Steve Parkhurst

Steve Parkhurst led his high school and college group “The Varmints” in the late 60’s and early 70’s. A designer for the Ideal Crane Corp, Steve graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1972. He plays keyboards, sings and arranges our music.

BIO

Born: July 25, 1948.
Graduated: East Central High School, Tulsa, 1966
Graduated: University of Oklahoma, 1971
Favorite Song to perform: ”Suite Judy Blue Eyes” by Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Favorite Instrument: His Oberheim OB3 organ module (a “B3” in a box)
High School Rock Band: “The Varmints” 1964 thru 1967 played Beatles, Animals, Byrds, Kinks, Yardbirds and other covers of the day.

   The Varmints were known for tight, Beatlesque, 3-part harmonies. The group was organized by me (on Lead guitar and vocals), my younger brother Tim (on drums and vocals), Rogers HS student, Charlie Fowler (on rhythm guitar and vocals) and Memorial HS student, Larry Grider (on bass). In late 1965, the band added Memorial HS student, Jim Logan (on the Farfisa organ). The group won several battles of bands including one at the historic Cain’s Ballroom which was judged by steel guitarist, Leon McAuliffe, and members of his band. Under the heading of “Strange Gigs”, we regularly played for fashion shows at several department stores around town and even though we got paid, we would have done it for free just to meet the models.
   In Sept ’66 I went away to college while the rest of the band finished High school. We did a lot of gigs that year and I racked up a lot of air miles between Abilene, Texas where I was a freshman and Tulsa. In 1967 my guitars, amplifiers and PA system were stolen (along with my ’66 Chevelle Malibu SS 396). I took the insurance money and bought an engagement ring and a motorcycle and that spelled the end of the Varmints.
   Today I work as General Manager of Ideal Crane LLC, a manufacturer of small hydraulic cranes in Tulsa, OK. I am married (39 years) to my sweet Linda, and together we raised 3 children and are spoiling 5 grandchildren. My favorite pastimes are golf, playing my organ louder than the lead guitarist on stage and playing “Let’s drown Paw Paw” with my grandchildren in our backyard pool.