gregory
March 4, 2010
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Hi Cathy, Never did get around to thanking you for the cassette tapes you very kindly sent me. I finally received them after they spent many years buried amongst Simon Stribling's stored possessions.
Hope you have a good memory, I was the banjo player with the Australian band "Hotter than six / Fireworks jazz band" at the "Chilliwack jazz fest" I think 1998.
Still enjoying your music and thanks again. John Withers
I have a guess card from the time when you were in San Diego ,Calif. I was in the navy 1968-1972. I saw your show drank beer ,ate peanuts and had a wonderful time. Are you ever coming to St. Louis, Mo.?
Hello Mickey,
I remember you as Fred Soetje (not sure of the spelling) because Joanne Smith was one of my best friends at Arcadia High School (in 1955-56), and she was very proud of you, her cousin. I have tried for years to find her but haven't had any luck. If you happen to read this, could you let me know where she is? It would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Great Website,
i come here via Google cause i was looking for this.
Very interesting. I will come back soon.
Thanks for the great site
Camlion
Hi Fred, Would like to know if I can use you as a reference as I am looking around for part time work on line. I want to get back to work at least on a part time basis Thanx! Oh yea---Happy New Year! Bobby Glenzer
I remember your show from the days you were in San Diego....seen your show in Laughlin and Las Vegas...loved it!! Would like a list of your show dates so I can share with friends...thank you, Skip
I knew you because of an interview I did in the early 70's...I was a student at College of San Mateo. I have been in Hollywood since 1972 and am very happy to know that you are still performing!
Hello Mr. Finn.,
way back when Tracer was riding those bikes, we were friends. I try to keep in contact with him... Looking more like his dad every day! I just wanted to say hello and wish you a Merry Christmas!
Just saw your Christmas show in The Villages. Loved it, purchased all of your CD's and have been listening to them ever since. We plan on going to your show in January. What a talented group of musicians......
I remember your place well, with great nostalgia from the early sixties. Don "The Flying Dutchman" sat on the piano while Fred banged out the melodies. Big cheers when a keg was tapped. Tables seemed to get smaller with each visit until they were just a strip of wood. Your wife was a real charmer to add to the atmosphere. Wish you were here...
I'm also 53 and remember your show in the 60s. You were cute then and still are, F!
As a kid (I'm now 53) my Mom used to talk about your place alot. I figured it was somewhere far away. My Mom passed away years ago and I am just now getting around to digitizing all her old records.
I came across your album (Volume 2) and saw that it was autographed to my Mom (Helen) by Fred and Don on the front. Then I saw you were in San Diego (we lived there for a short time in '60-'61).
It's good to find your web site.
Thanks for being a bright spot in my parent's life. Now my 19 year old daughter is excited that I have this album and wants to listen to it.
David
Your place in San Diego was first date of my wife and I, October 15, 1965. Married following August. Had many,many great times there.
I was just explaining to a co-worker of this TV show that used to be on 40 years ago, and I didn't recall anything except this zany character and his beautiful banjo playing partner and all the great songs. I almost thought that I had been dreaming it all until I found your website...love you both! Way to go guys! I'll try to see you if you're ever in my area. Bobby Brown
Well history is now repeating itself. I'm looking for part time work hopefully in the area of data processing from home, now that I have a laptop. Hope all is well and have a nice Thanksgiving! Bob Glenzer
Your music still lives! Yeah! I used to come down from Escondido as often as I could in the early 60's. Saw you at Balboa Park live the first time in 1962. Your CD buying link is broken today. Keep on going.
I presantly work at the old Mickey Finns on University in Hillcrest San Diego, California. It is still a Night Club, called Rich's in fact the most popular and oldest nightclub in the area. There are theme nights that really still raise the roof. I am very interested in contacting and receiving some of the old picture of the interrior and some names of the guests that performed there. Maybe even doing a nostalgic night. Please write me back and let me know if you can help us out with this possibly.
Hi Fred....An old voice from the past...I was the "pain" in your behind for a good number of years, both in San Diego and in Vegas. I am happy to say I have "grown" up and remember a lot of good times and a few bad ones. I can only apoligize now at 63 for things I said and did when I was 25! I hope you will forgive & forget the bad stuff. In case you have not figured out who I am yet, let me give you a couple of hints...I really was blond (still am) and I became good friends with Clara Plummer and I dated Carl (Curly) for a LOT of years, even after I left Vegas and moved back to Texas...NOW DO YOU REMEMBER????? Could you please email me back and let me know if you know anything about Scotty and his mother. I knew about Carl and Bob's passing and I was devastated, but I guess it will come to us all eventually. Really glad I found your website, and glad to see you are still kicking the piano keys with your right foot!!!!! Love to you and the KIDS (see if the boys remember me). hope to hear from you soon..Oh by the way I am in OK City now so if you get this way let me know, I promise I won't be a PAIN!!!!!!
