An anonymous commenter shares their memory of going to club called, "The Clubhouse" in Santa Ana during the 1970s, and wonders if anyone else remembers it...
In the 70's, there was a club in Santa Ana called "The Clubhouse". I remember going there a few times with my girlfriend because she knew the band there. They were called "Emperor", and I happened to run across a publicity photo the other day that one of the band members gave me. It was located in a strip mall on Main Street near the 5 Freeway. I remember wearing a red tube top there once!!! Does anyone else remember this place?
I'm a blogger and internet marketer, motorcycle rider, and craft beer lover.
I remember the Santa Ana Clubhouse, I worked at a club a few miles away at Fairview and Warner called Gatsbys Rendezvous.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Santa Ana Club House, it was situated where the Main place is now. Your right it was in the 70s. My wife and I saw Ike and Tina Turner there, when they were just starting out. She walked passed me and brushed against me she turned around and asked me If I was ok. The Name of the plaza then was called Metcalf Plaza, it was next to the Horn of Plenty Market.
ReplyDeleteRichard D. de la Riva
Oh, I was there so many times and remember falling in lust with a woman with a red tube top. I spent many Saturday nights there. I can't recall the name of the bands that played there but that is amnesia like affect a Boone's Farm had on a 22 year old.
ReplyDeleteDo I ever remember The Clubhouse.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I met there in July of 1971. Six months later we got married, the day before my 21st birthday. We've been together ever since.
I remember when Santa Ana Club House had "after hours" from 2AM to (I think) 6AM. No alcohol was served but you danced till you dropped! You had to be 18 and over but I used to get in when I was 16. They never really checked ID's.
ReplyDeleteI worked as a bouncer at the Clubhouse from 1970-1972, then went to work at Pier 11 in Costa Mesa. We did check Id's but we were a little liberal with good looking girls.
ReplyDeleteI actually worked next door to the Santa Ana Clubhouse. Another club opened for only around 3 months,right next door,it was called "Another Earth", it was a coffee shop/restaurant and dance club, for 18 and over. Wasn't open very long, but I was a dancer there, wearing what we use to call "hot pants" which were really just shorts. This was in around 1971. Does anyone remember this? Kathy( a former Santa Ana High School Graduate).
ReplyDeleteI definitely remember Another Earth, after it closed the Clubhouse bought it, knocked out the wall and expanded.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin and I frequented the Club House. Her name is Nancy and mine is Ann Marie. I used to date the Bartender, Mike Miranda. What a great time in life. We were there when Emperor played. I remember getting up on stage and singing HB to Mike one year. We also went to Big Daddy's (use to be the at the city now the Block) and Isadoras in Newport. We had such a great time. I have been to Gatsbys and Rendevous. Does anyone rember St. Georges and the Dragon??? Emperor is playing again they have a website. Any one know if Mike Miranda is around anywhere?http://www.emperorrocks.com
ReplyDeleteSt. George & the Dragon was on Newport in Tustin. I remember Mike Miranda from the Clubhouse, I used to bounce there when he worked. My name is Donnie, I used to work with Leo. don't know where Mike is now. Do you remember Pinwinnies Iron Foundry in Fullerton.
ReplyDeleteI do not remember Pinwinnies. My cousin, sister and I loved going to the Clubhouse. Did you go out to Lake Elsinore for the weekend at any time you worked there? A bunch of the employees would take off to go water skiing. So any of these names strike any memories....Brad,Dave,Gib,Dennis, Steve??? hate to put last names here. They too were regulars.
ReplyDeleteI was in a band called "East Virginia" We played with Emperor a number of times, at the SA Clubhouse. There was a small stage across from them and we played when they took a break, then we moved to the big stage and played the after hours, those were the days...Steve Watts on drums,(His sister, Melody was so hot,) Jim on guitar, had a les Paul and a Strat, great combination. Then the keyboard player, can't remember his name, really good, would play his solo from the other side of the keyboard. I bought their bass player, Joe's 54 Fender P bass for like 300 bucks, wish I still had that one. Wish I could locate my girlfriend Angela from those years,too. She hung out with my drummers girfriend Gail, they were from NY, I do believe. I have been thru a lot of changes since then.
ReplyDeleteI used to remember the santa ana club house when it was the Santa Ana Skate Ranch.
ReplyDeleteNope... Skate Ranch was further south on Main
DeleteWho remembers Off Broadway West in Santa Ana used to be the penhouse of the Crocker Building in Santa Ana on Broadway, I remember Dick Clark would show up there once in a while. It was about 1/2 mile away from the Santa Ana Club House.
ReplyDeleteThe skate ranch and the Clubhouse are two different buildings. The Off Broadway West was located in the Grand hotel by Disneyland. Skylights was the name of the place in the Crocker building.
ReplyDeleteMoments in memories and a multitude of images collide when I opened this site. Years of a life style condensed in a single Blog; prior to 1970 and into the beginning years of the 90’s. The mid nineties found me away from Tustin, and the last mention of the clubs I worked or managed, had all but fallen to legend. I see them as I saw myself then, echoes of a by-gone era. I can almost hear those bands rendering the sounds of the pioneer evolution of the dynamic rock dynamos. We survived through the detonation of the Disco Generation; emerging into the trends of the 80’s and 90’s.
