Compiled by Levi Churchill, 2019
When the early settlers arrived in this area, the music came with them. In “the arm” it seems the harmonica [mouth organ] and accordian were the instruments of choice. It was much later that other instruments arrived.
Back in the 1800’s there were always entertainers and those who loved to be entertained. The same is true today.
Square dancing in Hatchet Cove
Square dancing was the norm in the early days, and as well there was the favorite “step-dancing”. Dances were held in homes and later in schools. It was amazing how eight dancers could maneuver in such a small space. Dancers would be “plankin’ her down,” everyone soaking with sweat. When the set ended all the men would go outdoors in the bitter cold. Tis’ a wonder they didn’t catch their death.
Things changed with the building of halls, in almost all communities. With the help of many residents I will attempt to record all those that provided music over the years.
EARLY YEARS
On New Year’s Eve the “Crossroads” [Gooseberry Cove] was the hot spot. Horse and sleigh were the mode of transportation and the local residents would make space for the horses until the dance was over. During the early years, music was supplied there by Will Lambert, Ike Smith, and George Seward. I was also given the names of Robert Balsom and Lawrence Lambert, but I suspect this was in later years.
In Hodge’s Cove, Willis Thomas [accordion] and Eliab Stringer [mouth organ] played in the beginning. Stories are told that Eliab would play until the dancers were exhausted and his lips were bleeding. Later years, Don and Eliab Smith played for square dances.
In Queen’s Cove and Northwest Brook, Ira Goobie and Jack Soper were the musicians. Later Ira’s brother Denis would play.
In Hillview there were the Critch’s and in St. Jones Within there were Alwin and Randolph Price. I have attempted to gain info from many individuals in this area, and I feel sure that there are others, especially in Hillview and St. Jones Within.
The beginning of country music and bands had a humble start here in the Arm. The Stringer Boys were the first to begin what we know as a band. Brothers Cecil, Lindsey and Bill Stringer performed as a group and raised money for charity in Hodge’s Cove and Gooseberry Cove.
The Bishop’s from Hatchet Cove started to attract attention. Cecil played and sang on a radio show from St. John’s. Malcolm moved to Toronto and became well known. Harvey also moved to Toronto and was very popular. He wrote many popular songs and became a well-known entertainer.
A NEW ERA BEGINS
Then came radio and television, roads and vehicles, and the music scene changed. I found it very difficult to trace all the bands in the arm, and dates impossible. However, we can assume it all started in the late sixties. The information following was supplied by others.
Blitz – Edison Spurrell, Larry Spurrell, Merly Soper, Trevor Spurrell and Brian Dodge
Cosmos Factory – Andrew, Wilson, and Roy Smith, Paul Norris, and part time were Eliab Smith and Evelyn Avery.
Country Fever – Marion Dean, Reg Giles, Wally House and sometimes Dave Cooper
Lightening – Kent and Peggy Stringer, Terry Seward, Cliff Lambert, LeRoy Langer and Craig Stringer
Loaded Gun – About 1990, Bryan Dodge, Cyril Drover, Jason Stringer and Ralph Vey formed the band. Darryl Drover joined a little later and they became a five-piece band. The band played mostly cover tunes, all classic rock, and they had four original songs. After about a year, Jason Stringer left the band and Collin Harris, from Clarenville, joined.
MangyCur – This band formed after Loaded Gun broke up and included Bryan Dodge, Rodney Giles, Terry Stanley, and Ralph Vey. They played more 90s grunge instead of the classic rock they played as Loaded Gun.
Modern Country – Marion Dean, Reg Giles and Roy Critch
Rebound – The Relations plus Wilson Smith
Relations – Roy, Larry, Walter and Selma Critch
Shadoe – Trent and Toby Martin, Debbie and Deana Whalen, Stephanie Peach and Brian Stringer
Sounds of Time – Wayne Bursey, Reg Giles, Wayne Frost and Walter Critch
Stonehenge – Chris Spurrell, Levon Seaward, Terry Spurrell, Adam Seward, and Mike Smith. They formed and played in the 90s.
Strange Brew – Originally consisted of Edison Spurrell, Greg Seward, and LeRoy Langer. David Benson replaced Greg Seward and played with them for years after.
True Confessions – Wayne Churchill, Garfield and Ed Balsom and Evelyn Avery
These were the bands that played in clubs and schools during the 70’s, 80.s and 90’s. If I have missed anyone, additions can be added.
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Page updated August 2023; Updated January 2024; Updated June 2024