"The Knightsmen" are an oldies band
in the truest sense. These musicians were one of the original Indiana
garage bands that performed together in high school in the mid
to late 60's. The band specialized in hit songs by the Beatles,
Rolling Stones, Rascals, Wilson Pickett, Beach Boys, Sam & Dave,
Mitch Ryder, Moody Blues, Roy Orbison, Cream, Paul Revere and the
Raiders and more. After hearing live performances of the Knightsmen,
Scott "Records" Roddy of local oldies radio station WIAU
95.9 stated: "You guys really rock!!" "I'm really
impressed." Being named the winner of the "Battle of
the Bands" in Indianapolis during the summer of
1968 highlighted the early years of the band.
1999
In late 1999, the original 8 members reunited and began playing throughout
the State of Indiana, specializing in 1960's rock classics. The most notable
band member is Karl Hinkle who performed with the Wright Brothers (Overland
Stage) for 10 years on national television and locations throughout the
United States.
2000
In 2000, The Knightsmen cut their first CD of 60’s hits titled “Fossilized”.
It was a dream come true for the band because it was something they never had
an opportunity to do in the 60’s.
2002
The Knightsmen expanded the scope of their engagements and
viewing audience in 2002. They brought in 2002 by
playing at the CarQuest Auto
Show
at the Indiana State fairgrounds in early February. In
June they performed at
Carmel, Indiana "Gazebo" for the "Summer Music Concert Series," and
in July played in the Greenfield, Indiana "Summer Music Concert Series." In
July they entertained the National Corvette Club convention. Continuing
into August, the Knightsmen appeared live on the 15th with Dick Wolfsie
on Channel 8 and 2 days later did 3 shows at the Indiana State Fair "Main
Street Stage."
2003
2003 was even more fun with shows at the Marion County Fair,
the Independence Celebration in New Palestine, Marion's "Crusin' In the Park" festival,
the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Camp, the Main Street
Festival in Columbus, and repeat performances in
the summer music concert series
in Carmel
and Greenfield.
2004
In 2004 the band played at the Independence Day Celebration
at Hummel Park in Plainfield, The Vogue in Broadripple
and repeat performances
in
Greenfield, the Indiana State Fair and the Marion
County Fair. The Knightsmen also
released their 2nd CD of 60’s hits titled “Fit to be Tie Dyed”.
2005
In 2005 the band played for the second year in a row at the
Independence Day Celebration on July 4th at Hummel
Park in Plainfield, a repeat
performance at the Marion County Fair on July
27th and the Ducktail festival
in
Gas City on September 24th, a joint 3-hour
concert at Primo Banquet Hall with
Beatles tribute band “Yesterday & Today” hosted
by disk jockeys from the new oldies radio
station WIAU 95.9 on October
21st
and closed
out the year with another party at Primo
Banquet Hall on November 19th.
2006
In 2006, the band said farewell to original band members Don Lee
and Tom Rea as they pursue new avenues in their lives. The
band is again on the move
and scheduled to play at the Independence Day Celebration on
July 4th at Hummel Park in Plainfield, Indiana for the 3rd
year in a row. They are
also performing for their 3rd year at the Indiana State Fair
on Friday, August 18th and the Marion County Fair on Friday,
July 28th.
2007
In 2007, the Knightsmen played at the Independence Day Celebration on
July 4th at Hummel Park in Plainfield, Indiana for the 4rd year in
a row.
This also turned out to be a year of performing for numerous private
parties & events.
2008
In 2008, the Knightsmen played at the Marion County Fair, Mayor Greg Ballard's
Luau fundraiser for the Boys/Girls Clubs of Central Indiana & numerous
private parties & events.
Be sure to check our web site at www.knightsmen.com for
currently scheduled performance dates in 2009, including the Marion
County Fair on July 24th.