ReplyDeleteThe clubs that had my seal of approval, when I was working them:
“St.George and the Dragon”; “Jaws”; “Captain Dingy's Wharf”, “Desiree’s”, “Rendezvous I and II”, “Ichabod’s I thru V- Orange County & Palm Springs”; “The Rendezvous Club, Palm Springs”; “Tacquitz Lounge, PS”; “Newport Five”… back-up & consultant with “Golden West Ballroom”; “Big Daddy’s”; “Crescendo’s”/“Bandstand”/“Cowboy”; “Pepper’s I, GG”; “Zelda’s”; “”Marquee’s”; and countless others.
And those others that were a staple of enjoyment and entertaining amusement:
The Original “Rendezvous Ballroom”, “Anaheim Bowl”, “Santa Ana Clubhouse”, “Josuha’s I & II”, “Jezebel’s”, “Handlebar Saloon”, “Night Moves”; “Goodie’s”, “Happy Days”, “Fatfinger’s”… and the list goes on and on.
Let’s not forget the support teams:
“Denny’s”, “Carrow’s” “Keno’s”, “Coco’s”, “Jo Jo’s”, “Newport Diner”, “Naugle’s”, and “Belle Isle’s”!
Calvin the Indian
hey calvin- i remember you!! long braided ponytail!. lived around the corner from the five..i used to hang out at the five with mike and jesse. rick from mcas el toro!
DeleteI also remember you calvin. You would fake kiss my hand & kiss your own instead. Also quite the dancer I might add.
DeletePosted 8FEB09 REVISED 9FEB09 for the eyes!!
ReplyDeleteMoments in memories and a multitude of images collide when I opened this site. Years of a life style condensed in a single Blog; prior to 1970 and into the beginning years of the 90s. The mid nineties found me away from Tustin, and the last mention of the clubs I worked or managed, had all but fallen to legend. I see them as I saw myself then, echoes of a by-gone era. I can almost hear those bands rendering the sounds of the pioneer evolution of the dynamic rock dynamos. We survived through the detonation of the Disco Generation; emerging into the trends of the 80s and 90s.
The clubs that had my seal of approval, when I was working them:
St.George and the Dragon; Jaws; Captain Dingys Wharf, Desirees, Rendezvous I and II, Ichabods I thru V- Orange County & Palm Springs; The Rendezvous Club, Palm Springs; The BandStand (Formally the S A Clubhouse), Tacquitz Lounge, PS; Newport Five (Formally Sittin Bulls)…
Back-Up & Consultant with Golden West Ballroom, Big Daddys; Crescendos/Bandstand/Cowboy, Peppers I, GG, Zeldas, Marquees… and countless others. What was the name of the club, before Oscars I? It was close to the old Bunny Patch.
And those others that were a staple of enjoyment and entertaining amusement:
Gazzaris on the Strip, Whisky A Go Gos, The Original Rendezvous Ballroom, Anaheim Bowl, Santa Ana Clubhouse, Joshua’s I & II, Jezebel’s, Handlebar Saloon, Night Moves; Goodies, Happy Days, Fatfingers… and the list goes on and on.
Someone mentioned, Pinwinnie’s Iron Foundry: where I absconded with the band Orion for The Dragon, eventually becoming the House Band.
Let’s not forget the support teams:
Dennys, Carrows Kenos, Cocos, Jo Jos, Newport Diner, Naugles, and Belle Isles!
Calvin the Indian
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy parents (Stan and Rose) owned the Dragon. Calvin, you would make me Shirley Temples with tons of cherries! Julie
DeleteCalvin, I definitely remember you, and all those places, last time I saw you was Smokey Stovers in Westminster about 1980. Donnie
ReplyDeletenobody remembers Finnegins in Costa mesa?
ReplyDeleteFinnegans was also called Cukoos Nest, how about Spankys booze and Boogie in huntington harbor, Night Moves, Playgirl, Gold Street, Felicianos, Pier 11, The Attic, Orphange in Laguna, Beach Ball, Blackies.......etc.
ReplyDeleteFinnegan’s Rainbow… Oh Yeah- and what about Cinnamon Cinder, Harmony Park, and POP (Pacific Ocean Park)… Calvin the Indian
ReplyDeleteIf you grew up In Santa Ana, which I did, Of course you remember the Santa Ana Clubhouse! It had that amazing light up dance floor! My husband's band played there. At that time they where called "Mallard" does anyone remember them?
ReplyDeleteAny one here ever hang out at Pirce street Annex back in the middle eighty's? If so do you remember Eric the doorman and Dave B Dazzile on Star Maker Night, and of course the Boat Cruise and after making your hamburger's on the out door patio grill, some of the best days of my life, I think I practicly lived there.
ReplyDeleteDoes any one remember "Mallard" My husband at the time was the bass guarist his name Jeff Agnello and the singer Jerry Richie, they played in at the local clubs in OC
ReplyDeleteHi Donnie....sorry it has taken so long to respond....I am glad to hear that someone remembers Mike Miranda. We had such a great time. Myspace is...myspace/amd7645, leave me a note
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember "Marina Palace"? It was a rock club for teenagers. They would always have 3 bands a night on a circular rotating stage. While one band was finishing their set, the stage would start to rotate and the next band would already be playing. I can't remember exactly where it was but I think it was on Warner Ave in Huntington Beach.
