You just never
know what’s going to elicit a response. As we were
compiling the summer issue, we found a blank column in the
rear of the magazine and just before going to print, we decided
to plug the hole with a hastily compiled list of bands that
had played on campus over the years. From the day the issue
mailed, our e-mail began to beep. Here’s a sampling
of the responses we received.
To The Editor:
Regarding your column "Who Played the Fieldhouse," (Summer '98) the most memorable
concert I attended was Chicago but because of a near riot, not for the music.
The tickets had black print on a white background, perfect for photocopying,
so most seats had at least two tickets. When the fieldhouse filled up, the
organizers stopped admitting people, many of whom had real tickets. The furious
ticket holders started pounding on the side doors of the fieldhouse, and the
concert only began after the organizers gave up and opened all the doors so
those outside could hear and watch.
I think the Chicago experience was one of several reasons
why the groups who played the fieldhouse in the years that
followed rarely matched the mega-stars who regularly appeared
from 1966 to 1971.
Some other concerts:
1966: Supremes, Lovin' Spoonful
1967: Eric Burdon, Brothers Four
1968: Mitch Ryder, Judy Collins
1969: Smoky Robinson and the Miracles
Nov. 1968 at Parents' Weekend: Lionel Hampton
Late 1969 or early 1970: The Fifth Dimension
Late 1970 or early 1971: Chicago, Dionne Warwick
Brendan O'Donnell '71
Fairfax, Va.
To the Editor:
I enjoyed reading the info on bands playing on campus over
the years but what happened to 1945? If my mind isn't
failing, I think I remember Louie Prima playing somewhere
on campus in or around that year featuring the vocalist
that preceded Keely (Christie?) Smith. Maybe some others
from '46 or thereabouts can verify.
Enjoy the overall format of the magazine and look forward to each issue.
Carl Costanzo '46
Arlington, Va.
(The Tomahawk for 1945 reports on several dances
and concerts. On Jan. 13, the Fifth Naval Ball was held
at
the Worcester Memorial Auditorium and featured the music
of Bud Boyce and the Crusaders. According to the paper,
Fr. Reed granted "civilian students a 1:30 a.m. permission." On
Feb. 10, the Senior Dinner Dance was held at the Worcester
Country Club with Boyce and his band again providing the
music, this time with "Dusty" Wilson on trumpet. On April
21, the Spring Dance was held at Horticultural Hall in
Worcester and the popular Crusaders once again provided
entertainment. Unfortunately, there is no notice of a Louis
Prima concert. But see below for recollections of the Prima
concert from Jack Shea '47.)
To the Editor:
In response to the request for information regarding bands that have played
at Holy Cross, I can fill in the blank for the year 1945. The band was that
of Louis Prima, with Keely Smith as his vocalist.
As you are undoubtedly aware, The U.S. Navy took over operation
of Holy Cross on July 1, 1943 for the purpose of training
naval officers. During the war, each night of the week (except
weekends) a prominent band was aired on radio from a performance
at a military installation. I believe the sponsor was Lucky
Strike cigarettes. Such a show was scheduled for Louis Prima
at Holy Cross, for sometime in the spring of 1945 (April
or May, I believe).
The performance was held in old Fenwick Hall. My memory
is especially accurate because only Navy personnel were to
be permitted to be in attendance. At that time, some 50-60
veterans were enrolled at Holy Cross after being honorably
discharged from the military due to service-connected medical
disabilities. I was numbered among that group.
The vets got up in arms about this discrimination and appeared
en masse at Fenwick about one hour before the scheduled concert
to protest the decision. The result: vets got the front row
seats before the naval students were allowed into the hall.
John F. (Jack) Shea '47
Destin, Fla.
To the Editor:
Your feature requested additional groups which played the Fieldhouse. The groups
omitted which come to mind from my days at Holy Cross are: The Supremes,
Military Weekend, 1967; and Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, 1965. I
am having a senior citizen moment as to any others, but if any do come to
mind [presuming, of course, I still have one] I will let you know.
Jack Nugent '68
Southington, Conn.
To the Editor:
How about the all-time biggest concert - the one the people of Worcester broke
down the doors to see? Seals & Crofts opening for Chicago (1970 Homecoming).
Also: Fifth Dimension, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Melissa Manchester.
