From the end of the era of swing and big bands, a new nightlife scene evolved in Virginia Beach in the 1960s and 70s. A quick history, from the Top Hat and Peppermint Beach Club to Peabody’s and Rogue’s.

by Jake Denton

8/22/11 10:51 AM

Comments

  • Southern Rock

    One important factor to mention is that drinking age was 18 until 1981 (I think). I was wondering what the name was of the bar next to the Peabody's T-Shirt Factory-live southern rock bands played there. A big time favorite band had a fiddle player who was Asian American with long black hair! Anybody know the name of the place or band? I was thinking Country Comfort?

    Posted by Carrie Davis March 15, 2012 15:46:14

  • Southern Rock

    One important factor to mention is that drinking age was 18 until 1981 (I think). I was wondering what the name was of the bar next to the Peabody's T-Shirt Factory-live southern rock bands played there. A big time favorite band had a fiddle player who was Asian American with long black hair! Anybody know the name of the place or band? I was thinking Country Comfort?

    Posted by Carrie Davis March 15, 2012 15:46:04

  • playing at the Peppermint

    My band Sandcastle was playing at the Peppermint in 1972. One of the electrical outlets on stage was sparking while we were playing. Without cutting the power, Chester replaced the outlet as the band played on. I was impressed by that "the show must go on" attitude as well as his market adjusted cover charge.

    Posted by Steve Thomas October 13, 2011 00:34:21

  • Dates

    Nice article about special times! One slight quibble, based on personal experience: the implication on page 5 is that the Rhondels returned to The Peppermint in 1975. The band I was in at the time played 3 weeks with the Rhondels at the Peppermint the summer of 1974. They were there on a nightly basis for the entire summer of '74 except for occasional one-niters elsewhere. An exciting and highly educational time for me!

    Posted by Alfred Walker October 12, 2011 13:57:00

  • 60's dancing

    This artical is great!! It brings back many great memories.
    Left out was the seaside park-now where 31th street ends, we danced every tues night, left there we all went to the top hat, oh yes a great place.
    The dome----I'm "dating" myself by saying that I remember seeing the Beach Boys, James Brown,and many other groups during that era.
    Then came oh yes the fabulous "Rouges" What a great place it was -every wed's was locals nite-Thurs was Show night-once played were-Frankie Vallie,Fats Domino,even the Temptations!

    Again that point in time was so great,the music will live forever...

    Posted by Chuck Heeb---The Late Carole Heeb August 23, 2011 12:48:03

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