The Memories Reunion Concert

The Memories, Circa 1980

“The Memories” began their professional musical career in Boyceville, Wisconsin in 1972. High School Classmates, Tim Stevens, Warren Petryk and John Lynch appeared at the local Cucumber Festival dance under the name of “The Pickle Dillies”. For the next 16 years, the three “boys from Boyceville” performed across the country at fairs and festivals, concerts, night clubs, conventions and other special events. In May 1988, John retired from the group to pursue other career interests.

On July 9th, John returns to the stage to perform a special reunion concert with Tim and Warren.

After John’s departure in 1988, Tim and Warren continued to perform full time until 1995 with various band members…and today still entertain audiences with a “part-time” schedule of 25-30 shows/concerts per year.

Stevens said, “Performing at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair again with John on stage with us will be a very special night. The fair was an important part of our young performance career…and gave us a big boost. We were honored to be “Goodwill Ambassadors” of the 1979 NWSF and had the chance to do several shows during the whole week of the fair…opening each Grandstand concert…as well as singing at the free stages during the day. It was at the fair that year that we made a connection with Harry “Hap” Peebles whose Hap Peebles Booking Agency was country music's largest and best-known talent supplier. Hap showcased us at several Midwestern fair conventions the winter of 1979/1980, and the next thing we knew we were singing at fairs and festivals all across the country. We have always credited the NWSF…especially current manager Pinky Lee and then manager, Don Frenette with playing a big part of our success.”

The Memories built a reputation with their trademark - “MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND WONDERFUL TIMES!” Through the years, they showcased 3-part harmony as their focus….performing songs of many popular vocal groups – The Statler Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, The Mills Bothers and more. They also made an effort to make sure their performances were always fun – including comedy and novelty songs as part of their repertoire.

Stevens added, “we hope to put a show together that will bring back some special memories for family, friends and fans that supported us so faithfully during those years….and still do so today!”

“The Memories” Career Highlights 1971 - 1988

1971 – The “Pickle-Dillies” perform for Cucumber Festival Talent Show; receive 2nd Place Honors and $10.00. Members are David Brezina (Trumpet), John Lynch (Sax), Tim Stevens (Tuba) and Warren Petryk (Trombone)
1972 - The “Pickle-Dillies” first dance engagement at Boyceville Cucumber Festival.
1974 – Tim, John and Warren become known as “The Memories”.
1975 – Win Talent Contest @ Black Steer Supper Club in Eau Claire, WI. Release first 45 RPM recording.
1975 – Become “House Band” at Pine Point Lodge on Tainter Lake, north of Menomonie, WI, performing Thursday through Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
1979 – Open show for Barbara Mandrell at Barron, WI Farm & Feather Fest.
1979 – Appear at Northern WI State Fair in Chippewa Falls, WI as “Goodwill Ambassadors”.
1980 – First Appearance at the Minnesota State Fair
1982 – Begin Co-Hosting annual Telethon for United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin on WEAU-TV
1982 – Appear at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA
1983 – Win First Place in the Wrangler Jeans/Dodge Trucks Country Showdown at Wisconsin State Fair and First Place at the Hodag Country Music Pickoff in Rhinelander, WI.
1984 – Recording and broadcast of “The Memories in Concert” 60 Minute TV Special on WI Public Television – recorded at the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie, WI.
1985 - Special Recognition from the Menomonie, WI, Chamber of Commerce “In Appreciation of Dedicated Entertainment and Representation of Our Area to a National Audience”.
1986 – Perform First Annual Christmas Concert at Mabel Tainter Theater
1988 – John Lynch retires from the group.