITH TONS OF LOCAL BANDS. WE OPENED FOR CHARLIE DANIELS BAND & GARLAND JEFFERYS WE DIDN'T GO ON STAGE UNTIL ABOUT 4:00 AM . KUDL RECORDED THE WHOLE SHOW WITH LARRY MILLER AS THE M.C. WE RECEIVED A LIVE RECORDING OF OUR BAND FROM THAT SHOW ! I GOT AHOLD OF ALL THE BAND MEMBERS & WE ARE ALL SHOWING UP SUNDAY W/A CD FROM THAT SHOW !
THANKS FROM "HOT ICE"
03.31.08 | Rudy Passonno
I played there 7/3/73 with my group "Hot Ice"Also on the bill were singer/songwriter-Garland Jeffries with drummer Billy Cox formerly with Jimmy Hendrix.Charlie Daniels was the headliner and blew the house down during his 1st. performance in K.C.
Great Days they were
Thanks
Rudy Passonno
03.29.08 | JimD
Are you ready for some Rock & Roll?" shouted the announcer and we cheered "Yes!", three times. Then he announced there would be a comedian, first. It was Steve Martin with arrow and balloons. After his act, we applauded and after he walked off stage, he was yelling things like, "That guy is great." He joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on banjo.
On a rainy Halloween Night the Steve Miller Band put on two shows. Three of us road 2 motorcycles in the rain for the midnight show. There was a costume contest and one of the contestants was in a full gorilla suit, but he did not win. After the contest the others joint and the syringe left the stage, but the Gorilla stayed. The SMB walked up on stage and started playing. The gorilla took off his mask and it was Steve Miller. We were in the balcony and fell asleep during the concert. Ha.
03.24.08 | CAROL WENDLAND-STASI
I HAVE A TICKET (NOT LIKE THE USUAL ONES) FOR SAT. JUNE 30, 1973, 12 MIDNITE. IT IS THE KUDL-FM 1ST ANNIVERSARY FREE CONCERT. PHASE 2 NO BUMMER SUMMER, COWTOWN 2ND ANNIVERSARY. WITH THE TICKET YOU WERE ADMITTED FREE.
I ALSO HAVE A TICKET STUB FOR STYX, ON JUNE 27, 1974 IT LOOKS LIKE IT STATES COWTOWN BALLROOM, AND KUDL.
I HAVE A LETTER FROM COWTOWN BALLROOM THAT LISTS CONCERTS SCHEDULED FOR THE 1973 SUMMER (WHICH ALSO STATES THE JUNE 30 KUDL-COWTOWN PARTY), AND THAT BY BRINGING THE LETTER, I COULD GET JETHRO TULL TICKETS EARLY AT COWTOWN. THE TULL CONCERT WAS ACTUALLY AT MUNICIPAL AUD.
I HAVE A COWTOWN POSTER WITH THE COW/JOINT IN THE CIRCLE, WITH THE BACK PART LISTING BANDS THAT PLAYED THERE. ALSO THE WESTPORT TRUCKER WITH THE COWTOWN COW/JOINT.
I SAVED A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, NOT SURE OF THE DATE, THAT HAS WHITE EYES, MORNING STAR, AND GRITS TO PLAY AT COWTOWN ON SUNDAY EVE.(NO DATE) FOR THE WESTPORT FREE HEALTH CLINIC. IT PICTURES WHITE EYES AND MORNING STAR.
I CAN E-MAIL YOU PICTURES FOR ANY OF THESE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM.
THE EARLIER YEARS WERE GREAT THERE. EVERYONE WAS LIKE ONE BIG FAMILY. THE LATER YEAR WAS NOT THE SAME. I REMEMBER SEEING PEOPLE WALK AROUND, AND THEY WOULD YELL TO QUIT SMOKING POT. I SAW THEM KNOCK EITHER A JOINT OR PIPE OUT OF SOMEONES HAND BECAUSE I THINK A COP WAS COMING UP THE SIDE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN RIGHT BEHIND THEM. IT WASN'T THE SAME AS THE EARLIER YEARS. THE EARLY YEARS WERE GREAT!!! I DON'T REMEMBER GETTING THERE, OR LEAVING THERE! I JUST REMEMBER THE SUN WAS UP WHEN I GOT HOME.
03.19.08 | Candice Calhoun
I have many fond memories of Cowtown Ballroom; just recently I recalled seeing Steve Martin open for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This was one of dozens of GREAT shows I saw there! See you in April for the reunion!
03.19.08 | Dennis McAllister
One memmory I have of Cowtown was a free concert sponsored by then radio station KUDL FM. I believe it was Labor Day weekend in 1973. There were several local bands that played and some regional talent as well. Our group was close to the stage and it was crowded. A couple of us went to the concession stand to get something to drink between acts. While trying to make our way back to our spot on the floor this really big guy started plowing through the crowd, we got right behind him and he lead us all the way to our spot. One of the DJ's, Larry (The Moo) Miller was sitting close to us and told us how good the nex band would be, a southern rock band. The band opened with this powerful song and the really big guy was their lead singer, Cahrlie Daniels!!! They also played their hit song Uneasy Rider. Needless to say we had a pretty good laugh and a great time that night. I could be wrong about the date but it was one heel of a night, the show started on Saturday night and lasted into Sunday afternoon. I can still remember averyone laying on the floor, some passsed out others having a whole lotta' fun!!! I can't wait to see your film.
03.18.08 | bearjg
I mentioned this site to Ken Pearon of Omega Coffee in Laurie (he remembers the Mason Profit show).
We listened to Wishbone Ash at his shop. We were taken back to that wonderful time when it was about the music. If we wanted to be down front at the Cowtown then we got there early and got a space near the stage.
What I liked about that era was the warm tones produced by tube-type amplifiers. As I recall, Wishbone Ash used Orange amps. Golden sounds from a special.
03.18.08 | Dale Hill
I have lots of great memories of Cowtown (and Freedom Palace). My friend and fellow Westport High student Clark Lough worked at both places and got me in free a few times. The show that I remember the most was Alice Cooper. I wasn't very familiar with them at the time and was so impressed I ran out and bought
"Killer" the next day. Also, many fond memories of seeing Brewer and Shipley at Cowtown, the Vanguard and free concerts all over town.
03.17.08 | Aimee Rae Kraus
I may be your youngest respondent. I’m 37 and remember Cowtown Ballroom. As the family legend goes my parents (Ed McLain and Glenda Campbell) would take me to Volker fountain for Sunday afternoon concerts and I liked the music. So when Cowtown opened (and even little kids had to have a ticket) they could afford to take me to the $1 shows where mostly local talent played. They’d spread out a quilt to set my boundaries and at ages 1 to 3 years old I’d dance to Danny Cox, Brewer and Shipley, White Eyes and Robin Trower “and his tower of power”.
But my favorites were the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and especially Chicken Train. We had their albums which I’ve had framed and I go to see them whenever they play close by. When I’ve met them and gushed like a groupie I tell them “I’ve been going to your shows since Cowtown. They say, “Cowtown!?! You’re not that old!”
