The Martels Story

No history of rock n' roll would be complete without mention of The Martels. This group of Midland musicians comprised of Tom Ambeau (drums, guitar), Milt Budarick (bass guitar), Bert DesRochers (piano), Larry French (lead guitar, vocals) and Gary French (lead vocals, drums), grew up playing new music for a new age. In 1957, the teenagers formed The Corvettes and played for Teen Town sock hops throughout Ontario. A few years later the manager for Canada's first teen idol Bobby Curtola, discovered the band and hired them to work with Bobby full time.

The Corvettes - 1959

The Corvettes became Bobby Curtola & The Martells in 1961 when an American band with the name "The Corvettes" appeared on the scene. The name Martells came from Curtola's manger, Maria Martell, and the name has been with the band ever since. The Martells went on to record hit songs such as Indian River, Hand in Hand with You and Fortune Teller with Curtola, Canada's first teen idol.

Recording and touring took the band on the first cross Canada rock n' roll tour with stops at Massey hall, Klondike Days, the Calgary Stampede and the Pacific Exhibition. Back home the band continued to play backing up such stars as Del Shannon ("Runaway")until the British Invasion took rock n' roll in a new direction and The Martells eventually disbanded in the late 1960's.

In 1979 the group reunited for one show and they have been playing together ever since. Over that time, they have evolved into a premier show band adding Landon French (vocals, percussion), Madeline French (vocals, piano), Dr. Sax (a.k.a. Russ Strathdee), and former 60's DJ Ken Rowland as emcee.

A total entertainment package with awesome lights, sound and musicians, the show is a high energy look back at what the late 50's and early 60's were all about. The Martels Rock n' Roll Show fills the dance floor right from the first song and you never hear people ask "Are we having fun yet?"