Bittersweet

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This day-by-day diary of Bittersweet's live, studio, broadcasting and private activities is the result of three decades of research and interview work by Bruno Ceriotti and Ron Potts, but without the significant contributions by other kindred spirits this diary would not have been possible. So, we would like to thank all the people who, in one form or another, contributed to this timeline: Ross Hannan, Corry Arnold, Charlene Potts Nesslein, Ryan Potts, Kit Kerby, Lydie Kerby, Maya Rodgers, Jay Roberts, Marcus David, Jeffrey Norwood, Richard Ramella, Paul Jaulus, Alec Palao, Rachel Remenih, John Goekler, Kerry Brown, Mike Stax, John Relph, Gloria McConnell, Charles Mohnike, Appeal-Democrat, Mercury-Register, Record Searchlight, Berkeley Barb, The Express, Billboard, The Stanford Daily, Synapse, San Francisco Good Times, San Francisco Chronicle, The Wildcat, Chico Enterprise-Record, The Sacramento Bee, The Argus, The Press Democrat, The San Francisco Examiner, Spartan Daily, and Berkeley Tribe.

Tuesday, July 7, 1970
From 1968 to 1971, as many as 300 rock bands from all over California that we are not generally aware of, played during the infamous Tuesday night audition series instituted by the great late music promoter Bill Graham at the legendary Fillmore West in San Francisco. Among them, there was a band from Chico, in the northern Sacramento Valley, named Bittersweet. Founded by a singer and lead guitar player named Douglas Wayne ‘Doug’ Johnson (b. Sunday, August 18, 1946, Oakland, Alameda County, California - d. Saturday, October 14, 2006), formerly of The VIPs, the band also featured outstanding drummer Ronald Thomas ‘Ron’ Potts (b. Sunday, March 21, 1948, Ross, Marin County, California), formerly of Gentle Annie, Men of Note (a couple of live albums released in '65 and '66), as well as marching band, stage band, pep band, orchestra, and several smaller quartets since high school, the late Kimlin Bruce ‘Kim’ Roberts on vocals and bass (b. Wednesday, March 15, 1950, Prineville, Crook County, Oregon - d. Tuesday, March 6, 2001, Kirkland, King County, Washington, from a brain aneurism), formerly of Gentle Rain, and the late Michael Oscar ‘Mike’ Kerby on vocals and rhythm guitar (b. Sunday, June 26, 1949, Los Angeles County, California - d. Tuesday, September 22, 1992). The band, formerly to have been called The Infinate Jade Opera Company (“It was one name that was thought of but never used,” points out Ron Potts), played a mix of originals such as Mike Kerby’s ‘Running To, Running Fro,’ Kim Roberts’ ‘Lady From The City,’ and Doug Johnson’s ‘Boss Man,’ plus covers such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s ‘Sea of Madness,’ The Steve Miller Band’s ‘Quicksilver Girl,’ The Jerry Hahn Brotherhood’s ‘Captain Bobby Stout,’ and the old spiritual song ‘Wade In The Water.’

BITTERSWEET #1 (JULY 7, 1970 - NOVEMBER 1970)
1) Doug Johnson lead guitar, harp, lap steel guitar, vocals
2) Ron Potts drums
3) Kim Roberts bass, vocals
4) Mike Kerby vocals, rhythm guitar

Doug Johnson

Ron Potts

Saturday, July 11, 1970: The Coffee Mill, 126 West 2nd Street, downtown Chico, Butte County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm. Also on the bill: Jeff Beall, Johanson & Mickelson. Just four days after they were formed, Bitter Sweet (as they were misspelled on the ad) played their debut gig at The Coffee Mill, a local coffee shop with live music entertainment formerly known as The Scarborough Fair until April 1970. Bittersweet’s Mike Kerby and Doug Johnson’s brother Rod owned the place since 1969, but in June 1970 they sold it to Chuck Harvey, Lyn Relph, and Mike McConnell, and the latter also acted as Bittersweet’s first manager until 1971 when he left Chico.

The Wildcat (July 15, 1970)

Saturday, July 18, 1970: The Coffee Mill, 126 West 2nd Street, downtown Chico, Butte County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

The Wildcat (July 22, 1970)

Wednesday, July 22, 1970: ‘Charley Robinson Benefit Dance,’ Chico Teen Center, Armory Building, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Bittersweet played at a benefit dance to raised funds for local guitar legend Charlie Robinson who was badly burned in his car fire a month earlier. In the accident Charlie sustained burns on about 35% of his body including his hands, and without the use od his hands he was, needless to say, unable to play or teach guitar and was therefore unable to work. The benefit dance, which lasted from 7pm to 1am, was coordinated by Valley Music and the Coffee Mill under the name of O'Shaunghnessy Enterprises. Also on the bill: Upper Staircase, J. Willard's Quartet, Do-Right, Sandoz Blues, Rosey Bones, Supa Nova, Fred Campbell and Cliff Mickelson, Grand Ball, Sundance. Lights by Crawlights. Reportedly, 3,000 people were in attendance.

Mike Kerby, "Charlie Robinson Benefit", July 22, 1970

The Wildcat (July 29, 1970)

Wednesday, July 29, 1970: 'Party,' Craig Hall, 1400 West 3rd Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, August 1, 1970: The Coffee Mill, 126 West 2nd Street, downtown Chico, Butte County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Thursday, August 6, 1970: 'Support The Chico 16,' Oroville Veterans Memorial Hall, 2310-2454 Montgomery Street, Oroville, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Supa Nova.

