The Sentries originated in the Catonsville/Woodlawn area and for 30+ years performed at countless Baltimore area teen dances, proms, night clubs, television appearances and special events.
The group was originated by guitarist Carl (Evans) Burkowske (ex-RaVons), and pianist Donna Lucas after their short-lived band called the Centaurs folded. Carl recalls that “in late spring / early summer of 1961, I still had Donna Lucas and was trying to find some new people for a band. At this point I can’t be sure if it was by word of mouth, a want ad in the local paper, or even if Donna knew someone, but a rehearsal of sorts was put together with (Stanley) Ed Schwartzman (guitar), John Howard (sax), Buddy Novak (drums), Donna Lucas (piano/vocals), and me (guitar/vocals). Things were somewhat workable and we began to have regular jam sessions/rehearsals and secured Dave Armbruster on bass. We played some parties, auditioned a lot, and suddenly realized that we had to really knock down a line-up of tunes as we were becoming popular! Funny, but at this point, we were actually considering calling ourselves The Centuries. Hah! My dad (Frank Bee) laughed and noted we were all too young to be Centuries. He suggested the name Sentries (as in soldiers) and the name stuck. I believe also at that time, he was asked by unanimous consent to be manager, as he was already booking us. Thus began a career.”
Photos below L-R: Carl Burkowske, Al Dahlstrom, Ed Macon
“As we evolved, we realized, too, the limitations of some of us and changes had to be made. John Howard was replaced by Gary Loomis (tenor sax), Ed Schwartzman (left in 1961 to join Charlie Brown & the Matadors of Sound, then the Upsetters) and was replaced by Ed Macon (lead guitar ex-Jaguars, Londonaires), Donna fell in love with a fan and was replaced by Bill Hoffman (electric piano). Shortly thereafter, the brass section gained Al Dahlstrom (alto sax), and Jim Murray (trombone). We were now a sound that was selling.”
By 1962 the Sentries consisted of Brenda Key (vocals), Carl Burkowske (guitar/vocals), Dave Armbruster (bass), Bill Hoffman (keyboards/vocals), Buddy Novak (drums), Earl Ross (sax ex-Omegas), Gary Hendrickson (trumpet ex-Midnight Flames, Joyriders), and Jim Murray (trombone).
Hendrickson left group for most of 1963 due to an illness. In the interim he was replaced with Ed ‘Buster’ Lewis, before returning later in the year and eventually going on to become the longest tenured member of the long running group.
Of the early members, Armbruster went on to join the Del Capos, Rivieras… Novak later played for groups such as Danny & the Elegants, and the Better Half. Macon was later with the Lafayettes. Earl Ross (Rosenberg) was later with the Upsetters.
Already an established group by 1963, the Sentries recorded as backing band for the R&B group Little Hooks & the Kings on their single “Count Your Blessings” b/w “How to Start a Romance” (Century 1300). The single was sold to a New York label and released on Little Rick 909. In 1964 it was picked up and released nationally by the Chess label (#1867).
Frank Bee sponsored their only single “Don’t Make Me Lie” (written by WCAO DJ Alan Field) b/w “Things We Said Today” (Bee 101), recorded in 1967 at Frank Virtue’s studio in Philadelphia. The record was released as by Brenda & the Sentries. It eventually peaked at #39 on WCAO’s weekly charts, and featured lead vocals by Brenda Key, with Vaughn Wrightson (guitar ex-Omegas), Carl Burkowske (rhythm guitar), John Weidinger (bass), Bruce Laine (drums ex-Joyriders, Upsetters), Jim Murray (trombone), Earl Rosenberg (sax), and Gary Hendrickson (trumpet).
Above: Brenda Key fronts The Sentries at Polytech High School – 1967, The Zoo ad, Brenda Key.
Below: photo courtesy of Ed Macon
Gary recalled “During our record run we appeared on Kerby Scott’s Wing Ding TV show on D.C.’s channel 20. On the same show Brenda Lee also appeared promoting her latest record. I don’t remember what it was, but toward the end of the show, Kerby brought both singers out together introducing them as ‘Brenda Key, this is Brenda Lee… Brenda Lee, this is Brenda Key… Oh, Brenda Lee-Key!’ Everybody cringed, as you can imagine.”
Brenda Key was the lead singer throughout most of the ‘60s. Clay Hunt joined the Sentries as a second lead vocalist in about 1966/67 to expand the vocal variety of the group. He left in 1968, but recommended a young friend David Lee (Smith) as his replacement. David and Brenda shared lead vocals until Brenda left in 1968. David continued to front the group through 1982.
