Yes, still another plug for the reunion as it is two weeks from today!

Remember the war protests and “peace love in” fun…the Nickel Revolution did it’s share (as long as it was cash in advance).

Let’s pick up where we left off and CELEBRATE!

Nickel Revolution 2012 Reunion

Saturday, September 1, 2012

7pm to 1am (Doors open at 6pm see more details below)

Broadway Bar & Pizza

8298 University Ave. NE

Fridley, MN 55432

FREE ADMISSION (donations accepted at the door to cover expenses).

To be included on the guest list email us here: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Attention Musicians! We invite you to jam with us.

Bring your guitar, drum sticks, horn or hot vocals and we are providing a full backline of amps, etc. LET US KNOW so we can give you a songlist: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Please let us know which member of the band you are friends with or related to so we can note that on the guest list. If this is all new to you and you do not know someone in the band.

FOOD (Pizza) at the Reunion must be pre-ordered (otherwise it would be a staffing problem for Broadway). They are requesting a 2-week reservation for pre-ordering your pizza. So, by August 18, 2012, send an email to Louie and he will turn it in to Broadway. Email Louie for details: Louiejr@comcast.net

Very fitting to hold this event at Broadway Bar and Pizza in that Broadway Pizza was a Robbinsdale High School hangout back in the day, and unlike this band, they didn’t go out of business.  The Fridley location is perfect in that they have a large dance hall with a separate entrance. Our event will not be advertised as we already have a large guest list and we want everyone attending to have a great time on the dance floor instead of standing in line and waiting for a turn on the toilet. Full bar available (not that anyone drinks in Minnesota, but if you feel like an adult beverage, you can purchase them YouBetcha!)

Special Guests

Joining The Nickel Revolution onstage will include some of our children and that will certainly be a special treat. Jordan Lenz (bass and guitar) is Jerry Lenz’s youngest son and he plays with Jerry in The Nickel Blues Band in Orlando,Florida.

 

Benjamin Jeffy (guitar) and Christopher Jeffy (bass) will be joining the band on stage and it promises to be a great time. We suggest you have an extra set of batteries for your camera, video, or a least charge your cell phone up before you arrive at the reunion.

Dinner before or during the reunion? You can pre-order pizza if you are arriving early. However, you MUST pre-order. Contact Louie Lenz: Louiejr@comcast.net

Photos From Broadway Bar & Pizza in Fridley Minnesota

Click Here for Map to Broadway Pizza Fridley

We welcome your comments and feedback on this blog. You can post here as well as share this with your friends via Facebook and Twitter (see easy links). If you want to email us any questions or comments: NickelRevolution@gmail.com

Visit our YouTube Channel to listen to our recordings

 

See these great websites for further insights to Twin Cities bands from the 50s, 60s, 70s:

http://www.jeanneandersen.net/musichighlights.html

http://minniepaulmusic.com/

If you truly enjoy reading about local and regional rock bands from the 60s, you need to check out this national website: http://60sgaragebands.com/

© 2011 © 2012 Jerry Lenz, Lenz Entertainment Group All Rights Reserved

If you’ve been following the Nickel Revolution blog and looking at the pictures, this post is a reality check. Especially if you are going to the Nickel Revolution Reunion on September 1, 2012. You will need a photo guide to recognize the boys today.

Scott Jeffy (bass) Today

Photo (above) of Louie Lenz, Keith Luer and Ron Hort today

Keith Luer (above)

Kent Saunders (below)

 

 

 

Jerry Lenz (below) with his group in Orlando, The Nickel Blues Band

Let’s pick up where we left off and CELEBRATE!

Nickel Revolution 2012 Reunion

Saturday, September 1, 2012

7pm to 1am (Doors open at 6pm see more details below)

Broadway Bar & Pizza

8298 University Ave. NE

Fridley, MN 55432

FREE ADMISSION (donations accepted at the door to cover expenses).

To be included on the guest list email us here: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Attention Musicians! We invite you to jam with us.

Bring your guitar, drum sticks, horn or hot vocals and we are providing a full backline of amps, etc. LET US KNOW so we can give you a songlist: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Please let us know which member of the band you are friends with or related to so we can note that on the guest list. If this is all new to you and you do not know someone in the band. Louie Lenz is selling VIP tickets at $5.

Email Louie for details: Louiejr@comcast.net

FOOD (Pizza) at the Reunion must be pre-ordered (otherwise it would be a staffing problem for Broadway). They are requesting a 2-week reservation for pre-ordering your pizza. So, by August 18, 2012, send an email to Louie and he will turn it in to Broadway. Email Louie for details: Louiejr@comcast.net

Very fitting to hold this event at Broadway Bar and Pizza in that Broadway Pizza was a Robbinsdale High School hangout back in the day, and unlike this band, they didn’t go out of business.  The Fridley location is perfect in that they have a large dance hall with a separate entrance. Our event will not be advertised as we already have a large guest list and we want everyone attending to have a great time on the dance floor instead of standing in line and waiting for a turn on the toilet. Full bar available (not that anyone drinks in Minnesota, but if you feel like an adult beverage, you can purchase them YouBetcha!)

