Traidmarx History

The Traidmarx also were regulars at the Macamba Club one of the hottest clubs for young adults in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In late 1968, The Fabulous Traidmarx appeared in the KIOA battle of the bands at the Starline Ballroom in Carroll, Iowa, where they captured the winning title. They have even had the opportunity to appear on the same stage with such 60's greats as BJ Thomas, the Grassroots, the O'Kaysions, and the Box Tops. In late 1969, the Traidmarx recorded their first and only 45 on the Universal label. It was a make of Jackie Wilson's tune "Higher and Higher" In July of 1971, the Traidmarx career came to an end as the boys went their separate ways, pursuing the military, careers, and starting families.

The Fabulous Traidmarx, co-founded by Jim Rusk & Tom Culver, started out in 1967, in a machine shop located on a farm near the small town of Dickens, Iowa. Their first official "gig" was at the Estherville Jr. College where they made an incredible $50, plus a $5 tip!! This first dance was also the first step towards performing in 8 states and criss-crossing all over the state of Iowa. In 1968 the Traidmarx participated in a battle of the bands at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park, Iowa. Although they did not win this particular event, they did impress owner Darlowe Olsen, who asked them to return on several occasions. Aside from performing at the Roof Garden, they appeared in countless high school, teen centers, night clubs, and ballrooms. These included the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, the Dancemore in Swisher, Iowa and the prestigious Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa.