Pull your dancing shoes out of the closet and get ready to rock n  roll at the Landmark Inn’s Mark II. That’s where The Stepin’ Stones  Band will perform Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. for the Fraternal Order of Police Annual Fundraiser & Dance. The money raised will be used for the F.O.P.’s “Shop with a Cop” program that benefits underprivileged children.

The Stepin’ Stones Band was formed in 1966. Original members were Martin “Mark” Slone, on vocals, lead guitar, harmonica and sometimes the piano; Tommy Chaffin on saxophone and organ; Freddie Gilpin on drums and vocals; Don Bevins on vocals and organ; and Scott Fleming on bass guitar and vocals.

As original members embarked on careers or attended college, or later, had family commitments, other musicians filled in occasionally or, sometimes, long-term. Some of these were Darrel Mullins on lead guitar, harmonica and vocals; Jack Hopkins on conga drums and vocals; Ronnie Bunch on bass guitar; James “Tookie” Fields on bass guitar and vocals; and Jeff Keathley on bass guitar, lead guitar and vocals.

All band members were from Pike County and played a mixture of rock, blues and country music. Some of the artists who influenced the band were The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Animals, Merle Haggard and others.

Performing in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, The Stepin’ Stones entertained at high school dances and night clubs, and provided the opening act for artists such as Tom T. Hall, Mel Street, Del Reeves and Billy Joe Royal.

“Back when we started, locally, all we could play were sock hops, proms and things like that, because this territory was dry option territory,” Slone said, “and all these places that are available now to play, were not available back then. So when we’d run out of places to play here, we’d cross over into Virginia which had the little 3-2 beer joints, they called them, and we’d find places there to play.”

The band recorded and released two 45 rpm records that received a lot of air play and local attention. “Love Is the Real Thing” was released in 1968 and “Hard Loving Man” was released in 1975. Both songs were penned and sung by Slone.

The band continued to perform as The Stepin’ Stones from 1966 until 1983. Members continue to come together for occasional shows, and the band performs annually at the Fraternal Order of Police Fundraiser & Dance. Slone is President of the F.O.P.

“We’re very blessed that all the original members of this group are still alive and kicking and that we’re able to come together each year and provide some oldies music for people that also grew up in that era ... and for what we are able to do for the ‘Shop with a Cop  program,’” Slone said.

The Stepin’ Stones invite everyone to “come out for a great night of oldies music and to support this very worthy cause.” Tickets are available from FOP members and from Harley Davidson in Pikeville, as well as the Landmark Inn.

Don’t forget! Nov. 14! Wear your dancing shoes!