The Es-Shades Ashland, Ohio 1965-1969     1965 drummer Sonny Swinehart and lead guitarist Cathy Fissell met in school...they decided to team up and start a band. The first two gigs were just the two of them playing at a birthday party and at the local Spencer Union Hall dance. They took their band name from Sonny's uncle Don Esbenshade, who also became the band's manager. Then the band added rhythm guitarist Mark Lance and accordion player Tom Clifford who soon bought a keyboard. Mark switched to bass guitar and new rhythm guitarist Rick Peters was added. They played very frequently all over Ohio and into Michigan. The band was unique in the fact that they had a female lead guitarist. Rick Peters left the band in 1966 and was replaced on rhythm guitar by Pete Todd. On April 28, 1967, keyboardist Tom left the band and Rick Stuart was hired. October 7th, 1967 saw drummer Sonny leaving the band. He was replaced by Richard Carmichael. Rhythm guitarist Pete Todd left the band and was replaced by Norman Blaha. The band played MANY battle of the bands and opened for quite a number of concerts with the likes of Jon & Robin & the Inn Crowd, The Five Americans, The Rationals, The Outsiders, and Terry Knight. In 1966 the group released a 45 of two cover songs on the B-W label. Then on July 9th, 1967 the band recorded four original songs. They then released a 45 of two of those songs "Without My Love" and "Anyday, Anywhere", on the United Audio label. These songs have since become HUGE cult favorites. On March 7th, 1969 the band played its last gig at Medina High School in Medina, Ohio.   Personnel: Cathy Fissell - Lead Guitar Sonny Swinehart - Drums Mark Lance - Bass Rick Peters - Rhythm Guitar Tom Clifford - Keys Pete Todd - Rhythm Guitar Rick Stuart - Keys Richard Carmichael - Drums Norman Blaha- Rhythm Guitar Influences: The Beatles, The Stones, The Animals, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, many more Setlist Sample: Slow Down, House of the Rising Sun, Let's Spend the Night Together, Love Me Do , Memphis, Wipe Out, A World Without Love, Brown Eyed Girl, A Hard Day's Night Equipment: Fender Showman, Vox Super Beatle, Lugwig drums, Vox bass, Gibson SG, Farfisa & Vox organs, Teisco guitar, Rickenbacker 6 & 12 string guitars, Epiphone amp, Sun bass amp, Epiphone guitar, Fender bass amp, Accordian?, Gibson amp. Rehearsal Space: Cathy's parents basement- mostly. Band Vehicles: Dodge Van with a folding top camping trailer for the gear. Fashion Statement: It was the 60's! We all dressed alike in very loud prints and colors. Best Gig: Probably playing at the Ohio State Fair on the last night of the "Fugitive". Our manager brought a TV and everyone gathered around to watch! Big crowd for our gig! Gig from Hell!: Playing at an outdoor event in the fall (or winter?) and having to sleep overnight in the trailor and car. It was SO cold we almost froze to death! Last Gig: March 7th, 1969 Medina High School- Medina, Ohio Comments: Band's website: www.es-shades.com/ Cat's website: www.cat-rood.com         Where are they now? Winter, 2004 Cathy (Cat) is living in Sacramento, Ca. She works at a TV station and records in her home studio. She has released 2 CDs. Mark still lives in Ashand and works for The Ohio Tool Works. Sonny works for the Ashland Co. Animal Control. Rick Peters lives in NJ. Richard lives in Akron. Norman has since passed away. Some of the other band members live in the area. The where abouts of some are unknown. Cat's latest CD "How Rude" available at CD Baby and Tower Records.    Information contributed by Cat Fissell Rood cathyrude@yahoo.com

Check Out The Bands	Your First Band	Links	Fan's Page	Home

 
All materials © copyright 1998 - 2004 Keith Buckley and Dan Angott.
All Rights Reserved

This site sponsored by The Unicom Group, L.L.C.
and featured at www.Directmart.com
Website design by Union Street Graphics