Pics from the Past / Click on a photo to enlarge, then follow the arrows.
Where it all started: Channing-Murray Foundation on the U of I campus, site of the Red Herring coffee house.
Debut performances of THE SHIP in the Channing-Murray Chapel, 1971.
The originals: Panda, Cowan, Melshenker, Hamby, and Bradshaw outside RoFran Studio.
Up close and personal performing THE SHIP.
So many words and chords to remember.
Four guys enjoying a beverage.
Return engagement at UofI Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 1973.
Poster for concert at the iconic UofI Foellinger Auditorium, 1974.
Bobby Carlin in his bib overalls at the Auditorium show.
Relaxing at Krannert before the crowd pours in, 1975.
Bringing a little bluegrass to the Krannert Center's Great Hall.
From the Great Hall to the Grubby Gulch.
Persuading Todd to sing a little.
Banging on that funky Gulch piano.
A return to the Auditorium, but this time outside.
A meeting of minds in the middle..
The winner on style points.
Close quarters for rehearsal: Panda, Hamby, Barton, Frank, James
Another Wise Fools gig? Bring it on!
Wading through the mud to get the shot.
A near miss for Urbana and a back cover for the TORNADO LP.
Gathered for the Red Herring Reunion performance, April 2008.
...and for the "Folkstage" radio concert with the show's host, Rich Warren, June 2009.
At the 2008 Red Herring Reunion, from left: Billy Panda, Mark Hamby, Steve Cowan, Jim Barton, Albert Melshenker, Jeff James, Rick Frank, Todd Bradshaw.