Common Lot, The  

Initially formed by Jon Berle and Jeff Millman, who according to Jon “used to pass notes back and forth in class with all the songs they would do if they had a band, and eventually this became their song list.”

The group became Jeff Millman (lead vocals), Jon Berle (guitar), Scott Dorsey (rhythm guitar), Richard Baker (bass), and Bruce Sandler (drums).

Jon adds “The band played at Campfield Teen Center, churches downtown, many private parties and in shops like the Mulberry Bush on Read Street. (We) played a mix of mostly British and American rock, blues and soul, doing many songs by the Stones, Byrds, Lovin’ Spoonful, Hollies, Love, Kinks, Yardbirds, Cream and some original music as well.”

“One interesting sidebar is that we played at the Uptown Theater on Park Heights Avenue one Saturday – they used to host Channel 24 before it became independent and then part of UPN and they used to have live battles of the bands there every week while kids danced, and the show was broadcast live and also taped I believe, maybe on Kinescope. The two songs played that Saturday were one original in an open “D” tuning and also “Outside Woman Blues” by Cream. We had a tape copy but it was ruined by Hurricane Agnes.”

Millman went on to become VP of Grey Kirk Van Sant advertising agency in Baltimore. Berle auditioned for Urch Perch, and George Figgs (played with George at the Foghorn/Bluesette in 1968). He left for college in 1968 and his later work included translating “Dali in the Nude” for the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and book was printed around 1984. Back in Baltimore he published the NW Star in Pikesville from 1980-96, and now works for the MTA. Baker worked as a producer for “Live at Lincoln” for PBS in NY and then formed his own comedy management company in L.A. where he now manages Drew Carey and Tim Allen among others. Sandler later played with Clipper Mill, Calico… and now operates The Guitar Exchange in Catonsville.