Dogs?

Dogs? formed in 1980, just as progressive rock was giving way to 'new wave' bands like Talking Heads and The Police - and the Wichita club scene was being turned on it's ear by CBS Recording artists The Clocks - fronted at the time by future Dogs member, Jerry Sumner.

Dogs? initially became known for it's high-energy stage show and cover-perfect performances. But within 2 years, founding members Conrad Stolze and Joe McWhorter added Stan Hartman and Barry Dirks to the group and began focusing heavily on the band's original material and unique vocal sound.

After touring Canada in 1984 under the name 'The Stand', along with Denver-based lead vocalist Jay Wetzler, the band returned home, re-established the original name and replaced Jay with Jerry Sumner at lead vocals. Within a few months, the band released a self-titled EP and became an immensely popular draw in the midwest. Over the next few years, Dogs? would open for acts such as Vixen, The Producers and Tommy Shaw of Styx.

Eventually, the band split up to pursue other interests.

Barry and Conrad would go on to form 'Cinema', a band that also included Dear John keyboardist, Randy Grohs, and eventually re-connected again with Jerry Sumner. Stan went on to play with Film@11. In the early '90's, Conrad, Stan and Jerry would form Kansas City-based 'As We Speak', gaining some interest (but no record deal) from Kiss bassist/producer Gene Simmons.

Stan Hartman remained in Wichita and pursued interests in country music with local band 'Against The Grain'. Jerry Sumner keeps his hand in the live music scene in Kansas City, has toured with local Wichita artist, Gooding, and briefly reformed The Clocks in 2003. Conrad maintains his own home-based studio in the Kansas City area working on personal projects and soundtrack work. Barry also keeps his hand in various projects from his home studio.

Currently, Dogs? is working on new release expected in early August of this year, along with a remastered re-release of their original 1984 EP (with bonus tracks). Stay tuned on this site for more information in the coming months.

Jerry, Conrad, Barry and Stan will be returning to the lineup at The Cotillion show, with Randy Grohs taking over at keyboards.