Ronnie's Riverqueen

[Greg]

I’m new to this forum, so maybe it’s already been covered. But how about some reminiscences and other info about Ronnie’s Riverqueen? I remember hearing Cannonball Adderley, and Harold Land with Bobby Hutcherson, and lots of local talent, probably about 1968 and ‘69. The fact that it wasn’t licensed was no doubt grating to most patrons, not to mention the owner. But to a kid in his mid-teens, that meant the club was open to anyone with the cover charge and price of a mocha.
Why did it close? Didn’t the same guy later run the Old Cellar? What happened to him? What memories do you have about the place, its people and its music?

[Gregg Simpson]

In reply to the Riverqueen topic, I can say it was a great little club. It certainly had some great imported acts, like the ones Greg mentioned, plus I saw Rahasan Roland Kirk and the Vibration Society there. They were right out there as you can imagine.

Played several Sunday nights with pianist Mike Taylor, sitting in for Al Weirtz. I don't know where the owner, Ronnie Small went after the club closed, possibly Edmonton.

Glad to comment on more Vancouver jazz history.

Gregg Simpson

[Miles Fenton]

I remember Ronnies Riverqueen very well as I played guitar with Mike Taylor for years.
I also subbed for him at other venues on his Hammond B3. We were great friends and I miss having him around. Where is he now?
I was playing a Gibson ES335 left handed if anybody remembers.
Miles Fenton.

[Greg]

Another name that comes up is Steve Ellington on drums. In the early ’70s I heard him again, this time with Freddie Hubbard at the Colonial Tavern in Toronto. Then I lost track of him again. But he kept busy with Dave Holland, among others.