Saturday, August 8, 1970: The Coffee Mill, 126 West 2nd Street, downtown Chico, Butte County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

The Wildcat (August 12, 1970)

Sunday, August 9, 1970: 'Support The Chico 16,' The Tau Gamma Theta Fraternity House, 980 Chestnut Street, Chico, Butte County, California
The band was billed as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic] on the flyer. Also on the bill: Super Nova [sic], Don Maddox, Jams. Lights by Gypsy Moth. One show, started at 1:30pm.

Friday, August 14, 1970: The Cellar, West 1st Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Country Weather.

Saturday, August 15, 1970: Some Other Place, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Country Weather, Stain Glass, Silver Hill.

Sunday, August 16, 1970: Bedrock Park, 1101 5th Avenue, Oroville, Butte County, California
A free outdoor concert which lasted from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Also on the bill: Supa Nova.

Friday, August 21, 1970: The Cellar, West 1st Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Country Weather.

Saturday, August 22, 1970: The Redding Memorial Veterans Hall, 1605 Yuba Street, Redding, Shasta County, California

Sunday, August 23, 1970: Brite Spot, Chico, Butte County, California

Tuesday, August 25, 1970: The Sterile Squash, Redding, Shasta County, California
Also on the bill: South Wind. Lights by Gypsy Moth.

Wednesday, August 26, 1970: 'Good Day Sunshine Rock Pop', Football Field, Shasta College campus, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, Shasta County, California (afternoon show)
An outdoor festival which lasted from 4:00pm to 1:00am. The band was billed as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic]. Also on the bill: Loading Zone, People, Crystal Axe, Rosey Bones, Seventh Dawn, Silver Hill, Trike.

Wednesday, August 26, 1970: El Rey Theater, 228 West 2nd Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Bitter Sweet [sic], as they were advertised, played (with the late jazz sax player Charlie Haynes as guest) a pre-evening (7:30pm to 8:30pm) rock concert presented by the Coffee Mill and with lights by Gypsy Moth (which filled in for the early announced Crawlights), to warmed up the audience before the première of the long-awaited documentary Woodstock.

Chico Enterprise-Record (August 19, 1970)

Bittersweet #1, El Rey Theater, Chico, August 26, 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson, Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, Charlie Haynes, and Mike Kerby

Bittersweet #1, El Rey Theater, Chico, August 26, 1970 - from left: Kim Roberts, Ron Potss, Charlie Haynes, and (hidden) Mike Kerby

Bittersweet #1, El Rey Theater, Chico, August 26, 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson, Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, and (hidden) Charlie Haynes

Bittersweet #1, El Rey Theater, Chico, August 26, 1970 - from left: Kim Roberts, Charlie Haynes, and Mike Kerby

Bittersweet #1, El Rey Theater, Chico, August 26, 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson (hidden), Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, and (hidden) Charlie Haynes

Thursday, August 27, 1970: The Cellar, West 1st Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: South Wind. Lights by Gypsy Moth. The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 12 midnight, was presented by The Cellar & The Coffee Mill.

Friday, August 28, 1970: Brite Spot, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, September 4 - Sunday, September 6, 1970: Brite Spot, Chico, Butte County, California

Thursday, September 10, 1970: Bell Memorial Union, Chico State College campus, West 2nd Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, September 11, 1970: Newman Catholic Center, 346 Cherry Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, September 12, 1970: 'Rush Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson, Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, Charlie Haynes (sax player of Sundance who played as guest), and Mike Kerby

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970 - from left: Mike Kerby, Ron Potts, and Kim Roberts

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson, Charlie Haynes, Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, and Mike Kerby

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970 - from left: Doug Johnson, Kim Roberts, Ron Potts, Mike Kerby, and Charlie Haynes

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970 - from left: Mike Kerby, Doug Johnson, Kim Roberts, and Ron Potts

Bittersweet #1, "Frat Party", Chico State College campus, September or October 1970

Friday, September 18, 1970: 'Rush Party', Tau Kappa Epsilon (aka TKE), Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, September 18, 1970: 'Rush Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California
2nd fraternity gig on the same day.

Saturday, September 19, 1970: 'Rush Party', Bradley Hall, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, September 19, 1970: 'Kappa Carnival', Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California
2nd (outside) gig on the same day.

Friday, October 2, 1970: 'Rush Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, October 3, 1970: 'Rush Party', Delta Sigma Pi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, October 9, 1970: 'Open Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Thursday, October 15, 1970: The Coffee Mill, 126 West 2nd Street, downtown Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, October 16, 1970: 'Dance', Gymnasium, Paradise High School, 5911 Maxwell Drive, Paradise, Butte County, California

Friday, October 23 - Saturday, October 24, 1970: 'Ghostly Gig', El Rey Theater, 228 West 2nd Street, Chico, Butte County, California
The band was advertised as 'Bitter - Sweet' [sic]. Pre evening rock concerts (an hour set each day from 11:00pm to 12 midnight) for the film screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Battle Beyond the Sun, and Moon Zero Two. Total attendance for both nights: 1300 people. Lights by Gypsy Moths.