My folks drank Kansas 3.2 beer, but didn’t smoke pot primarily because my mom was afraid they’d get busted and the courts would take me away (paranoid without weed). So as I danced, bouncing up and down, and swaying to the music it took them a while to notice that I would start stumbling, giggling and nod off in the middle of that noisy hall. When they realized their 3 year old was getting a contact high my Cowtown Ballroom days were over!
03.17.08 | Bearjg
A flood of wonderful memories, vague as they may be, rush in when I think of the Cowtown. Poco w/Whizzo was my first and Robin Trower (cancelled) show was my last. I remember Sid Page (w/Dan Hicks) was GREAT. Also, It seemed like those twin guitar licks from Wishbone Ash would surely summon the fire marshall. However, I thought they opened for Steve Miller.
03.16.08 | Carol Spears-Latham
Billy Spears is my father and I do remember playing a cowtown gig with the Ozark Mt. Daredevils and I think Leo K. was playing there the same night.
I went to many concerts at Cowtown Ballroom. I have fond memories of hearing so many great musicians and telling my own children how lucky we were to hear great music in such a cool and fun place without having to spend a ton of money.
03.15.08 | Rick Hellman
Hey, a bit more looking produced all my old ticket stubs, including at least 10 from Cowtown. I have two halves of a Firesign Theatre ticket, making up a whole. But it doesn't end the confusion about the location of the Commander Cody pic, since I have a '73 Music Hall stub, too ...
03.15.08 | Rick Hellman
I found a couple of B/W pix of Commander Cody, but am not sure if it was taken at Cowtown of perhaps Music Hall in the same era. Maybe if I hadn't lost my box of ticket stubs, I could tell ... I will scan 'em and submit if you like. When Abe opened up the punk club, I gave him my Cowtown T-shirt to display. But he never did, so far as I could tell ...
03.15.08 | Gary
Harry Chapin - Cowtown Ballroom - 1974
“Well I came into town
with a knapsack on my shoulder
and a pocket full of stories
that I just have to tell……
I was fortunate enough to record Harry’s concert on my Akai reel to reel tape deck. The whole concert was great and when he started into Taxi with … ‘it was raining hard in Frisco’, the place went berserk. The band kept playing rhythm while the crowd roared and Harry came back with “Kansas City here I come”. I transferred that tape to CD and it is as good as or better than any album he released in my opinion.
The set list: 1.) Sunday Morning Sunshine / 2.)Greyhound / 3)Talkin’ about Love / 4.) Better Place to Be / 5.)Ron Palmer – Lesson #18 & Experience #9 / 6.)Pigeon Run / 7.)Twelve String Orchestra / 8.) W O L D / 9.)Hillbilly’s Medley / 10.)30,00 lbs of Bananas / 11.)Ron’s Lesson #21 & Experience #36 / 12.)Taxi / 13.)Greasy Spoon / 14.)Mr. Tanner / 15.)Goin to Kansas City / 16.)Empty Closets / 17.)Sniper / 18.)Circle / 19.)What made America Famous.
In order to get the crowd into Greasy Spoon song he told them to put themselves in line at Wolfburgers. I liked Harry before the show but after it I became a lifelong fan.
I see a March 11, 1974 listing for Harry but there was also a February 1, 1974 Dollar show so I do not remember for sure which one I recorded. I actually went down to the KC Star in 1999 and printed a copy from their archives, I still have that printed copy of the Feb 1, 1974 KC star listing.
I know there were a few concerts I went to at Cowtown but I can’t ever remember who played. Reefer memory loss I guess, but I still remember the ticket window on the lower north corner, sitting on the floor, the arches, and balconies. What an atmosphere!!
My Mother tells me she went there to dances in the late 30’s when it was the El Torreon Ballroom. If you drive there and look in the west entry door you can see El Torreon in the tile floor at the bottom of the stairs. In the early 60’s I went roller skating there when it was a skating rink. So that building is a part of many good family memories.
I did some research on the Ballroom in 1999 for something related to WHY (the organization to fight world hunger that Harry Chapin founded). I copied a few KC Star articles including the Sept 12, 1974 Obit for the Ballroom and a Sept 17, 1997 story Jack Phinney at the Star wrote about Stan Plesser. I went to Stan Plessers house and had a good talk with him. He told me all about how it started and how much he enjoyed it. Before I left he gave me one of those Cowtown Ballroom stickers with the smoking cow. What a great guy! I also ran into a local photographer selling Cowtown concert pictures on eBay. I gave him a copy of the Chapin concert and he gave me some concert pictures. I have his name somewhere if anyone is interested.
A couple of months after that Shawnee Days had a free outdoors Dirt Band concert. Jeff Hanna was talking about their fond memories of playing in the Cowtown Ballroom. I caught up with him backstage and we had a few words about the place.
There are few things in life that you not only remember but cherish. The El Torreon Ballroom/Roller rink / Cowtown Ballroom is certainly one of the few. Thanks for making this documentary and LMK if there is anything I have that would help.
Gary
03.14.08 | carl latham
Billy Spears is still alive and well at 77 years old in Lawrence, Ks. He played at the Cowtown [ where you have it listed] and maybe more. This address is his daughter Carol who sang with the band.
Any memories would be gladly shared.
Planning for Billy`s 78 B-day at Liberty Hall in Lawrence are under way,,,,,,,Nov 8
I personaly was at the Van Morrison concert in 74. It has always been in my top 5 all time concerts and remains there still......Great memories.,,,,.keep up the good work.
Carl Latham
03.14.08 | Cardy Quintero
I want to clarify that on my last post I said that the first Frank Zappa appearance was the one with Steely Dan as the opening act, but I'd forgotten about the year before with Rich Hill as the opening act for Zappa. I was at that one too. What a great show. I've got a very good close up pic of Zappa from the second year he played at Cowtown, by the way....Flo and Eddie, oh man...
Cardy Quintero
03.13.08 | Ricardo "Cardy" Quintero
To JOE HEYEN: WOW!! I can't believe this interest in Cowtown is so huge. I know that by now you've made contact with John Paussa, the JOINT at the Halloween concert. John and I have known each other since '63. As you know by now, the JOINT won hands down!! I must have attended a good number of the concerts at Cowtown even the first Frank Zappa appearance in KC which featured an unknown band called Steely Dan. This was the original Steely Dan with Skunk Baxter and they had not scored on the national charts at the time. When I heard "Do It Again" some weeks later, I immediately recognized the tune as it had been played that night. The tune was that alluring and catchy and the band was remarkably well-rehearsed and professional. Along with Cowtown there was quite a lively scene on Sunday afternoons with local band cocerts at Volker Park. If the cops could've thrown a giant net over the park on any given Sunday afternoon, it would have been the biggest bust in counter culture history. One afternoon a fim crew showed up and they started to film all the freaks hanging out by the fountain waiting for the band to begin. This film played a couple of years later in local theaters and was called "Shoot It Black, Shoot It Blue," a real boring urban cop flick starring the unknown Michael Moriarty. At any rate, at the beginning of the movie, the scenes from Volker Park are shown and my brother Tony, our friend Charlie Ragusa and me are very prominently shown in several scenes. When we saw ourselves on the big screen we went absolutely apeshit and everyone in theater was looking at us like we were nuts. I've got a videocassette tape of that scene and would love to talk to you about it for your film. I also attended tons of shows at Freedom Palace and dug that just as much as Cowtown, which opened not long after Freedom Palace closed, if my memory serves me. Anyway, I know you will be very busy with this project, but if you find the time I could share plenty of stories about those days--like the night I got dosed with some really horrible, toxic LSD that rendered me stark raving mad for about 8 hours. My left ear was melting off my head and sliding down my shoulder--that kind of shit. WHEW!!
