It all started in the fall of 1971. The band's founding members, Bean Eller and Barry Kennelly, attended an Alice Cooper concert that featured an opening act named Ze Fabulous Whiz Kidz.

Between the two which featured comedic theatrics, gobs of glitter, and high energy music, Bean and Barry were inspired to form their own band.

Bean and Barry had a great affection for fifties rock and roll from listening to their older siblings' record collections.

Instead of putting together another run-of-the-mill rock band, they assembled a cast of characters from among their high school musician buddies and formed their own unique tribute to '50s Rock and Roll.

Thus was born The BeanBarry Delights.

Suddenly the boys who at the time were sporting the fashionable shoulder-length hair, ala Grand Funk, Allman Bros., etc., got butch hair cuts, and were fastidiously studying the doo-wop sounds of the '50s.

In addition to rehearsing the music, they were writing hilarious skits, creating zany characters such as "Gross Gregg" and "Loose Larry," and rapidly creating a following in the Burien-White Center area. They were an immediate hit at the local high school kegger parties.

It didn't take long before the BeanBarry Delights were playing the A-list clubs in Seattle. Their act was one of a kind, and people were eating it up. People loved their outrageous, and shocking skits between songs. Their club success culminated with a two-night, sold-out engagement at the Moore Theater in Seattle. From 1971 to 1974, the Delights had a heck of a run.

But as so often happens in the music business, egos, girlfriends, and the usual suspects started to drive the band apart. By 1975, the Delights packed it in, and pursued their own separate paths.

With the exception of a brief reunion at a sold-out New Year's Eve party at the Ad Lib Tavern in Kent in 1976, the glitter, the gold lame jackets, the rubber chickens, and all of the glittered props were packed away and soon to become fond memories.

As time passed, the former Delights would stay in touch, and each realized they had a developed a bond emanating from their collective experiences from the Delights years. They would be brought together like a family for tragedies as founding member, and lead guitarist Bean Eller passed away in 1979, and bassist Mike Barbee died an untimely death in 2001.

In 2003, Barry Kennelly was about to turn 50 years old. His band, Los Orchids, was planning a big bash at the Raging River Saloon in Fall City. He decided to invite former Delights members Gross Gregg and Larry Neibauer to sit in with his band for the party.

The next thing you know, they contacted drummer John Micera and saxophonist Warren Pugh, and suddenly a BeanBarry Delights reunion was brewing. With a few rehearsals, the old magic seemed to return.

Everyone in attendance that night were knocked out by the rousing performance of the Delights.

It wouldn't be until 2006 before the BeanBarry Delights reunion came to full fruition.

Gross Gregg's wife, Collette developed a severe medical condition. Her mobility at home was problematic. The Delights decided to host a benefit concert to assist Collette.

Thus, the BeanBarry Delights are back. Original members, Larry Neibauer, Gross Gregg, Barry Kennelly, John Micera and Warren Pugh are joined by Los Orchids guitarists Pat Tennis and Barry Curtis. Their sound is heavily reinforced by saxophonist Jeffrey Beals, and pianist "Hurricane" Andrew Larson, as well as additional vocalist Sally Kennelly.

With this combination of talent, this group of musicians pay a proper homage to this American tradition.

Steve Teasley is the volunteer entertainment coordinator for White Center Jubilee Days.