Kim Roberts, El Rey Theater, Chico, October 23 or 24, 1970

Ron Potts, El Rey Theater, Chico, October 23 or 24, 1970

Ron Potts and Mike Kerby, El Rey Theater, Chico, October 23 or 24, 1970

Kim Roberts and (hidden) Ron Potts, El Rey Theater, Chico, October 23 or 24, 1970

Friday, October 30, 1970: 'Phi Kappa Tau Halloween Party', Odd Fellows Hall, corner of 3rd Street and Broadway Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, October 31, 1970: Bidwell Country Club, Bidwell Park Golf Course, 3199 Golf Course Road, Chico, Butte County, California
The show was sponsored by Student Dames.

Friday, November 6, 1970: 'Lambda Pi Fraternity Party', Odd Fellows Hall, corner of 3rd Street and Broadway Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, November 7, 1970: 'Fraternity Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, November 13, 1970: 'Ghostly Gig', State Theatre, 1489 Myers Street, Oroville, Butte County, California
The band was advertised as 'Bitter - Sweet' [sic]. Pre evening rock concert (an hour set from 11:00pm to 12 midnight) for the film screening of Rosemary's Baby and The Witchmaker. Lights by Gypsy Moths.

Oroville Mercury-Register (November 13, 1970)

Saturday, November 14, 1970: 'Promenade Dance (aka Prom)', Gymnasium, Ferndale High School, 1231 Main Street, Ferndale, Humboldt County, California

Sunday, November 15, 1970: Sutter Theatre, 754 Plumas Street, Yuba City, Sutter County, California
The band was advertised as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic]. Lights by Gypsy Moths. Pre afternoon rock concert (an hour set from 1:00pm to 2:00pm) for the film screening of The Secret War of Harry Frigg.

Appeal-Democrat (November 14, 1970)

Friday, November 20, 1970: Gridley Theatre, 660 Kentucky Street, Gridley, Butte County, California

Saturday, November 21, 1970: Tower Theatre, 340 West Sycamore Street, Willows, Glenn County, California
The band was billed as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic]. Lights by Gypsy Moth. Pre evening concert (an hour set from 11:00pm to 12 midnight) for the film screening of The Secret War of Harry Frigg. The show was presented by United Artists.

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27, 1970: Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market Street, Redding, Shasta County, California
Also on the bill: Demian. Lights by Gypsy Moth. Pre evening concerts (an hour set each day) for the film screening of Monterey Pop and Don't Look Back. One show each day, started at 11:30pm. By the way, Bittersweet and the other acts were originally scheduled to performed also on Saturday, November 28, but for unknown reasons the pre concert was cancelled.

Record Searchlight (November 25, 1970)

November 1970
Bittersweet added a lead singer named Chuck Edwards, aka 'Chic' (b. Charles Wesley Edwards III, Tuesday, April 15, 1947, El Monte, Los Angeles County, California - d. Monday, October 13, 2014, Bremerton, Washington, from pancreatic cancer), formerly of Christian, The Colours, Boy Blues, and Crown City Balladeers.

BITTERSWEET #2 (NOVEMBER 1970 - LATE AUGUST or EARLY SEPTEMBER 1972)
1) Doug Johnson
2) Ron Potts
3) Kim Roberts
4) Mike Kerby
5) Chic Edwards lead vocals

Bittersweet #2, Chico, 1970/71 - from left (seated): Chic Edwards and Kim Roberts, from left (standing): Doug Johnson, Mike Kerby, and Ron Potts

Bittersweet #2, Bidwell Park, Chico, 1970/71 - from left: Chic Edwards, Mike Kerby, Kim Roberts, Doug Johnson, and Ron Potts

Bittersweet #2, Bidwell Park, Chico, 1970/71 - from left: Chic Edwards, Kim Roberts, Doug Johnson, Ron Potts, and Mike Kerby

Chic Edwards

Friday, December 4, 1970: 'Benefit Concert', Arthur L. Acker Gymnasium, Chico State College campus, Warner Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, December 5, 1970: 'Promenade Dance (aka Prom)', Gymnasium, Quincy Junior-Senior High School, 6 Quincy Junction Road, Quincy, Plumas County, California
"What I remember most about Quincy (I think) is that the finale was so rocking that stage was bouncing," recalls the band's roadie John Goekler, "and the Gibson 12 String (I think an ES 335) that Chic had borrowed from Valley Music (Mrs. Denny?) to try out, fell out of the stand, and when Mike jumped up in the air for the ending, he landed on it and broke the neck."

Sunday, December 6, 1970: Preston School of Industry (aka Preston Castle, aka The Castle), 201 Waterman Road, Ione, Amador County, California
Also on the bill: Sundance. The show was recorded.

Saturday, December 12, 1970: 'Fraternity Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Wednesday, December 16, 1970: 'Giant Rock Concert & Freak-Out,' Vecino Theatre, 1821 Esplanade at Ninth Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Sundance. Lights by Gypsy Moth. One show, from 9pm to 12 midnight.

Saturday, December 19, 1970: 'Promenade Dance (aka Prom)', Gymnasium, Gridley High School, 300 East Spruce Street, Gridley, Butte County, California

Tuesday, December 22, 1970: Colusa Theatre, 531 Market Street, Colusa, Colusa County, California
Pre evening concert (an hour set) for the film screening of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine.