I don't wanna ramble too much, but I should have some old Westport Truckers stashed away and remember Dennis Giangreco, Fat Frank and a host of characters that made that time very special. As I enter my mid fifties, I now have a straight job, but I keep busy still playing music with a well-known and respected blues band in KC called The Blues Notions. By the way, how did that grizzled old Frank Polte get so many beautiful hippie chicks? Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience and thank you so much for what you're doing. Sincerely,
Cardy Quintero
03.13.08 | Susan Helton
great story. you should reprint the posters and t shirts and make them available for purchase. judging by all the comments and memories, they would be guaranteed hot sellers. i have a poster and have been looking for another one for my brother for years with no luck.
03.12.08 | GAry Johnson
Love the idea of a documentary about the Ballroom. I along with all my friends were regulars at Cowtown and have many great memories and stories. However I have always been puzzeled by 2 people who worked at Cowtown. One guy, who was probably in his late 20's and had the longest hair of anyone there would run around before the show started and tell people to quit smoking dope. At first people would usually think he was joking but he could get very serious about this. Of course no one ever listened to him but he would go through this routine till the show started. Who was he? There was another older fellow may be in his 60's (or appeared so to some prety stoned kids) who wore an old fire dept uniform and would herd people around, probably to keep exits cleared. He had a tough job, kinda like herding cats, but always was cool and seemed total out of place in the weird world of the Ballroom. Again who was he?
When we started hanging out at Cowtown my mother could remeber skating there before WWII. Which she thought was great that we would hang out at the same place 30 years later.
Of all the places to see bands in the early 70's (Memorial Hall, Soldiers and Sailors Hall, Kemper) in KC Cowtown was the place that felt the most like in was truely "our place". You had to have been there to get it.
03.12.08 | Gina Wood Guilfoil
Hi, my dad, Gene Wood, purchased the Cowtown Ballroom in the late 80's, & he & I ran "Adventures in Motoring" -- an antique & classic car museum for about 5 years there. I have lots of pictures of the beautiful autos on the hardwood floors. I would be glad to share memorabilia & photos. The auto museum was also featured in Star Mag.
03.12.08 | Joyce (Farmer) Smith
1973, I was 15 yrs old and a sophmore in high school. That was the first time I went to cowtown. It was Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (not the Dirt Band) and I was hooked! After that I went every time they were in town. I also enjoyed Brewer and Shipley along with Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I was at the Steve Martin concert also the very last concert held at cowtown. I don't remember to much of any show, thanks the the generous passing of the joints. Which was something of it self. I knew if I put my roach clip on the joint I'd never see it again, which seemed to be the unwritten law. So the next time I took cheaper ones. :) I was very naive at that time in my life. It took me awhile to figure out what that couple up in the balcony window was doing. After my friend explained it to me. I realized that must what free love was, and that they must be doing some serious drugs!:) I was never able to buy any merchadise at cowtown beings my allowance was only $5.00 a week. But I did get a free poster of the cowtown logo the night of the last concert held there. Fast forward to 1986 or 1987 maybe 1988 (still smokin then) I went to Sandstone in Bonner Springs to see Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and took my cowtown poster. During the Show I held it up and Jimmy Ibbotson pointed it out to John McEuen while they were playing! After the show I went up stage for autographes. I felt so good when Jimmy pointed to me and said "That gets the first signature" every body just moved over with some type of respect. I still want Brewer and Shipley's signatures on it and of course Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I'm hoping that will happen at some point. I can't wait to purchase a copy of you documentory.
Joyce
03.11.08 | Carla Higbee
Oh wow! So happy you're making this film. Sadly, I only went to one event at Cowtown, The Firesign Theater. It was so fantastic to see this group perform in person after only hearing them on albums. I was a huge fan and really appreciated the opportunity to see them in such a unique atmosphere. There we were sitting on the floor, just happy to be. Can't wait to see the film. Bless you for bringing such a special time and concert venue to the screen.
03.11.08 | JOE CLYNE
I PLAYED THERE WITH BACKWOOD MEMORY. WE OPENED UP FOR FANNY, AN ALL GIRL GROUP. WE HAD A SINGLE ON THE RADIO ABOUT THAT TIME CALLED 'SPEAK OUT'. MY FAVORITE EVENT THERE WAS THE COMEDY GROUP FIRESIGN THEATER. GREAT MEMORIES
03.11.08 | zach thompson
hi. i saw the article in the kc star on your film about the cowtown ballroom. i,ve got some pictures from a canned heat show there in the early 70,s and a poster from the cowtown ballroom. if you,re interested let me know.later
03.10.08 | Lance Breshears
Saw my first concert there! A true night to remember. I also vaguely remember a Canned Heat show. The drummer thru his sticks into the audience and played with his HEAD. It was so loud that night that I still had problems hearing hours later. It's sad that those days are gone, all the head shops, Volker Park concerts, Temple Slug and FREAKS. Where have all the FREAKS gone? Well if not in our heads still in our hearts.
03.10.08 | Patrick Chambers
During Cowtown's heyday, I was a suburban high school kid with an inside connection. The ex husband of my mother's lifelong friend was the Ad Sales Manager for KBEY, the reigning "underground" FM radio station in town. Uncle Paul (Sharon) had my name put on the permanent guest list so that four tickets were always waiting for me at every show I wanted to see. This was a primo perk for an aspiring hippie musician in those days, and I saw many amazing performances there over the years.
Still and all, my favorite memory of Cowtown was the infamous Free Concert, featuring numerous local bands and Jerry Corbetta and Sugarloaf as the headliner. There was quite a frenzy to get the free tickets at local headshops and record outlets when they were made available. Indeed, it would appear that the show was to be sold out, so great was the demand. As it turned out, the event was about 14 hours long, and it never really did seem that it was all that terribly crowded for the most part. What made it hysterical was the fact that, while we stood in line waiting for the doors to be opened, some kid was running around waving a fistful of tickets, telling anyone who would listen that he'd forged them. Indeed, they looked pretty forged...very badly forged. No one could seem to get him to explain, though, why he felt it was necessary to forge tickets *to a free concert*. As it turned out, the guy at the door immediately recognized the tickets as fraudulent, and sent him packing. Chalk it up to the allure of that wonderful place, I suppose.
