Parkville area band featuring Ron Breznicky (lead guitar), John Gerhardt (rhythm guitar), Joe Farace (bass), Fran Breznicky (organ), Vic Giustina (drums), Bob McElvaney (trumpet), Dave McElvaney (trumpet), Bob Mickey (trombone), Gary Lewissen (tenor sax), and Tony Mattheu (tenor sax).
The group did some recordings at Ralph Johnson’s Dome Records on Eastern Avenue. They released a single in 1966 “Hey Toots” b/w “Memories of The Past” (Dome 4010). Their song “Memories…Of the Past” was featured on the “Baltimore’s Teen Beat a Go Go” album in 1967
Managed by Chuck Weber, the band became the backing group for the Chryslers vocal group. The pairing of the white band with the black vocal group is thought to be one of the first such racial collaboration of established groups in the area. Billed as the Chryslers & the Monarchs (~1967-68 – see bio) and as the Fabulous Monarchs & the Five Chryslers. They competed for the opportunity to travel to Viet Nam and perform for the armed forces. The group played many benefit performances for hospitals and service organizations including Spring Grove, Clifton Perkins Veterans Hospital, Maryland House of Correction… Seen at the Sea Gull Teen Center for the grand opening with the Gigs on July 27, 1967 hosted by Kerby Scott.
In 1969 the band continued to advertise for gigs boasting a “revised edition.” Later the two groups separated as the Monarchs switched to playing underground rock music.
Farace went on to play guitar for Cabbage, Orange Wedge… Fran Breznicky was later with Easy. Mickey went on to Band of Gold. Giustina could be seen in the ‘80s with the Sonics soul band.
1966 Dome 4010 Hey Toots / Memories… Of The Past The
The Chryslers with the Monarchs Band:
1967 JE JODY 2215 Because I Love You / I’m Not Gonna Lose You
