Growing up in Tampa in the late ‘60s, the nights were alive with rock ‘n roll. We got a few big name concerts – at the old Curtis Hixon Hall – but mostly we heard hot local bands every weekend at rec centers and teen clubs.
Robin Sibucao
Riding the wave of the baby boom, we packed ourselves into concrete block caverns on Friday and Saturdays to dance the latest dances. We usually divided into in long lines – boys on one side, girls on the other – dancing face to face. Bands changed every weekend. Their song lists varied and often included some original songs, but they had to play Louie Louie and Summertime Blues or riots could break out.
Coo Coo at the Side Door
I remember seeing Rodney and the Mystics – fronted by the singer Rodney Justo – and thinking they were the best band I ever saw. The Tropics. The Outsiders. The Rovin’ Flames. My buddy, Robin Sibucao, was playing in great bands like the Jesters, and he was my age. Of course, everybody was starting bands and learning the guitar. I played piano in a couple of bad garage bands – making noise at parties for our friends.
Rodney went on to a musical career with the Candymen, Roy Orbison and the original Atlanta Rhythm Section. Robin moved to LA and quickly realized the life of a touring musician was far from romantic. His musical career moved from the stage to the industry itself.
Flash forward a chunk of years and Robin and Rodney are both back in the bay area enjoying the good life. Working some. Playing lots of golf. And realizing they missed playing the great songs they played in their original bands.
They decided to get together on Wednesday night and play Beatles songs with some of their other favorite musicians. They ended up with five great players, who were all required to sing harmonies. Rodney created musical arrangements and pretty soon, this Wednesday night band was too good for the garage.
“We didn’t go our for a year,” while they rehearsed Mondays and Wednesdays in the garage of guitarist Roy Garcia. Rodger Stephan played drums. Danny George joined on bass. Robin and Rodney played guitar. Veteran sound engineer Joey Donovan joined as man behind the mixer.
“They only arguments we had – there are so many great songs to pick from the ‘60s era, which do you play?” Robin said.
Coo Coo Ca Choo emerged and played some of their early gigs in our Side Door Cabaret. The won fans with a mix of 60s pop and R&B tunes – most with solid 5-part harmonies. The Beach Boys. The Hollies. The Stones. And, of course, the Beatles.
While they are all great musicians, in this group, the vocals and vocal arrangements are the calling card.
“Where else can you go and hear five-part harmony and it is out front and mixed so you can hear it.” Robin said.
If you haven’t caught the band, then join us Friday night, July 24 for two full sets of Coo Coo music.
We have a limited number of reserved tickets available by calling our box office at 727 822-3590. General admission tickets are available online, by phone or at the door Friday night.
Coo Coo at the Side Door
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