Inside this website, you will find a collection of photos and information.
All of the photos, places and great garage bands are from the mid to late 1960’s.
During that time period, the Tampa Bay area had many “dance hall” locations.
A few that I remember are:
The FCA Hall, located on Waters Ave west of Florida Ave.
The Inn Crowd, located south of Tampa University by the river.
The Spot, located near West Shore Blvd and W Cypress
The Tampa Letter Carriers Hall, located at MacDill and W Cypress
The Hullabaloo, located on south Florida Ave
The Electric Zoo in St Pete
The St Pete Armory
The Strawberry Patch
King Solomon’s Mine on Gandy, east of Dale Mabry
The White Rabbit, in St Pete Beach
The Annex
Although the bands performing were sometimes called garage bands, I think
a more appropriate label would be talented musicians. They would form
groups, practice long hours then audition for a Friday or Saturday spot at one
of the local dances. If they were able, they would play there both nights. One
of my favorite bands was Mike and the Hurricanes (later renamed Sir Michael
and the Sounds). They frequently performed at the FCA Hall, also the Inn Crowd.
I have pulled together my photos from the 1960’s and have posted them
here. Click on the links above and choose the bands you would like to
see. I hope you enjoy the pictures. If you have any information, questions
or photos to share, I will post them here for others to enjoy.
The folders are:
NEW: 50 year reunion of Sir Michael and the Sounds - Oct 2015 photos and video links
Mike and the Hurricanes in the early years. Plus photos after they renamed to
Sir Michael and the Sounds and released their single Can You/Love Your Fellow Man.
The Outlaws (several original members) at Oak Grove Jr High in 1966 or 67
Noah’s Ark
The Enticers
The Chains
The British Wrights
The Lost Souls
The 12th Street Apothecary
Mama’s Boys
Miami Pop Festival May 18, 1968 - never before seen photos of Jimi Hendrix,
Frank Zappa, Blue Cheer, Arthur Brown plus many crowd shots.
If you recognize someone in any of the photos, let me know.....