Wednesday, December 23, 1970: The Terry Ashe Recreation Center, Paradise Recreation and Park District, 6626 Skyway Road, Paradise, Butte County, California

Friday, January 15, 1971: Riverside Bar, Colusa, Colusa County, California

Sunday, January 17, 1971: 'Jam Session', Riverside Bar, Colusa, Colusa County, California

Friday, January 22, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium(?), Pleasant Valley High School, 1475 East Avenue, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, January 29, 1971: Glass Onion, Paradise, Butte County, California

Saturday, January 30, 1971: Kabuki Club, Yuba City, Sutter County, California

Friday, February 5, 1971: 'Fraternity Party' (outside gig), Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, February 6, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium (?), Greenville Junior/Senior High School, 117 Grand Street, Greenville, Plumas County, California

Friday, February 12, 1971: ‘Ecology Dance,’ South Gymnasium, Chico State College campus, Warner Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Sundance, Mickelson Johannson Family. One show, from 9pm to 2am.

Tuesday, February 16, 1971: 'Tuesday Night Audition', Fillmore West, 10 South Van Ness Avenue at 1545 Market Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Bittersweet, along with Concrete, and Cross Country, played at one of the infamous Tuesday night series instituted by Bill Graham at the Fillmore West since August 1968. The series was called "Audition Night," and three local bands would play for a small admission fee ($1.00). The best of those bands would often open a weekend show on Friday and Saturday, sometimes even the next weekend. The Tuesday night series seems to have gone on almost every week for the life of the Fillmore West, excepting the summer of '69 when a six nights a week concert schedule was employed, as well as occasional nights when a big act would play a Tuesday. However, although the Tuesday night concerts are regularly alluded to, there are almost no records of which bands played. By my estimation, there must be approximately 100 Tuesday night Audition concerts, possibly more, meaning perhaps as many as 300 acts played the Fillmore West that we are not generally aware of. If the Tuesday night "winner" also played on each weekend, as appeared to be the case at least some of the time, then there would be approximately 50 or more acts that were part of the "main" Fillmore West schedule that we have no direct evidence of. At the very least, this fact explains the number of lesser known groups who claim to have played the Fillmore West who never appeared on a poster. There were no posters or flyers for Tuesday night show, and the band "added" to the weekend gig was not on the poster, as the artwork had been done and the posters distributed considerably earlier. The Tuesday night Audition shows did not have posters or flyers that I am aware of, with occasional exceptions. There does appear to have been press releases, probably as part of regular Fillmore West press releases, so the performers would have been announced, but probably only on FM radio and at the Fillmore West itself. As rock music became more important, the Tuesday night shows would sometimes be listed in the paper as filler in the entertainment section, which is how I found out about most of the shows. Bill Graham liked playing basketball, and apparently each Tuesday the Fillmore West "team" would play a game at the Fillmore West against another team (such as a radio station) prior to the show. A bit of this is shown in the 1972 Fillmore movie. Afterwards, three bands would play from 8:30pm to 12 midnight, followed by an "informal jam" from 12 midnight to 2:00am. However, there is no guarantee that the best band of each Tuesday night was guaranteed to be the opener on the next weekend. I'm sure it happened of course, and perhaps regularly, but I have yet to see indications of who actually opened which show. The Fillmore West was designed as a money making operation, but Bill Graham was also very shrewd about what would now be called "Leveraging His Brand" (had such a term existed then). First of all, each of the three bands was paid Union Scale for a two-hour session. I do not precisely how much this was, and obviously depending on the number of members of the band it would vary slightly, but it was probably a relatively small amount. Thus, it would not take a large crowd to justify the expense of the evening (since bands had to join the union in order to play Fillmore West, some bands may have effectively not been paid at all). In late 1968 Graham started both a booking agency and two record labels. One record label was supported by CBS, and was called Fillmore Records; the other label was San Francisco Records, distributed by Atlantic; and the booking agency was the Millard Agency. Thus the auditions were not just for finding opening acts at Fillmore West, which was hardly an impossible task, as Graham had done so for years at the Fillmore without a Tuesday audition night. Tuesdays provided Graham first look at acts for his record company, and immediate indications of the stage act of local bands for his booking agency. Anyway, apparently Bittersweet's audition that night did not impressed Bill Graham too much, as he neither booked the band to open a weekend show at the Fillmore and/or signed them for his record label or booking agency.

Ron Potts, Fillmore West, San Francisco, February 16, 1971

Saturday, February 20, 1971: 'Fraternity Party', Delta Chi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, February 26, 1971: Odd Fellows Hall, corner of 3rd Street and Broadway Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, February 27, 1971: 'Lambda Pi Fraternity Party', Knights of Columbus, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, March 5, 1971: 'YMCA Benefit', Gymnasium, Chico Junior High School, 280 Memorial Way, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, March 19, 1971: 'Keggar Party', Phi Kappa Tau, Chico State College campus, 611 West 5th Street, Chico, Butte County, California

Saturday, March 20, 1971: Fig Tig, Ferndale, Humboldt County, California

Friday, March 26, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium, Durham High School, 9455 Putney Drive, Durham, Butte County, California

Saturday, March 27, 1971: El Rey Theater, 228 West 2nd Street, Chico, Butte County, California (afternoon show)

Wednesday, March 31, 1971: 'Fraternity Party', Delta Sigma Pi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Friday, April 16, 1971: 'Fraternity Party', Delta Sigma Pi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California (afternoon show)

Friday, April 16, 1971: The Odyssey, 1078 Humboldt Avenue, Chico, Butte County, California (evening show)

Saturday, April 17, 1971: 'Promenade Dance (aka Prom)', Gymnasium, Quincy Junior-Senior High School, 6 Quincy Junction Road, Quincy, Plumas County, California

Friday, April 23, 1971: 'Fraternity Party', Lambda Pi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Tuesday, April 27, 1971: 'Fraternity Party', Delta Sigma Pi, Chico State College campus, Chico, Butte County, California

Thursday, May 6, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Doobie Brothers.

