The origins of Mr. Opporknockity’s peculiar moniker remains a conundrum, but the Springfield-based, five-piece rock band continues to attract fans and gain attention some 15 years after hitting the local scene. First configured as a two-guitar, singing duo with Troy Roark and Doug Gholson, they scored an actual hit on WDBR-FM with the bouncy “Lisa’s Shirt,” no small feat for any area combo. Then the pair added Mark Sanders on drums and Tom Irwin on bass, a bit later came Chris Camp, bringing harmonica, vocals, accordion and percussion to the mix and finally Steve Myers took over the constant bass playing business to set the final group configuration. After several years of dominating the original music scene by releasing numerous CDs, winning in ITs Best of Springfield rock band category, opening for major acts such as Journey and Blessid Union of Souls, guesting on public radio’s Whad’Ya Know? and playing several well attended performances at various venues in the Midwest, the group disbanded for personal and professional reasons.
Mr. Opporknockity
(Possibly the Very Last) Reunion Show
Saturday, June 8, 7-10pm
Crow’s Mill Pub
This article appears in Jun 6-12, 2013.
