After 20 years, Newton’s 8 Track Band calling it quits

Saturday night at Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gatheringplace marks the end of an era for the 8 Track Band, as the longtime Newton group will be giving its final performance.

The 8 Track Band traces its beginning to a successful three-year run of KROX, a ’50s and ’60s make-believe radio program featuring a real band and singers, put on by the Newton Community Theatre in the early 1990s.

Since its inception, the 8 Track Band has been far from ordinary. Boasting at times up to 23 members, the group provided both a show and music, taking audiences through a time tunnel of the greatest songs from Rock & Roll history.

The band has performed in five states, including Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and South Dakota. Included in the venues were the Governor’s Ball, opening for Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits at the Val Air Ballroom, opening and closing for the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party Scholarship Tour and many association and corporate events.

A highlight for the 8 Track Band was when RAGRBRAI stopped overnight in Newton a few years ago and the group shared the stage with Lance Armstrong, entertaining a crowd of 15,000 to 25,000.

The 8 Track Band will play for the last time this Saturday night, Aug. 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sugar Grove, located west of Newton off Highway 6. Current members of the band include Randy Wadle, David Goos, Dave Hoyt, Dennis Farland (percussion), Chuck Baird (lead guitar), Steve Barnett (keyboards), Dave Heck (bass), Rick Maly (drums), Dean Stonner (rhythm guitar and trumpet), Carolyn McKinstry, Kim Schnell, Kimberly Schnell, Kris Breckenridge and Bill Jacobs, (sound man).

Former member Mark Carlock will be back with the group for the final performance with his trombone. In addition to providing the music, every instrumentalist also adds vocals, allowing the group to perform a wide variety of songs by numerous artists.

Former members of the band who participated for a year or more include Dave Robinson, Chris Wade, Sean Broyles, Steve Knight, Jay Leanhart, the late Dick Knoot, Frank “Scott” Mulbrook, Mark Byers, Duane Dalen, Shannon Van Brogen, Julie Auten Wade, Colleen Blazek, Nicole Kalatzakis, Lynn Stoulil, Kris Lauseng, Mark Burnett (keyboards), Doug Gibford (tenor saxophone) and drummers Bryce Parsons, Larry Anderson and Mike Fontana.

8 Track Band members shared via email a few of their favorite memories and thoughts on being in the band:

“After a show in Newton or the surrounding community, it was always amazing to me to have people come up to me in Hy-Vee or just on the street and tell me how much they enjoyed our performance.”

— David Goos

“I always dreamed of singing in a band and being a part of 8 Track made that dream come true. One thing I am thankful for, besides of course getting to sing and making such wonderful friends, is the confidence I have gained over the years by being a part of this group.”

— Kim Schnell

"It has meant hard work, dedication, fun, friendship. The band kind of gave us an identity apart from just
ourselves. We were part of the 8 Track Band and around here that meant something. If you told someone you were part of the band they would nod and say, 'Oh yeah, I heard you guys at such and such, and you were great.' We have become more than a band. We are a family."

– Steve Barnett

“The most memorable performance for me was the New Year’s Eve at the Val-Air with Herman’s Hermits. ... It was a really good show, a large appreciative audience and Dave Robinson and I were leaving the group because we were moving ... (I eventually moved back). I’m sure there are other really big memories, but I’m old enough that I’ve forgotten them.”

— Randy Wadle

“I will never forget when our drummer at the time, Larry Anderson, had a gallbladder attack and had to go to the hospital the night we had a gig in West Des Moines to provide background music for a reception. With the help of Chuck Baird and Mark Burnett, I played the drums, which I had filled in on at practice once in a while, for most of the night. It was rough but memorable.”

– David Goos

“I will miss getting together with everyone in the band, as we have become like family over the years of performing!”

– Denny Farland

“I will never forget what Kris Lauseng said when she and her family moved out of Newton, and she had to leave the band. She said leaving the band was the hardest part of moving, but I told her she needed to find a band like this in Sioux Falls where they were going. That’s when she said, ‘You don’t understand, there aren’t any other bands like this.’”

— Kimberly Schnell

Sugar Grove offers a free tasting of wines and then you may purchase any of their select wines by the bottle.

Peace Tree beer from Knoxville is often available as well. Cinder House of Prairie City will be on site to offer food items for the concert.

Those who attend are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic supper if they wish.

Cover charge is $5, with 17 and under free.

Outside alcohol and smoking are not permitted and please leave your dogs at home. In case of rain, concerts may be cancelled. A large crowd is anticipated so plan to arrive early.

Call Sugar Grove at (641) 831-3843 if you need more information.