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This site last updated on Saturday, January 14, 2012
WELCOME TO THE RETRO ROCKETTS WEB SITE. IF YOU ARE PLANNING A "LIVE" MUSIC EVENT, MAKE IT OUT OF HIS WORLD! DON'T BOOK JUST ANY BAND - BOOK A PROFESSIONAL SHOW! WE'LL EVEN HELP YOU PACKAGE YOUR EVENT.
We also offer an additional entertainment option for smaller, more intimate events and parties. 'Retro Harmony' can be booked as a duet/trio act and the show is essentially an 'unplugged' version of the Retro Rocketts full show, featuring 2/3 performers. www.RetroHarmony.com. You can go to the bottom of this web site and just click on the link. . .
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What our Clients say. . .
- The RetroRocketts played at the Sunset Market (a return request) on July 22, 2010. A rockin' group that kept all of the market patrons happy, tapping their toes and singing to the tunes. A definite hit for all ages. We will always ask them back.
Cathy Nykiel, Event Manager, City of Oceanside (Sunset Market)
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- The Retro Rocketts set list is like a trip down memory lane. I kept saying to myself "Wow, most other bands don't even attempt these songs!" They are truly professional entertainers and if you haven't already been to one of their shows you don't know what you're missing!
Bob and Janet, loyal fans of the show
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- "You guys sounded really good! Very nice harmonies…. and your playlist was really great - perfect actually."
Sue Dusharme, Programs Director - Cruisin' Grand Manager, Downtown Business Association of Escondido
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The Retro Rocketts are a multi part harmonizing band based in the San Diego area playing all of your 'Retro' favorites from the Beatles, Eagles, Moody Blues and much, much more.
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The Retro Rocketts band uses only the best instruments and audio equipment to produce their one of a kind, unique sound.
The current band line up in order of time with the band is:
• Don Swanson, Vocals/Rhythm/Solo Guitar
• Mike Muenich, Drums and Percussion
• Marc Angel, Vocals/Lead guitar
• Gerry Walker, Jimmy Pou, Bruce Haxton, Larry Cornwell, Bass Guitar
Band Management Assistance
• Stephanie Sullivan - PR and Event Coordinator
• Ed Blackman - Vision Pulse Theater (The Retro Rocketts home base)
• Anita Cohen - Williams - Social Media
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The The Retro Rocketts Band is available for Town/City Street Fairs and Festival style events, Corporate shows, Charity Events, Private Estate Parties and more. For booking or additional information please contact: Don Swanson - 760-500-1997 or Stephanie Sullivan - Public Relations, Event Coordinator - 858-232-8482 or TheRetroRocketts@san.rr.com.
The Retro Rocketts take you on a musical journey from the 60s through the 80s and are capable of performing over 125 songs, showcasing music from the following artists/bands. . .(in alphabetical order)
• BRYAN ADAMS
• ALLMAN BROTHERS
• AMERICA
• BEACH BOYS
• BEATLES
• CHUCK BERRY
• MOODY BLUES
• JIMMY BUFFET
• ERIC CLAPTON
• DAVE CLARK FIVE
• CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL
• BOBBY DARIN
• JOHN DENVER
• NEIL DIAMOND
• DOOBIE BROTHERS
• EAGLES
• GO GOS
• ARLO GUTHRIE
• GEORGE HARRISON
• BILLY IDOL
• CHRIS ISAAK
• KINKS
• JOHN MELLENCAMP
• RICKY NELSON
• WILLIE NELSON
• ROY ORBISON
• THE OUTSIDERS
• PETER & GORDON
• PETER, PAUL AND MARY
• JOHNNY RIVERS
• ROBERT PALMER
• SANTANA
• SANTO AND JOHNNY
• SEARCHERS
• DEL SHANNON
• SIMON AND GARFUNKEL
• SPENCER DAVIS
• SPIRIT
• STEPPENWOLF
• STRAY CATS
• B.J. THOMAS
• MARSHALL TUCKER
• VENTURES
• ZOMBIES
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EVENTS CALENDAR from 2012 BACK TO 2008 - Please check below upcoming tour dates and past events...
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THE RETRO ROCKETTS SHOW SCHEDULE
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For all ticket, show information, directions, information, etc., check with the venue/event or feel free to contact us.