Friday, May 21, 1971: The New Monk, 2119 University Avenue at Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Saturday, May 29, 1971: The Odyssey, 1078 Humboldt Avenue, Chico, Butte County, California

Sunday, June 6, 1971: Homer's Warehouse, 79 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California

Thursday, June 10, 1971: Frenchy's, 29097 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: The Doobie Brothers.

Friday, June 11, 1971: 'Benefit for May 5 Legal Defense (aka Benefit for MayDay Legal Defense, aka Benefit for the Mayday Tribe Legal Defense)', Longshoremen‘s Hall, 400 North Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
One show, from 8:00pm to 2:00am. Also on the bill: Hot Tuna, Malo, Gold, Q.R.S. Complex. Sound by Glyph. Lights by Prismatic Revenge.

Berkeley Barb (June 11, 1971)

Berkeley Tribe (June 11, 1971)

Summer 1971
Bittersweet moved to the Bay Area to try and make a run at a little fame and fortune in San Francisco. "At some point in mid '71 we were gigging so much in the Bay Area that we moved to a very upscale neighborhood in Lafayette in a beautiful home on Via Roble," Ron Potts confirms. "The neighbors weren't too happy with a caravan of hippies moving in (13 adults and children in an open air truck, a van, and my '61 Chevy, plus band gear and some cats and dogs!), but we were good neighbors and after changing the 3-car garage into a rehearsal space we were playing out all the time so really didn't have the time to bother anyone. There was really not much time to disturb the peace." "It was a hard move psychologically for me and my wife Pam [Nastos]," Ron adds. "We had grown to love the kick back life style of a small college town after both growing up in Inglewood [Los Angeles County]. But the band was playing a lot and we just needed to take the plung."

Bittersweet #2, Lafayette house, 1971

Bittersweet #2, Lafayette house, Summer 1971

Friday, June 25, 1971: 'Summer Survival', The Odyssey, 1078 Humboldt Avenue, Chico, Butte County, California
The show, which started at 9:30pm, was presented by Clearlight Productions.

Friday, July 9, 1971: unknown venue, Placerville, El Dorado County, California
"Got ripped off of our pay", Ron Potts recalls about the gig.

Friday, July 30, 1971: The Odyssey, 1078 Humboldt Avenue, Chico, Butte County, California

Thursday, August 26 - Friday, August 27, 1971: The New Monk, 2119 University Avenue at Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Albert Collins.

Sunday, August 29, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Charles Ford Blues Band. "Seems there was a woman there - barkeep or waitress - that someone (Doug?) was fond of," recalls the band's roadie John Goekler. "That was kind of the local hangout when I lived at Rod Johnson’s at the foot of university. Ron and Doug’s brother, Gary, hung out with a bunch of Hell’s Angels, including a huge guy called Tiny, who was the main Longbranch bouncer. He got into it one night with some black guys, and they threatened to come back and take him out. The next time the saloon was open, we went over and there were Harleys lining every street for a block around and dozens of armed Angels inside and out. Never saw the black guys again."

Wednesday, September 1, 1971: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Frank Biner, Danny Daniels. One show, started at 9:30pm.

Berkeley Tribe (August 27, 1971)

Saturday, September 11, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Earthquake. One show, started at 9:00pm.

Thursday, September 16, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Barry Melton and the Fish, Pendergrass. One show, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, September 17, 1971: Arthur L. Acker Gymnasium, Chico State College campus, Warner Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: Boz Scaggs.

Sunday, September 26, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California

Sunday, October 3, 1971: Chateau Libertè, 22700 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Friday, October 8, 1971: Pioneer Gymnasium, California State College at Hayward campus, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Loading Zone.

Saturday, October 9, 1971: Gymnasium, Diable Valley College campus, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa County, California
The band was billed as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic] on the poster. Also on the bill: Road Apple, Snow. The show was presented by The Student Faculty Encounter Club & ASDVC.

Sunday, October 10, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California

Friday, October 15, 1971: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Saturday, October 16, 1971: Pepperland, 737 East Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Rocket 88, Cocoa Beans.

Sunday, October 24, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Frank Biner.

Thursday, October 28, 1971: 'Dianne Feinstein Rally', Rose and Thistle pub, San Francisco, California

Friday, October 29, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium, Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Avenue, Los Altos, Santa Clara County, California

Friday, November 5 - November 6, 1971: Bermuda Palms, 737 East Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael, Marin County, California

Sunday, November 7, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Osceola.

Friday, November 19, 1971: 'Private Party', unknown venue, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California

Saturday, November 20, 1971: Hamilton Air Force Base, Novato, Marin County, California

Tuesday, November 23, 1971: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, November 24, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium, Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California

Saturday, December 4, 1971: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Sunday, December 5, 1971: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Monday, December 6, 1971: 'Benefit for Hilltop School', The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Bro Music.

