The Side Kicks
If you’re into adages you know what to do when dealt a lemon. If not, ask Bill Brown. He’s been sipping from a pitcher he blended in 1973 which has turned out to be a most inspirational blend.
When adversity strikes, moving forward with a positive effort may be a daunting task, but Bill is a stirring example of what an optimistic approach can lead to following a dreadful experience.
Area residents may know Bill through his many years of appearing with his bands throughout mid-Michigan and venues in nearby states, adding a blend of entertainment, humor and novelty along the way. Almost to the person, however, unknown is the story of how he came to that role even though music has been an attraction since childhood. As a student he played trombone in the St. Johns High School band under long-time music teacher Walt Cole, who was to become his mentor, providing support and encouragement at a needed time.
Bill Brown is caught by the camera during an appearance of Side Kicks. He has committed to memory over 1,300 songs – enough for a long evening’s entertainment.
Bill’s lemon struck in the form of a dire encounter with a pane of glass that left his right hand virtually useless. Doctors advised that chances were slim the hand would ever function effectively. The loss of mobility and capacity to grasp presented a significant challenge for filling a hollow along life’s path to the future.
Bill returned to music. Not with the trombone, but an instrument that required hand and finger dexterity; the guitar. “I thought, with my knowledge of music and the demands of playing a guitar, I could coax the hand into activity,” he said. “That hand wasn’t gonna just hang around!” It was about this time that Cole became an encouraging mentor, Bill explained, lending support and reinforcement to the new undertaking.
And, as they say, the rest is history. In November 1973, about seven months after the unsettling accident, Bill put together a group including Gerald Waldorf, Rick Waldorf and Rory Cooke, dubbed the unit “The Rhythm Riders” and began to take on gigs, all the while developing a style that held together for fourteen years. Then in 1987, following a brief hiatus from the scene, Bill and Harvey Evans teamed up as “Side Kicks.” The duo continues today.
Side Kicks is not only recognized as an amusingly entertaining and danceable band, but also for their frequent appearances without charge at fund raisers, charitable or non-profit events. “It’s part of our make-up,” Bill explained, referring to the Brown-Evans team. “We’re all in this thing together and we feel that making a contribution is part of our responsibility.”
One of the more recent contributions was the appearance of Side Kicks at the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s “Snow Day at the Emerald” this past January. The event is an annual fund raiser for the Auxiliary featuring indoor/outdoor activities along with an evening of food, fun and games. According to Kathie Clock, chair, the band was most willing to participate in the fund raiser without charge. “It was the third year the group responded to our request,” Ms Clock stated, “and their appearance was important to the success of the occasion. We are most grateful.”
Side Kicks not only enhance the spirit of a social gathering, but by its willingness to contribute, leaves an indelible impression on the heart of the community.
Over the years, Bill Brown and Harvey Evans, performing as The Side Kicks, have appeared throughout mid-Michigan and in adjoining states.
As outlined in accompanying article, Bill’s entry into entertainment came about as a result of a personal injury accident which drew him to the use of the guitar as a form of therapy. Through the years, he has led two bands and the groups have never been reluctant to contribute their time to charity or at fund raisers designed to assist others.
While the original accident inspired Bill to return to music, he later received another set-back when his wife, Charlene, was diagnosed with cancer. However, she was, and continues to be, Bill’s strongest supporter.
Despite regular weekly chemo treatments, Charlene has never missed one appearance of The Side Kicks, traveling with the band and even assisting in the set up process.
The positive mind-set of the leader of the band is strongly complemented by the leader’s spouse. An admirable duo.