Local band reunites for charity

In 1968, they were known as The Society. This summer, five of the six musicians in the group, resurrected the name and took to the stage after more than 35 years. Pictured are bass player Larry Quinn of Lyons, singer Donna Comella of Lyons, guitarist Terry Tiballi of Oswego, keyboard player Steve Salerno and drummer Jim Murphy, both of Newark. Missng in action has been male singer Eddie Sapp, who now lives in Arizona.

The band members were teens when they first played the area, performing Top 40 hits and other rock and roll that would later become classics. Popular at area recreation centers, high school dances, street dances and other events, the band won more than their share of what was then referred to as a 'Battle of the Bands.' The many trophies, plaques and ribbons garnered from all over the state are still in Salerno's possession.

At ages that ranged from 13 to 17, they won the Battle at Sodus Point's Surf City in 1968, judged by popular WACK disc jockeys. WACK's Gary Van would not allow the band members to compete again the following year, and instead made them the Judges of the Battle. Eventually, The Society would play the last dance ever held at Surf City.

After several 'warm-up' performances throughout this summer, the band reunited Saturday at the Sons of Italy in Geneva at a benefit for Camp Good Days and Special Times. They were joined by another band from the same era, The Echomen, from Geneva. The Echomen have reunited several times over the years, and had gathered again over the weekend for their 35th High School Reunion. The band includes organist Don Damick, singer Jim Richmond, bassist Jim Harrison, guitarist Gary Ventura and drummer Steve Cocola.

The last time the two bands played together was at the 1969 Aqua Festval at the Seneca Falls Rec Center.

While The Echomen played Friday night at 1970 Geneva High festivities, The Society was performing for the 1970 Mynderse Academy grads in Seneca Falls. When Murphy left the band in 1970, he was replaced by drummer Sal Branciforte, who then lived in Seneca Falls. Branciforte, who now lives in Lyons (with his wife/singer, Comella), sat in on his Yamahas for the last half of the performances, both for his classmates Friday and the charity event Saturday night.

The band will play at least one more time. Quinn, who is the Arcadia Assessor, is waging a campaign to become elected Wayne County Clerk in November and The Society will be included in a fundraising event on September 18 at Tom Jones in Lyons.

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