Former Shondells create new group called The Crystal Blue Band

PENFIELD - A popular rock and roll group from the late 1960s is making their way back into the limelight. Three original members from Tommy James and the Shondells have gotten back together as The Crystal Blue Band.

One member, Ron Rosman, was born and raised in Penfield, Clearfield County.

Rosman lived there until he was 14 years old. It was during his college years at St. Vincent College in Latrobe when he was discovered by Tommy James.

Rosman played in jazz and rock groups to help pay his way through school. They were playing at a bar in Greensburg one night.

"When Tommy came in he fell in love with the group and he asked us to go on the road as the Shondells," Rosman said.

Rosman said his plan was to take six months off school, play the record out, make as much money as he could and come back to school so he wouldn't have to work as hard his senior year.

But that one year plan turned into four and the rest is history.

Almost 50 years later, three original members; Rosman, Eddie Gray and Mike Vale, are back at it.

"It's been since 1971 since the three of us got back together and decided we were going to do something with our hits to show the world we had a big impact and success as Tommy James and the Shondells," Rosman said.

One of their biggest hits was "Crystal Blue Persuasion." Since they can't use the name Shondells because Tommy had been using it for years, The Crystal Blue Band was a new perfect fit.

"What a better way to retire and go out and enjoy your life," Rosman said. "Go see a little bit of the country and just perform for people because you want to, because of the fun of doing it and that's what we're doing."

Rosman use to play the keyboards and sing background, but will be singing lead in the new group.

The Crystal Blue Band's first performance was in June in Pittsburgh. Rosman said standing there on that stage, he knew they had something special.

"We've all been involved in music for the past 50 years, we've never really given it up. But now doing this reunion, it's really fun and we're happy with it," Rosman said.

The Crystal Blue Band will be performing Saturday at the Treasure Lake Ski Lodge in DuBois.

For ticket information, click here.