P O U L T R Y  M A G I C

(1986-1988)

band
Paul Curran
Charles Goshert
Cliff Helmholtz
Skot Pelkey


It's been said (although this claim is totally arguable) that Poultry Magic was the first punk rock
band in Benicia, CA.  Thanks is due to the kids in Benicia and our parents for their support (most of all
Skot's parents for letting us practice in their house),  We, and the scene owe a lot to the Bay Area punk
"establishment" (especially Tim Yohannan, Martin Sprouse, Walter Glaser, David Hayes, Brian Edge, Kevin
Seconds, Maximum Rock and Roll, the Gilman Street Warehouse) for their belief in the next generation
of punk kids, despite -- or was it because of? -- our follies.


Paul goes on to play bass for legendary Berkeley band Crimpshrine, is the third (of four) bass players for Monsula, plays guitar and bass for Delightful Little Nothings, plays bass for Fuzzzone, plays bass and sings for Go Sailor!  He started Take a Day Records in 1992, and put out an excellent 7" by Davis CA's Playgound.  Last time I talked to Paul (summer 1999), he was moving back to San Francisco from Wichita, but thinking about going to Australia indefinitely. I went on to sing for Tally Hoe!, play guitar for Monsula (in 1988 also embarass myself playing guitar with 7 Seconds one night!), play guitar for Harvest Theory, for about six months play bass for Siren, play bass for Sostenuto, and play guitar for The Drive Home.  I've been recording demos for an upcoming project with Mike Goshert and Owen Ott in California during the summers--all I need to do now is find a band!
As far as I know, Cliff never played in another band.  He's going to Sacramento State and working on a BA in business (as of 1999). Skot goes on to play drums for Sawhorse (after they change their name from The Skinflutes), is the second (of three) drummers for Monsula, plays drums for Uranium 9-Volt, Seamus, and a number of other bands.  I saw Skot over the summer of 1999, and he's concentrating on construction work these days, and painting.

Links:

Paul reminisces in Take A Day #1 (1992)

the Benicia Underground Music Resource
(write the "anonymous" webmaster and tell him
to get moving and update the site!)