“The Visit (She Was Here)” taken from the LP | The Cyrkle – ’Neon’ (Columbia CL 2632) January 1967
Introducing Mike Losekamp, the newest Cyrkle
The Cyrkle | “Neon” | (Columbia) 1967 |
W. MILTON, 0.: “Hi, Cindy,” said the familiar voice on the phone. “I was wondering if you’d like to interview me.”
The voice belonged to Heywood Lovelace, a good friend and organ-ist with Dayton’s top rock n roll group, The Mark V. “Sure, anytime.” I joked. “Well,” he continued, very serious now, “I thought you might like the first interview with the newest member of the Cyrkle!”
“The Cyrkle,” I gasped, “What do you mean?”
Well,” he explained, “I received an offer to join the Cyrkle and decided to accept. So, from now on, I guess you’ll have to call me by my real name, Mike Losekamp!”
It suddenly occurred to me that I was talking to one of the Cyrkle and he called ME! I was thrilled and grateful to be given this opportunity but at the same time found it difficult to hold back the tears. I’d been both a fan and a friend of the Mark V for over a year and knew they would be terribly hurt (personally and professionally) to lose Mike.
DJs had announced the news on the air and the local club was filled to capacity the night of Mike’s final appearance with the group. It was impossible to talk over the noise, so we escaped to the kitchen —not a very glamourous spot—but at least quiet.
The Cyrkle | “Neon” | (Columbia) 1967
“This all came about,” he explained, “when I was recommended to the Cyrkle and they called and offered me the opportunity to audition for them. They needed a replacement for Earl Pickens who was going to medical schooI, so naturally, I agreed to the audition.”
He was “scared stiff,” but fortunately was familiar with all the numbers they rehearsed. When told he could have the job Mike’s first impulse was to accept immediately.
But back home in Dayton, he talked with friends and began to weigh the situation. He hated to let the Mark V down and knew that with them he always had the guarantee of a job at the club where they were playing. But, on the other hand, he realized that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Finally, after many sleepless nights, he decided to decline the offer—only to change his mind a week later and accept. Even those closest to him couldn’t help him decide—his father was “all for it” but his mother and steady girl were very much opposed to his leaving.
The Cyrkle | “Neon” | (Columbia) 1967
Concerning the reaction of the Mark V, Mike said, “Well, they were all very disappointed but they wished me luck and hold no grudges.”
20-year-old Mike, a native of Dayton, is a dream to behold—with hazel eyes and slightly long dark brown hair. He’s quiet, soft-spoken (making it necessary to lean very close to hear what he’s saying) and is really quite shy.
In addition to playing the piano and organ, he writes songs and sings beautifully. He said members of the Cyrkle would teach him to play bass.
For dress, he prefers something “not too wild.” He digs the mod fashions but is afraid the mod look will be “out” soon because “everyone has it now.”
Heading his list of faves is Dionne Warwick followed by the Mamas and the Papas and the Beatles. For snacks, he prefers pizza and liverwurst sandwiches. He’s wild about brownies. I often surprised Mike and the Mark V by dropping off homemade cookies and brownies at the club.
“Promise not to forget me when you’re famous,” I pleaded. “Don’t worry,” he assured me, “I’ll never forget my friends!”
Before he could detect the tears in my eyes, I gave him a quick kiss “good-bye” and hurried from the room. “I’ll write,” I heard him say just as the door was closing between us. And, he did!—BY CINDY FRIEDRICH, AGE 16, MILTON-UNION H.S., W. MILTON, OHIO.
*** “The Visit (She Was Here)” was chosen to represent the magical LP ‘Neon’ because Michael is the vocalist. ***
The Cyrkle | “Neon” | (Columbia) 1967
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