ELDORADOS
Members
Ross Barrett ~ Saxophone
Jack Claussen ~ Drums
Ron Dyck ~ Bass
Ched Miller ~ Guitar
Robert Rodland ~ Keyboards
Brian Wesner ~ Vocals
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.
went on to become a broadcaster working at many Radio Stations across Canada and in Vancouver as a DJ and later as a
voice over commercial artist. He's currently is performing in a Bluegrass group as well as doing commercial work.
I'is still actively playing, writing andcomposing jazz and classical music. He also has a unique body of art work
IBrian Wesner: I rewmain active in music and like writing and recording my own songs. I also jam with an old friend and great bassist and
harp player Gary Hansen. Another friend/muscian/actor/artist/keyboardist, Bo Olsson and I get together and Jam as well. Bo has been a
great inspiration to me and intrroduced me to the wonderful world of studio recording
IGary Hansen
Please feel free to contact me just click on the box
IBo Olsson
