Victor band makes Iowa Hall of Fame

VICTOR — A band created by three Victor High School classmates has been inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.

The Sage Band was formed in 1975 Kevin Alexander, Kurt Feller and Tim Rice. They took their name from the song “Scarborough Fair” written and sung by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

The band initially began playing Rock ‘n Roll covers in local taverns and junior high dances but quickly gained prominence. They added members to their band and, by the time the original three boys were juniors in high school, they were playing at other high schools, Legion Halls and bars.

After signing with a booking agent, the group began playing gigs all over the state of Iowa as well as in Minnesota and Illinois — all while the boys were still in their teens.

The band frequently played 70s and 80s covers in Linn, Benton, Iowa, Tama, Poweshiek and Johnson Counties. Various instrumentalists were a part of the band over the years, including John Burnham, Bob Feller, Kelly Gensley, Steve Junge, Ted Poulsen, Justin Saylor and Tim Saylor.

In addition to Alexander and Steve Junge, Todd Bergen, Jerry Henning and Robert Wallace have provided vocals. Sound Techs for the band were Jim Burnham, Darrin Jungen and Joel Weber.

During its playing days (1975-1991, 2020-2023), the band performed at Keystone Turner Hall, Blairstown American Legion, Victor American Legion, Ottumwa Coliseum, Iowa State Fair, Lakeside Ballroom, Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Kitty’s Rock Showplace, University of Iowa Memorial Union, Five Sullivans Center and the Belle Plaine July Fourth Celebration.

In September of this year, the band was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This recognition will rekindle memories for many in the area who heard them and danced to their music.