“The Original Avalons were a spin off from the Original Vikings,” as recounted by founder Brooke Meade, “and included Bob O’Day (bass), Allen Fowler (sax), Judson Martin (drums), and Brooke Meade (guitar). A four-piece band that evolved over the next couple of years with the addition of Ray Brokamp (keyboards), Ed Dove (sax and formerly of the Moditones), Jimmie Slebzak (sax), Gary Ellinger (drums and formerly of the Vikings), and Joe Sembly (vocals). This was the R&B band that breathed life into The Avalons.
Other members who played a very big part in the band as members came and went were Sterling Spell, Geoff Pratt, and Lenny Shaw (all bass players), and Dale Rorer (another sax player). The road band consisted of Meade, Pratt, Ellinger, Rorer, Slebzak, and Brokamp.”
The Avalons performed at school dances including Annapolis area schools such as Annapolis High, Southern High, etc…”
The Avalons went on play clubs, including a stint as house band at The Keg in Georgetown. Signed by the Clay Pitts agency in New York, the Avalons traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada. The group performed shows backing Top-40 artists Gary U.S. Bonds, and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Shaw joined Norman’s Norts; Rorer, Brokamp, and Spell were later with Second Eagle, and Daylight. Ellinger also later joined Daylight, Van Dyke & Glaser.
Band Card
Avalons performing for a “Basketball Blast” at St. Mary’s High School.