Friday, December 10, 1971: 'Dance Benefit for Scholarship Funds', Alternative Futures Community Center, 2012 Pine Street, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 8:00pm. Also on the bill: The Nitro Express, plus tarot cards, horoscopes and palm readings.

Tuesday, December 14 - Thursday, December 16, 1971: Different Fur Studios, 3470 19th Street, Mission District, San Francisco, California
“I think we recorded four originals: ‘Stone Genius,’ ‘Trips,’ ‘Sunday Driver,’ and ‘Laughing Tina’,” recalls Ron Potts. “We never got a recording contract so the songs remained unissued, and I am not sure if there are any surviving tapes.”

Friday, December 17, 1971: 'School Dance', Gymnasium, Crystal Springs Uplands School, 400 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, San Mateo County, California

Saturday, December 18, 1971: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Beggars Opera, Country Weather, Heather.

Sunday, December 19, 1971: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Friday, December 24, 1971: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Friday, December 31, 1971: Pepperland, 737 East Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael, Marin County, California (afternoon show)

Friday, December 31, 1971: 'New Years Eve Party', Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California (evening show)

Wednesday, January 5, 1972: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California

Friday, January 7, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Saturday, January 8, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Sunday, January 9, 1972
The band left the communal house in Lafayette and broke into two different living spaces. "Pam and I moved with Kim and [his wife] Janice, and her son Caleb, to Walnut Creek," confirms Ron Potts. "The rest of the folks [Mike, Chic and Doug] moved to a house in San Francisco on 17th Avenue in the Sunset District."

Thursday, January 13, 1972: The New Monk, 2119 University Avenue at Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California

Wednesday, January 19, 1972: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Ambrosia. One show, started at 9:00pm.

Saturday, January 22, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 10:00 (or 10:30)pm.

Wednesday, January 26, 1972: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Free and Easy.

Wednesday, February 2, 1972: Bojangles, 709 Larkin Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California

Friday, February 4, 1972: 'School Dance', Gymnasium, Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, February 9 - Thursday, February 10, 1972: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Asleep At The Wheel or Full Moon (10). One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, February 11, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, from 10:30pm to 12 midnight.

San Francisco Chronicle (February 14, 1972)

Saturday, February 19, 1972: 'Del Valle High School Dance', Boundary Oak Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California

Sunday, February 20, 1972: The Great White Buffalo, Santa Cruz, California

Tuesday, February 22, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, February 23, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 10:00pm.

Friday, February 25 - Saturday, February 26, 1972: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: White Oriole (formerly Sunset). One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Berkeley Tribe (February 18, 1972)

Sunday, February 27, 1972: Climax Club, 333 South La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California

Friday, March 3 - Saturday, March 4, 1972: Sextant, 2215 Powell Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Brother Music (3), Jim Post (4). One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Monday, March 6 - Tuesday, March 7, 1972: Boathouse, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California

Saturday, March 11, 1972: Old Saloon, Sacramento, California

Saturday, March 18, 1972: 'Officers Party', Almaden Air Force Station, Mount Umunhum, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, March 22, 1972: Warehouse, Sacramento, California
Also on the bill: Tower of Power.

Thursday, March 30, 1972: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Clover. One show, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, March 31, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Thursday, April 6 - Saturday, April 8, 1972: Warehouse, Los Angeles, California
The band was billed as 'Bitter Sweet' [sic] on the poster. Also on the bill: Sugarloaf, Sweet Pain.

Los Angeles, April 1972 - from left: Ron Potts, Kim Roberts, and Chic Edwards

Friday, April 21, 1972: 'Del Valle High School's Promenade Dance (aka Prom)', Claremont Hotel, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, Alameda County, California

Chci Edwards and Ron Potts, "Del Valle HS Prom Dance", Claremont Hotel, Berkeley, April 21, 1972

Saturday, April 22, 1972: Wumper's Ol' Man, 1335 Grant Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Thursday, April 27, 1972: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Linx.

Tuesday, May 2 - Thursday, May 4, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mick Greenwood.

Billboard (May 20, 1972)

Friday, May 12, 1972: '1st Annual Mid-May Musicians Costume Ball', Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Osceola, Luis Gasca, IS, and more. One show, started at 8:00pm.

Saturday, May 13, 1972: 'Tour of the Bay', Pier 43 1/2, intersections of Taylor Street and The Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

Monday, May 15, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Thursday, May 18 - Sunday, May 21, 1972: Wumper's Ol' Man, 1335 Grant Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Sunday, May 21, 1972: 'Art Fair', Washington Square Park, Filbert Street and Stockton Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California (afternoon show)

Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23, 1972: The Orphanage, 807 Montgomery Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Thursday, May 25, 1972: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento Convention Center Complex, 1515 J Street, downtown Sacramento, California
Also on the bill: The Guess Who, Boz Scaggs. The show, which started at 7:30pm, was presented by KROY and Miji Productions.