A number of players came and went during the ‘60s. Vaughn Wrightson (ex-Omegas, Rivieras) joined the band in the mid-‘60s on lead guitar. John Weidinger replaced Armbruster on bass in about 1966. Weidinger switched to lead guitar in early 1968 replacing Wrightson, and Andy DiFatta replaced him on bass. Carl Burkowske (Evans) retired in 1968. Laine left in 1968 and was replaced with drummer Bob Jones (ex-Sheratons, Cindy & Censations). Weidinger left in late 1968 and was replaced with guitarist Ron Cook (ex-Verdicts). DiFatta left in 1969 and Gary Dorschell (ex-Verdicts) took over on bass. Mark Tiernan replaced Hoffman on keyboards in the mid-‘60s. Also, Gary Loomis (from many groups) filled in on tenor sax. Walt Morawski (ex-Manchesters) later replaced Tiernan on keys. Rosenberg left and was eventually replaced with Roy Rolig (ex-Chevelles) on sax/trombone. Al Dahlstrom (sax ex-Fugitive 6, Legend) had a second stint with the group. In 1970 Jim Murray retired. Gary Dorschell left and new bassist Nick Burke remained with the group through 1987.
Their favorite clubs to play in the ‘60s included the Rhapsody, Club Venus, Terrace Lounge, Pier Ballroom in Ocean City, Dixie Ballroom… They continued to perform for school dances, proms, and teen dances including Milford Mill Swim Club, Maiden Choice and Arbutus Teen Centers…
During the 1969-70 period they were a house band at the Halfway House on Ritchie Highway, until it burned down. In late 1970 they moved to the Sierra Club on Dorsey Road where they worked as house band until about 1975, then worked a couple of years at Club Brandy in Elkridge. They also played monthly at the Terrace Lounge in Frederick for several years.
at the Pikesville Armory – 1969.
Photo courtesy of Maryland Department, Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Courtesy of Ron Cook.
Throughout the ‘70s the lineup remained mostly intact. Lee (vocals), Cook (guitar), Burke (bass), Morawski (keys), Jones (drums), Rolig (sax), Hendrickson (trumpet), and sound man Mike Chase. The only change in personnel for a very long period was when Rolig retired in about 1976 and was replaced with Jim Durick (ex-Xpressions) on sax.
During the ‘70s and ‘80s the Sentries could be seen locally at all the major clubs including the Sierra Club, Pirates Den, Club Brandy, the Gallery, Park Lounge, Johnny Walker’s, Eastwind, Martin’s West…
In early 1980 Morawski retired and was replaced by Gene Bracken (keyboards for 12+ years ex-Rivieras, Legend, Abilene Road House). Later in 1980 David Lee left to strike out on his own, and was replaced with Tim Daniels (ex-Brass Menagerie). In 1981 Durick retired and was replaced with Dave Bongiovanni (ex-Sonics). Cook retired and was replaced with Frank Jacobs (ex-Poetic License…). By 1982 Daniels left and was replaced with Ren Maxcy (ex-Rebels, Flaggstaff, Horizon). Nick Burke retired and was replaced with Mark Weil (ex-Horizon). After more than 23 years with the band, Bob Jones retired in 1991, and was replaced with Rick Weisenmiller (drums ex-Wysh, Trigger Happy). More than 20 years had gone by without a female vocalist in the band until 1990 with the addition of Lisa Marin. By late 1990 Maxcy left and was replaced with Tony Oester (ex-Manhattan Project). Lisa and Tony shared lead vocal duties. Glenn Bullion (guitar ex-Four’s Company) was a member 1992-93 until co-founding Glenn & the Gemtones.
The Sentries – 1980s photos
The Sentries made many television appearances including Wing Ding, Buddy Deane Reunion Shows in 1972 and 1980, the Larry Angel Show (1973), and Larry Angelo Show. Gary recalled “On one of the Larry Angel shows we did a couple of our regular songs, then we backed up Ethel Ennis for a couple of her songs. We also did many appearances at Martin’s West for various organizations. At one show, we backed up Chubby Checker, and another show we backed up Danny & the Juniors. In addition to doing the Buddy Deane TV Reunion, we also played at a couple other Buddy Deane reunion dances. During the late ‘70s and through the ‘80s, most of our gigs were one-nighters at fire halls, etc… (We did) floor shows with costumes and props at many of the dances. We played every Friday and Saturday night, and were booked up to a year in advance. During this period we played comparatively few night club gigs. For several years in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s we played at La Fontaine Bleu in Glen Burnie for their Friday night summer bull roasts and winter crab/oyster feasts.”
“By 1992 the number of gigs was slowing. Several members left the band and it was difficult to find replacements. Keyboard players Don McCombie (ex-Backslider) and Mike Kelly had brief stints with the band in 1992. After several months of trying to keep the band going, and being the last remaining long-time member, we decided to close up shop in mid-1993. This ended the 35-year run of The Sentries Band. All the remains of the band were disposed of.”
Although the ‘original’ Sentries split up in 1993, by the mid-90s Rosenberg and Hendrickson were instrumental in forming a new group that continued to carry the name New Sentries (see bio).
Record release by Brenda & the Sentries:
1967 Bee 101 Don’t Make Me Lie / Things We Said Today