FRED,IT HAS BEEN 55 YR'S SENCE OUR LAST MEETING ( SAFEWAY 471 REDWOOD
CITY )I STILL SEE FRED GAY OFTEN
AND WE KID ABOUT THE OLD DAYS.
GLAD TO SEE YOUR STILL GOING
DON STANSFIELD
It is indeed amusing to see the confusion of someone who remembers the old Mickie Finn from the 60s--Fred's wife Barbara, who as "Mickie" played the banjo in the club and on TV. After they broke up, Fred kept the Mick(ey) Finn show going, and gradually started calling himself Mickey. Except everyone really called him Fred. And the name was Soetje, not Finn. There were no Finns! No Finns at all! It's like the Copleys, where everyone is adopted and there are no Copleys by blood anymore. But the Mickey Finn Show lives!!!
Play your music often and sure brings back memories of the two cruises where we witnessed your great performanes. We were hoping you both would be on the upcoming cruise from NYC TO QUEBEC. All the best to you both .
Fred, I came and seen you at the Union Plaza in Las Vegas. I was in the USAF. Had the day off and went to your show. Your wife got me on stage and danced with me. Found your picture and old cassette tape and played it. Brought back good memories. I love the old honky tonk music. Glad to see your still playing music. Good luck and thank you for the memories
retired chief musician. Carl Evans was one of my early chiefs. Loved the band in San Diego and the Fremont in Vegas. Remember Ms. Flanery? Hope to see one of your shows. Yours musicaaly, trombone and tuba wise, Crazy John Hester
Fred, It has been a long time from
knowing you at Hambones in San Mateo and San Mateo J.C.
I "discovered" Mickie Finn's in 66, 1966 that is, and have enjoyed listening to the music and memories ever since.
Sure wish there was a CD copy of the old 33.3 RPM platters available but my record player still works and the platter is in good condition.
All the best.
- The guy who drank Coke on the rocks and operated the projector in the balcony occasionally -
Hey..when are you coming to Oklahoma City? We don't want to miss you. You fans..Mary, John, and Betty.
Hi Fred,
You have to remember me as one of your devoted fans. I was your photographer at the Plazza in Las Vegas.
We've been on 16 cruises with Princess and had the pleasure of being lucky enough to have seen both Mickey and Cathy on a couple of cruises. We charish the cd's we have and their music is definitely our favorite. Sure hope we get to see them perform again.
trying to find my cousin cathy lawton reilly - have a picture of aunt kate that you would love ... i'm moving to maui on 8/4 and have been going through old pix ...pls send your address
dottie
Just checking in with you, hope all is well. I am still working a few days a week part time. Denise is doing well, has quite a knitting business going. Hope all is well Bobby
Please tell me where I can buy VCR tapes or DVDs of your original TV shows. I enjoyed watching those shows so much.
Hello, cool site. What CMS is it?
Hello good day
Fred....Just found your website...gee, what a great time I used to have @ your Club in SDiego, while I was in the Navy @ North Island. One of my fondest memories during that time. I even have an old beer mug I managed to acquire during my visits. So glad to hear you're still making great music. Best wishes to you and Cathy.,,,,,,Larry
I just found an autographed record album from you that I inherited from my great grandfather. He has been gone for 8 yrs. The name of the album is the number 1 speakeasy. I have read about you now and have found it very interesting. Take Care
Hi Guys,
Somebody sent me a video of a banjo festival performance from the 90s (I think). I put it on my work computer while I was working this morning and every once in a while I would hear a really good player. When I looked up it was Cathy! Which reminds me, I need to find that blackmail photo of Cathy and Linda kissing me in Bay City. That street performance with all those "different" instruments was a scream. I hope you are both well. I'll be at the FIGA convention this year. I need sell some CDs! I hope it's not too long before I see you again. I have a new website robwrightbanjo.com. Rob Wright
Hi Mickey,
Love your web site!! So glad we had a chance to meet at water aerobics
Thanks too for your advice for my daughter Marissa Perry. I have passed it on to her!I hope my husband Dave and I can catch your act when we are back down in October.