So strong was the influence of Cowtown that, many years later, when The Uptown was reopened as a concert venue, an empty space was left on the floor immediately in front of the stage. The first show held there was Wishbone Ash, and I attended with a friend. When we arrived, everyone was sitting in the seats behind the open area like good citizens. After a bit, someone came out, grabbed the mic and yelled something along the lines of "What are you all doing out there?! Come on and sit down on the floor. Its Gonna be just like Cowtown again!" And indeed, for one smoky, cross-legged evening, it was.
One other Cowtown item of interest...if you look closely at the cover of Dr. Hook's "Belly Up" album, you'll note that one of the band members, all of whom are sitting at a bar, is wearing a Cowtown T-Shirt. I saw the show that the shirt probably came from, one of countless killer performances at a space that will never see that magickal vibe again.
Looking very much forward to tripping back though my youth when you release your film. Count me in for four free tickets to the premiere? :-)
Patrick Chambers
Raytown , MO
03.10.08 | Richard Todd
I just read the article in the K. C. Star. Wow! talk about bringing back old memories. All the fun times and all the great concerts. I have a ticket stub that I've carried in my wallet since 1974 (Firesign Thearter, April 25, autographed by Phil Proctor, one of the members) lucky I had it laminated. I can't wait to see the film.
03.10.08 | John Gauld
Thank You ! I had the opportunity to see several shows at Cowtown...Alice, Black Oak, Bloodrock, Nitty Gritty and Brewer and Shipley. Going to a concert for around $3 at Cowtown and setting on the floor passing whatever came by was the greatest. Thank you for bringing back the good times.
03.10.08 | Kimberly(Kim) Williams Kitterman
Joe,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Yesterdays Article in the Star was good. It feels like a Family Reunion seeing all the names and Pictures of old friends. I will locate the Photos I was telling you about, they are in my storage unit. Looking forward to speaking with you.
Kim Williams/ e-mail- kkitterman332@yahoo.com I'm also on mySpace. if anyone wants to connect
03.10.08 | Michael J Nicholson
Wow! Talk about having a flashback. I really enjoyed reading the article and it brought back a flood of great memories. I would tell people about Cowtown Ballroom and they would be amazed at some of the bands I was able to see before they hit it big. I remember the dollar concerts and the heat. I would take a fishing chair that didn't have any legs but had a back so I would be comfortable. There were a few times that I "slid" out of it. I think it was at the Strawbs concert where some one passed a joint to us and after a few tokes, I was very thirsty and went to the concession stand with my buddy and proceeded to pass out while standing in line. All I remember was waking up seconds later and some one stating that they would like to have what I had. Ah, the great many memories of that era and the Ballroom. I can't wait to watch your documentory.
03.10.08 | Holly Budd
I have quite a few memories of Cowtown BR. Didn't Stan Plesser that had the Vanguard start it? My cousin worked at the Vanguard and I saw Steve Martin perform there before anyone knew of him. Back to the BR. Took my brother to his first concert there. ELO and it was a great show. Saw a trashed Steve Miller one Halloween. I partailly remember(hee hee) several shows there.
BTW, I have a June 71 and another 2 issues of Westport Truckers that I would sell if anyone is interested. 1 issue isolder and is Black and white. 1 is a 72 issue, I believe.
03.10.08 | Jeff Pence
I remember a local radio station doing promos. Like $1.02 for a ticket. I know I saw frank Zappa and I am pretty sure I sas Golden earring, Hoyt Axtion and Mott the Hoople. All but Frank may have been the summer of 1974. We had a friend who lived a couple blocks away. We would party first then hiot the concert. Thats is why I say i am pretty sure I can still see Hoyt belting out Jeremiah was a Bullfrog, and yes I know 3DN sang it too. Hoyt did it better. I also seem to recall that Frank was sitting down most of the concert and it seemed like on long song? It was all a smokey haze.
Good times!
03.10.08 | fulton wilhelm
I have a few stories about cow town as I used to heelp clean it up after concerts, as I lived and worked at puting out the Westport Trucker.please contact me .
03.10.08 | Lisa Shockley
If you are interested, the mirror ball original to El Torreon in the 1920s and still in the building during the Cowtown days still exists. It was donated to the Kansas City Museum/Union Station in 1978. I also sent this message to Eric Adler at the Star. If you are interested in more information, feel free to contact me.
03.10.08 | Tom Bowman
Great article in the Star magazine on Sunday.
I was 12 when Cowtown opened, and 15 when it closed, so I wasn't able to experience the magic of the place. I was (and still am) a big Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fan, so Cowtown held (and still holds) a great fascination for me. Parts of the Dirt Band's Stars and Stripes Forever live album were recorded at Cowtown.
I noticed on your site that you've interviewed John McEuen of the Dirt Band. FYI: the Dirt Band will be playing at Ameristar on April 4, with two more of the guys who would have played at Cowtown, Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden. If you haven't had a chance to interview them, that might be your chance.
When I've seen them at shows in Kansas City in recent years, they always talk about the shows at Cowtown.
Best wishes, and I look forward to seeing the documentary.
Tom Bowman
03.09.08 | Steve
This may be a bit off the main subject of this documentary and website but for a time in the 90's (I believe) a man operated a collector car sales facility in side the cowtown called "Adventures in Motoring." Thought maybe some of the gearheads reading this might recall or care to know.
03.09.08 | Carl Raccuglia
Attended many great shows at the Ballroom. Have many
memories. The one that sticks out is of the Van Morrison
concert. Fabulous, except people kept shouting for
"Moondance". Van got madder and madder and finally
refused to play it. I was embarassed for K.C. and I'm
not sure, but I don't think he's ever returned. Alice Cooper
was amazing. Also what I remember is the shows that seemed to go on all night. That and the great drugs.
Freedom rang!
03.09.08 | Tim Tankard
Had some great times at Cowtown, though the memories are a bit fuzzy. Besides the shows, I fondy recall standing in the line outside in the cold, waiting for the doors to open, since it was first-come seating, everybody getting in the mood, if you know what I mean. I remember the Steve Miller Concert. I don't know what his problem was, but he and his band weren't playing well at all, real rough blues stuff, and people were leaving and booing. And finally Miller went to the mic and called us all a bunch of "psychodelic morons." We took that as a compliment, then we left too.
03.09.08 | Buddy Bronson
I was pumping gas at the Vickers staition on Linwood and main and always looked foward to the stoned out hippie chicks stoping in to gas up or get cigerettes, or sodas after the shows.....cool memories
03.09.08 | Jeannie Long
Loved the article in STAR magazine today--it brought back fond memories. I have three concert ticket stubs in good condition from concerts at Cowtown. Let me know if you would like to photograph them for your documentary.
03.09.08 | Scott Heptig
I am absolutely sure that I saw the Badfinger concert and one of the surprise opening acts was Elton John! It's been a long time but I wouldn't have just dreamed this. Thanks for the memories.
