The Silver Dollar Band played from 1981 until 1988 during the “Urban Cowboy” era. The original members were Harvey Aviles (lead guitar, vocals), Jim Mays (bass guitar, vocals), Heimie Whitwer (guitar, banjo, steel guitar, vocals), and Timmy Squiggins (drums). The band was known for good musicianship, strong vocals, and a wide-ranging song list.
The band played a circuit of country bars for several years. Appearing at such places as George’s 6408, Robinson’s, The Club Ranchero, and Rascals, plus Arbutus Firehall, and Elks Lodge in Ellicott City. Eventually, the group settled in for 4 years as the weekend house band at The Country Palace, where they enjoyed a great working relationship with the owner Pete Mangione .
After about a year at The Country Palace, the band went through a realignment. Squiggins and Whitwer left the group. Mays and Aviles were then joined by Kathy McCabe (vocals), Lou Campagnoli (drums, vocals), and Guy Hook (rhythm guitar, banjo, vocals).
Heime Whitwer would eventually return to the group. Other musicians who played stints with the band were Dave Hadley (steel guitar – later worked with Wye Oak), and Don ‘Deets’ McCleary (lead guitar).
Appearing alongside The Silver Dollar band were such excellent groups as Ray Weaver & the Last Chance Band, Don and Debbie Barnes, On the Rise, and Mike Hays & the BBC Band.
Club ads for the Silver Dollar Band:
Photos courtesy of Jim Mays