Dick Quinn '73
Williamstown, Mass.
To the Editor:
During the winter of 1948 or 1949, Vaughn Monroe and a woman vocalist played
the campus. Don't recall if Monroe had his own orchestra with him. The woman
vocalist was a blonde who asked me for directions to "the little girls' room!"
Ed Cunningham '52
Long Lake, N.Y.
To the Editor:
I enjoyed your listing of Fieldhouse visitors. I was a trustee in the 1843
Club (nee: The Outing Club) in its heydays from 1965 through 1967. In fact,
John Brogan showed all the early signs of a financial maven in those days.
The acts we booked in the '65 to '67 period included: Gary "US" Bonds,
The Shirelles, King Curtis, Eric Burden & the Animals,
Screaming Jay & the Horrendous Grundoons, Barry & the
Remains, and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.
Jay McLaughlin '67
Morrisville, Pa.
To the Editor:
How could you forget The Supremes in 1966? An important date for a Regis girl
and a Holy Cross guy!
Ann Fischer (married to Joe Fischer '66)
Tilson, N.Y.
To the Editor:
I enjoyed your "Who Played the Fieldhouse" piece. If memory serves, the following
acts also appeared between 1967-69: Wilson Pickett, The Miracles, The Lovin' Spoonful
with John Sebastian. Also, Mason Williams played in 1970.
Keep up the good work!
Dick Hodgson '70
Norristown, Pa.
To the Editor:
An interesting story: the 1938 prom had two bands - Woody Herman and Chic Webb
with Ella Fitzgerald. Two because neither had any kind of reputation at the
time.
1939 was the Red Nichols Band (later played by Danny Kaye in the movie, The
Five Pennies).
George J. Meyer '39
Lake Placid, N.Y.
To the Editor:
My husband and I really enjoyed your list of bands who have played the fieldhouse.
We thought of a few that were omitted from the list. I recall seeing Al Kooper
and the Electric Flag there in the mid-late 60's, as well as Teddy and the
Pandas. (I did not make these names up.) My husband remembers seeing the
group Mountain ('71 ?) and Steve Miller ('72 ?).
Sincerely,
Lynne Riley
To the Editor:
Thank you for covering the work of Holy Cross Alums Allen-Doucot, Schaeffer-Duffy,
and Doe. By bringing much-needed medical supplies to the people of Iraq,
these activists continue to live the Good News. In a very real sense, these
alums embody the mission of Jesuit education-educating "people for others." I
realize this slogan is paid lip service, used more as a mode of self-congratulation
than as a challenge to us-as individuals, as members of powerful institutions,
as Americans. The Iraqi people have suffered unnecessarily for the actions
of their ruler; over 1,000,000 people have died as a result of economic sanctions,
over half of them children under the age of five. Many of these deaths, often
the direct effect of the 1991 Gulf War bombing of electrical plants, water
purification facilities, and other infrastructure, could have been prevented
with lifting of sanctions. It is only through the tireless efforts of the
aforementioned folks that some of the Iraq people's medical needs can be
met.
Phil Metres '92
Bloomington, Ind.
To the Editor:
I have just read the summer 1998 issue and am more than a bit dismayed over
the "trumpeting" of the deeds of several of our alumni who chose to perform
an act of civil disobedience. I make reference to the efforts of Allen-Doucot,
Schaeffer-Duffy, and Doe, wherein they chose to bring four million dollars
worth of medicine to hospitals in Iraq, in violation of the United Nations
sanction, and in clear violation and disobedience of our national policy.
The Middle East specifically, and the world in general, will be a far safer
place when Sadam Hussein is no longer in power. Any act which improves the
admittedly tragic lot of the Iraq citizenry only delays that ultimate date
when the righteous indignation of his people will rise up and depose him.
It is unquestionably true that throughout Appalachia as
well as a number of areas of the deep south there are a great
many enclaves of United States' citizens who have been unable
to participate in the affluence of this country. I submit
that the efforts of these three Holy Cross graduates, and
others like them, would have been more appropriately directed
to some of the unfortunate individuals in our country. I
do not know which is worse: the actions of these graduates,
or the apparent approval of an official publication of the
College of the Holy Cross.
Michael J. Singelyn '58, M.D.
Newport Beach, Calif.
|