Joyce Jeffrey
from San Diego. at your speakeasy with Dr. Miller. A few Years Ago
Joe
Hi Fred. My Mom, Pat Ogle, use to be your photographer at the show you had at the Union Plaza in Vegas. She still has a bunch of your pictures. I think that was the best time she ever had working in your showroom.
My dad played with the "Big Tiny Little Band" in the 60's at Mickey Finn's. Is it still there
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
See you every time you come to the Villages and enjoy your spirt and music. Keep firing up. I fire up but nobody fires with me.
Hi Fred and Cathy I'm glad to see your still at it,looking forward to seeing you preform some time soon.Cathy I love your banjo playing and hear you on live 365 banjo jazz radio some times. I've been playing the banjo for over 40 years in San Francisco and the Bay Area.Keep it going.
Hi Fred! Just reading these posts brings back a ton of great memories from behind the bar: Paul Wetnight, Jay "Hump" Hernandez, Brownie and yours truly along with the raucous ATO's! I remember after hours on the nights we would set a new sales record (13 kegs out the door!).."The object is not to hit the moose, but one foot to the left and one foot below!"...then leave for TJ at four in the morning and the bullfights...man, those were the days! Love ya' buddy...hope all is well!
Sounds like you are doing great!
Just wanted to say, "HI".
Hope to see your show someday.
Connie
AHS'55
MY PARENTS (FRANK & IRENE WILBUR) LIVED NEXT TO YOU IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ARCADIA,CA. WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP...YOU GAVE THEM A CAT AND THEY NAMED IT "FREDDY". MY MOM IRENE (93 YEARS YOUNG) IS STILL LIVING IN ARCADIA....IM SURE SHE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. LET ME KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT HER.
SINCERELY, FRANCENE WILBUR ALLEN
ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1977
YES THEY HAD ME LATE MOM WAS 43
I still have my original 33rpm Capital Records album.
My wife and I really enjoyed your shows on University Ave in SD in the early '60's. Do you have a show schedule in Las Vegas in the next six months or so?
Became a member of Sparkey's Strummers here at the Villages. It is my greatest joy..Heard you for the first time at Madi Gra in Sumter Landing....Indredible stuff!! Thank you and many thanks to your father ,Kathy, for this wonderful group and it's music.
America's #1 Speakeasy.....that
was your album, was it not?
Still available??
Hi folks. I wrote to you back in September inquiring about Stormy Gormley and his wonderful tuba playing. Do you know if the family still owns his tuba? Also, what happened to the other original players like Spider Marillo, Dimples Bobby J., Leon and the "flying dutchman"? Are they still with us and if so, are they still active with music? Hope all is well, I love your music and looking forward to hearing from you! God bless, Terry in Indy
Just now I was thinking of your old tv show and your saloon in San Diego ... what fun we had! I'm so glad to see that you're still entertaining the world. When are you coming out west? Thanks for all of the good times.
Graduate Arcadia High 1955
"Rich's" sure isn't "Mickie Finn's!" I still have my old membership card, laminated, from 1961. We had the privilege of seeing the show the last time you returned to San Diego. My wife and I have a lot of fond memories
of the old club, 1965-closing. My future father-in-law and I practiced our drinking in your place - a test, I think. I was sad to see that Dick Lopez passed away some time back. We would run into each other frequently in Mission Hills. I also bump into "Birdie" Carter, rarely, and reminisce. Keep the chops going!
Come on back and see us sometime.
Just returned from the Largo Community Center and I wanted to tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed your show. We cannot believe how fast you play the piano. And Cathy you make it look so simple to play the banjo and I know that is one of the most difficult instruments to play.
We wante to thank you for a enjoyable afternoon and look forward to see you in the near future.
Hey Fred,I use to go to parties in Arcadia with you.I was Mike Huntley's best friend(1950's)
Remember Valarie Harper,she and I
were going together...Remember
Linda Petty,Mike married her!!Saw
you in Las Vegas one time...nice to see you are still going...I am a retired Green Beret and I am a mining Geologist and member of
Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Posse here in
Pheonix,az Marty
Hey Fred, A name from the past! I had a lot of fun playing trumpet with you in Vegas and Hawaii.
I hope you get this.
Take care,
-Tony
I played trombone with Big Tiny Little. One of the best gigs we EVER had was at your club in San Diego. what a gas.
