About the UPB

The Union Pacific Band [UPB] goes back longer than most of its members care to remember. Starting as a duo in 1971, the band evolved through numerous changes in the 70’s and 80’s, disappeared from sight for 20 years, and now has returned to again entertain audiences of all ages.

The 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).

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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.” >> More

More changes came, as Linny was replaced by Bobby Sidenberg and Mike Hurley rejoined as a second keyboard player and vocalist. UPB’s popularity exploded with this lineup, they began playing colleges, universities and high schools all over Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. East Coast Entertainment signed UPB to an exclusive management agreement.

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.

The 2000’s

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.

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UPB 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. Dawn Wilhelm of Phoenix and Brynne Donahoe might also pop in to sing from time to time. 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!"