Five things you never knew about City Mouse
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Best local band — City Mouse
1) City Mouse’s first performance took place circa May 1971 at the Holiday Inn North (now Best Western Hotel) on Highway 169. They were just a duo back then — Billy Steiner and Bobby Drengler. 2) They were almost Pepsi tunesmiths. In early 1972, at Drengler’s urging, they recorded a country-tinged Pepsi jingle, flew out to Los Angeles on their own dime, pitched the song and nearly landed the gig. “We got close but no cigar,” Steiner said. “The usual — day late and a dollar short. They said it was too country.” Steiner and Drengler can still hum the jingle’s melody and hook on command: “Whoa, whoa, whoa/you’ve got a lot to live/and Pepsi’s got a lot to give.” 3) They also nearly landed a contract with RCA that same year, traveling to Chicago to meet with label executives. But a day earlier, the record giant figured it had filled their countryrock quota after signing Pure Prairie League. “A friend of ours who we were staying with told us, ‘You made the big mistake of having a meeting on a Friday afternoon,” Steiner said. “They were looking at their watches, getting ready to go to Lake Michigan for the weekend.” 4) Practice? No thanks. No need. Depending on which band member you ask, the sextet hasn’t held a formal rehearsal in nearly 30 years. Why? Because they’re just that good. 5) Many have tried — some still haven’t given up hope — but so far all efforts to write an authorized City Mouse biography have failed. “You’ll have to wait until we’re dead,” at least one City Mouser has been known to say. If that’s the case, here’s hoping the final word on this venerable Mankato institution isn’t written for a very long time. — Drew Lyon
Back: Tim, Travis, Jason, Mike, Derek, Korey, Lori; Middle: Jesse, Josh, Alex, Jay, Chris, Brooke, Greg; Front: Rick, Lucas, Peggy, Keith
Northern Comfort offers heating, air conditioning and plumbing services to residential and commercial customers. We are committed to: • Prompt, courteous & clean service • Uncompromising values • Quality workmanship • Honest and accurate pricing • Family owned since 1975 • Professionalism
Call today for a FREE in-home estimate for any replacement work! 917 Southbend Ave | Mankato, MN
507-387-6596
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • July 2014 • 37