ReplyDeletewow, how fun this has been remembering all these places in time. i worked at the Handlebar Saloon for a few years but also spent a lot of time at the SA Clubhouse and Icabods. I never got so close to being arrested than in the parking lot of Icabods with my bestfriend. Does anyone remember the band Peter Rabbit that played at the Handlebars? Another great memory was watching the upcoming VanHalen play at the Handlebars in Pasadena.
ReplyDeleteThose were the daze...
wow..Calvin...I remember you from the St.Georges..my name is Cindy, I am married to the lead singer of Rye..George..remember George & Buddy..they played there, and the santa ana clubhouse, and Jaws, and Icabods...The best times of our lives!
ReplyDeleteOh.it's me again, and Donny,I remember you too. My husbands band played at Smokey Stovers too. I went there for 2 yrs.straight. Remember George and his brother Buddy..Buddy is the father of Benji who won, so you think you can dance...anyway we went there when Phil from the Beachball was bouncing at Smokeys...great times! Great music!
ReplyDeleteHi Donnie! I remember you and Leo and John! I was there when George Schwimmer was there in the band called Rye. Back when Buddy & Harriet Schwimmer would dance in the contest. My name is Cheryl! What great memories, love this blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw a couple shows at the Santa Ana
ReplyDeleteClubhouse.One show I remember well was Peter Gabriel in 1980.The place was absolutely PACKED and the cops and fire marshal showed forcing the show to shut down early.Also saw Ramones at that club just beyond the 22fwy on Harbor at Garden Grove Blvd.
Was that the Rendezvous?
I worked at three clubs in Costa Mesa in the early 70s (71 through 74?). First at Earth (house band was Manna), which closed down. I went from there to Pier 11, and then to Finnegans. Did anyone hang out there during that time?
ReplyDeleteCheck out www.myspace.com/occlubands
ReplyDeleteIt will bring back memories of the old Orange County Club Bands that played during the 70's and 80's.....if you have old photos or stories, send the information to clubbands@gmail.com
Do you remember a band called "Montserrat"? I know one of the band members who played in Orange County in the 70's and 80's and need to get ahold of the other band members. Any help you could give would be appreciated.
DeleteAnybody who went to a OC club in the 70's and early 80's has to remember the band "BURLESQUE"
ReplyDeleteThose guys rocked. I still think they were the best club band ever in Orange Co. They did a News Years eve gig in 2002 at the Galaxy with Emperor and blew there doors off. I was there
and I saw the show. Burlesque kicked ass. I wish they would reform and play a few Gigs.
Hello, Hi everyone I know all of you. I was the dancer Terri L. I use to dance the OC Circuit in all of the above clubs with Buddy, Big Dave Jill Scaff, Curtis Ellis, Denny Mehan, ect, ect, ect. Hi Calvin did you ever cut your hair? Great Times, Great Memories. Terri Smith
ReplyDelete((Alias Smith & Jones)) *Please tell me at all if ANYONE remembers Alias Smith & Jones in Downtown Santa ANA, 4th street! It was usually where more of the R&B flavor was, when we still had BLACK & WHITE clubs!..(if you can believe that) .... I used to dance in their underground club for a couple years.... They had TONS of LIVE bands in there, and it's where 'no names' came though to try out their music before they recorded. ONE 'no name GROUP' was "Rose Royce"! And they actually performed TWO songs there for FREE! 'Car Wash'.. and 'Wishing on a Star'! It was also where I got discovered too... but not at the level they obtained! Hope someone remembers! SWAK/Melody Dawn
ReplyDeleteRemembered it was on 1st Street Santa Ana, at Elk right off the 5 frwy.
DeleteSanta Ana Clubhouse! Early 70's. Seems like yesterday. Lighted dance floor, big room, lots of people and music till the wee hours of the morning. Joined "The Emperors"/aka"Emperor" in 1968 when Steve Watts went joined the U.S. Navy. Played local High School Venues and Mormon Stake Centers for a few years then moved up to "Baby Hueys" in Gardena when Steve came back in the band. Hueys was a great little bar and we packed em in nightly. Moved up to the "Clubhouse" in the early 70's as the house band for over a year..One of my favorite after hours bands was called "Cottonmouth"....Those guys could play their asses off. Being one of the lead vocalists and drummer of Emperor has been a highlight of my life. The band is back together and sounding better than ever. Still have 3 of the original guys from the Clubhouse days. Steve Watts, (Drums,Vocals) Joe Marques, (Bass,Vocals) Randy Budihas (Drums, Vocals). Our old lead guitar player, Jim (Spider)Taylor is living happily in Arizona and Marc Zavatsky, (Keyboards)was recently playing with the reunited band but has now moved off just doing some small "one man band" gigs because he couldn't commit to our current work schedule. We have a "kick ass" guitarist/vocalist now, Dave Quintana and one of our "original" members from the 70's has just rejoined, Chip Walsh from Long Beach and will be performing with us shortly. Joe Deleski and Mike Lobbett (both from the Emperor Album in the mid 70's) are doing well and still playing casually. The current "reunited" band has played The Galaxy Theatre, The Coach House in San Clemente and a variety of large Summer Concert in The Park venues. Please visit our website: www.emperorrocks.com for updates where we will be performing in the near future. You'll be surprised to know that a LOT of the people we played for in the 70's and 80's STILL come to watch us play and dance their butts off. Still think we can "cover" a lot of songs as good or better than the original artists! Come check it out!!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Randy Budihas/Emperor 2009
I remember seeing Emperor at Isadora's in the mid-70's. And was blown away. Bands like that caused me to pursue music as a career. Fast forward to the mid-80's... I was leading worship for Calvary Chapel in Seal Beach. A guy named Mike Lobbett came forward and said he played keyboard and would be avaialible to play in the band. Sceptical, I said "Yeah man,come on in next week and we'll see what you can do. Well, you guessed it, Mike was the keyboard player for Emperor for many years,and probably at Isadora's that night ten years earlier. Well,, needless to say, Mike became our main keyboard player and one of my best and lifelong friends. I'd love to hear the guys play again. Maybe some day.
