WILLIE MAKIT REUNION

Willie Makit. Mid-to-late 70s rock, pop, jazz, horn cover band formed via friendships at Southeast Missouri State University. In the mid-to-late 70s a group of young college guys, mostly acquainted via Southeast Missouri State University music department formed a band. The band, Willie Makit became popular in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois and later touring the bar and club circuit throughout the midwest for a short period of time. Willie Makit was a rock, pop, jazz, horn, cover band that played songs from popular groups like, Tower of Power, Nektar, Marshall Tucker, Commodores, Chicago, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Allman Brothers and much more.  

• WILLIE MAKIT MEMBERS  

The orginal members: 

Sid Gerlach - Drums/vocals, 

Brian Fassel - Bass, 

Jim Thornton - Guitar/vocals, 

Mike Panhorst - Lead vocals/percussion/guitar,  

Rick Rogers - Trumpet, 

Ray Vollmar - Sax Doug Fowler - Bass/Trombone, 

Don Stevenson - Keys

Phil Delong - Sound Engineer

Jim Koen - Marketing Artist

Members who joined later as personnel changes occured:  

Dave Walton - Keys, 

Mark Moore - Guitar/vocals, 

Chris Moore - Bass,  

We recently had a reunion of Willie Makit members in St Louis in the first week of December 2021. Brain Fassel headed up the effort by forging ahead and reserving and funding the rental of a practice spot in Innsbrook Resort outside of St Louis. We rehearsed for several sessions to get our mojo back. Brian also arranged recording studio time to lay down some tracks. On the final day of the reunion many of our fans were invited to hear us play some songs again. About 20 Willie Makit attended the Saturday party. I was able to set up my audio/video recorders and capture some of the moments...

Willie Makit Reunion Day Set 12 04 21

Willie Makit Reunion After Dark Set 12 04 21

Willie Makit Reunion Practice Session 11 30 21

Willie Makit Reunion    Dave Gerlach and Friends