Teen band formed by neighborhood friends (most had attended grade school together at Our Lady of Fatima). The Exquisites were first place winners of the Battle of the Bands on January 29, 1967 at the Black Jack Club. The group performed at many local teen centers including Sacred Heart of Jesus CYO, Eastwood School Rec Center, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Wenceslaus, Holy Rosary, St. Brigid’s CYO… school dances at Dundalk, Patterson… Managed by Buck Bassett, with Donald Townsend (lead vocal 1965-67), guitarists Joe Lewinski, and Walt Strycharz (later with the Lost Tribe), Bobby Bassett (sax)… Ron Borowy joined in early ‘67 taking Joe and Walt’s places.
In Spring 1969 the band went through some personnel changes. The new line-up consisted of Ron Borowy (guitar), Dennis Dayhoff (bass), Steve Brincash (organ), and dual drummers Tony Citrano and Jimmy Varsalone. The brass section included Bunny Petersen (trumpet), Tony Bavotta (trumpet), Dave Estes (trombone), Bobby Bassett (sax), and Bob Caperna (baritone sax ex-Nyte Raiders). The vocal group was Sam and the Sensations consisting of Sam, Harry Pope, Curtis, and Peanut.
Collette Kelly (ex-Status Quo) joined as lead vocalist. Songs by the group were released in 1968 as by Collette Kelly “Long & Lonely World” b/w City of Fools” (Volt 4018).
Seen at the Gentlemen II Club, Overlea High School, Dundalk H.S., the UAW Hall East Side Blast on September 12, 1969 with the Luvs, and Creation. The group once backed Junior Walker and the All Stars.
When the Exquisites changed format from Motown to Pop/rock in 1970 they became known as “Orange” with members Borowy (guitar), Dayhoff (bass), Citrano (drums), Bassett (sax), and Joe Ercole keyboards. Bassett left and a female singer named Ginny took his place (her cousin Lonnie Butler was a local booking agent). After Ercole got a job playing with the Four Seasons in Vegas the group disbanded.
Orange along with Paper Cup were long time house bands at Kale’s in Perry Hall.
Kelly later joined Grok, and Phoenix… Bassett later with Phoenix… Dayhoff later with Dan Patch, Rock Island Express… Pope with the Arterials… Estes with Jeremiah, Cyrkle…