ReplyDeleteAnd I remember almost all of you! I was the teck, then known as Roadie for RYE amd have know the Schwimmers all my life, Buddy, George, Randy, Harriet and Mom! Anyone remember me??
ReplyDeleteBob Painter! I get a Christmas Card from Staff and Jill every year. Just heard from Butch (Redbone)...Tony Belamy is very ill. I spoke to him a year ago and he was fighting health issues then....Come and Get Your Love...do we remember? My 1st gig with RYE! Me..clean 24 years and a Sous Chef in Ariazona. God Bless you all!
Excuse my typos...ooooooooppppppppppppsssssssss! No Spell check!
ReplyDeletebob painter
Randy Budihas/Drummer/Lead Vocals/EMPEROR
ReplyDeleteHi Bob, yes, we remember RYE very well and you doing your thing with the band years ago! Really sorry to hear about Tony Belamy, our prayers will be with him. Keep us posted if you can by going to www.emperorrocks.com and send an email if you get the chance. Like to hear from the folks that really knew how to rock and roll!
How are the Schwimmers? Keep in touch.
And yes, Mike Lobbett is a wonderful human being and a great Christian. Living up North with his great wife and doing well. Loved the years we played together.
Emperor is doing a "sold out" show New Years Eve at Meadowlark Golf Club this year to bring in 2010 and we had 300 tickets gone in a month! Guess a lot of folks from the "Santa Ana Clubhouse" grew gracefully old with us all!!
Keep the posts coming and hope to see some of you at a show in the near future.
We'll be at McKenna's on The Bay in Long Beach, Calif. Saturday, January 16th from 3pm-6pm.
I practically LIVED at Pinwinnies Iron Foundry (later Icabods) whe I got back from The Nam thing. There was also The Fickle Finger, JB's Underground, Big Daddy's (Santa Ana) as well as Isadore's (Newport), plus hangin' out at Alley West (Newport). How about Finnian's Rainbow? I think that was Costa Mesa.
ReplyDeleteI am sad to post that Tony "T-Bone" Bellamy passed away Christmas morning in Las Vegas. Tony was a great lover of music, song and dance that took Redbone to years of success. The world has again lost a wonderful man with a passion for Christ, music, a good father, lover of the presence to those whose lives that he touched and proud to call my friend. God Bless you Tony!
ReplyDeletebob painter
I love reading all of these memories. Do any of you remember the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach? I remember going there and seeing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, back in the day. Loved that place, very small, intimate, right across the street from the beach. Those were the days my friends. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYes I loved the Golden Bear. Saw so many "greats" there. Hoyt Axton, Buffy Saint-Marie. Do you guys remember a club in Orange in the sixties where the Smothers brothers performed. I can't remember its name but they performed there long before they went mainstream. I remember The Rendezvous, POP, Harmony Park (so many cute surfers). I went to the Cinnamon Cinder alot and danced, danced, danced. Every weekend was music and dancing. I'm from the sixties obviously.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe it. Someone else just mentioned the Golden Bear. Yes, it was so intimate and the beach right across the street. There were lots of other clubs in the Orange County area I just can't remember their names. Can you help me out? Early sixites. So bitchin'
ReplyDeleteIn the mid/late 80's there was a place called Sunset Beach Club that was in Orange across the street from Main Place with bands. Also in Orange at the Plaza was the Orange Circle Saloon that was finally closed because it attracted a large number of bikers that the city didn't think fit the "atmosphere" of Old Town Orange.
ReplyDeleteWe worked as bouncers at the Santa Ana Clubhouse from 1970 to 1972.Leo Medina,Marshall(Mr Clean),and Rod Carew(the good lookin'one:).John was the manager,Fred & Donnie bartended,and did we ever have fun!!Leo& I have a few pictures that survived.Looking for more...Anyone???Lets have a Santa Ana Clubhouse Reunion Summer 2010.email me rod@emilkman.com
ReplyDeleteI also remember a club in Tustin called the Gad- About only opened for a little while, anyone remember this place? I went to Santa Ana High School and graduated in 1970. A Newport Beach girl, great time to grow up in Orange County. I worked at Another Earth while they were opened, only a couple months, next to the Santa Ana Club House. Went to a bar called The Beach Ball in Newport Beach, long ago. Happening back in the day. Really enjoying all of your stories, walking with all of you, down memory lane.
ReplyDeletei remember the gadabout..it became king family billiards after the club closed down
DeleteLeo Medina here , Yes going down memory lane. Kick-Ass days is right!!! (Literally) Rod Carew told me about this blog. I have,as well gone down memory lane with you. I was head bouncer from 70-72 (correction here) I was the good looking one!!! Latino. But then we all thought we were with our long hair and bellbottoms. LOL Going through all your comments Rod and I remember all the nightclubs and bars. We frequented them and either knew the owners or managers. It was a tight family circle of bar people.