03.09.08 | Dennis Thornton
I really enjoyed this article about the old Cowtown Ballroom. I don’t know what I can add except to share my small experience there.
My favorite show was Hot Tuna and it was my 1st Cowtown Ballroom experience. I went with a girlfriend and we sat on the floor up close and a bit to the right of center. I at the time was 21 years old and played lead guitar in a college rock/blues band at Northwest MO State University so I was really into music and guitar players. I was totally impressed and mystified with Jorma Kaukonen’s guitar playing and fingerpicking on electric guitar. I believe he came out playing a stratocaster fingericking on “True Religion” which I remember as being the first song of the set but it has been a while so I could be wrong about that. He had about 6 different guitars but the other one I liked was a psychedelic painted Gibson ES-345. He along with Jack Casity had played with the Jefferson Airplane only a few years before.
The picture in the Star Magazine now shows me the exact date I saw that show and that the Ozark Mountain Daredevils opened.
I also saw the Nitty Gritty band, Gentle Giant, King Crimson and others.
Robert Fripp of King Crimson played “21st Century Schizoid Man” note for note and sat on a stool the whole set.
I doubt that this is the most extensive or exciting recollection about the Cowtown Ballroom but it certainly made a lasting impression on me.
Wish I could do it again.
Thanks
03.09.08 | Xavier Onassis
I was at the April 22, 1974 show featuring Captain Beefheart. I won the tickets by calling into the local FM station. I gave one of the tickets to a buddy who had a car and he drove. Captain Beefheart was the headliner, but the warmup band was a bunch of nobodys who called themselves "Kansas". I understand they went on to some minor success. Hey, great site, great memories, looking forward to the documentary.
03.09.08 | jon steinert
saw the artical in the kc star. went to the ballroom many times. greatr times. print up some ballroom shirts and sell me one.........please.
03.09.08 | Sandra Waren
Wow, what a Flashback in time. I was reading the Kansas city star, and there was this Star Magazine about :"Cowtown Ballroom" which really Freaked me out! As a young teenager, I worked there, for free of course. Payment was I/we got into the concerts for free! One of our many jobs was to go to the Westport trucker newspaper and pickup the posters for upcoming concerts and walk the streets asking store merchants if we could hang up the posters. Which most agreed to do so..! Cool..
This was all so Long ago! I still live in the Kansas City area, but not many people know about Cowtown. I AM SO PLEASED that someone is doing a documentary about Cowtown Ballroom. The Music was just wonderful. I have so many memories about the shows, and about things that happened before the shows and after the shows, as one of my jobs was helping in cleaning up the mess after the growds left. I had collect gatar picks, and drumsticks, from this band and that band... after the shows. I remember some people that worked there too.. Like Gunkey, and Wildman Fisher.
That was such a long time ago. Almost like a dream!
Thank you Kansas City Star for doing the story about Cowtown Ballroom. That was a very special time in my life. I can't wait to see the documentary.
03.09.08 | ron wrehe
The Cowtown was great! When Steely Dan opened for Zappa we were all thinking who in the hell are these guys! Then we shopped for months for the first album. B.B. King was great and we were always impressed with most of the opening groups--Hookfoot was one that stood out. I can remember the BB King concert and we were about the only white guys there but it didn't matter. As I scan the lists of the people that played there I was impressed with the list and thew fact that I must have been there about 20 times---Great memories!
03.09.08 | John Paussa
Just read Eric Adler's piece in the Star Magazine about your documentary. My friends & I grew up at Cowtown (and the earlier venue over on Main St. - Freedom Palace) and have many wonderful memories (hazy, but wonderful!)
I am the guy that won the Halloween costume contest as a 7 ft. joint mentioned in the Star Magazine piece. Actually the "red" ash part of the costume was at the top, not the bottom, and was some red foil christmas wrap. I made the costume out of checken wire & paper mache. It was hot-as-hell inside the costume. The folks that ran Cowtown went thru the audience and picked out the costumes to send up on stage for the crowd to choose a winner.
I remember feeling kind of bad for the guy next to me. He must have been a theater major or something, for he had a marvelous centaur costume, made by hand & very realistic. Much better & more detailed than my paper mache. Too bad for him, because I had my minions at work in the audience.
As we contestants stood on stage and talked with Whizzo The Clown... my buds were walking thru the audience tossing out handfulls of joints and yelling, "Vote for the joint!"
I won a $100 "Bernstein & Appleby" gift certificate & a pair of tickets to a Brewer & Shipley show.
These days along with my commercial real estate dealings, I am also running a psychedelic (and not-so-psychedelic) lightshow here in KC. I have worked with some big names and local/regional acts since I started this incarnation of it in 2004.
Unfortunately ALL of my posters from shows in KC are gone. I do have a friend who owns a Cowtown Ballroom poster. It is probably 2 x 3 ft??? Yellow background with the Smokin' Cow logo in the middle and the names of performers who played there printed across the yellow background.
Also - I saw the photo of Neil Young in a Cowtown T-shirt. I have also found a photo of Hot Tuna with Jack in a Cowtown T-shirt too!
http://www.bobsteeler.com/images/HotTuna_opt.jpg
Thanks for doing this. I can't wait to see the film.
03.09.08 | Tim Fincham
I saw the Byrds there in January of 1973. I was 21 and had just graduated from college about 30 days beforehand. It was part of my graduation paresent to myself.
When McGuinn walked out on stage and waved to the crowd, I broke down sobbing -- so excited to be there and part of that whole scene! I was in the balcony with my face smashed between the railings
I was a Byrds fan from their beginnings in Folkrock all the way through Sweetheart of the Rodeo and beyond. In one form or the other, I have, I'm pretty sure, all their recordings. I just listened to a Byrds CD yesterday!
Although I have many favorites, The Beatles and The Byrds top my list.
Thanks so much -- looking forward to the special!
Tim Fincham
Leavenworth
03.09.08 | larry knight
HI JOE, I WAS LOOKING AT THE LINKS PAGE AND WONDERED IF YOU WOULD ADD MY MYSPACE LINK ?
http://www.myspace.com/larryknight49 THANKS. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE 24TH. LK
03.09.08 | Mark Haanstad
I have several memories of Cowtown. One of them was the Steve miller show,it was his birthday and he played two shows. There allways was strewberry wine in the dressing room and Steve had a few. By the second show he was plastered (and who knows what else). He was out of tune halfway through the set and stayed that way. The crowd dwindled as he played till at least 2am.
Another memory is of Dr. Hook. They introduced " Cover of the Rolling Stone" by saying it had become popular on juke boxes in laundramats and bowling alleys. They were the funniest band I'd ever seen. When they got to the part where they shouted "Rock n Roll!" the guitar player charged the stage ,knocking the mikes over and playing gibberish, the never did finish the song!
The lead singer tuanted the groupies with his motel keys all through the show. Funny stuff.
I probably saw 30 shows there. I ran a carbon arc at rival Freedom Palace. I think I filled in once at Cowtown(Morningstar and someone??).
