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Lost Dawg Singers - Reincarnation

Part 3 as told by Sandra Roberts

In the late 1960's, Frank Goodwin, one of the chief organizers of the group transferred to Saskatchewan with Cominco to work for a number of years and the group lost some of its enthusiasm. The Hootenaney Era was almost over and musical trends were also changing.

After six or seven years, Frank returned to Kimberley. His musical interest had never waned and he had been playing with a group of folks in Saskatchewan, keeping his banjo playing skills alive. Once he returned, he worked to recruit a group of musicians that could somewhat recreate the group that he had left behind. He invited Bill Betcher, George Zinovich and George Williams to participate and George Zinovich invited his new neighbours, David and Pat McCarthy to join. Eventually, they invited Wendy (Despins) Stock, Enola Howe and Sandra Roberts to come to their musical evenings.

Lost Dawg Singers

The group enjoyed their weekly rehearsals, however, they began to feel that they needed a goal in order to challenge themselves musically and to grow their repertoire. After much discussion, it was decided that they would seek engagements that would allow them to share their music with others. Additionally, they would keep the name 'Lost Dawg Singers' as the community was already familiar with that name. We also determined that all put together, we only had enough equipment to accommodate eight people and their instruments. This decision would determine the size of the group until its last show.

The first engagement was at the Kimberley Ski Resort and they tried to continue the use of the large flip chart with words for the audience to sing along, however, there was no longer any interest in this kind of participation. From that point on the group decided that they would present a varied program of music that featured the individual styles of the group. Frank still had his folk song roots; George Z. brought his Russian flare; George W. was a balladeer whose tenor voice always wowed the ladies. The McCarthy's brought a touch of Trinidad to the table and David's accompanying style always had a Latin lilt. Pat was great at finding songs that fit the various vocal styles of the girls. Enola had a country leaning while Sandra always preferred jazz and gospel.

Before long, Bill Betcher decided that his hearing was failing and he decided to leave the group. Soon after this, Wendy and her husband Larry, an RCMP member, transferred out and she was replaced by Mary Stewart, a teacher at Watkins School. Mary brought a rich torchy voice to the group and became known for her deep 'story' songs. When she sang 'Regine' there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house.

Enola decided to leave but they were very lucky to find Linda Troy to fill the ranks. Linda had a true strong lead voice and had a leaning toward popular music. She was a strong lead for the others to harmonize around. The practises became like therapy sessions. One could go there stressed or upset and after a session of singing and laughing, come way in a great mood and set for the rest of the week.

Lost Dawg Singers

George Zinovich, George Williams, Mary Stewart

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