For Pete’s Sake
And, on a personal note … I met, worked with, and played softball against Pete, and “the boys” in my salad days (early 80s) when I was booking, managing and promoting bands around Portland. It was sad to hear about Pete. This e-mail below is from Jon DuFresne (Jon@compphys.com). Besides helping Pete out, this will be a good show tonight at Duff’s Garage.
“Remember the MALCHICKS? They were that flamboyant and raucous band fronted by brothers Billy and Lenny Rancher, with members Dave Stricker (bass) Rod Batiste (guitar) Pete Jorgeson (drums) and managed by Joe Dreiling. In the late 70s, they rocked Tony Demicolli’s club, The Long Goodbye, and were a part of the burgeoning original music scene in Portland. Billy and Dave (along with guitartist Jon DuFresne) went on to form the Unreal Gods, and Lenny and Pete formed their own band, Dem Roosters. Both bands played another Tony Demicolli club, La Bamba, and the wild fun, late nights, and great music continued on into the early 80s. Through different bands and name changes, Lenny and Pete continued their friendship and love of music, even going to Hawaii to play some gigs on the island. For a time, Lenny became a studio musician and environmental activist, and Pete played with bands such as The Harsh Lads (Houston Bolles) and Hundred Percent.
“The Unreal Gods disbanded in 1984, and Billy and Lenny and Pete reformed as Flesh and Blood. That band carried on until Billy succumbed to cancer in 1986. There were great shows at Key Largo, (another Tony Demicolli club-who is this guy anyway?) the Oregon State Penetentiary (not as inmates) The Pine St. Theater, and The Last Hurrah.
“To this day, Lenny and Pete have remained good friends and fellow musicians, along with cohorts Dave Stricker, Jon Dufresne, Houston Bolles, Franklin Stewart, Dave Diaz, Steve Hettum and Joe Dreiling.
“Well, now, one member of this rat-pack, Pete Jorgeson, is battling leukemia. Pete is well known and liked in the Portland music scene. Pete’s an excellent drummer, with a style that resembles Charlie Watts and Ringo Starr, never flashy or showy, but always on the mark and steady back-beat rhythm. So, his buddies have decided to come together to play a show to benefit their friend.
“We’re going to come together on Sunday, July 19, at Duff’s Garage, 1635 S.E. 7th Ave., 503-234-2337. Musicians to perform include — but are not limited to — Lenny Rancher, Jon DuFresne and Dave Stricker (Unreal Gods), Houston Bolles, Steve Hettum, Dave Diaz, Eugenio (Church of Surf), Michael Kearsey and many, many others.
“The list grows longer as the days pass. There will also be videos of The Malchick’s Reunion at La Bamba, The Flesh and Blood gig at the Oregon State Penetentiary, and the Oregon Rock Allstar (Two Louies Magazine sponsored) softball game provided by David Jester of Pro-Video.
“The doors open at 5 p.m. We encourage everybody to come early and enjoy an hour of socializing and drinks and having dinner. Duff’s has a full sevice bar, good eats and a lively music scene. The live music begins at 6 p.m. with our version of Songwriters in the Round including performances by Lenny Rancher, Jon DuFresne, Houston Bolles, and Steve Hettum. Band performances will follow with a host of musicians.
“There will be memorabilia and CD’s for sale, all to benefit our friend Pete. The party will continue until it’s over. The cover charge is to benefit Pete, as well as any contributions people wish to donate who for some reason are unable to attend. Make checks payable to Pete Jorgeson.
“We’re gonna have fun; hope to see you there. Come on down for some good tunes, good vibes and lot’s of good Karma,
Jonny”
