Group originated in Highlandtown and started out as a polka band, later gravitating to pop/rock sounds.
Led by Don Olkowski, Sr. aka ‘Ducky’ (sax, lead vocals), with Frank Macijewski (sax, vocals), Lou Fineburg (guitar), Rich Bowman (bass), Stanley Kalinowski (accordion, piano), and Joe Kalinowski (drums). Jim Sowder replaced Fineburg and played with the group until around 1964-65 when they decided to stop playing night clubs.
Jim went on to join the Outlaws and was replaced with Sam Reese (guitar). Benny DeFelice (keyboards ex-Versatiles, Hi-Five) joined the band around 1964 or ‘65. Jim Mckinney aka ‘Rosebud’ replaced Frank Macijewski, then he was replaced by Joe Ulsch aka Joe Walsh. Frank Macijewski later returned on sax.
Velvetones photos courtesy of Donald Olkowski
In their early years the Velvetones could be seen at Baltimore area clubs including Lee’s Musical Bar (regularly on Friday and Saturday nights), Leo’s Hollywood Park, Carl’s Club “33” (one of first Baltimore clubs to advertise rock & roll music 7 nights a week), Southern Inn, Julian’s, Shelter Deck, Capt. Harvey’s…
The Velvetones continued playing special occasions, weddings, etc… until about 2007.
