We were the first band to play for the midnight dances at the                           later the Grooveyard in New Westminster, B.C.

 

Brian Wesner, June 2010

 

 

The Eldorado's were formed in 1963.  Four of the members Ron Dyck, Robert Rodland, Ched Miller, and me, Brian Wesner, Lived in an area

of Surrey, B.C.  called Bridgeview.  The other members Jack Claussen, lived in South Westminster and Ross Barrett was attending

university at UBC.

 

Robert Rodland was taking music at UBC.  I lived next door to him and I remember him practicing the piano for hours on end. Robert

being the oldest and the most knowledgeable about music was responsible for forming and leading the band.

 

Bridgeview was a poor area and it reflected in our equipment but we did the best with what we could afford.

 

We all meant at Robert's house usually on a Saturday to practice.  We would practice until four pm then everything had to stop as Robert would not miss an episode of the Road Runner, Beep, Beep.

 

Our first gig was at the Bridgeview Community hall amateur hour where we took second place.  I think we were beat out by some cute little girl who could tap dance.

 

Time went on and we got better and so did our gigs, playing at dances and teen halls.

 

We were the first band to play the midnight dances at the Hollywood Bowl.  These dances at the Hollywood Bowl and later the

 went on to become one  of the most popular dance spots in the Pacific North West, and hosted such notables as

Ike and Tina Turner, Kingsmen, and many other well known acts at that time.

 

We played regularly at the Bowl and other dance halls throughout Vancouver.

 

We disbanded in 1965 due to the usual reasons most bands disband, women and real jobs.

 

I for one believe it was one of the best times of my life and I'm so glad we could be a part of the Pacific North West musical history.

 

  MEMBERS TODAY-------------------------------------

                                                                                     

 

Robert Rodland has retired after a career in the lumber industry. He remains active in music.