Because of the unseasonably mild weather, a big crowd of Outlaw Country Music and more specifically Billy Joe Shaver fans filled the outdoor staging area at Knuckleheads this evening.  Located in Kansas City's east bottoms industrial area at 2715 Rochester Street, it butts right up to that area's extensive railroad switching yards.  The original building was in fact, built in 1887 as a rooming house for railroad workers and in 1997, when Frank HIcks and family acquired the property, became a motorcycle shop, which advertised free beer to entice bikers to find their out-of-the-way location.  Eventually, a liquor license was acquired and they began to book blues acts and other musical groups.  Today, not only is Knuckleheads known as one of the top blues venues in the country, but they book many of the top names in various types of music including classic country.

As we settled down with one of their monstrous barbeque beef sandwiches and fries at a table near the north end of the stage, tonight's opening group "Justa Billy & The Bullhaulers" opened the evening's festivities.  With Justin Schoening on vocals and rhythm, Bill Larson on drums, Russell Edgar on bass and Joel Martin playing lead guitar, this Northland-based group also opened for Grand Ole Opry star Hal Ketchum when he appeared here.  Beginning with Waylon's "Ramblin Man," a Charlie Robison song, "Bar Light, Bar Bright," Porter Wagoner's "Bottom Of The Bottle" and Delbert McClinton's "Two More Bottles Of Wine," then it was a Johnny Paycheck tune "The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised," Willie & Merle's "Poncho & Lefty" and "Ramblin Fever."  David Allan Coe was well represented as Justin sang "My Long Hair Don't Cover Up My Red Neck," "Up Against The Wall" and "Outlaw Country Singer."  This group showed their versatility with Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days," Chuck Berry's "Promise Land," Hank Williams III's "Mississippi Mud," Waylon's "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way," John Anderson's "Black Sheep Of The Family,"  Charlie Daniels' "I Couldn't Believe" and Steve Earle's "Guitar Town."  This is an extremely talented group and Justin informed us, he will be appearing at Dirks Bar & Grille this Friday evening.  Check out their location, etc. by following the link found on our home page. 

Billy Joe Shaver was raised in the Corsicana, Texas area by his mother and grandmother after his father deserted the family before he was born.  He used to accompany his mother to the nightclub where she worked in Waco and it was there he was first exposed to country music.  He left school after the 8th grade and joined the Navy on his 17th birthday.  After his discharge, he tried a number of dead end jobs including a job at a lumber mill where he was injured and lost the better part of two fingers and contracted a serious infection.  Eventually recovering, he taught himself to play the guitar without the aid of those missing fingers.  Deciding that life was too short to do something he didn't enjoy, he set out to hitchhike to L.A., but he couldn't get a ride west and ended up just outside of Memphis, TN.  His next ride brought hm to Nashville, where he found a job as a songwriter for $50 a week.  His work came to the attention of Waylon Jennings whose album Honky Tonk Heroes contains mostly all Shaver songs.  Other artists such as Kris Krisofferson and Elvis Presley also began to record his music.  Today, Billy Joe Shaver not only records his own music, but enjoys packed houses wherever his tours take him.

Billy Joe's creations aren't merely songs, but rather a window into his past.  He once told us, "Son, I couldn't make that stuff up.  If I wrote it -- I lived it!"  With Billy Joe on vocals, Jeremy Woodall on lead guitar, Jason McKenzie on drums and Nick Dayton on doghouse bass the upbeat "Georgia On A Fast Train" was followed by "Honky Tonk Heroes," "That's What She Said Last Night," "The Devil Made Me Do It The First Time," "Let The World Call Me A Fool" and "Old Five And Dimers."  Next was a tune he wrote when he was about 8 years old, "Honey Bee" followed by a huge John Anderson hit "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," "Star In My Heart," one of our favorites "I'm Gonna Live Forever" and "Hottest Thing In Town."  Drummer Jason McKenzie played a terrific several minutes-long drum solo during the next selection "When The Word Was Thunderbird" and Jeremy Woodall was featured on "House On The Hill" and Nick Dayton slapped that big bass and sang "I Found My Weakness In You." 

