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Published May 27th, 2009
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What's the Buzz in Lafayette? The Buzztones are Back!
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| By Cathy Tyson |
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Everything old is new again. Customer loyalty and supporting your town never go out of style. That's why the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the "Try Lafayette First Thank You Party." Residents are invited to Plaza Park on Friday June 5 to enjoy complimentary refreshments and the fabulous retro sounds of the Buzztones. Merchants truly appreciated the support of long time customers who really did make an effort to shop Lafayette first.
The very popular local band is reuniting for a few special events including this celebration of residents' support of local businesses. Dedicated shopper reunion, classmate reunion, even a band reunion - this is a love fest you don't want to miss.
It's also a chance to meet the merchants who keep Lafayette so vital, and possibly rub elbows with former classmates and Buzztone fans from Acalanes, Miramonte and Campolindo who have stayed in the area since their respective glory days of high school.
Locals of a certain age probably remember fondly Wednesday nights at Abernathy's in Walnut Creek, waiting in lines out the door to listen to the Buzztones. "It was absolutely nuts," said lead singer David Martin. The band came together in 1979, changed the line-up in 1981 and went their separate ways in 1989, although "We've all stayed friends."
"We have this weird, wonderful relationship, like four wacky brothers with great chemistry. When we sing together there's this magic that happens," said Martin, referring to the Buzztone vibe of humor, antics and fun. Many residents know him as David Van Overveen, son of Jop and Irene Van Overveen.
Not only is the band reuniting, but long ago school rivals - Van Overveen/Martin from Acalanes and fellow bandmate Alan Thiele from Miramonte -- can relive some of their musical history back in the neighborhood where it all began. Rounding out the quartet, Ken Cooper and Dan DeShara are also from the area. Martin got his start playing at the Happy Valley sixth grade graduation and at a Kiwanis Pancake Feed. He went on to become involved in Jazz Band at Stanley and sang in the choir at Acalanes.
"Try Lafayette First Thank You Party," Friday June 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Plaza Park at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road. The Buzztones will also be performing at the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival on September 20.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA