The Squires Band — The History
The Squires performs as a 4-piece dance band from the St. Paul area that has been playing for wedding dances, community events and various parties for over 30 years!
The band originally started out as a 3 piece band in the 70's. Bill Ash (Guitar), Greg Caza (Accordion) and Tom Colosimo (Drums) were the original members. All three met at Eastview Music School on the east side of St. Paul where they took respective instrument lessons from Dan and Geri Turner. The Squires started out with humble beginnings; playing at parties for friend's and relatives and a few community events. Little did these guys know that the band would be a mainstay for more than 30 years and still going strong! Thru the 80's and into the 90's the band added several guitarists to switch off with Bill as he became busier with his full time National Guard gig. The band continued to play for wedding dances and various parties even as DJ's started taking over the scene. Playing at Fairs and other events continued to be the theme for this diversified band. We prided ourselves as being a low cost/high value band that would match our music to the crowds we played for.
1987 marked the major addition of Dennis Grove on Saxophone. Dennis had been in a band of his own years earlier called "The Boys Three" with his brother Dale and others. Dennis was a friend of Greg's and the cool addition of the Alto and Tenor Sax was a welcome addition to the band's sound. His showmanship, singing and high energy style of playing his horn added a whole new dimension to the band that people loved. He never stands still on the stage and always interacts with the crowd!The Squires continued to play around the metro area and other parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin as a three OR four piece band now. An ensemble of Accordion, Drums AND/OR Guitar/Sax combination could be booked depending on the venue.
In 1993, the band played it's first gig at the popular German restaurant and bar; Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit in N.E. Minneapolis. This would be a new venue for the band and one that worked out well for over 15 years on a nearly monthly basis as a public outlet for people to hear and see the band. The German theme of this location fit well with the Polkas, Waltzes and other music of that type. The bands unique blend of Rock & Roll mixed with the Old Time music allowed them to play well to the very diverse and large crowds at this popular location.
In 1996, Bill Ash announced that he wanted to back out of the band totally due to a more demanding job situation. Dave Pawlik, a friend of Tom's stepped in and became the full time guitarist/bass player to replace Bill. Dave's strong bass guitar and added vocals were a nice addition to the Polkas and other music the band played. Dave had played in Blue Grass bands years before and was active at St. Luke's (Cottage Grove, MN.) in their Contemporary Worship Band where he met Tom. He had never played a Polka before in his life, but he took the challenge and learned quickly. The band's volume of gigs was on the rise again after a sluggish period in the early 90's. Expansion into more weddings and community events took place. Then, at the end of 2000, Dave announced that he wanted to take an extended leave. The band immediately put out the call to Steve Napp who is the son of a good sailing buddy of Tom's. Steve had never played a polka in his life either and never thought about ever playing one. He was a 'Rocker' at heart. But he took on the challenge and did his best. His aggressive 'six string' guitar work (we nicknamed him 'Screamer' for his screaming guitar work) expanded the bands variety into more driving Rock & Roll to add to the Old Time music. Songs by BTO and Leonard Skinnerd were an unusual blend and cool addition to the song base of the band. People loved this extended variety of music. Steve's first gig was in 2001 at Gasthof.
From 2001 – 2009 the band enjoyed a steady flow of band gigs from the Gasthof to more wedding dances and community events including local Oktoberfest celebrations. Word got out that The Squires did neighborhood Oktoberfests/street dances and this market niche took off. Regular appearances at Tom Kelly's (Former Twins Manager) Neighborhood Night Out party in Maplewood was/is a fun late summer gig. The addition of performing regularly at "Car Show/Fairs" with the added Rock & Roll charts was also a new and exciting venue for the band. In 2002, the band did its first Cable TV tapings for "Ask The Manager" and "Polka Spotlight Around The World" with Bev Rambough. This really expanded our coverage to a more regional base and activity picked up accordingly. In December of 2008, the band taped it's 12th show for 'Polka Spotlight' with another taping scheduled for late 2010! The Squires has become the most requested band for this popular show!
As of 2009 the band consisted of: Greg and Tom (original members), Dennis, Steve and Dave (who alternates with Steve). During 2009, Steve Napp announced that he was going to be leaving the band after nearly 10 years to move out of state. So the band will have a new look to it as 2010 progresses. Continuing to have Dave and adding a new guitar/bass member to be named soon. The future looks bright as the band continues to win new friends all over Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We often say that our best advertising are the clients we have and the repeat business we get proves that!
2010 marks the beginning of a new era for The Squires Band with the departure of “Screamer” Steve Napp who left Minnesota for greener pastures in Florida. In his place Gerry Francis has come on board as the latest guitar/bass player and brings a wealth of experience and ability to his role with the band. Gerry comes highly regarded by local musicians and fans and will add a great new flair to the band that has evolved over various transitions during its long history. His talent for playing a strong lead guitar, rhythm guitar, driving bass and strong vocals will be a welcome and seamless addition to the band. We are looking forward to a strong 2010 as we grow for the future and entertain a whole new group of clients and developing fan base.
The Squires Band! Over 30 Years and Still Going Strong!