Billy Joe related the circumstances leading up to his writing his next tune "Ragged Old Truck," and then after "Love Me One More Time Before I Go," it was "Good Ole USA" which he wrote as he was returning from a trip to Paris, France some years ago.  Urging the band to "Play as bad as you can, boys," he recounted a group he was with many years ago dubbing them the mythical "Slim Chance & the I Can't Hardly Play Boys."  "Love Is So Sweet," "Bottom Dollar," "It's Been That Way Since The Get-Go," "I Couldn't Be Me Without You," "Ride Me Down Easy" and "Try And Try Again" followed with Billy closing the evening most appropriately with "You Can't Beat Jesus Christ."  Billy Joe stayed till the wee hours, signing autographs, taking pictures and visiting with everyone who approached him.  He is a genuinely nice man in a business that has more than it's fair share of demands.  (Below)   top  l. to r.  Pete Saiger, Knuckleheads' sound technician, Billy Joe Shaver, Frank Hicks, Knuckleheads' owner & operator 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 2:01 PM CST

Updated: Monday, 9 November 2009 1:27 AM CST

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It's been quite a spell since we've had the opportunity to visit Bill & Vicki Walker's Barn Door Opry in Ravenwood, MO which is just off US 136, just east of Maryville, MO.  We always enjoy listening to this band, known as the Stepping Stones perform all those old classic country tunes we love so much.  We were delighted also to see two of our favorite entertainers, Vance & Lila Monday were here as well and we were to enjoy Vance's steel guitar & fiddle work and Lila's beautiful vocals.  Joining Bill (emcee, sound, vocals, etc.) and Vicki (keyboards, vocals) Walker and the Mondays were Tanner Walker (drums, vocals), Jim Wells (lead guitar), Dona Wills (bass), sisters Linda Atwood (sax, vocals) and Melanie Coulter (fiddle) with Ron Burson handling banjo, guitar, vocals and comedy duties.

After the band played the old fiddle tune "Back Up And Push" featuring Vance Monday's and Melanie Coulter's fiddling, Ron Burson stepped front and center to sing "I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home."  Later he was to play the "Black Mountain Rag" on the banjo and sing an old Roy Drusky number, "Another."   At one point he asked Bill Walker if he knew that Ron had married a twin.  "How do you tell them apart?" Bill asked.  "Well, it's not too hard," Ron told him."  "Her brother's a couple of inches taller!"  Linda Atwood played some great honky-tonk sax with a upbeat version of "Cotton Fields Back Home," "Take It Back" (vocals & sax) and joined sister Melanie Coulter's fiddling on the "Orange Blossom Special."  Speaking of Melanie, we were treated to some great fiddle music and more from this young lady tonight with "Ragtime Annie," "When My Time Comes To Go" (featuring some sibling harmony with Linda), "Bill Cheatum," "Soldier's Joy" and "Golden Slippers" (w/Linda on sax).  Tanner Walker, Bill & Vicki's son is not only a terrific drummer, but has worked hard at and has become a top vocalist (which is not easy to accomplish while playing drums) and tonight he did a bang-up job  singing "Ghost Riders In The Sky," Willie's "Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain," "Great Speckled Bird" (with his dad), Hank Sr.'s "Kaw Liga," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" and Josh Turner's "Long Black Train." 

Vicki Walker played and sang "Crazy Arms" and a Linda Ronstadt number, "Making Plans" while everyone stood as Bill sang "Green Beret" to honor our fighting men and women who are serving in distant lands.   Vance & Lila Monday always prove to be such a treat to see and listen to and tonight Lila was up first, singing Loretta Lynn's "Blue Kentucky Girl" with Vance close behind, playing "Cold, Cold Heart" and our request - a beautiful song he wrote for Beth Hunter's show in Allerton, IA - "Night Sky."  Lila returned to sing "Somewhere Between," then joined Vance to sing one of our favorite spirituals, "On My Father's Side."  We hadn't had an opportunity to meet their son Lonnie Monday, who lives in Tabor, IA before tonight, so it was quite a treat to hear him sing "Heartaches By The Number," "The Fugitive" and "Crazy Arms" for the big crowd.  Jim Wells plays a sweet-sounding lead guitar and accompanied by wife Dona on bass and others was featured on Ray Price's "Soft Rain" and "Frankie & Johnnie."  It was a pleasure seeing Elaine Jackson again (it's been quite a spell) and we enjoyed hearing her sing another Roy Drusky tune "Alone With You" and "Sortin' Through What's Left Of You And Me."

Tonight's special guest was a man we were not unaware of.  We first heard Bill White perform at Jess Richardson's Westline Jamboree and later at Middle Creek Opry near Louisburg, KS.  Bill is blessed with a great country voice and can sing practically anything that is thrown his way.  If you like classic country, Bill is your man and tonight he began his set with "Slewfoot" followed by a Jackie Ward song, "Big Blue Diamonds," Mel Tillis' "New Patches," Marty Robbins' "Knee Deep In The Blues," Hank Sr.'s "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" and Ernest Tubbs' "Journey's End."  As a rare encore, he sang Marty Robbins' "Singing The Blues" and Hank's "Jambalaya," then returned the second half with Lefty Frizzell's "She's Gone, Gone, Gone," Bobby Bare's "Four Strong Winds," Hank's "Settin' The Woods On Fire," Ernest Tubbs' "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin" and "'Cause My Sweet Love Ain't Around."  The crowd of nearly 200, clearly showed their enjoyment and approval and we predict that Bill will want to return to these parts real soon.  Everyone joined in the singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" to close out tonight's festivities.  (Below) top - Bill White entertains the big crowd tonight at the Barn Door Opry  bottom - Vance & Lila Monday sing "On My Father's Side"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:44 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 8 November 2009 4:03 PM CST

