Viewpoints – Shocker Rockers

Since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll well over 50 years ago, Shockers have added their own sonic notes to the genre’s mix — whether on mono analog tape, multi-track recording, digital workstations or live at such Shocker-vibe venues as Somewhere Works or Kirby’s.

As the decades have passed, the sounds have changed: From the 1950s when local comedian Bucky Walters toured in one of Wichita’s first rock and roll bands, the Premiers, while a student at the University of Wichita. To Sheldon Coleman Jr. — of Coleman Company fame — who made waves in the ’80s with his band Dewy & the Big Dogs, best known for their album titled, “Corporate Rock.” Right up to the synthpop revivalism of Brave Boy, headed by the husband-and-wife duo Eric and Mary Harrison.

Rock ’n’ roll in all its guises has a rich Shocker history. Poet Michael McClure studied English at WSU before writing songs and performing with artists such as Janis Joplin, the Doors and the Band. Dan Weller, whose two degrees from Wichita State are in business, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and writer.

The Jerry Hahn Brotherhood’s unique country-blues-inspired jazz-rock sound, the herky-jerky postpunk lyricism of the Embarrassment, the “Madwest Theory” of rap group Danoiz, the synthpop revivalism of Brave Boy, the rock stylings of Provost Monica Lounsbery and so many others — they each have their own distinct vibe, but their connection to Wichita State ties them together as Shocker Rockers.

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