Gordon
Are you the same group that played in Vegas back in the sixties ? We saw a group at Union Station and also played on T.V. A ny info would be greatly appreciated.
Cathy, may I pass on my deepest and sincerest condolences at your Dads passing.
Your banjo friend, chord-ially,
Sean Moyses
My Deepest sympathy to you both in the loss of Sparky. He was a kind, friendly, supportive man. The music world has lost a GREAT STAR!!. Our prayers are with you and your family.
E.M.
I always loved going to your speakeasy in San Diego--as soon as I turned 21! Do you have a record anywhere of what the exact address was? I used to be able to spot the building when I would drive by but it's been too may years now and I'm curious what is there now. I hope I get to see you perform again someday! MaryLou
Celebrated my 21st birthday at your club in San Diego in 1968. Still have my t-shirt from that night. Good to see you're still going strong.
Les Thompson
Excellent work, Nice Design
I was just a kid when my folks and I would watch the Mickie Finn show during the summer back in the '60s. I loved the show, and being an aspiring tuba player in my school band couldn't believe the great playing of Stormy Gormley. I read his son's note to you and was saddened to hear of Stormy's passing. I was wondering, what type of tuba did he play, and if the family still owns it. I believe it was a Conn 20J and I would LOVE to have one just like it. I am delighted to see you folks still playing merrily away! God bless, stay well and keep playing your terrfic music!! All best, Terry in Indy
Lucky Larger
We've enjoyed your performances in The Villages for years! The show tonight was terrific as usual. We hope to be on a HAL cruise with you some day. It's the only cruise line we'll sail on.
I remember seeing your band years ago when I was just a little girl. My mother was Margaret "Mickey" Palmer. I remember that my parents had one of Fred's Orange vest hanging in their closet for years and taking it out to show anybody that would look at it. She took great pride in knowing you and Mickey. Thanks for all memories.
~FROSTY~
You have brightend our days with your outstanding banjo playing.
On behalf of Air Iceland in Akureyri.
Funny Things coming later !!!
Fred, my father, Charlie Romero, passed away on Thanksgiving 2007. Would love to actually see you play, please have your people e-mail me. Bye for now, Christy (L's mom).
I have very fond memories of your TV show. Are you going to be televised in the near future? Are you going to be playing in the Asheville, NC area or Savannah, Georgia ? Do you have any CDs or DVDs of any of your shows. I would love to hear from you.
Wendy
Mr. Finn-I met you twice while managing a hotel in Salem,Oregon in the seventies. I even watched your Ferrett for you one night during your preformance at the Oregon State Fair. You then gave me an autographed reocrd. I always enjoyed our music and your wonderful unque style. Was very happy to find your web site
Hello! simply super!
I still have my original Membership Card from 1961 (Nr#88130). I spent many nights listening to your music, eating peanuts and waiting for the next keg to whistle.
We used to go to the club in San Diego starting around 1970. We even had an official card to the club. We remember the Flying Dutchman, Aileen Flannery, and more. What a wonderful show.
All hello! God site
Hi Fred:
Been listening to the old LP's again, still sounds great! I can't quite make out the lyrics at the end of "Bonnie & Clyde" - is there any way to get a lyric sheet for the song, or does anyone out there know these lyrics?
Also are there any DVD's or VHS tapes of the TV show or other performances available? Any help in these areas would be greatly appreciated!
Contact me at rickkoster@att.net
Thanx for all the great music thru the years, & keep on playin!
Hi Fred:
Glad to see your still alive and kicking. Innette and I are still living the good life on the coast near San Luis Obispo, ca.
So enjoying your music CD's. We so enjoyed your company on the Island, and will e-mail soon. We have one more contract on the Pacific in June. Hope to talk to you soon.
I recently got one of your new cd's
I now have 33rpm records, 8 tract tapes, casettetapes, and 1 cd.
How about re-releasing your origional stuff from way back when, on cd's.
Warmest regards,
Ralph Myers
Las Vegas, NV
Yes, "that" Ralph Myers
Dear Fred: I met you in 1964 at your club in San Diego, Ca. (El Cajon Blvd) I was in the Navy and remember your banjo player he was very talented. Glad to see you in the Villages now, I hope to see you again. I live in Charleston, S.C. and loved
good times and tall beer mugs you had. God Bless, Howard.