ReplyDeleteWith John Mcgee, Dave Anderson, Don Urben, and last but not least Marshall "Mr Clean".
And all our beautiful waitresses. Through the 3 years I worked there I met 1,000's of patrons. I made friends with a good percentage of them however I am terrible with names. In reguards to Tony from Redbone, my sincere condolences. He was a good friend of mine. I met him through Mario Mujica a band booking agent. No one mentioned the band Scandal. It was our house band for about a year. And lest we forget our sister nightcub The Playgirl Club on Harbor with the beautiful dancers and Dick Dale owned it.
Any one that would know Rod Carew or me you can contact Rod or me @ medinaleog@yahoo.com
I remember another Earth.After it closed the Santa Ana Clubhouse expanded into it.You might recognize us if you could see some pictures from then & there.We have posted some pictures of the bouncers from the Santa Ana Clubhouse on Facebook. Leo Medina,Marshall (Mr Clean),and Rod Carew To view them go to facebook,type in Rod Carew,I went to La Quinta High School.That should do it.Look under Summer 1968 to 1973.Have fun remembering...
ReplyDeleteok who remembers the dance contest at pier 11 Jack & Jill
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hi Bob Painter...this is Cindy & George Schwimmer...just saw your post on here...unfortunately we can't get ahold of anyone because we don't post our emails!! If you get on and see this.write to sinders812@yahoo.com We would love to here from you. And Yes Randy..the Schwimmers are all doing great!! Love this page and all the good memories:)
ReplyDeleteWOW! I just happened on this discussion by accident today and did it bring back memories!
ReplyDeleteI spent the bulk of my time between 1973 and 1978
at: Isadore's, The Clubhouse, Ichabods, St. George and
the Dragon, Broadway West, Alias Smith and Jones,
The Beach Ball, The Golden Bear; I played softball
for a team sponsored by Pierce St. Annex in Costa Mesa.
I remember going to Isadores EVERY time "Emperor"
played and never got tired of them. They were the best.
That was an awesome time to live in Newport Beach/Irvine
and still regard it as the best times of my life.
The lighted dance floor at the Clubhouse was cool!
Grant Shatto
I played the SA Clubhouse in the early 70's with a band called Heritage...Geoff Morgan on drums, Dave Crumrine on Hammond B-3....played after hours first then the small stage later for a while......also played Gold Street, The Cave in Huntington Beach and then Cinnamon Cinder with John Wright.........Loved the Rye Brothers...(Three Dog Night stuff)...and the 5th Cavalry..the only two bands to play horns and guitars/organs at the same time.........Does anyone remember where the Sundowners played in Tustin.....I saw them twice...can't remember the club......must be old age!!!! Great stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteI played drums at the Clubhouse in the late '60's with Jamie & The Jury. Did a lot of the after hours shows. I also played with Jamie at the Cinnamon Cinder in Long Beach. Later on I played at the Beach Ball for several years as well as Woodie's and Smoky Stovers aka. The White Horse Inn.
ReplyDeleteThe Playgirl Club on Harbor with the beautiful dancers and Dick Dale owned it.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 10, 2010 9:39 AM
LOL.....I googled Marina Palace and found all the names of the places we surfed and danced at....so lets get together and do it again.
Hmm song idea?
I shined shoes when I was 12-13 at the Playgirl Club in the late 60s.....I'll never forget those thigh high white go go boots....I charged a quarter which covered my expenses....memory...priceless.
alias smith and jones
ReplyDeleteWas there a alias smith and jones club near the 5 and hotel and also a BMW dealer on this same street. Someone help!
ReplyDeleteHi....Alias Smith and Jones was located on 1st street, Santa Ana, just off the 5 frwy. (x street elk).
DeleteThe Royal Roman Hotel used to be attached to it.... And looking the map now I see that the Santa Ana ZOO is right next to the spot it was at... looks like it all burned down. heh (that place was the bomb in the 70's! (Best FUNK music in the area!) 'Peace Love and Happiness' was a regular band there around 75ish through 77ish.... SWAK
Wow, how cool is this! Haven't visited this site in quite a while and next thing ya know, lots of new posts! Still seeing more and more people at our recent shows in 2010 and it's amazing. We might be gettin older 'chronologically' but we're NOT gettin OLD! Hope to see some of you at one of the concerts this summer. Check out the website for updates. (www.emperorrocks.com)
ReplyDeleteBe sure to come up and let me,(Randy), Steve or Joe know you were with us back in the day at the Clubhouse, Isadore's, Big Daddy's or Joshua's.........
God Bless,
Randy Budihas (Emperor Drummer and Lead Vocalist)
My name is Jan and I have a sister named Janel.This is the place for memories of great music,good times, and LOTS OF DANCING.My sister and I have danced at hundreds of clubs from San Diego to Redondo/Hermosa Beach. We went to Itchy Foot Moes, The OarHouse, The Blue Law, Brothers Two, Apple Annies, Big Daddys,Cinammon Cinder, The ClubHouse,Pinwinnies, Isadores, Bobby McGees, The Gas Chamber, The Prison of Socrates, Joshuas, Crescendo, Pier 11, Rendevous,GoldenWest Ballroom, Smokey Stovers, Spurs, Bogarts, Michaelangelos, The Mustang Ranch, and the list goes on...some of the best years and hangovers of my life.January Eilers
ReplyDeleteThis has been so fun. I've been trying to remember Finnegan's Rainbow where I used to get in when I was 16! Also, Golden Bear. Saw Linda Ronstadt there, it was like she was sing just for us! Oh and the Rendezvous where Ike and Tina Turner played before it burned down. What great music ~ Great times.
