Flying Free played in Sparta. My dad drove me to see them from Tomah along with my friend Jon Santala. They were at a small hall downtown, possibly a VFW hall, as it is where the Veterans County Service Office is now. I have a great memory that is still fresh of coming into the hall and hearing Lennie coming through that single speaker mounted in a Voice of the Theater cabinet. I don’t remember if it was a good turn out, but it was a lot of fun to be out and a teenager discovering live music.

Randy Taylor from Facebook:

“Our Band Ladds/Todays Tomorrow (Ralph, Chuck, Alex, Mark and I) played there often. Always enjoyed hosting the Sunday Jam sessions. Great memories with good friends. Always felt at home with Ma Shorty and Lindy Shannon.”

Taken in front of Freddie Rezin’s Music about 1969 for Crazy Days celebration.

Featuring Randy Purdy vocals and Clare Troyonic on bass. Help me fill this in for members and spelling. Lin-Beck Enterprises. (Lindy Shannon).

From Facebook this image of the band at the Tomah Knights of Columbus Hall. left to right: Randy Wacynski, Denny Winchell, Brett Champlin, Doyle Box

Doyle shared this image of Sunshower featuring Randy Purdy

Today’s Tomorrow (formerly The Ladds) which featured Randy Purdy on vocals, Jeff Wallace on drums, Ken Gaynor on guitar, Claire Troynek on bass and Joel Freisinger on keyboards who I believe was also a member of Bartholemew Cubbins with bassist Bruce Waege and Doyle Box. Gary VanZeeland Talent! Nice promo shot.

The following is an excerpt from a Facebook comment from Doyle that summarizes some of his collaborations.

I played in several bands through the years and enjoyed my best days with Denny, Brett, and Randy in the Crystal Myth. Later on, had some journeys with Wally, Flying Free, Bartholomew Cubbins, and Homegrown with Bruce Waege, Rick Kelly, Lenny Bahl, Eric Melby, Randy Purdy, Jim Davis and Rod Volden, to name a few. Went to California to make it, but came back with my tail between my legs.

Living in Music City, Nashville, now. Still have my passion for music and love the scene here. Attend many concerts of all the bands we grew up with. Someday, perhaps when I am able to retire from work, I will engage in songwriting.

This is a blog format website featuring Flying Free and several other associated bands in the Coulee Region (Southwest Wisconsin) that I hope will grow with contributions from viewers… like you! If you would like to add any info/corrections/photos contact me at kurtjkrause@yahoo.com. The “contact” tab doesn’t seem to work, haven’t figured it out yet.