For more photos of The Retro Rocketts please visit our Official Photographer's web site - www.Italifin.com
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- - - - - SHOW CALENDAR - 2012 - - -
January 6, Friday - Our first show of 2012! - The Escondido Moose Lodge, 25721 Jesmond Dene Road, Escondido, CA. This show is open to the public. The Moose Lodge is an old, funky, fun place with great food, a great bar and great atmosphere. Come out and have some fun! 7:00 - 11:00 PM.
January 13, 2012, Friday - Tio Leo's Lounge, 5302 Napa Street, San Diego, CA
(619) 542-1462 - 8:30 - Midnight.
February 14, 2012, Tuesday (Valentine's Day) USO San Diego Wounded Warriors Foundation event at marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA
May 19, 2012, Saturday, USO San Diego Annual Gala, Sheraton Hotel, San Diego, CA - TBC
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April 2, Saturday - The Vision Pulse Music Bash at the Vision Pulse Events Center. Public welcome. 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
April 17, Sunday - The 86th Annual Coronado Flower Show, Spreckels Park, Main Gazebo Stage. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.
May 11, Wednesday, "Hump Day" Concert Series, Duet Show with Gerry Walker, Vision Pulse Meeting and Events Center 7:00 - 9:00 PM
July 4th, Monday - Tentative - Coronado Island Private Event
August 17, CANCELED!!!!! CANCELED!!!!! CANCELED!!!!! Wednesday - Mediterranean Palace - Double Billing with "4 Lads From Liverpool", the newest Beatles Tribute Show - Riverside, California. 7:00 PM.
August 25, Thursday - Tentative - Coronado Island Private Event
September 17, Saturday - Riviera Casino, Las Vegas, NV, Double Billing with "4 Lads From LIverpool".
October 6, Thursday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) The Sunset Market Main Stage, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street - 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
October 18, Tuesday - Coronado Floral Society, Private Event, Coronado Country Club, Coronado, CA
October 29, Saturday - Private Estate Halloween Party, Vista, CA
November 3, Thursday - The 4th Annual Torrey Del Mar Plaza Party. Open to the public. This is an "unplugged" Retro Harmony show, our duet version of the full band. 3859 Carmel Valley Rd # D, San Diego, CA - 858 484-9090
November 11, Friday (11/11/11) Private Event, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
November 26, Saturday - Tio Leo's Lounge, 5302 Napa Street, San Diego, CA
(619) 542-1462
December 3, Saturday - Private Home Solo Christmas Show (Don only)
December 14, Wednesday - Private Solo Christmas Show (Don only)
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- - - - - SHOW CALENDAR - 2010 - - - - -
March 13, Saturday - (Private Party) Stephanie's 50th Birthday Bash - Cardiff, CA
June 11, Friday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) Cruisin’ Grand™, Escondido, CA - Sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts & Truly Nolen. 5:00 - 8:00 PM
June 17, Thursday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) Encinitas Classic Car Cruise Night, Main Stage - Downtown Hwy. 101 - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
July 10, 11, Saturday and Sunday - In studio - recording the song, "Ocean Blue" written and composed for the San Diego Oceans Foundation.
July 22, Thursday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) The Sunset Market Main Stage, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street - 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
August 1, Sunday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) JBA Performance Center (New Location) Grand Opening Car Show, 5675 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego. just a couple of buildings down from San Diego Fun Bike Center, and behind the San Diego BMW Motorcycles. This will be a huge event with lots of classic cars, street rods, muscle cars and more! For more information go to http://www.jbaracing.com or call (858) 495-3395.
August 7, Saturday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) Vision Pulse Car Show and BBQ. 10211 Pacific Mesa Blvd, Suite 510, San Diego. There will be classic cars, car clubs, LIVE music, munchies and more! Performing from 12:00 - 3:00. For more information go to http://www.visionpulse.com or call (858) 720-8286.