ReplyDeleteSharon S from Washington via Santa Ana
Was there a place called Big Daddy's around back then & then it was the Clubhouse? One in the same?
ReplyDeleteBig Daddys in ”The City ” shopping center. I did cocktails there in '78.
DeleteGolden bear...5 summer sories..huntington w no parking lots.....hanks seafood newport....big huge shrimp...steak fries...ocir...the drags...parking just about anywhere w no restrictions....jaws...clubhouse..white house laguna...drivin everywhere in my dodge ramcharger w no top...schroff surfboards...dave nuihava...surfing ifinity at H.B.....dick dale ..john mayall...golden bear..n that dance floor....somebody has some instamatic photos...lmao. pete
ReplyDeleteThe clubhouse was on Main St. where Main Place is now and Big Daddy's was at "The Block of Orange"...those were the days and remember "The Hop" in Fountain Valley that came a few years later? Another fun place...anyone know of a similar place that plays our music from the past?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone posting remember the band from Orange Co. Who Im sure use to play at all the above mentioned clubs they were even a Whiskey agogo house band for a short time, called "Manna"
ReplyDeleteIt had a frontman named Denny Correll who went on to christian music later. I think Manna was in 72 or 73. Main reason is i have my cassette of the music LP they put out but not the physical album so i cant look up the other members and im tryin to get the music up on youtube to share. So much of great 70s music has been lost I want people to remember some of those bands like Manna and Stepson.
Anyway if anyone knows the other members of Manna's Names please post or send to me at on FaceBook under Dee Wes
Hard to believe all the posts about the OC days of Rock and Roll Clubs. I was the GM of all the Ichabod's clubs and I noticed Calvin posted some time ago. Hey Calvin give me a shout sometime. My e-mail is m.cannavo@cox.net.
ReplyDeletethis is so cool ...I remember Emperor at Isadores ..they were the best anywhere ..remember their song "Blue Diver" ? Now that is going back ... I used to hit all the clubs back them. OC rocked back then ..someone has already mentioned Pier 11 ... can someone tell me where that was? I went there once and I remember it was like a huge quonset hit thing with a giant dance floor. Icabods, Picassio's yeah I remember Of Broadway ... I wasnt 21 but I snuck in with some older friends ..too cool.
ReplyDeleteMike Kennedy
Im getting goosebumps even tho i was a little later than most of u. Im dale and i bartended at the clubhouse from 77-80 Blond fro and fu manchu. Took Luckys place behind the bar when he was stabbed to death after hours with a knife that was meant for me. He was a great guy. Calvin I saw u in vegas in the mid-nineties downtown. I considered myself one of the fastest bartenders ever, but u were the king with all your martial arts moves behind the bar. Nobody faster, anywhere. My # is 949-292-4209 if anybody would like to chat
ReplyDeleteDale???! Wow.. do you remember Somr the blond you were goofy over? I am Franci...her best friend! How are you? Oh my god member Murph the Surf (I was in loooove...for a minute) Hey Somr is doing great living up north...I am in Big Bear! I can"t wait to tell her about this website!
ReplyDeleteAh memories. I remember all these old nightclubs from the 1970's. I was barely old enough to get into any of the clubs. My first club/bar was the Playgirl Club in Garden Grove. I thought this looked like a fun place to work so I did from 1976 to 1978 as a go-go dancer in a white sequined bikini. Those were the days, my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe there's a clubhouse website.....I worked there in the early 70's.....actually I first worked there for a couple of weeks when Ike & Tina were there while i was still in high school.....I was one of the bouncers that battled the Hessians at the Pier during our spare time.....
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what happened to Condo? I lost track of him......
I just noticed "Steve Johnson" started this thread or blog.....and also I just figured out, I think, that it's not the Steve Johnson (writer, poet, actor, boxing instructor) that I worked with at the Club House.....
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I played in a band called Mirage and then Kaya, which played at the SA clubhouse
ReplyDeletecirca 1977-1978. For anyone that wants to see actual pictures of the stage, it will bring back memories. Kaya got back together for a reunion gig, it was a blast. Feel free to visit Kaya Reunion on facebook!!!
Anyone remember the Long Beach Clubhouse? It was near the Traffic Circle, Ximeno and PCH. In addition, how about the Golden West Ballroom? How about the Sting?
ReplyDelete@Calvin the Indian....
ReplyDeleteCalvin!! How you doing man!! Tom here, the old manager of Jezebel's...Great to see your still around Dude!! If you do see this message now(Your comment was 2009) come on to "Facebook" I've got a site there for the old Jezebel's nightclub!
Hi Everybody!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this blog, it's great! I used to go to Handlebars Saloon, I'd drive there from Elsinore with my friend Lorraine and sometimes my sister Linnette. My name's Lisa. I was the really pretty one. Just kidding.
I had a bad crush on biker Bill, does anyone remember him and his friend Bruce? They were the two cool biker guys at HS.
Also, does anyone remember Steve Currow? (I hope I spelled that right). He hung out at Ichabod's and the SA Clubhouse.