(memory is a bit hazy from..... well didn't everyone?)
03.09.08 | Connie Baker
We went to several concerts at Cowtown. I am pretty sure one was Brewer and Shipley. I remember sitting on the floor and loving that place. After the concert about 15 of us stayed after the crowd had left and we were sitting in a circle--My husband ,Steve was in the middle and he had something like a piece of plastic or something and he was trying to throw it up and touch the ceiling, We were all laughing hysterically because it was never going to touch the ceiling. Finally they made us leave. During the concert there was a guy with a poncho on dancing in circles and everyone couldnt take their eyes off of him. I loved the feeling of Cowtown because it was all about the music---everyone was so into the music!
03.09.08 | Mike Trainor
This is great!! Just saw the article in Star Magazine so had to come check this out. I was there only once - I thnk - and saw Kansas - but they're not listed under "Who played there" and now I'm wondering if I had too much to smoke that night and don't remember it right!! It would have been late '73 or in '74 because I moved back to KC in August '73. Looking forward to the film! Good luck! - Mike T.
03.07.08 | Kimberly Kitterman/ Kim Williams
I just got a call from Butch Dillon yesterday, he told me about the Documentary.How great! I use to roller-scate there as a child, when it was El-Torreon. I was probably at every event that went on there. What memories. Butch and I have stayed good friends since I was about 17, my boyfriend back then played with"White Eyes". I have some great photos, I'll have to start to dig them out. One Photo in particuliar of the Very "last Concert", "last song" performed at Cowtown. I believe the line-up was Steve Martin, Nitty Gritty,OM Daredevils and Brewer & Shipley; The last Song was "Will the Circle be Unbroken" a bunch of us were on stage singing along including myself. It was like a Big Family "Good Karma Productions and Cowtown.Smokey the Fireman was on stage that night. What wonderful Memories. Feel free to e-mail me and I will start locating the Photo's if you still need some.
Kim
03.06.08 | Nona
I spent almost every Friday and Satuday night there in 1972 and 1973. Tickets cost approx $3.46 in memory serves me. You sat on the floor and it didn't matter if you could see the stage you could feel the music. The one thing i remember was the bathroom. It was up by the stage and if you were not carefull you could not find the people you came with in the sea of faces on the floor until the end when you met a the car to go home. You would just set down with anyone and share the blanket to set on. No one was a stanger and no one was afraid of anyone. Those were the days. All there was --LOVE
03.04.08 | Bob Reeder
Hi Joe,
Looking forward to the interview. I'll wear my Irish thinking cap. Thank you for doing this for Stan, the Vanguard, and Cowtown Ballroom.
All the best,
Bob Reeder
Irish Music Association.com
03.02.08 | Bill Beaumont
I worked at Cowtown for a while. I did the posters for quite a few shows and was a general equipment hauler up those steep bacl stairs and worked backstage for a lot of shows. Contact me via e mail if you like.
02.25.08 | Jim Stringer
I really enjoyed your web site. Cowtown Ballroom was a great concert venue and I had some fine times, both playing and listening. Memory is dull pencil, particularly about 7000 gigs later, but Tide played two gigs with the Dirt Band (I don't recall which dates, but one was with Steve Martin), and one date with Brian Auger, who's not listed at all, I don't think. I still have my Cow and Joint T-Shirt, though it's VERY well worn!
02.20.08 | Melody
I have a poster from the very last concert at Cowtown. It's mostly yellow with the cow smokin'. I treasure it, Do you know if anyone else has one? I went to several concerts. BTO Kansas Ozark Mountain Daredevils Frank Zappa and he wore pajamas. I can't remember who else. Those were the days. Thanks, Melody
02.12.08 | Richard Hopewell (MOBY)
Greetings ! , My name is MOBY I played bass with the band "Pilgrimage". A friend sent me an e-mail about this web site, and I really think what you guy's are doing is fantastic!. I have really great memories of the Cowtown day's, both from playing there, and attending the concerts. We are honored to be listed on the itenaray with all the other great bands that played there, However there were two additonal shows that we played that we would like to add if we could.The first is when we opened for "Bachman Turner Overdrive" on 2/27/74. The 2nd was when we opened for "Redbone" . It was the 3/16/74 show.What happened was , "Styx" cancelled at the last minute, and they moved "Redbone" to the headliner spot, We were called to see if we could open on short notice. Fortunately, we were able to. I was also wondering if we could add a band picture to the photo gallery. I have a Westport Trucker with the promo (the whole back cover) for the "Up against the wall ball" that we played on 4/18/72. I thought it would be cool to have a Trucker in the gallery. I could send you a picture of the back and the front covers ,if you like. Thanks for what your doing it's a great project. I hope this information will be helpful. Look foward to hearing from you, Thanks MOBY
02.04.08 | Steve Alexander
Joe,
Thanks for linking to the Brewer & Shipley Fan site. I already had you linked from my site. Please let me know if there is anything else I can advertise for you. Also, if you run in to any Brewer & Shipley memorabilia, i would be greatly interested.
Steve
02.03.08 | David Haggard
I was the bass player for a local band, "Country Heir". We were the opening act on the final night at Cowtown with Brewer and Shipley and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I have a good promotional picture of the banc and the Kansas City Star clipping from the night after the final show. Also, my memory is still intact, so I may have other information or thoughts that could be helpful.
Good luck with your project.
02.01.08 | milo
I was looking up information about Rory Gallagher's concert at the Cowtown Ballroom on March 24, 1974 for my fan site. The bootleg of this concert is fantastic and is regarded by many fans as one of his best. I would appreciate any information, pictures, or remembrances about this concert to use on my fan site. Thanks
01.25.08 | Bill Swenson
Came across this site a few days ago and finally got around to digging up my old ticket stubs. I attended about 10 shows in 1973-74. There are a couple of shows I went to that aren't listed. Ozark Mtn. Daredevils-11/16/73 (a $1.00 KUDL show), The Strawbs-2/23/74 (another $1.00 KUDL show). The ticket for this show was printed on the back of an unused Blue Qyster Cult ticket that has a 12/27/73 date. I remember seeing the end of a BOC show (when they used to let you in for free towards the end of evening) around that time, so I'm thinking that date is probably right. Bill Quateman-4/6/74 (another $1.00 show). I'm also thinking Hawkwind and the Pointer Sisters played Cowtown (not the same show), but perhaps I burned a few too many brain cells back then). I too was at the Halloween show with Whizzo. I remember people blowing a lot of pot smoke his way and a couple of folks reaching up on stage and feeling his big clown feet. To me, he seemed a little bewildered by the whole experience. Also, I don't remember Kinky Friedman being leadoff for Mott the Hoople (I was thinking it was the Daredevils....but things were a bit hazing back in those days). Anyway, this site is bringing back a lot of good memories.
The reason I came across this site was because I was looking for a Cowtown poster. Anyone know where I could get an original or a reproduction? If anyone at Good Karma still has the original artwork, or printing negs, there might be a market for printing some new ones.
