ABOUT
In August 2004, Gary Wilson had an idea to form a ’60s music group. He called four musicians he thought would be interested, and Surfin’ Safari was born.
The original members were:
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Gary Wilson – lead guitar and vocals
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Ellie Mechels – keyboards and vocals
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Kenny Young – rhythm guitar and vocals
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Terry Comp – bass and vocals
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Steve “Clancy” Troy – drums and vocals
Since then, numerous personnel changes have taken place. Rick Burkhardt (from The Troublemakers) and Myron Lee & The Caddies joined on lead guitar and vocals, replacing Gary Wilson. Shortly after, Dave Vanderlinde (also from The Troublemakers) took over bass and vocals. Pam Hoffman stepped in on vocals in place of Ellie Mechels. Sam “JR” Tulio replaced a succession of drummers and was himself succeeded by Chuck Case in 2016.
Today’s lineup has Rick and Dave anchoring the group, with Wade Stephens on guitar and vocals and Katie Wrede on keyboards and vocals rounding out the band.
Surfin’ Safari continues to perform all over the four-state area, bringing your favorite hits of the ’60s era to every venue. Their trademark harmonies capture the essence of the original recordings at each show. As one of the last true working 60's groups, Surfin’ Safari is proud to play the music that started it all.
Meet the Band
Say hello to our current members!
Band leader Rick Burkhardt has been making music in the Upper Midwest since 1965. After early gigs with Myron Lee & The Caddies and The Talismen, he spent nearly 17 years with Myron Lee. He later played with Sky Blue Country and Mogen’s Heroes. In 2011, he joined Surfin’ Safari as Gary Wilson retired. Now leading the band, Rick continues to preserve its signature sound with a talented new lineup.
Rick Burkhardt
Vocals / Guitar
Wade began playing guitar and singing at his parents' steakhouse during band breaks, eventually forming his own group at 15. By 17, he was touring Minnesota and South Dakota with his brother on drums. At 19, he was performing full-time as part of the "Diamond Band." After starting a family, he shifted to local gigs. Despite breaks, his love for performing never faded. He recently played with Road Trip and now has joined the Surfin' Safari family.
Wade Stevens
Vocals / Guitar
More about Kevin coming soon!
Kevin Hebert
Vocals/ Percussion
Dave was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and now resides in Brandon SD with his wife, Char. His music career began in 1971 and he has played with more than a dozen bands over the years. He has been honored to be inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall Of Fame three times, with the Rox, Flat Cat, and Surfin Safari bands. He plays a 1979 Fender Precision Bass. He retired from teaching guitar at USF after 22 years.
Dave vanderlinde
Vocals / Bass
Bill was raised by wolves until adopted by a rural farm family in Rockham, SD. He graduated from Northern State College with a degree in music and taught band and choral music in Faulkton and Harrisburg Schools. He played for 18 years in The Black Velvet Band/Velvet Touch Band and 23 years in Mogen’s Heroes inducted into SDRRHOF in 2019, and has played in numerous groups around the Sioux Falls area.
Bill Hoffman
Vocals/ Percussion
Growing up in Sioux Falls, Katie has been making music since she could talk. She started piano lessons at 5, and began writing original songs soon after. She studied advanced piano and composition at MSU: Mankato and released her debut album "A New Beginning" in 2020. Katie has contributed to several albums and played in multiple bands including The Men in Black, Fabulous Fitty's, Surfin' Safari, and CommonGround. You can learn more about her here.
Katie wrede
Vocals / Keys
A Luverne, MN native, Dean’s drumming career launched in 1975 at Worthington College and took off with The Talismen in '76. He’s toured nationally, played with bands like Duke Kane, Tequila Sunrise, and Neo Johnson, and filled in for acts across the Midwest. Now retired, he drums with Almost Iowa & Surfin Safari, plays bass with Prairie Home Rebellion, and celebrates 50 years of making music.
Dean Luethje
Percussion
our past members
Surfin' Safari has been home to several talented musicians over the years.
We'd like to recognize our past members (more being added soon).