The Express (May 18, 1972)

Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29, 1972: Wumper's Ol' Man, 1335 Grant Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Thursday, June 1 -Saturday, June 3, 1972: Warehouse, Sacramento, California

Sunday, June 4, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, June 6, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, June 7 - Thursday, June 8, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, June 13, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, June 14 - Saturday, June 17, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Wednesday, June 21, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Thursday, June 22 -Saturday, June 24, 1972: Warehouse, Sacramento, California

Late June 1972
Kim Roberts moved back up north and was replaced by a new bass player named Barret Bassick, who the band had met back in December 1971 when they recorded at the Different Fur Studios in San Francisco. "That is where we met Barret for the first time as he was an engineer that helped recorded us," Ron Potts confirms. "He was a worthy replacement. He changed our sound a bit. Very rich deep bass."

BITTERSWEET #3 (LATE JUNE 1972 - OCTOBER 19, 1972)
1) Doug Johnson
2) Ron Potts
3) Mike Kerby
4) Chic Edwards
5) Barret Bassick bass

Bittersweet #3, San Francisco, August 20, 1972 - from left: Ron Potts, Mike Kerby, Barret Bassick, Chic Edwards, and Doug Johnson

Wednesday, June 28 - Saturday, July 1, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, July 4, 1972: The Orphanage, 807 Montgomery Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Hugo Plum, Gilded Flesh.

Wednesday, July 5 - Saturday, July 8, 1972: Clement Mixer, 708 Clement Street, Richmond District, San Francisco, California

Wednesday, July 12 - Thursday, July 13, 1972: Wumper's Ol' Man, 1335 Grant Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Friday, July 14 - Saturday, July 15, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Geronimo, Blackfoot.

Friday, July 21 - Saturday, July 22, 1972: El Rancho, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: The Doobie Brothers.

Saturday, August 5, 1972: 'unknown TV show', KEMO-TV (Channel 20), KEMO Studios, 2500 Marin Street (off Army), Potrero Hill, San Francisco, California
"I remember that it was a live performance," Ron Potts recalls. "Not sure if it was taped."

Sunday, August 6, 1972: The Orphanage, 807 Montgomery Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Wednesday, August 9 - Saturday, August 12, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Thursday, August 17 - Saturday, August 19, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Lamb (18-19). One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Tuesday, August 22 - Saturday, August 26, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Monday, August 28 - Thursday, August 31, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Friday, September 1 - Saturday, September 2, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, September 5 - Thursday, September 7, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, September 12 - Friday, September 15, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Saturday, September 16, 1972: Marine World - Africa USA, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Mateo County, California
An outdoor concert which started at 8:30pm. Also on the bill: Earth Quake.

The Stanford Daily (September 25, 1972)

Friday, September 29 - Saturday, September 30, 1972: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Tuesday, October 3 - Saturday, October 7, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California

Tuesday, October 17 - Thursday, October 19, 1972: North Beach Revival, 1024 Kearny Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Ron Potts' last gigs with the band. He left them to concentrate on a retail career and then a corporate career with AT&T while raising his family. In 2005 he retired and started playing again first with Catie Chase and The Getaways (until 2011), and currently with a Christian rock band called The Flock Praise Band, and a cover rock band called Delta Deuce. Anyway, Bittersweet replaced him with a local drummer named Marcus Grossman, aka 'Marcus David', who had previously played in a lot of local groups. Also, the band added an organ player named Armond (surname unknown).

BITTERSWEET #4 (OCTOBER 20, 1972 - SPRING 1974)
1) Doug Johnson
2) Mike Kerby
3) Chic Edwards
4) Barret Bassick
5) Marcus David drums
6) Armond organ

Bittersweet #4, circa 1973 - from left: Doug Johnson and Chic Edwards in the back, Marcus David, Barret Bassick and Armond, and Mike Kerby kneeling.

1973 (?): Barret Bassick’s basement (?), Fairfax, Marin County, California
Bittersweet recorded a couple of originals titled ‘Bad Bed Blues’ and ‘Carry Man.’ These songs remained unissued but “looks like I have at least one surviving copy of the lost master tape,” points out a music collector named Kerry Brown. “In my little collection of 5” radio-promo tapes, I just found a stereo 7-1/2 ips studio tape with two songs by Bitter Sweet [sic]. Really rockin’ band by the way, master-tape quality audio, excellent stereo. I bought the tape for $.99 at a thrift store years ago. The business card of the band was in the box. I’d like to see it published.”

Saturday, February 3, 1973: Gymnasium, Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street, Concord, Contra Costa County, California
Also on the bill: Stoneground, Childhood's End. One show, started at 7:00pm.

Friday, March 2 - Saturday, March 3, 1973: Crabshaw Corner, 2000 I Street, Sacramento, California
Also on the bill: Redwing. One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Thursday, April 19, 1973: Old Mill Tavern, 106 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, Marin County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Tuesday, May 1, 1973: Homer's Warehouse, 79 Homer Street, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California

Wednesday, May 9, 1973: Chateau Libertè, 22700 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Wednesday, May 16 - Saturday, May 19, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, May 23 - Saturday, May 26, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, May 30, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, June 13 - Saturday, June 16, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, June 20 - Thursday, June 21, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, June 22 - Saturday, June 23, 1973: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, June 27 - Saturday, June 30, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, July 4 - Thursday, July 5, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, July 6, 1973: Stoneyard, 974 Third Street, Napa, Napa County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Wednesday, July 18 - Saturday, July 21, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Tuesday, July 24, 1973: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, July 25 - Saturday, July 28, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Tuesday, August 7, 1973: Seven Divinities, 412 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 10:00pm. Also appeared: Lion dancing, Kung Fu, Kendo swordplay, magicians, singers, and other Asian-style entertainment.

