07/09/2025
For the unedited video clips visit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6R-YnH3IIPcc86Ta9BOm-LBXXptvac_o&si=JXehiV85-NFYbpAi
On June 26, 2025 (almost exactly 57 years after it began) a well-coordinated reunion and celebration took place. It started with a dinner/gathering of 14 guests and concert goers at the Family Bond home in Walnut Creek. What followed was limo transportation to and from the Alameda County Fair Grounds, an epic performance by Tower of Power, and backstage VIP treatment for all the guests before and after the performance. While the event was designed to commemorate an anniversary/reunion of the founding of Tower of Power, the key individuals were brought together in the exact place it happened 57 years before. 88-year-old legendary rock promoter Bill Quarry and the two TOP primary principals (Mimi and Doc) were to be the focus. Special thanks go to Karla Duncan and Ivory Daniels for all the coordinating and logistics, and to Portia Bond as primary videographer and host for the dinner and gathering. The rest of the guest list was special as well and included the surviving members of the Spyders (John Whitney and Larry Cambra) - whom Mimi credits as the main inspiration in forming the Tower of Power sound. Father-Son combinations were represented with Peter Wheat and the Breadmen's Bob Birdwell and son Cameron, as well as Gary Cambra from the Tubes and his son Jacob from Mind's Eye. 70's and 80's Rockers included Larry Litz from the band Bennie and the Jets, and Paul Harris from the band Violation. Finally, the wonderful guests Kelly Fasman and Michael Goldberg rounded out the guest list for a truly magical evening. - Bond
And now the story ...
IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR IN 1968
The Gotham City Crime Fighters and “The Motowns” Alto saxophonist Emilio Castillo's family was from Detroit but moved to Fremont. While in high school his first musical endeavor was in Extension Five which later became The Gotham City Crime Fighters due to the Batman craze at the time. He played both organ and sax. The group also consisted of his brother Jack on drums, Jody Lopez on guitar, Frank “Rocco’ Houghton on bass (later going by the name of Francis Rocco Prestia), and Dave Genthner on vocals. In March, 1966 they released the song "Who Stole The Batmobile"After seeing Bay Area soul band The Spyders, Castillo switched to saxophone and formed 'The Motowns' playing soul music covers played dances and clubs (when minors were allowed, or allowed to sneak in) in Southern Alameda County.
The Loading Zone: Meanwhile, in 1966 The Loading Zone were formed out of the ashes of the Tom Paul Jazz Trio and The Marbles, a British Invasion-styled rock band. The band pioneered a blend of rhythm and blues with psychedelic guitar solos, showing that the mix worked in both hippie ballrooms and regular R&B dance gigs. The Loading Zone played the Trips Festival and many other foundational ballroom events, while playing dance clubs at the same time.By 1967-The Loading Zone expanded their membership, experimenting with a female vocalist, and adding a horn section on occasion. The band played gigs all over the Bay Area, particularly in the East Bay. the Loading Zone had expanded to include a horn section. Initially, it featured tenor saxophonist Todd Anderson and trombonist Todd O'Hara. Sometimes, if there was room on the stage, and minors were allowed, teenage roadie Steve Kupka would join in on baritone sax. Kupka's father was a doctor, so he was nicknamed "Doc."
Bill Quarry Presents:On Saturday, July 13, 1968 Bill Quarry promoted a concert at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. The Loading Zone headlined the dance concert for the last night of the fair. but also on the bill were two local bands, the Lovestreet Offramp and The Motowns. At the Alameda County Fair, Doc Kupka met the Motowns, a bunch of East Bay kids his age, playing soul music. Now, Loading Zone were barely in their twenties, but there was still some gap between them and Kupka, and the Zone had a psychedelic edge to them. The Motowns invited Kupka to jam with them, and he went over to a rehearsal with them at Castillo's house. Something happened--something really good. Doc Kupka joined The Motowns. By 1970, they were the Tower Of Power.
