The Late 70’s

Linny Kammeter (vocals, guitar) and Dave Donahoe (vocals, guitar) started out as a duo
playing small clubs. But Dave had played in bands in Utah and California and missed that
“fuller” sound.

They added a drummer (Paul Horowitz) and bass player (Brad Jordan) to expand their sound and marketability.

Hence, Linny-Dave & Co. was created. After more changes in 1976, Union Pacific Band evolved: Mike Hurley (drums), Gary Crane (bass, vocals), Ray Wilkerson (keyboard, vocals) Linny Kammeter (vocals, guitar) and Dave Donahoe (vocals, guitar).

In 1977, Gary Archer replaced Mike Hurley on drums. Jim Mason of the Richmond News-
Leader reviewed UPB in 1978 and wrote this in his “Stepping Out” column “
Versatility and vocals typify this band.. (they) rock’n’roll all right but they also cover
tracks from bluegrass and country to rhythm and disco

STEP BACK IN TIME YOURSELF  BY READING  THE BELOW REVIEW

The 80’s

After a two year period of stability, more changes… Gary Archer was replaced by Gregg
Gammon on drums, Bobby Sidenberg left for California, giving way to John Whitlock.

In 1981, Union Pacific Band was one of only ten central Virginia bands chosen to be
part of XL102's Statutory Rock album with Mike Hurley’s original tune “See
What I Mean.” Growing families and ever increasing career demands caused Dave,
Ray and Mike to bow out in early 1982, replaced by Michael Poland, Ellie Sorg and
Bruce McKay.

In April, 1983, when the last “original” member, Gary Crane, decided to hang up
his bass, the Union Pacific Band quietly faded away. Several original members played
together in other Richmond area bands such as Nite Flite and Private Sector. Unlike
UPB’s practice and performance schedule, these groups did not require such an
intense commitment.

The 90’s

In the fall of 1993, to mark 10 years since the final performance of the Union Pacific
Band, a reunion was organized with nine of the 14 former members able to attend.
It was planned as a simple get together since most people had not seen each other
for many years. However, after a little drinking, a bit of eating, some talking, reminiscing, and a bit more drinking, new bands started forming.

John, Mike, Gregg, Gary C. and Bruce began the band Phoenix which remained
together in various line-ups for over 7 years. Dave, Ray, and Gary A. worked on
and off, together and separately, in bands like the Jukebox Brothers and Fantasy.

2000 Until ???

Soon after the start of the new millennium, Dave, Ray, Gary A. and Paul Horowitz merged together as the Satisfaction Band.

When Gary C. joined the fray at the start of 2005, it seemed only natural to revive the Union Pacific Band name.

Clockwise from left - Paul, Dave, Ray and Gary - 2008.

PB quickly returned to its forte of tight stand-out vocals and an exceptionally versatile
song list. Gary A. “retired” in mid-2006, but occasionally sits in with the rest of the
guys. In late 2009, Paul relocated out of town and Bill Lockhart (an old friend from past bands) joined UPB on drums. From time to time, Dawn Wilhelm of Phoenix and Brynne Rollins stop by to sing a few songs. And you just never know when another former member of UPB might drop in just for the fun of it.

Remember the UPB motto:

"If you danced to it growing up

  We can probably play it!"