Wednesday, August 15 - Thursday, August 16, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, August 22 - Thursday, August 23, 1973: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, August 24 - Saturday, August 25, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Sopwith Camel. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Tuesday, August 28, 1973: Tuckett Inn, 18564 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, September 21 - Saturday, September 22, 1973: The Matrix, 412 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Pure Food featuring Harvey Mandel, The Sal Valentino Band.

Tuesday, October 2 - Wednesday, October 3, 1973: Wumper's Ol' Man, 1335 Grant Avenue, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Monday, October 8 - Tuesday, October 9, 1973: Peppermint Tree, 660 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 8:30pm.

Thursday, October 11, 1973: The Matrix, 412 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Nimbus. One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, October 12 - Saturday, October 13, 1973: Sand Dunes, 3599 Taraval Street, Parkside, Sunset District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, November 14 - Thursday, November 15, 1973: The Matrix, 412 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Stuart Little Band with mime Bernard Bang. One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Wednesday, December 5 - Thursday, December 6, 1973: Garden of Earthly Delights, 199 Mississippi Street, Mission Bay, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Wednesday, December 12, 1973: The Matrix, 412 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.

Saturday, December 15, 1973: Bodega, 30 South Central Avenue, downtown Campbell, Santa Clara County, California

Spartan Daily (December 12, 1973)

Friday, January 25, 1974: 'Foamy Frolic', cafeteria, Millberry Student Union, UCSF Medical Center, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California
A folk trio called Windance opened the show from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, followed by Bittersweet from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

Wednesday, January 30, 1974: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Malo. One show, started at 9:00pm.

Wednesday, February 6, 1974: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.

March 1974: Hyatt Regency hotel, at the foot of Market Street and The Embarcadero, Financial District, San Francisco, California
Bittersweet performed at Chic Edwards' wedding with a girl named Julie. Mike Kerby was Chic's best man. Their former member Ron Potts, with his wife Pam, attended the wedding.

Friday, April 12 - Saturday, April 13, 1974: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Spring 1974
Chic Edwards left Bittersweet. After the band he worked on music for film and telelevision, then had a record label for a bit called No Point Records, and last but not least he ran an art gallery for a while before he became to sick.

BITTERSWEET #5 (SPRING 1974 - LATE 1974)
1) Doug Johnson
2) Mike Kerby
3) Barret Bassick
4) Marcus David
5) Armond

Wednesday, May 1, 1974: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Bo Diddley.

Tuesday, May 28, 1974: Tuckett Inn, 18564 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, May 31, 1974: Tuckett Inn, 18564 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California

Friday, July 12 - Saturday, July 13, 1974: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Tuesday, July 16 - Thursday, July 18, 1974: The Orphanage, 807 Montgomery Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Sapo.

Tuesday, July 30, 1974: Tuckett Inn, 18564 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, August 9 - Saturday, August 10, 1974: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, August 14, 1974: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Pegasus. One show, started at 9:00pm.

Wednesday, August 28 - Saturday, August 31, 1974: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, October 2 - Saturday, October 5, 1974: Clement Mixer, 703 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, Richmond District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Wednesday, October 16, 1974: The Woods, 1625 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax, Marin County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, October 25 - Saturday, October 26, 1974: Uncle Sam's, 8196 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, November 1, 1974: Paul's Villa, Sonoma, Sonoma County, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.

Friday, November 8 - Saturday, November 9, 1974: Sand Dunes, 3599 Taraval Street, Sunset District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, November 15 - Saturday, November 16, 1974: Sand Dunes, 3599 Taraval Street, Parkside, Sunset District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:30pm.

Friday, November 15 - Saturday, November 16, 1974: The Maltese Falcon, 330 Wall Street, Chico, Butte County, California

The Wildcat (November 7, 1974)

Friday, November 29 - Saturday, November 30, 1974: Yellow Brick Road, 2215 Powell Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Late 1974
Barret Bassick, Marcus David (who went to play with Clover), and Armond all left Bittersweet. At that point Doug Johnson and Mike Kerby reformed the band with the return of Kim Roberts, plus a new unknown drummer.

BITTERSWEET #6 (LATE 1974 - 1976 (?))
1) Doug Johnson
2) Mike Kerby
3) Kim Roberts
4) ? drums
+
5) Marcus David (filled-in on drums on some gigs in Chico in 1975/76)

Bittersweet #6 - from left: ?, Mike Kerby, Kim Roberts, and Doug Johnson

Tuesday, December 3 - Wednesday, December 4, 1974: Yellow Brick Road, 2215 Powell Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Thursday, December 12 - Saturday, December 14, 1974: MacArthur's, 218 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
One show each day, started at 9:00pm.

Saturday, December 28, 1974: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Pat Craig's Everybody In The World. One show, started at 8:00pm.

1976: unknown recording studio, unknown city, unknown county, California
Bittersweet recorded a still unissued song titled 'I Like It Fine'.

1976 (?)
Bittersweet disbanded. Kim Roberts went to play with bands such as Shake, and the Tickets, before starting a solo career and eventually starting working in title insurance for several years and then lastly as a construction site inspector before passing away, while Doug Johnson went to work as a jeweler for a few years and eventually at the JG Bratton Dehydrator in Ord Bend for 17 years before retired.