Special Guests

Joining The Nickel Revolution onstage will include some of our children and that will certainly be a special treat. Jordan Lenz (bass and guitar) is Jerry Lenz’s youngest son and he plays with Jerry in The Nickel Blues Band in Orlando,Florida.

Benjamin Jeffy (guitar) and Christopher Jeffy (bass) will be joining the band on stage and it promises to be a great time. We suggest you have an extra set of batteries for your camera, video, or a least charge your cell phone up before you arrive at the reunion.

 

Dinner before or during the reunion? You can pre-order pizza if you are arriving early. However, you MUST pre-order. Contact Louie Lenz: Louiejr@comcast.net

Photos From Broadway Bar & Pizza in Fridley Minnesota 

Click Here for Map to Broadway Pizza Fridley

We welcome your comments and feedback on this blog. You can post here as well as share this with your friends via Facebook and Twitter (see easy links). If you want to email us any questions or comments: NickelRevolution@gmail.com

2012 The New Band: The Nickel Blues Band

See these great websites for further insights to Twin Cities bands from the 50s, 60s, 70s:

http://www.jeanneandersen.net/musichighlights.html 

http://minniepaulmusic.com/

 If you truly enjoy reading about local and regional rock bands from the 60s, you need to check out this national website: http://60sgaragebands.com/ 

© 2011 © 2012 Jerry Lenz, Lenz Entertainment Group All Rights Reserved

Are you ready for a blast from the past?

The 1960s were an awesome time in the history of rock and roll. Four lads (I guess we can say lads in America) from the Robbinsdale,Minnesota area would begin a rock and roll band in the fall of 1964 and through a series of changes, become The Nickel Revolution.

The core always remained Louie Lenz (guitar), Scott Jeffy (bass) and Jerry Lenz (drums). The journey would last over six years, concluding early in 1970.

 

Let’s pick up where we left off and CELEBRATE!

Nickel Revolution 2012 Reunion

Saturday, September 1, 2012

7pm to 1am (Doors open at 6pm see more details below)

Broadway Bar & Pizza

8298 University Ave. NE

Fridley, MN 55432

FREE ADMISSION (donations accepted at the door to cover expenses).

To be included on the guest list email us here: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Attention Musicians! We invite you to jam with us.

Bring your guitar, drum sticks, horn or hot vocals and we are providing a full backline of amps, etc. LET US KNOW so we can give you a songlist: Nickel Revolution Reunion

Please let us know which member of the band you are friends with or related to so we can note that on the guest list. If this is all new to you and you do not know someone in the band. Louie Lenz is selling VIP tickets at $5.

Email Louie for details: Louiejr@comcast.net

FOOD (Pizza) at the Reunion must be pre-ordered (otherwise it would be a staffing problem for Broadway). They are requesting a 2-week reservation for pre-ordering your pizza. So, by August 18, 2012, send an email to Louie and he will turn it in to Broadway. Email Louie for details: Louiejr@comcast.net

Very fitting to hold this event at Broadway Bar and Pizza in that Broadway Pizza was a Robbinsdale High School hangout back in the day, and unlike this band, they didn’t go out of business.  The Fridley location is perfect in that they have a large dance hall with a separate entrance. Our event will not be advertised as we already have a large guest list and we want everyone attending to have a great time on the dance floor instead of standing in line and waiting for a turn on the toilet. Full bar available (not that anyone drinks in Minnesota, but if you feel like an adult beverage, you can purchase them YouBetcha!)

Special Guests

Joining The Nickel Revolution onstage will include some of our children and that will certainly be a special treat. Jordan Lenz (bass and guitar) is Jerry Lenz’s youngest son and he plays with Jerry in The Nickel Blues Band in Orlando,Florida.

Benjamin Jeffy (guitar) and Christopher Jeffy (bass) will be joining the band on stage and it promises to be a great time. We suggest you have an extra set of batteries for your camera, video, or a least charge your cell phone up before you arrive at the reunion.

