About Us

45 YEARS OF ROCK N ROLL

It was the 1970s and rock n roll was exploding. Bands like REO Speedwagon, Kansas and Queen performed in the small river town of La Crosse, Wisconsin rocking the cement walls of the Mary E Sawyer auditorium. There was no reserved seating, only a mad dash to the front of the stage when the doors opened. Mesmerized by rockstars under the lights with stacked amplifiers, Les Paul guitars and long hair, PHOENIX was imagined. Three young Onalaska High School students, Dan Sebranek, Dave Buroker and Dave Solie started rehearsing in their parent's basements preparing for a high school talent show. A short time later, another Onalaska high school friend, Steve Hoffman joined as lead singer. They wore matching white jean patch suits, forging fashion with raw rock music. As life goes, Hoffman had other plans and the three original members carried on but needed a lead vocalist. Norbert Nix showed up one night to the Golden Garter bar on 3rd Street and witnessed the band cranking out what we now call classic rock standards such as ZZ Top 'La Grange' and Alice Cooper 'Under My Wheels'. Nix was a LaCrosse native and Aquinas graduate with a fire in his belly to audition for this young, brazen rock band. After the audition, they sent Nix out of the room and met privately until Solie re-appeared and said Nix had the job. Many gigs ensued at high schools, bars and festivals. Hoffman re-joined the band and 3 part harmonies soared. Eventually, the band went their separate ways as life rolled on with jobs, marriage and families.  But they couldn't end it there. A few years later, they had a reunion show which sealed the band's fate to rise again from the ashes. Their musical relationship continues to the this day.  Many legendary bands have come and gone. PHOENIX flies again.

All hail rock n roll.

circa 1975

circa 1979

circa 2004

circa 2008

circa 2023