The Metro St. Louis Live Music
Historical Society
Velvet Hammer
House band at Red Garter, Alton
Katy Garde /Vocals, Tamborine
Russ Howard /Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Art Thomason /Keys, Key Bass, Vocals
Chuck Adcock /Drums, Percussion
Tom George /Drums
Bill Sehlmeyer /Drums
Mike Szwedo /Drums
I got this note from Russ Howard on 7-25-11:
As I recall, we played our first gig in Pontoon Beach in early 1971. Shortly thereafter we started practicing and playing at the Red Garter in Alton. Owners Denny and Rita Maggos were very supportive, and we had an excellent relationship with them.
For the next nine years we played throughout the St Louis and metro east area. We were a really good vocal band and did a lot of floor shows in the larger rooms (the Red Onion, Mansion House, Sheraton Airport Inn, Scott AFB, Rusty’s), but also did a lot of rockin’ stuff for the dance clubs. In the mid seventies we were considered one of the top 5 club acts in the metro area. Our final gig was New Years Eve 1979 at one of the old hotels overlooking the Mississippi in Alton.
I’ve been a professional musician since I was 15, and have been blessed to play with some truly talented people. I would put my fellow founding members near the very top of that list….it was magical, and it was a GREAT ride!!
Russ Howard
Effingham, IL
If you have any info about, or photos or recordings of this band, PLEASE email me at: greg@dejawho.com