It's be interesting to hear how they're doing.
Thanks
Went there one time, probably around 1980 or 81 - I saw Peter Gabriel up close - it was his 1st US stop on tour, playing the Greeknthe next nite. Awesome show until the fire dept shir it down (ther was about 1500 people in there).
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned the Playgirl Club! I remember it well! I was a member of “The Leland Four” band , we were originally the “Hawaiian Shadows” a rock band based out of Honolulu, then morphed into a cabaret style show band. We played the Playgirl starting in 1968. I remember working offsets with a dance band “Billy and the Good Guys”……great times!
ReplyDeleteWe also played the Charter/Hyatt House up the street closer to Disneyland.
Can someone tell me the name of the club/dance place just before you enter Balboa Is. - I think.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was the Rendezvous Rm, but I spent many nights dancing there. Grew up in LB, moved to Corona del Mar & spent much time in Newport Bch & Balboa Is. Does anyone remember Mr McGee's (I think) NPB? There were so many clubs to go to back then.
OMG! I am so amazed to have found this site. Thank you Jesus. My name was Charlie, the Disc Jockey at Desirees in Costa Mesa in 1977,78 and At Ichabods in Fullerton and awhile in HB in 70's as well. Any one hear about 45 Jones from Ichabods Fullerton lately? I finally found Calvin, my favorite Indian @:) How are you my special friend. Wow! I want to meet up. How??? call me 707 321 3339. Charlie the Dancing Disc Jockey....I remember all the places mentioned on everyones blogs. So amazing. How about my friend and bouncer Jonny. My cartoon buddy @:) Charlie @:)
ReplyDeleteI have so many stories about the 70's. I would love to find out what happened to all my friends, the bouncers and bar tenders from Deja Vu AKA Desiree's and Jaw's (all one place) in Costa mesa. How about Ichabods in Fullerton especially. I would love to find you Calvin. The fastest, sweetest Indian ever. I was the Disc Jockey that replaced Ruthie at Desiree's in 1976, Charlie @:).The crazy bouncers, Duke, Johnny and big Walt the door man. How about Rich, the boss, lol. I met so many awesome bands and got to know their sound men pretty well. They worked next to my turn tables before the place changed to Deja Vu. The disco booth was moved an became enclosed in plexiglass.Ron stuck palm trees all over the edge of the new raised lit up dance floor. Crazy fun times. After hours were crazy fun too. Anyone out there remember me????? Charlie @:)
ReplyDeletePlease tell me where I can go see Calvin the Indian@:) I have to see him to believe he is actually still at it. We worked together at Desiree's in 77 and 78. Where are you Calvin? i would love to see you......Charlie @:) i will keep chcking back here to see if you find this message....
ReplyDeleteThis site snaps pictures in my head each time I come and read the posts. ...OC rocked then!!!
ReplyDeleteI played at all of the foregoing clubs with a band named Zebra.......
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any cool Zebra stories so that my amnesia improves ???
Pier 11, Finnegans Rainbow, Clubhouse, etc.
anyone remember "the clubhouse" in long beach, by the traffic circle. house band was cottonmouth, lead singer was eddie. also, remember "the gas chamber" in long beach, signal hill, house band was "rudy merry" lead singer was johnny. two of best places for me between 1971 and 1975/ a guy named dave, ex long beach cop, owned both places
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at my photo's of when I worked at The Clubhouse. The owner of the club was Ellie Allen and John Mcgee was the General Manager. I worked with all the guys in earely 70's. Leo Medina, Donnie Urbin, Marshall(Mr. Clean)I have pictures of all of us. We used to go to the beach and party after friday night after hours and get back just in time to open saturday night.I have tried many ways to find the old crew, but never thought of just putting in Santa Ana Clubhouse. I remember Rye and George, The Method, Redbone, I forget the name of the house band, but the lead singers name was Scott. Yes we had Ike and Tina, Johnnie Christensen and others. Some of the Rams came to after hours at times. Sure would like to hear from some of the old crew. By reading the posts I see Donnie posted and a couple other bouncers. Mac McAnallen
ReplyDeleteHi Steve
ReplyDeleteI would like to get a picture of The Skate Ranch in Santa Ana Ca.My husband and I met there on Feb.15,1975 I would like to share that my children.Thank you beforehand.
My email address, smunoz90@yahoo.com
If I am thinking of the right place it changed names later to the Cowboy. But when it was the Clubhouse my friend from 6th grade father owned the Club. Her name was Denise Allen. She had her private Birthday party there and I went. It was in 1972 and we were going into 7th grade. We lived in the city of Orange and later went to Villa Park H.S. I remember the dance stage lit up with different color squares. Rocket man is the only song I remember playing at the party.
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Bear...What a shame when they tore that club down! That place was a legend the should have been preserved into a historic landmark. Many greats played there including Jimi Hendrix. (I was Julie Edgar back then)
OMG. Talk about memory lane. My husband of 35 years bartended at the Beach Ball, Smokey Stovers I and II and others. I still have an Emperor albumn and remember Leo, puka shell Phil and Dick Dale. Saw Jimmy Buffett at the Golden Bear. This blog is a trip!