I was a big fan way back in the 60's and way across the country in Vermont. Lost track of you til now although I did try to buy couple of your VHS tapes and could not order them. Would like any VHS or DVD's available if I could find a way of ordering. So glad to see you are still in the business. Lee Stone
I WAS IN YOUR CLUB BACK IN 1964 WHEN I WAS W/THE MILITARY IN CALIF. I SHOWED MY DRIVERS LICENSE W/MY NAME ON IT AND I MUST SAY I GOT THE ROYAL TREATMENT. I MET "FRED FINN" AND STILL AFTER 42 YEARS STILL HAVE AN AUTOGRAPHED PIC. EVEN AT 19 Y.O. I ENJOYED THE SING ALONGS.
THANKS FOR THE GREAT HOSPITALITY.
MICKEY
You guys are great!! I remember watching you on TV when I was in High School. Great music, personalities, talent and laughs. What a fun show!!
thanks for making us unite
Wife Sharon and I were charter members at S D Speakeasy ... got complimentary membership cards on one of your first days in business when you picked up a sack of change at the Sears cashier's office across the street. Sharon was the cashier who served you; then and many times afterward. We're somehow going to wrangle a way to catch up to your show somewhere someday. Hoping somehow you'll get to our mid-Illinois neighborhood and make it easy for us. One event you would fit like a glove: out annual World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest at Peoria. You should check out that website. Keep on ticklin' the ivories!
I am a seasonal Park Ranger at Everglades NP. talking to a visitor today, I learned that, Fred Finn still exists, here in Florida, no less. We are part of the 3 million who saw you many times in San Diego when I was a young, newly married USMC officer in Oceanside. Looking forward to seeing you in Florida
I AM A JAZZ MUSICIAN, AND I USED TO WATCH YOU ON TV YEARS AGO , ITS A BLESSING TO SEE THAT YOU ARE STILL PLAYING , I AM GOING TO PURCHASE YOUR RECORDINGS IN CD BABY, I AM ALSO ON CD BABY THE NAME OF MY ALBUM IS COOPERS COOKIN JAZZ.
GOD BLESS HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
have enjoyed your entertainment. can't wait to see you again in ocala Sept. 27. when will tickets be available thank you
Way back when when Cathy was Mickey and Mickey Finns was the best time after 6 in San Diego, we used to show up reguarly and suck up that $2.25 a picture beer and listen to your nutty band and the great ragtime all of you played. Do you still guzzle a pint a show Fred? Ha! Never forget that. I was stationed at North Island at the time and still remember you on TV announcing that you were closing the place and heading for LA. That was a sad day for me. Great memories of dancing with Cathy...and getting called from the stage by Fred because the cops were wanting to talk to me outside about throwing a smoke flare at the BofA on the way there. HooBoy! I'm putting you two on my Bucket List.
Enjoyed your show in The Villages last night immensely. Probably was the best of your shows we have seen thus far. The sax group was outstanding. Hope you will have them again. Looking forward to your next visit to The Villages.
I spent many nights at your club in San Diego back in 1969 while I was in the Navy.
hello Mr finn...I was in San Diego and my brother David Moye said you were in Nevada...I just wanted to say hello....I vaguely remember hearing my father Ken Moye play in san diego at your club...I was small at the time...anyway, in ohio and doing fine..just wanted to say hi....love your music..gene moye
Sure miss the old times, still remember working on the old model T with the guys in 67,and that lovely yellow packard, but since the firetruck stuck in my blood, >> I now own one of my own.
> sorry to hear about Pete <
40 years goes by fast, still Love Ya Fred, you're always going to be best piano buster on the planet.
Remember catering the show at LaCosta ? Man that was some fun !
Wish you could put a History and list of guest performers that appeared in the Old Days on University, and it would be great to tell the story about the drag race with the fire truck and old armoured car ?
Kinda takes you back ? Eh
Merry Christmas
Freddy Parr
Just got my new iBook PRO and you're the first site I visited. I reviewed your itinerary and it is my heart's desire to make it to one of your shows -- perhaps on a cruise ship.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Cheers! Stephen
PS:
You (pl!) are the best!
where are my 2 cds I ordered in November ?? I need them for Christmas presents ?? What do I do about this problem ? Please answer, thank you....
address: 1173 Harris Ct., Martinez, CA 94553...sent check on November 25, 2007 ...thank you
Was delighted to see that you are playing in the Villages. First saw you at your establishment in Hillcrest in San Diego in 1963 when I was a young sailor stationed in Diego. Looking forward to coming to the Villages to see and hear you once again. Absolutely love your music and show you do.........Everytime I see a car on the roof of a building I think of your club. RonE