The Cavaliers Greeley, Colorado 1965-1967   Band was formed in 1965. High school seniors at Greeley West High School. Mike and Don met in German language lab. Don knew Bob and the nucleus of the band was formed. Can't remember how, but Rick fell into the mix on drums. Probably thru Bob who played upright bass for school orchestra. Mike played trombone earlier and sang in the high school advanced choirs and played/sang with local folk groups. Rick played drums in school and then with the jazz band at CSC, now UNC in Greeley. Don also sang in choir so we had good vocal capability. Everybody had some musical background, now all we needed was a name. Rick liked the Cavaliers as it fit our clean cut image of all matching clothing and equipment. Next we picked out some kool business card stock and put the "chess knight" from " Have Gun Will Travel" on it, (you remember that show, don't you???) and we were all systems go! "What do you mean we can't play at bars?? We'll be 18 pretty soon!!" Only Rick was old enough, so Bob's old man agreed to haul us and baby-sit us all night. We hated that, but now when I look back, Bob's dad was pretty kool, as he put up with a lot from 4 starving, know it all musicians. We started playing at a local teen club in Greeley called the Reef and graduated to playing steady gigs at local and regional bars and clubs, The Golden Keg, The Library, Willies, Clancy's, Surf club, Fair Grounds, college parties and the like. We even played at the Club Baja in Denver and our final peak at the Denver Coliseum. It gave all the parents a big thrill when we showed them the ad for our upcoming appearance at the Club Lido, a strip joint, and 3 of us only 17. We shared a dressing room with the stripper - man were we in paradise. But all good things come to an end. Mike split right after the coliseum gig to form a new band with Steve Jaynes, drummer for the Soothsayers. The Soothsayers had recorded with Acropolis Records and had 2- 45's to their credit (see Acid, Fuzz & Flowers). Mike and Steve had played together off and on for several years, grade school buddies you know. The California scene was coming on strong and Dr. ZigZag's Fantastic Flea Circus was born and flying high! Another Time Another Place. I just found out that they closed Tulagi's in Boulder this year 2004. Man what a place that was. Home for the fabulous "Astronauts".  Personnel: Mike Kauffman - Lead Guitar, Vocals Don Peterson - Rythym Guitar, Vocals Bob Wilson - Bass Guitar, Vocals Rick Spitzer - Drums Influences: Colorado's own: The Astronauts, also The Kingsmen, Them, Shadows of Knight, The Troggs, Animals Setlist Sample: Roll Over Beethoven, Gloria, Louie Louie, Shakin' All Over, Wooly Bully, Wild Thing, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, What I'd Say. Equipment: Gretch Guitar, Fender Jazz Bass, Hagstrom Guitar, Ludwig Drums, Bogen Amp, 664 Mics and Electro voice Columns - Matching Fender Bandmasters and Bassman, then we all bought 65 blackface Dual Showmen. Rehearsal Space: The old basement routine - drive your parents crazy. Band Vehicles: Old Ford PU and '58 Pontiac Fashion Statement: Gold collarless jackets, Black Ascot and black slacks - very kool! Best Gig: Denver Coliseum - Teen Fair, crowd of 6000+, we had "65" Fender Dual Showmens by then - We Kicked Ass!!! Gig from Hell!: Fraternity party at C.S.C. Not enough room to set up, drinking age was 18 then and everybody was smashed. College boys couldn't keep their hands off the equipment so the drummer used his sticks and smashed a few knuckles. We played into the night and early morning, and when it was time to get payed they wanted to pay us half of what we agreed on. Always remember to load your equipment "first" before the scuffle starts. Last Gig: Denver Coliseum - It all ended with a great show and crowd. Comments: So, for all you wanna be rockers out there remember, it's the "trip" not the destination. " ROCK ON"        Where are they now? Winter, 2004 Mike played in 4 other bands until 1972. Got straight, went to work and is currently an antique dealer with a 25 year old son who is struggling with his own band. Mike and Don live close so they still jam, but, only now we have a built - in bass player and drummer, our kids !!! Don went on to college and worked at local theatres, got married and moved to Eugene OR, and then back to CO. Is currently an accountant in Ft. Collins, and wants to re-live the good old days again. Ah, for a time machine! Bob played with bands in the Denver area for a few years and last I heard was in Alaska. Rick hung it up and went into teaching up in Minnesota.    Information contributed by Mike Kauffman tvxg@hotmail.com

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