I wish you guys well with your project. Keep us informed on when it will be finished. Peace.
01.21.08 | Margaret R.
To Mack, 12-22-07. I was also at the overnight show they held with mostly local bands. One of them being Pilgrimage - who were my friends. I'm forwarding this website to 2 of them and maybe one of them will respond.
01.05.08 | Debby Schenk
Firesign Theater definitely played the Ballroom, but I can't pinpoint the date. I know it was not winter, because I walked to the show, and I'm thinking it was at some point after the Van Morrison show. It was an absolutely fabulous show.
A lot of those concerts were "Dollar Shows" and quite a few were either simulcast on a local FM radio station, or were recorded and played later.
My brother, David Schenk, currently at Zebedee's RPM on 39th St in Kansas city (816-960-6900) has some original posters, I believe. Not to mention that he has almost a photographic memory of a lot of the shows and events of that era. We both worked the concert scene in the mid-70s, early 80s, but our entry onto the scene coincided with the closing of the Ballroom.
Thanks, so much for taking on this project. If you are interested in seeing concert shots of that era from other venues in the KC area, I have a very large library of slides ranging from OK to Good to Fabulous.
01.04.08 | Arne Johnson
I'd like to suggest a couple of interviewees.
Herb Palmer booked all the bands for Good Karma and Cowtown. Rocky Rude was behind the mix board.
Thanks,
Arne (Cowtown security)
01.03.08 | Rick Bacus
You have certainly done your homework here! I played Cowtown Ballroom several times with Morningstar. I was a member from 1974 until the band broke up in Feb. of 1980. Two albums were recorded on the CBS Columbia label released in 1977 and 1979.
More info www.rickbacus.com
Thanks for all your hard work putting this together!
Rick
01.01.08 | Ellen Law
I have some ticket stubs from the concerts but I didn't keep all of them as some people did. I went to most of the concerts at Cowtown as well as the shows that were at Memorial Hall in KCK,the Municipal Auditoium and Memorial Hall. I usually had my camera with me and I have 35mmb/w negatives of many of the shows. I have a Cowtown stub from December 9,1973 Leo Kottke and Jesse Colin Young. This is a concert that isn't on the current list. I am excited about the film. I have waited a lot of years to see it. I was at a NGDB concert that was filmed. I always thought it was a NGDB film not a Cowtown film. Maybe I will get to see my 16 year old self again.
12.22.07 | Mack Tilton
There was an all night show put on by one of the radio stations featureing mostly local bands. Since I often left the place with fewer brain cells than when I went in, I can't remember who. But Suger Loaf (Green Eyed Lady) was a head liner. There was a blizard that night and they brought in big boxes of McDonnald's hambergers to pass around. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. I graduated high school in '74 and went to several shows. It's not impossible that I might have some ticket stubs. I'll keep looking.
12.21.07 | Chuck Pisano
I went to many shows at Cowtown Ballroom and would enjoy discussing it with you. I also host the "Blues Kitchen" on 90.1 FM - KKFI on Saturday mornings. I can also be reached at 913-492-2960.
Thanks
Chuck Pisano
12.21.07 | bob wolff
50yrOld in KC since '67...was at most shows-Badfinger,Climax,Nitty/Steve,Foghat,BluOyster,Black Oak Ark.,Black Sabbath,Uriah Heap...brother was roadie
12.11.07 | Ted Campbell
Hey, just stumbled into your site (things I do when I really should be working) and it brought back the memories indeed!
Of particular interest to me was the 11.22.1972 show w/ the Daredevils opening for Hot Tuna; a bunch of us drove up from Springfield to catch that and ending up getting pulled over and busted in Grandview (possession of, ahem, controlled substances) before we made it up the Cowtown. Later, I was a student at the KCAI and loved going there when I had $ (which was rare) but I'll never forget the Commander Cody show.......one of the best concerts I've ever seen, bar none. I remember they did two sets, the second set basically tore the roof of that old place.
Seems to me that you could buy beer there, is that correct? I was only 20, and memories play tricks on you, but I'm thinking that's right....
Thanks for the memories,
Ted
12.07.07 | Dave Peterson
Hi folks. Keep up the great work. I personally attended approx 24 concerts @ CTB since it opened up until their final show. As you may know by now- Freddie King played New Years Eve 1971 and Savoy Brown played Nov. 24th 1971. I still have the ticket stubs.
12.06.07 | Terry Woodburn
Wow, the small world closes in. I lived in KC in the early 70s, went to the Cowtown many times, so many huge memories, such great shows. Anyhoo...interesting to see Kelly Baker's name on this site. I know Kelly pretty well, though we haven't seen each other in a quite a while. I am now a producer/director at the ABC affiliate here in Portland, Oregon, same town as Kelly. Anway, am fascinated by this site and am happy to contribute in any way. Have to dig around, I do have a full sized Cowtown Poster.... even some old 8 track tapes of shows I recorded there! Probably pretty sorry ass quality, but....
Thanks again,
TW
12.06.07 | roy graham
lived in k.c. in early seventies and saw most of these
concerts during that time when i believe it was odeon
productions doing a lot of the bookings who was linked
also with the ozark mt. daredevils.
this was absolutley the no. 1 best place to see a band in
that area at the time and i remember even a lot of
english bands performing there so close you could even
learn the riffs to songs by watching.
robin trower however wasn't too pleased with the place
when that huge radio tower around the block came through his amp but that was a rare bummer, as for
the most part the place had an extreme magical aura.
i'm glad when i returned to pennsylvania i kept an
original poster and a lot of ticket stubs. i hope you continue to look further into a lot of these legendary
performances.
11.29.07 | Bill Page
How can I see this film? When was it produced?
One fantastic memory of Cowtown. Alice Cooper - December of '71. I was only 14 -- my Dad took me to the show. The most memorable evening of my young life. Think of the place often -- God, what character it had. Anyway, whatever info you could pass along about the film would be great. Thanks!
11.10.07 | Clark Lough
Hello, my name is Clark Lough. Along with Frank Polte and a few others, I helped build the stage, renovate the El Torrion,(sp?) and worked the stage for many Cowtown shows. (Saw Frank before his death also.) Many memories. (Freedom Palace too!) Good luck with this project.
Clark Lough
480.969.0297
11.07.07 | Gary Peterson
Hi,
My brother Paul tells me good things about you and I'd like to contribute. I'll be in K.C. Nov. 20th thru the end of the year. I have a nice shot of Alice Cooper at Cowtown, and lots of stories (including how I came to do the logo). Best wishes for your project
11.03.07 | Darrell Lea
I attended several shows @ Cowtown Ballroom - the first being Chet Nichols w/KC Philharmonic, the last being the closing show w/Dirt Band & Brewer & Shipley. Have ticket stubs from several of those shows. Please contact me if there's anything I can do to help you out.
11.03.07 | larry knight
I played guitar for brewer and shipley, danny cox, white eyes, chet nichols also performed with the steve miller band and louden wainright at cowtown ballroom.
