Lost Dakotas: Toronto band

Subject: Lost Dakotas: lost Toronto songwriters
From: Hester
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 03:35 PM

One of my favourite local bands from the early 90s in Toronto was the Lost Dakotas, an acoustic cow-punk duo who started out as buskers in the subway.

I'm wondering if anyone at Mudcat has any information on lead singer/songwriter Paul Innis. He seems to have disappeared from the local music scene. Is he still performing? I hope so. He was a very promising songwriter. It would be a shame if he retired from music.

The Lost Dakotas' two OOP CDs are among the jewels of my record collection:

Lost Dakotas

A cyber-friend even lent me his copy of their rare earlier cassette "Love to Play", which I copied to mini-disc.

Sadly, bassist Greg McConnell died a couple years ago, in a freak camping accident:

Gregarious Greg McConnell

However, he helped found the songwriter collective/band Strato-Chief before he died, and the other members continue on:

Stratochief

Sometimes Lost Dakota member and talented singer/songwriter in his own right, Adam Faux, put out a terrific pop-rock solo record in 1998, backed by the Supers:

Adam Faux -- Letter to Providence

Haven't heard any recent news of Adam though. I hope he's still playing music as well.

Any info on the further musical careers of these lost local singer/songwriters would be appreciated.

Cheers, Hester

Subject: RE: Lost Dakotas: Toronto band
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:02 PM

I have a bootleg cassette of their album "Last Train to Kipling" that I haven't listened to for years... and I have no good reason why...

Had forgotten all about them... good group...

At least -I- enjoyed it!

:-)

What are the odds I can get in on a copy of that minidisc????

Subject: RE: Lost Dakotas: Toronto band
From: Hester
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:00 PM

Hi, Clinton:

Glad to meet someone else who remembers the Lost Dakotas fondly.

I've sent you a PM.

Cheers, Hester

Subject: RE: Lost Dakotas: Toronto band
From: Art Thieme
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 10:48 PM

Hester,

Good Karma!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

Art

Subject: Found Dakota!!!
From: Hester
Date: 18 Apr 03 - 12:12 PM

Aha! After nearly a decade with nary a trace of Paul "Dakota" Innis on the Toronto music scene, I've finally found a recent reference to him performing again -- just this past January as part of the Songwriters Association of Canada's "Bluebird North" showcase at the Rivoli on Queen Street.

My first response was "Drat, I missed it!". [I knew I shouldn't have hibernated all winter long.]

On the other hand, I'm thrilled to hear that he's still writing and performing songs. I'm going to keep a sharp eye on the local music press and hope he performs again somewhere soon.

If anyone comes across references to upcoming appearances he's making in the Toronto area, please let me know.

Cheers, Hester

Subject: RE: Lost Dakotas: Toronto band
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 02:11 PM

Hester,

I do wish I liked 'em more. To each their own, I guess. Thanks though !!

Art

Subject: RE: Lost Dakotas: Toronto band
From: Hester
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 06:43 PM

Hi, Art:

Yeah, I guess they were more rockabilly/country than folk. Love those harmonies, though. I even have a "twang" in my voice when I sing along.

Cheers, Hester