Group originated in the Frederick area where they started out playing local teen centers including the Chi-Mar Teen Center.
Founded by Mike ‘Damion’ Stup (keyboards ex-Fabulous Shades), the Classics were together from the early ‘60s into the late ‘70s. In 1965 they traveled to New York where they played at the Wagon Wheel, and the Peppermint Lounge. Back home they played stints as house band at the Surf Club. From 1974-’76 played as the house band at Gambrinus. Also seen at Redwood Inn…
Damion and his brother Randy ran P.L. Cahoots in Frederick where the band also performed.
There were many members over the years including ‘Big Al’ Remsburg (sax –later with the Shades), Tommy Kline (sax), Kenny Runkle (trombone), Harry Lebherz (bass), Dean Runkle (drums)…
A mid-70s lineup featured Damion with John D’Quino (guitar), Ron Free (bass ex-Countrymen), Jim Hueting (sax), Larry Geiser (trumpet), and Dave Bartlett (drums).
Mike Stup went on to become manager and director of the Weinberg Center, the old movie theater in downtown Frederick that hosted live music and theater. Geiser and Bartlett later with Frederick based ‘80s all-star group called Half Ton of Fun.