11.02.07 | Dawayne Bailey
I am the former guitarist with CHICAGO and Bob Seger. I grew up in Manhattan, KS but played all over the state back in the 60s, 70s, 80s.
I recall seeing Frank Zappa at Cowtown Ballroom in 1971. Kerry Livgren was in the audience that night too and I recall seeing him giving Zappa at tape of his band at the time called Kansas.
I'll never forget that night or that classic venue.
http://www.dawaynebailey.com
10.28.07 | Mike Harvey
Hey Joe,
This is a great project. All the best to you and all of the people working with you. Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.
10.28.07 | Chet Nichols
Hey Man,
Found this site....very cool. I played at Cowtown Ballroom in KC on numerous occasions opening for the likes of BB King, Poco, Brewer & Shipley, Hot Tuna, It's A Beautiful Day, The KC Philharmonic Orchestra...and many others. I wrote the "stoner anthem"...."I'm The Ice Cream Man" (hear it from a live-show I did at Cowtown Ballroom....at....www.broadjam.com/chetnichols.
My first two records, "Time Loop" and "Waving Prairie"......were a couple records that helped to define the loner-stoner-outside folk genre.
There is a fellow I know who is currently working on a documentry about Cowtown Ballroom.....
Thanks for the neat site, man.....
My Best,
Chet Nichols
http://www.broadjam.com/chetnichols
http://www.chetnichols.net
http://LastRidersOn66.itgo.com......"The Best Stoner Novel about the 1960's....." Bob Moore, Editor of Route 66 Magazine
10.17.07 | Sheryl Prout
I have three vivid memories of Cowtown but, since it was
the '70's, the dates are lost to me.
1. Steve Martin as a leadin for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band:
this was his white-suit-and-arrow-through the head period. People booed him, although I was laughing hysterically at his shtick. That crowd wanted the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, not a comedian. BUT, when he came out and played banjo with the band, the crowd went wild.
2. Spending frantic minutes helping a friend crawl along the floor of the darkened room, searching for a lost contact lens.
3. One year there was a Halloween costume contest.
Local TV celebrity and performer, Whizzo the Clown, was the MC. The contest winners were decided by crowd reaction. There was a mysterious costume, white, bulging around the middle, with red around the bottom. As Whizzo held his hand over each contestant's head, the crown clapped, yelled, whistled, cheered. The white costumed contestant won by a landslide, although there were some other great costumes there. The best part
of the whole contest was when Whizzo announced the
winner. With a microphone, whizzo asked the contestant what he was supposed to be. The contestant whispered his answer to Whizzo(a joint). Whizzo turned a deadpan stare at the crowd and we all went wild. Whizzo stood there shaking his head in mock disbelief until the hoopla
died down. It still makes me smile to think about it.
10.16.07 | Kevin Montgomery
I will look through my tickets stubs for exact dates but I see several shows missing from your list. I was only 14 the first time I went to a show at Cowtown, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. It is listed. But I also saw ELO w/Suzi Quatro and Bachman Turner Overdrive there that you don't have listed. You also don't have the big New Years Eve all night show that had Sugarloaf as a headliner come on at 3am. There were tons of local and regional acts including my friends Pilgamage that came on at 5am.
I used to have a Cowtown Ballroom kite but it got detroyed in one of my many moves ove rthe years. I may have some ticket stubs still though. I will look. I have stories about these shows and others as well. For instance, the Robin Trower show you have listed, if 10cc was the opening act for that show Robin Trower didn't play. Their equipment was stolen and 10cc did a solo show. We got our money back because we didn't know 10cc. Big mistake. I heard the show was ecellent.
I'll be happy to offer up any other stories you may be interested in. Sounds like a great project. I'm looking forward to the end result!
KM
10.15.07 | Leasa Caron
Thank you for taking on this project. I worked for Mike Waggoner and worked the concession stand for him during many of the concerts. If you guys ever make t-shirts like the old ones, I definitely want to buy one. I had one and traded it with the drummer from Styx thinking I could run back to the office and get a replacement. Found out they had run out and no more were going to be made. I loved the building, the "feel" of the concerts and the memories. Thnks again for taking on this project, I can't wait to see it!!! Leasa Caron
10.15.07 | Sherrie Hetzel Davis
I have lots of memorie from Roller Skating at the El Torrion in the 60's to every concert at Cowtown from Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Steve Martin for a dollar to the all nighters sleeping in the towers there. It was great. Lots of memories. I live in the Virgin Islands now, but get home to Kansas City quite often. Look forward to hearing from you and seeing what you are doing. Sherrie
10.11.07 | Wild Bill Jeffress
I have one of the logos framed and a friend was married to Johnny Almond (played with Mayall and tne Mark/Almond band) and she has some stuff, also.
10.11.07 | greg kopulos
i just caught the last 5 minutes today on KKFI; saw many shows at Cowtown. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at least 5 times.
i got to have a poster and tee shirt, let me know how.
Greg Kopulos
10.11.07 | Rita Haas
I could be wrong but it seems to me I saw Grand Funk Railroad at Cowton maybe in 1970 or 71? You don't have them listed under "who played there". It was so long ago...all I really remember was there were no seats and I went with my sister, her husband and my husband...a U. S. Marine at the time. Mark F had his long long hair and my husband had the standard Marine hair cut...quite the contrast!
10.11.07 | Don Lillig
My wife and I took our 2 month old son to the Halloween concert at Cowtown in October 1971. Three bands played that night, Joyful Noise was the opening act followed by Joy of Cooking and the final act was Leo Kottke. Our son Claes is now a musician and has played with the Keepers (now Blue 88) Parlay (Ernie Locke) and is currently with the Throttlers.
10.11.07 | Dan Janesko
Cool, I looked through your who played there list. First show I saw was Dan Hick's 1972. Early for me I was only 13 years old. Saw the Nitty Gritty the next year when Steve Martin opened.
It was probably at least a year later I saw him on Johnny Carson with my dad. I told him I seen that guy last year doing the same act. The balloons and arrow in the head act. It was than I came to the realization that this dude had been running around doing that same act for all that time. He still was just as enthusiastic and fresh as a year earlier, made me realize what a hard job a comedian would be.
Saw Harry Chapin, I remember the high voice in the taxi cab song was sang by his bass player. He looked to be at least 6 feet tall, big guy, with a high voice when he needed it !
Saw several other shows there. My mom knew right where it was when we first wanted a ride there. She had broke her leg there when it was a skating rink !
Hey where can I get one of the T-Shirts ? I heard you mention them on KKFI
10.10.07 | Larry Knouft
Nice to see what you are doing with Cowtown. I was a regular at most of the shows. Was a promoter of shows in small towns in Kansas. Don't really have much to add , but was wondering if you had touched base with George Frayne (Commander Cody), he is still playing all over the country. Has a great band. Checkout his website Commander Cody Band. They played in Melvern, Ks. at DogStock 4 and 5. Just wanted to pass that along to you. Good luck with your venture, and will be looking forward to seeing what you do with this. Thanks Larry
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