ReplyDeleteWow, I dated Mike Miranda as well. But who didn't back then? I use to go to all of the OC clubs from the early 70's to the middle to late 70's. I mainly followed Emperor. Yes I was a groupie. But they were also considered friends. I hung out with them outside of the clubs as well. I ran into Mike Miranda once in the early 80's. He was tending bar at a dance at a VFW. He reconized me. It was good to see him. I'm still in contact with Joe Deleski and have seen The Emperors a couple times. They still rock.
ReplyDeleteOOOPs, I foregot to put that I also worked at the Clubhouse, Mike, and BJ were the main bartenders then.
ReplyDeleteWhere is everybody? I really enjoy all the old memories...are we getting old and forgetting all the good times? I hope not!! Please keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've been the Emperor's guitarist for about five years now, my old band 'Bach' played at St. George and the Dragon, The Long Beach Clubhouse, The Marina Palace, Golden Bear and other So Cal venues in the early 70's. Reading everyone's comments sure bring back some great memories. Those were the days for sure! What a wonderful time to be alive and rockin'. The Emperors were definitely the 'big dogs' on the block and I'm honored to play a small part in their long and illustrious history. Rock On! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow! I remember the few weeks in 1978 (or 1979) our band, "Hostage," played there - during the great "after-hours" (or "BYOB and drink it in tne parking lot") gig we had as a young cover band. I was barely 18, and sang everything from "The Rover" to "Teenage Love Affair" and about 15 other songs - twice, since we ran out of material!
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of this when watching the movies "The Runaways" and Cherie Curie, and recalling seeing the poster announcing "Next Week: CHERIE AND MARIE CURIE of the Runaways"
We also played The Cuckoo's Nest,(being nudged out by Henry Rollins), the Casablanca, The Loose Moose, Josie's and so many other places...have also played in just as many obscure bands and clubs since then, but there was only ONE decade of the 70s!!!
Would love to connect with anyone familiar with that era, clubs or events! Am not in a band, but still active, and at mrentertainmentusa.com ...
I used to go the Santa Ana Club House when I was I believe a junior or senior at La Mirada High School (or maybe I had already graduated). Anyway, I remember alot of the Marines from El Toro Marine Base would go there. I had such a flashback when someone posted "St George and the Dragon" in Newport Beach. I remember that!!! And the Golden Bear - it was kind of the Troubador of the OC. We grew up in the best times - that is for sure!!!!
ReplyDeleteMaggie 10/31/11 BOO!!!!!!
Hey Everyone, What great times we all had {some more then others}. We did a reunion a few years back with EMPEROR at the Galaxy in O.C. on new years eve and boy were they still kickin ass. If you get the chance to see them dont miss it.To all of our BURLESQUE fans thank you for all of your support during those wonderful years. Have a wonderful new year. JIMMY MONROE--{BURLESQUE }
ReplyDeleteYour band rocked Jimmy. Hows Peter?
DeleteI remember the start of the Play Girl Club on Harbor Blvd. A young man Doug Lambert bought into an exsisting but slow beer bar. He hired young ladies from college and house wives to dance and serve. Not very long it was a booming business. In the evening there were about 15 girls. A couple pouring, one dancing and the rest serving. The key club idea was rejected by the city but the Play Girl magazine did very well of course.
ReplyDeleteWow...does this site bring back memories!!! I used to hang out with Cottonmouth and Rouge. Was at soooo many of the clubs named. I also bartended at The Cowboy and Whiskey River Crossings for a short bit. The late 70s were quite the time in the big OC! Many fond memories...Beaulieu (Cottonmouth), Marc (Rouge), Emperor, etc. Started with the L.A. bands: Swan, Van Halen, etc. My name is Gabey (short for Gabrielle), if anyone remembers me.
ReplyDeleteActually, the Playgirl Club in Garden Grove was the second of two; the first was in Whittier. the Garden Grove version (seated 450, though held up to 600 if the fire marshall wasn't there to count) lasted from approx. 1969 until Dick Dale (of the DelTones) bought it in 1977-78 and named it The Rendevous. (After the Rendevous Ballroom in Balboa where Dick Dale played as a young musician.)
ReplyDeleteOwners/creators: Doug Lambert and John Andrews. (Doug's good looks and promoters abilities, and John's money [from owning gas stations and other enterprises] is what got the club started. I worked there behind the bar for about five years during the hey day.
The Playgirl was "the" location in the '70's where about 14/ to 1/3 of the clientele worked in other clubs or in the entertainment biz
Yes, there will be a book at some point!
- Jon
Jon,
DeleteI totally remember you at the Playgirl Club as you were the bar manager when I worked there. I saw Dick Dale perform in Solana Beach about three years ago. You and I also worked together at Earl's Bar and Grill in Santa Ana. I hope you remember me...
Jon, I totally remember you at the Playgirl Club as you were the bar manager when I worked there. I saw Dick Dale perform in Solana Beach about 3 years ago. We also worked together at Earl's Bar and Grill in Santa Ana. Do you know who I am?
DeleteHello Jon Steelman, I remember you. We use to work at the Playgirl Club and Earl's Bar and Grill together. I hope you remember me!!!
DeleteWHOOOAAAH! Too much. Well, I was in the band TAXI. We played the Clubhouse many, many times. I remember Lucky (RIP) and Dale and Calvin (Calvin you also worked at Faces for awhile... right?) I have SOOO many stories about that club from my days there. Also... if I remember correctly, the owner when I played there was Ray Schroeder. CrAzY times for sure.
ReplyDeleteWild Bill, Keyboards