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User:Grenachx/Dino and Carlos, San Francisco

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Dino and Carlo's

For a period of about four years from 1965 until 1968, overlapping the Summer of Love in both directions of time, there was a bar in San Francisco on Vallejo Ave (on the opposite side of Columbus Ave from North Beach) called Dino and Carlo's.

Description[edit]

This period of time was an exceptionaly fertile period in the development of rock and acid rock music. Dino and Carlo's, a relatively small establishment showcased many new musical groups and artists. While serving pitchers of dark beer in an even darker environment, the bar allowed many new and up and coming bands to play their music.

The beer was cheap. The performers were never paid. They put a hat on the front of the small stage to earn some compensation for their music. The acostics were terrible. The clientele included longshoreman and flower children, not necessarily a good mix.

No one ever complained. The music was great.

Notable Groups[edit]

The more successful bands were:

  • Credance Clearwater Revival
  • The Grateful Dead
  • Country Joe and the Fish
  • Neal Schon (Journey)
  • Harry Chapin

plus many others before they had become household names.

Other groups[edit]

There were many talented groups not reaching the popularity of those mentioned above. Among then were:

  • Celestial Hysteria
  • The Flamin’Groovies
  • Devil's Kitchen[1]

History[edit]

The bar was founded by Dino (Last name needed) and Carlo (Last name needed).

It was managed by Lou 'the Glue' Marcelli[2]

Antidotes[edit]

Need material about incidents when any band listed was playing

Celestial Hysteria[edit]

This group of high school kids played on several occasions at Dino and Carlo's.

They also played all around the bay area including the Filmore West.

The scuttlebutt around Dino and Carlo's was that they came close to signing a recording contract with Seymour Stein of Sire Records but their parents had not allowed them to sign.

The Flaming Groovies[edit]

"I remember the very first place we played, it was a place called Dino and Carlo’s, and Danny couldn’t make our first show, so the very first Flamin’ Groovies show was played without drums! But, he did play the next night. It was very ramshackle back then, everything was pretty goofy. We barely had amps, you couldn’t believe the small little funky amps we were playing through"[3]

Harry Chapin[edit]

Harry is probably one musician that management at Dino and Carlo's was totally unaware had ever performed at their bar.

"I met Harry when he was strolling around the Haight Ashbury. He asked about many things but particularly about any music spots (bars) in the area. I knew of none so I took him to the Switchboard and introducted him to Ron Small. Ron knew of no good music bars in the Haight but suggested that Harry would like one of Ron's favorites close to North Beach. We both agreed to go there that evening with Ron. Ron was a prolific drinker and had already finished a full pitcher of beer before either of us had finished a glass. He excused himself to call his girlfriend Mary. The band was taking a break and Harry got up and talked to them. In a short bit, Harry got on stage, used one of the groups guitars and sang a ballad. It was not well received. Harry returned to our table. Ron returned and ordered another pitcher for himself. He was having a problem with Mary. Harry joked that he needed better lyrics (I think the bar crowd liked the real band and just didn't pay any attention to Harry. Actually I don't think anyone knew who he was. I certainly did not until later)
We began to kick about lines dealing with Mary. The one line I distinctly remember was 'I'm a young old sodden souse'. I did not realize who Harry was until about 5 years later when I heard the song 'If my Mary were here' and remembered this incident" [4]

The Muir Beach connection[edit]

With the success of the San Francisco establishment, Gino and Carlo expanded and booked time at the Muir Beach Lodge in Marin County. they parlayed the success of a local disk jockey affectionately know as "The Buddha from Muir Beach" who already ran concerts at the Lodge.

This venue was not as successful although the bands and the music were still great. [5]

Need a lot more detail. Will incorporate the Muir Beach History by Susan Smith later.

The Mount Tamelpias Music Fair[edit]

The KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival was an event held June 10 and 11th, 1967 at the 4,000 seat Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre high on the south face of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California.

Need the known connections. Was Lou there when everyone left the bar to go to the Fair? etc.

References[edit]

  1. ^ http://robcoaudio.com/robbie.aspx
  2. ^ See SF Chronicle article June 06, 2011|By Meredith May, Staff Writer
  3. ^ http://www.psychotronic.com/psychotronic-interviews/roy-loney
  4. ^ N.C. Demet Notes about "Life in San Francisco"
  5. ^ http://www.marinij.com/ci_12685236

External links[edit]


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