Dome recording artist (formerly known as the Rising Sons) from East Baltimore. Members included Dave Collins (lead vocals), Cid Cramer (rhythm guitar), Denny Napieralski (bass), Tom Goldsborough (drums). Drummer Frank Zack was also a member of the group.
The group became aware that at least one other group was using that name so they changed the spelling to Rysing Sun.
The band played their brand of underground and R&B at many local teen dances and high school dances. They competed in a battle of the bands at the Parkville Armory on October 15, 1967 vs. the Gigs, and the Yellow Pages. Seen at St. Elizabeth’s CYO, Sacred Heart of Mary CYO, Our Lady of Fatima CYO, the Dark Corner on Hanover Street and at the Bluesette. The group traveled to Eastern Shore and performed at the Salisbury Civic Center including a March 25, 1967 gig opening for Johnny Williams. In Ocean City they played at the Pier Ballroom. In June 1968 they competed in the Teen Fair Battle of the Bands at the Baltimore Civic Center.
Eventually Collins left to serve military duty. Upon his return in 1969 he joined the Crown of Creation, and was later with Jabez Stone, Cathouse, Monopoly, The Stand, Secrets…
Their song ”A Third Hour on Forty Eleventh St.” was included on the “Baltimore’s Teen Beat a Go Go” album in 1967.
Band members as of mid-1968 were Dave Collins (vocalist), Frank Catanzariti (lead guitar), Cid Cramer (rhythm guitar), Ken Fitzgerald (bass guitar), Steve Boyle (organ), and Tom Goldsborough (drums).
The following article “Local Group Moving Up Musically” appeared in Essex newspaper The Times in July 1968:
“The Rysing Sun are boys ranging in age from 18-19, with the exception of the drummer, who is 16. Tom is a student at Dundalk Senior High School and all the others, with the exception of Dave, the vocalist, are registered for Essex Community College in September. They have all studied music since they were about 11 years old. Cid and Steve are still taking lessons.”
“They compose much of their own music and are presently waiting somewhat impatiently for a new record to come out. ‘Can’t Decide’ is the one the boys like the most, but the flip side, ‘Revelation’, is the one Kerby Scott prefers. The group will be on The Kerby Scott Show Friday night, July 5.”
“They have come a long way in the three years they have been together. Their equipment, Vox with Custom PA system, is valued at more than twelve thousand dollars and they have their own very effective lighting system. Their engagement uniforms consist of vividly printed Nehru jackets over dark trousers. The jackets are made by Nancy Cramer, whose husband, Lester Cramer, is the group’s manager. Also traveling with the group and helping out are Bill and Lorraine Boyle.” “The Suns are very popular with young people and their elders alike; when the boys strike up ‘Sgt. Pepper’ even the most ancient feet begin to tap quite involuntarily.”
They make appearances regularly at Ocean City, the Civic Center, the Kerby Scott Show, Glenmar Teen Center and many other such places. The picture was made in Patterson Park, Highlandtown, with the Pagoda in the background. This is a good group, the boys are well-mannered, friendly and dedicated to good music.”
Dave’s mom was taken aback at the cost of the PA system but she co-signed with assurance from the group that they would have enough work to pay for it. The band recorded at Bradley Studios. As it turned out, their record was never formally released, except for a few copies as an acetate test pressing. Their original song ‘A Third Hour On Forty Eleventh St.’ had been released a year earlier in 1967 as a track on the ‘Baltimore Teen Beat A Go Go’ various artists album on Dome Records.
After the Rysing Sun split up, Goldsborough joined the Graham Chambers System for a few gigs just before they folded in 1969. Cramer went on to join Klap, Denny Romans Group… Fitzgerald went on to join the band Jake…
Thanks to Dave Collins for info and images.
