The Frisky Frolics’ humble beginning came about when bandleader, Rick Quisol, found that strumming the ukulele and singing old ditties was a pleasing way to wind down after nightlong performances of playing drums with his Swing combo, Atomic Cocktail. Shortly after beginning his uke-playing routine, he ran into a bartender/friend who asked what he’d been up to lately. His response was, "Oh not much, just serenading the dog and cat on the ukulele after a gig." She responded with an offer to come play at her bar for patrons instead. Soon, he found himself learning more songs culled from his 78 rpm record collection to fill out his once-a-month evening slot at The Rite Spot.

When beginning his solo act, he adopted the stage name,The Dimestore Dandy, a title befitting his newfound persona as a Jazz-era troubadour--outfitted in fancy but well-worn vintage duds, a straw boater and a smile, happy to please anyone with a song.

His repertoire came to focus on obscure and classic songs from the heyday of Tin Pan Alley songwriters--the1920’-30’s. To his delight, these old musical gems got a second life being performed for modern day audiences. He discovered there were other people out there who also enjoyed hearing something unusually cheerful, peppy and optimistic.

With a natural ease and sincere delivery, Rick’s vocal style is reminiscent of his influences including: Bing Crosby, Al Bowly, The Boswell Sisters, Johnny Marvin and Nick Lucas, to name a few. After hearing him at a show, one young listener remarked, "I like it because you remind me of a black-and-white movie!"

Eventually, Rick found himself surrounded by other like-minded musicians who enjoyed reviving long-forgotten songs for new audiences; now his solo show became a full-fledged band--The Frisky Frolics. As the group’s popularity grew, so too did their San Francisco performances. "It seems the joyful ‘apple-head’ music that thrills and inspires me also has the same wonderful effect on others", says Rick. Before he knew it, the band had won the award "Best Band For the New Depression" by the S.F. Bay Guradian.

Since forming in 2000, the band has gone through some personnel changes and now boasts members including, longtime musical cohort, bassist Chris "Tgee" Green (Atomic Cocktail), mandolinist Pierre Laik (The Top Hands), clarinetist, Tom Griesser (Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, New Morty Show) and Ragtime guitar sensation, Craig Ventresco (Bo Grumpus). Occassionally, the take-off guitar chair is filled by special guests, Tony Marcus (Cheap Suit Serenaders, Cats and Jammers) and Paul Mehling (Hot Club of San Francisco). Pianist Marty Eggers and tenor saxophonist Yanos Lustig help out when their busy schedules allow.

In 2004 the band was the subject of the documentary, "The Frisky Frolics: No Kitsch Intended" by Zolita Films. As the title suggests, the movie reveals their sincere passion for the music and the era.

These dapper dressers and syncopating songsters have a knack for giving every composition an appropriate treatment. Some numbers are played ever so simply and sweetly while others will be swung with the hottest of rhythms. The Frisky Frolics are an ideal "hotcha" band, full of color and up-to-date in the latest 20’s style; a sheer delight to see, listen or dance to!

If you can’t see ‘em live, check out their DVD release!