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Fergus Falls musician to receive lifetime achievement award
‘Treasures’ drummer honored by state Rock and Country Hall of Fame
Published 12:00 p.m., April 27, 2007
Today is a special day for musician and rural Fergus Falls resident Jim Kleinfelder who will receive a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame in Medina near the Twin Cities.
“I’m both surprised and humbled,” the former member of “The Treasures” Fargo band said. “We formed as a group back in 1960, and I never dreamed I’d ever receive an award like this.”
Kleinfelder was the drummer for the band which stayed together until 1983, even though all the members needed other jobs in addition to their roles as musicians.
The award, given to Kleinfelder this evening, is for “individuals who have distinguished themselves through their dedication to Minnesota music.”
The rural Fergus Falls resident made the Navy his career for 25 years. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise — as a musician — since it allowed The Treasures to tour with the USO overseas and entertain members of the U.S. military in places like Spain. In the United States, they performed for members of the Armed Forces and local clubs in the Twin Cities and other metropolitan areas.
Kleinfelder is close to two of the original band members who live in Moorhead — guitar player Paul Hubbard and bass player Don Formanek, Jr. Two other former band members, guitar player Dave Harmon and former lead guitarist Leonard Misheski, live in Fargo.
“It was a blast for us back in the 1960s and 1970s,” Kleinfelder said. “I’ll never forget playing at well-known dance halls like the Detroit Lakes Pavilion and Balmoral Pavilion on the southeast side of Otter Tail Lake. We had fun performing and I know that kids also enjoyed our music.”
Icing on the cake for Kleinfelder was becoming friends with Fargo native Bobby Vee, who, in 1959, vaulted to stardom following the death of Buddy Holly in a plane crash. Holly was among several musicians who died after their plane left Mason City, Iowa, to perform at the Moorhead Armory. Teenager Vee and his band, The Shadows, took the place of Holly that evening.
Kleinfelder and Vee — who still performs and who lives in rural St. Cloud — are remain close friends.
“Bobby and I never forgot our roots in Fargo,” he said.
“It’s nice to see that the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame keeps music from bygone decades alive — and recognizes musicians,” Kleinfelder said. “I feel honored to be part of this prestigious group.”
Especially happy for Kleinfelder is his wife, Dianne, and their children and grandchildren.
“It will be a memorable weekend that’s for sure,” Kleinfelder said. “I still can’t believe this is happening to me.”
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