September 4, Saturday - Private Event
September 24, Friday - Unfortunately, we had to pull out of this show but Dave Davis and the band "Phil 'N' The Blanks" is going to fill in for us. Please go and support them at this, the last Cruise Night of the season. (Public Welcome, No Cover) Cruisin’ Grand™ Finale, Escondido, CA - Sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts & Truly Nolen. 5:00 - 8:00 PM
September 25, Saturday - Private Anniversary Event
October 9, Saturday - Private Event
November 4, Thursday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) The Sunset Market Main Stage, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street - 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
December 2, Thursday - Tango Del Rey, San Diego's Entertainment Palace - 8:30 - 12:30 - Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego, CA
Copy and Paste - http://web.me.com/cpsociety/Tango_Del_Rey/Home.html
December 9, Thursday - The Third Annual Torrey Del Mar Plaza Party. Open to the public. This is an "unplugged" Retro Harmony show, our duet version of the full band. 3859 Carmel Valley Rd # D, San Diego, CA - 858 484-9090
December 16, Thursday - (Public Welcome, No Cover) The Sunset Market Main Stage, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street - 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM
December 31, New Year's Eve Bash at the Vision Pulse Events Center. Everyone welcome. All ages. Admission? Bring food or drink and it's free. Come empty handed it will be $10 at the door. The Retro Rocketts will perform 'LIVE" from 8 PM - 11 PM. Lots to do, music, laser show, games, fun, DJ music following The Retro Rocketts until 2 AM, munchies and more! Check out the Vision Pulse Web Site http://www.VisionPulse.com. Vision Pulse, 10211 Pacific Mesa Blvd, Suite 510, San Diego, 92121. http://www.visionpulse.com or call (858) 720-8286.
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January 29, 2009, The Sunset Market, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street on the Main Stage - 4:00 - 8:00
February 6 - Private 40th Birthday Party - Encinitas
February 13 San Diego - Tentative - Charity Event
March 1, San Diego – Tentative – Charity Event
March 14, 8:30 PM - 12:00 AM - Ocean House - Carlsbad, California - 760-729-4131
April 18, Saturday - 3:30 PM - 4:30+PM - Days Of Art - Ditmar Stage, Oceanside, CA (760) 433-3632
April 26, Sunday - The 26th Annual Encinitas Street Fair - Main Stage/Beer Garden - 11:30 PM- 2:00 PM- (760)-753-1950
June 11, Thursday - The Sunset Market, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street on the Main Stage - 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
June 13th, Saturday - JBA Performance Center Customer Appreciation/Summer Kick Off - Show & Go Hot Rod Car Show. If you like Cool Cars, this is a great event. LIVE Music from around 11:00 AM until mid afternoon. Food, entertainment, door prizes, drinks, special offers on products and services and more! 5135 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA. Admission is FREE! For more event info: JBA Performance - 858-495-3395 or The Retro Rocketts- 760-500-1997
June 27th - Retro Rocketts Band Grand Prize Raffle - House of Blues, San Diego, CA. 7-10 PM
July 4th, Private Independence Day Party, 5-9 PM, Cardiff by the Sea, CA
July 12, Acoustic performance, 5-9 PM, Annual BBQ, Elk's Lodge, Cardiff by the Sea, CA
July 18th, Wedding Ceremony reception, 5-9 PM, Rancho San Diego, CA
July 19th, Don Swanson/Jennifer Johnson Acoustic Duet, 4-6 PM, Del Mar Plaza Art Gallery Reception, Del Mar, CA
July 25, Don Swanson/jennifer Johnson Acoustic Duet, 2-5 PM, JBA Performance Hot Rod Show, Kearny Mesa, CA
October 22, Thursday - The Sunset Market, Downtown Oceanside between Pier View Way and Tremont Street on the Main Stage - 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
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June 13, 7:00 - 10:30 PM - Private Event
June 27, 7:00 - 10:30 PM - Private Event
July 12, 8:00 - 11:30 PM - Private Eevent
July 25, 7:00 - 10:30 PM - Encinitas Elks Lodge - 760-753-2243
August 10, 3:00 - 6:00 PM - Ocean House - Carlsbad, California - 760-729-4131
August 31, 3:00 - 6:00 PM - Ocean House - Carlsbad, California - 760-729-4131
September 7, 1:00 - 4:00 PM - The Torrey Del Mar Annual Car Show - 13859 Carmel Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92130
September 13, Private Event - Rancho Santa Fe, CA
September 20, Corporate Event - Newport Beach, CA
September 26, Private Event - Encinitas, CA - 760-753-2243
October 5, 3:00 - 6:00 PM - Ocean House - Carlsbad, California - 760-729-4131
October 10, The Retro Acoustic Trio - Private Event - Encinitas, California
October 31, Annual Halloween Bash - 7:00 - 11:00 PM - Escondido Moose Lodge - 760-745-1874
November 1, Annual Halloween Bash - 7:00 - 11:00 PM - Encinitas Elks Lodge - 760-753-2243
November 14, The Retro Rocketts full band or The Retro Rocketts Acoustic Trio - 7:00 - 10:30 - Encinitas Elks Lodge - 760-753-2243
December 1st and 2nd - MiraCosta College Studio Recording, Oceanside, CA
December 20, Party, Public Welcome (FREE Show) - 7:00 - 11:00 Encinitas Elks Lodge 760-753-2243
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A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE RETRO ROCKETTS. . . .
