The name-game requirements were simple. Not too traditional, not at all Southern, and not too rural.
Nobody recalls exactly who came up with Northern Lights.
Probably it was banjoman Marcus, the organizer and educator. It was a clear example of the mix the group would display throughout the next 15 years. By spring of 1977, however, Marcus had left, replaced by Richard Hand. The group made it through the summer but dissolved in September. That unit lasted until early 1981, when Waters returned to Illinois and Arkin moved to NYC with a publishing firm.