Bios

MIKE KING -- Bass, lead vocals and "MC"
He has performed extensively with many well-known local groups including London Bridge, Silver Strings and RoadHouse, playing the Midwest circuit of clubs, touring nationally with the band DFK, and later settling in with the house band at Bob's Lighthouse; he was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 as a member of the Silver Strings.

DAVE NAPIER -- Saxophone and vocals
The most versatile band member and a former Velaire, he's back, playing a number of instruments including bass guitar; he has played with many local groups and is a member of the Iowa Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, having received the Danny Matousek Lifetime Achievement Award for professional excellence in 2004.

DENNY WURSTER -- Rhythm guitar and vocals
An original member of the Screamers, as the Velaires were first known, he left the group to finish high school, became a founding member of the Hi-Fives, then went on a 45-year hiatus; now he has returned to his roots, reuniting with Don Bourret and Bob Dawdy, the two other Velaires originators, and is also a member of The Jammers out of LeMars.

GENE AMBROSON -- Keyboard
Back, after a 30 year vacation from rockin’, he once played with the Misfits, the Only Boys, and Bobby & the Flairs, opening for such names as Paul Revere & the Raiders, Gary Lewis & the Playboys and Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels; he and Bob Dawdy also teamed with Buddy Knox as the Rhythm Orchids.

BOB DAWDY -- Lead guitar and vocals Known to be the finest lead player in the region, he brings unequaled experience as an original member of the Velaires, having toured with them nationally and in Canada and appearing on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand"; as a member of that group, he was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the Hall's inaugural year. DON BOURRET -- Drums and vocals As the solid foundation for the band, he is the most well-known drummer in the area; the second original member of the Velaires, he too performed with them on "American Bandstand"; he also entered the Iowa Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame as a member of that group in 1997.

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You are listening to the original 1961 Velaires recording of
"Roll Over Beethoven"

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"Vintage Rock & Roll at Its Best"

Mike, Bob & Dave rockin' on at the Huddle