Don Swanson was in his first band, "The Maltese Mates" at age 14 back in the 1970s and continued to play guitar and sing over the years. It was the spring of 2005 when he started to put together a duet. That duet lead into a trio which lead into 4 members which lead into 5, then 6, then 7 members that became The Retro Rocketts. A lot has changed over the past 6 years. There has been The Retro Rocketts 1, 2 and 3. The current band is the third rendition of performers.
Don has had a lifelong love affair with rocketry and the space program and the fact that the band plays 'retro' songs, the name The Retro Rocketts seemed perfect for the band. The two Ts in Rocketts was in tribute to the famous Rocketts female dance group because at the time, The Retro Rocketts (1) had three female back up singers/dancers.
Don has always loved the Beatles and for years Produced and Promoted some of the most successful Beatlemania theatrical shows in San Diego history. Designing the best props and stage equipment, hiring the best Beatles tribute talent from all corners of the United States, hiring the best sound people with the best equipment and placing the events in old, historic live theaters, the shows were an extremely popular Holiday Season attraction. The performances included songs from throughout the Beatle's journey.
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Don Swanson and The Retro Rocketts use only the best equipment to make your event the best it can be. Please consider these fine brands listed above that we use when purchasing your professional music gear. They are available at most guitar retailers.
We are proud to have on board Up Front Communications from Carlsbad, California. Up Front Communications President Dan Walsh is a name synonymous with quality sports and musical related arenas. A Producer, Director and Camera Operator with over 30 years of experience working for Seals Communications, ESPN, ABC Sports and others, Dan and his company of qualified staff members will be taking our band on a Digital World journey. If your company would like to capitalize on this modern advertising medium and reap the benefits of a meaningful and profitable video ad campaign, you can reach Up Front Communications at 760-942-2863 or by clicking on their link below. Tell Dan we told you to call.
Don Swanson would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to his family and friends for always encouraging him and also to three very special, long time friends - Dave Gonzalez, Jimmy Pou (pronounced Poe) and Gerry Walker for their years of inspiration. Dave was the front man for the 3 piece Rockabilly band, The "Paladins" for 25+ years and then with the Hacienda Bros. The Hacienda Brothers played in 2010 at the American Music Awards and Dave was also listed in the “Top 101 All-time Unsung Guitar Heroes” as selected by Guitar Player Magazine’s February, 2008 issue. He now has a band called the Stone River Boys out of Austin, Texas.
Jimmy Pou is hands down, the most famous, most popular and original actor/musician/singer to ever perform as George Harrison in Beatlemania shows Worldwide since 1977. Jimmy is so well versed at his craft that people aspiring to play in Beatles tribute bands as "The Quiet Beatle" are told to just "do it the way Jimmy Pou does it." Jimmy was the original George in the West Coast/Broadway Production that went on to be one of the best theatrical musicals of all time, thrilling people of all ages Worldwide. Jimmy has performed with more than a dozen different Tribute shows including playing bass (yes bass) for the Beach Boys Family and Friends show with original Beach Boy, Al Jardine and Brian Wilson's daughters, Wendy and Carny. Jimmy now performs Worldwide with the absolute best Beatles Tribute show, RAIN!. I encourage you to check out one of Jimmy's shows whenever you can. www.RainTribute.com. He also performs with "4 Lads From Liverpool"
Jimmy is also our back-up bass player/vocalist in the band.
Gerry Walker is a multi award winning San Diego Music Association and also The California Music Association - "Best Pedal Steel Player". Gerry is a classically schooled musician that is also a virtuoso on guitar and bass. Gerry owns Stereo Steel, a specialized amplifier company that caters to the Pedal Steel player Worldwide. www.StereoSteel.com. Gerry is also our back-up bass player/vocalist in the band.
The Retro Rocketts are grateful to also have the continuing help and support of these other people and businesses:
Dave Ombrello Photography and all of the great people at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Global Moving Systems is our official transportation company. For all your home, business or military Worldwide moving needs, contact Global Moving Systems at 858-824-1903.
Images in The Retro Rocketts banner courtesy of Starships.com and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. www.SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
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