The Varmints Buffalo, New York 1967-1968    Buddy Hinds began playing drums at about the age of 10. He graduated from Bennet High School in Buffalo in 1970 and continues to play in bands in Western New York. Jack Litwin graduated from Seneca HS Buffalo NY in 1970 and went on to Buffalo State College to become a teacher, Charlie Link graduated from Canisius HS in 1969 and went on to SUNY Buffalo and later Norwich University for grad school majoring in History, Mark Dunham graduated from Bennet HS in 1969 and went on to college, Jim Russert graduated from Bennet HS in 1969. Charlie Link and Jack Litwin are step brothers and keep in contact. Buddy Hinds is still in Buffalo, the other band members are lost to us.  Personnel: Buddy Hinds - Drums Mark Dunham - Lead Guitar Jack Litwin - Rhythm Guitar Charlie Link - Bass, Jim Russert - Vocals Influences: Stones, Yardbirds, Kinks, Byrds, James Brown, Spencer Davis Setlist Sample: I'm a Man, Train Kept a ' Rollin, Gloria, You Really Got Me, Eight Miles High, Fever. Equipment: Kent drum set, Fender Jazz bass, Fender Telecaster, Gibson hollowbody electric, Fender Bassman amp, Silvertone guitat amp. Rehearsal Space: Buddy Hind's garage or basement. Band Vehicles: Parents cars, sometimes a Buffalo Evening News wagon in the snow. Fashion Statement: Whatever was cool at the time. Best Gig: A graduation at some Catholic School......we got paid! Gig from Hell!: Some Catholic High School dance.......we really sucked and didn't get paid. Last Gig: Don't remember        Where are they now? Winter, 2005 Buddy Hinds still plays drums professionally. He has been in a number of successful bands in the Buffalo area. He opened for the Jeff Beck group at the Century Theatre in 1972? He has been voted the best blues drummer in Western New York and currently plays for the band Big City Thrill (bigcitythrill.com). Jack Litwin is soon to retire as an Industrial Arts teacher in Penn Yan NY. Jim Russert is a self employed Financial Services Professional in Tonawanda NY. Before and after The Varmints, Jim played guitar and banjo in many bands of many types over the years. He crossed paths with Buddy Hinds during the 70's and played in commercial studio work and in a number of C&W and Bluegrass bands. Jim worked in the recording industry as well and engineered and played on sessions that included Harry Chapin, The Bells, Cock Robin, The Weekend, and The Road. Jim has a lovely wife and two daughters. Mark Dunham is an IT Human Resources Professional in Manhatten NY. Over the years he has played guitar and steel guitar professionally all over the country. Mark's wife is a renowned professional jazz singer and they also have two lovely daughters. Charlie Link: I taught History at several international schools in Kuwait and Kenya from 1978-88. I married a lovely Palestinian lady and we have a daughter in medical school at Florida State and a ten year old son. We reside outside Orlando Florida where I am planning my retirement from the Dept. of Corrections. I recently started playing bass again and bought all new equipment in the hopes of playing in a punk/garage band again.    Information contributed by Charles Link manster9@yahoo.com

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