Dinner before or during the reunion? You can pre-order pizza if you are arriving early. However, you MUST pre-order. Contact Louie Lenz: Louiejr@comcast.net

Photos From Broadway Bar & Pizza in Fridley Minnesota

Click Here for Map to Broadway Pizza Fridley

We welcome your comments and feedback on this blog. You can post here as well as share this with your friends via Facebook and Twitter (see easy links). If you want to email us any questions or comments: NickelRevolution@gmail.com

Visit our YouTube Channel to listen to our recordings

2012 The New Band: The Nickel Blues Band

See these great websites for further insights to Twin Cities bands from the 50s, 60s, 70s:

http://www.jeanneandersen.net/musichighlights.html

http://minniepaulmusic.com/

If you truly enjoy reading about local and regional rock bands from the 60s, you need to check out this national website: http://60sgaragebands.com/

 

 

© 2011 © 2012 Jerry Lenz, Lenz Entertainment Group All Rights Reserved

Reunion Update: We will have a venue contracted shortly as we complete negotiations. Here are the details we can publish now:

Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012 (Labor Day Weekend) Minneapolis Minnesota

Time: 8:00 pm. The Nickel Revolution will play the first set and open each set. We are openly inviting friends to join us in jam sessions with pre-determined sets. If you want to participate in the jam portion of the evening, let us know with an email to: NickelRevolution@gmail.com

Jamming musicians will need to bring guitars, drumsticks, etc. (you will use our amps, pa, drums, etc.). A pre-party reception is planned for family and close friends. Again, for details contact: NickelRevolution@gmail.com

More to follow…stay tuned…and now looking forward beyond the Nickel Revolution’s Reunion

“To everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)   There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)   And a time to every purpose under Heaven.”

Folk signer Pete Seeger wrote the words, borrowing the theme from the book of Ecclesiastes. The Byrds recorded and released Turn, Turn, Turn and the song would top the Billboard charts on December 4, 1965.

Everything does have a season and the season for The Nickel Blues Band begins now with a rebirth and vision. The name and logo come from the founder, Jerry Lenz (drummer and keyboards), who began playing in rock bands at the age of 14 in 1964. His first band would evolve (turn, turn, turn) into The Nickel Revolution.

This evolution is a result of “getting ready” for the Nickel Revolution’s reunion on September 1, 2012 in Minneapolis, MN. The band has never had a full reunion and this one will take place 42 years after the conclusion of the Nickel Revolution’s playing days. During the long interim, Jerry was not playing the drums because you can’t really play a “song” on the drums. Instead, he returned to playing keyboards as he had learned to play the organ as a boy growing up. Plus, with the advancement of musical instruments, he could build his own drum tracks for songwriting.

The necessity of a return to playing the drums onstage required Jerry to purchase an electronic drum kit in August, 2011. That would give him a year to practice and prepare for the reunion. Playing to tracks, he quickly realized that he needed the feel and action of real drums. So in October he purchased a kit and was quickly called into action when his rock/blues friend, Arte Tedesco, asked him to play drums on a simple track that Arte was recording for charity.

 Jerry at John Blanche Recording Studios, Longwood Florida

That experience reminded Jerry how much he needed to be playing LIVE and not just practicing to tracks. Playing live is a very different dynamic. Drums and bass form the foundation upon which the other musicians play—and in that sense, the drum/bass rhythm section has more of a leading roll. On tracks, you are playing along—not initiating the rhythm. Recognizing this Jerry knew he had to find a way to play live with other musicians and that is when he discovered the various blues jams around Orlando, Florida.

He quickly attended the jams and began talking with the organizers and host bands. Fortunately, Jerry met Doc (Carl) Williamson and Stephen Plotnik. Doc Williamson (keyboards and vocals), hosts three jams a week in addition to playing solo and band gigs. Steve Plotnik is Doc’s “house” drummer for two of the jams. They explained the process to Jerry and told him to prepare to sit in for a short set. The very first blues jam for Jerry was at the Alley Blues Bar (Sanford, Florida) November 14, 2011 and it certainly was an eye-opener and ear-opener for Jerry. He had a lot of work to do to get the rust off and become a drummer once again. No stranger to hard work and dedication, Jerry asked Doc and Steve to help him, and give him the straight truth and not to sugarcoat it. The pros obliged and told him to work on meter, build a strong collection of blues standards and to learn the drumming style rather than playing rock rhythms and fills. They also told him to be “up front,” confident and louder (defined) on his snare hits. Jerry’s dedication and persistence paid off. He committed to 4-5 jams per week, listening and learning along the way (and the education continues). Practice, practice, practice. After 60 days of this routine, Jerry’s fellow jammers remarked on his improvement and he gained the respect of Doc Williamson who said, “I don’t worry about you anymore.” Anyone that knows Doc will appreciate the comment.

Doc Williamson

 

Stephen Plotnik

 

Visit our YouTube Channel to listen to our recordings

 

See these great websites for further insights to Twin Cities bands from the 50s, 60s, 70s:

http://www.jeanneandersen.net/musichighlights.html

http://minniepaulmusic.com/

If you truly enjoy reading about local and regional rock bands from the 60s, you need to check out this national website: http://60sgaragebands.com/

 

 

 

 

© 2011 © 2012 Jerry Lenz, Lenz Entertainment Group All Rights Reserved