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Every Wednesday, a small two room space filled with musical memoribilia and oozing with nostalgia located at Knucklehead's (a musical emporium on Kansas City's east side) which is normally known as the Retro Lounge becomes the Gospel Lounge, where folks gather to hear not only  gospel music but some great country/western licks at well as a terrific spiritual message.  Pastor Carl Butler (lead guitar & vocals) and wife Pastor Sharon who head up this weekly meeting are joined by Jamie Gumm Ogle (vocals), John Nichols (organ, vocals), Frank Infranca (bass), George Lapp (keyboards) & Dale Zea (drums).  We certainly enjoy hearing these folks play every time we have the chance to visit.  Jamie & Carl of course, among their other entertainment ventures, are both members of the Middle Creek Band which plays every Saturday night during the season at the Rutlader Outpost, just south of Louisburg, KS.

The program tonight started with a beautiful instrumenal - "Mercy, Mercy," then it was Carl with "I Love To Be In Your Presence."  John Nichols sounded great as he sang and played "Singing The Blues" and Ray Price's "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me."  Jamie Gumm Ogle was to follow with Linda Rhonstadt's "When Will I Be Loved" and Kris Krisofferson's "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends."  Carl was to return with "Ancient Of Days" with some great backup singing by Jamie and then John sang an audience favorite, "I See The Lord" and was joined by Carl for a duet of the Waylon Jennings' classic "Good Hearted Woman."  After a great insterumental, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," Jamie sang while Carl played his flattop on a simply beautiful rendition of "Over The Rainbow."

Pastor Carl's message tonight was directed towards these uncertain times -- Negativity in Tough Times.  How do you keep Positive Faith?  In these times of unemployment, losing homes, etc. we must all take positive steps:  Keep serving Christ, have compassion for others and don't compromise your Christian charity.  Helping others will benefit you more that it will them.  Wise words indeed!  The Gospel Lounge starts @ 7:30 PM and is held each and every Wednesday night.  (Below) The Gospel Lounge 11-4-09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:09 PM CST

Updated: Thursday, 5 November 2009 12:37 PM CST

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It was a beautiful, crisp fall evening as we rolled into the BK and shortly after we sat down, close to the bandstand and the obligatory sound checks were completed, Larry Dean welcomed everyone to this evening's festivities with the Waylon Jennings' number "Wrong" and Don Williams' "That's The Way Love Goes."  Later, he would return with "Livin' On Tulsa Time" and Johnny Cash's "Flesh & Blood."  Gordon Riley, who with wife Doris, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary tonight (see photo below) and the band sounded great as they played "Steel Guitar Rag," "Back Home Again In Indiana," "Honky Tonk" and "South" for the dancers and listeners alike.  Mary Bichelmeyer did a wonderful job both on bass guitar and vocals here tonight, singing Terri Gibbs' "Somebody's Knockin'," "Dark Moon," Skeeter Davis' "End Of The World" and "Mr. Man In The Moon." 

"Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee and had some friends and family in the audience tonight got the feet tappin' and the hands clappin' as he played "When The Saints Go Marching In," "Yakity Sax," "Ragtime Annie" and the beautiful "Maiden's Prayer."  Our resident songwriting genius, Garry Bichelmeyer also had a surprise!  He had written a song about the recent bus trip the band and many of the regular attendees took last Friday to Concordia, KS, where the band appeared at a local theatre.  He hadn't named the song as yet and the audience decided on the title, "Concordia Or Bust."  Garry also sang Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone," joined Larry Dean on the Soggy Bottom Boys' rendition of "In The Jailhouse Now" and "Don't We All Have The Right To Be Wrong."  We always enjoy Art Covey's mandolin playing and tonight he and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums, got a big hand as he played "Kentucky Waltz" and "Redwing." 

David Purcell's hand was wrapped up due to a recent operation, but that didn't keep him from singing and he got a big ovation as he sang Merle Haggard's "It's Not Love, But It's Not Bad," "Northern Star" (another Garry Bichelmeyer song) along with a couple of Willie Nelson classics, "Remember Me" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night."  It's always nice to see and hear Annie Little and tonight she sang "That's How Much I Love You" and (another Garry song) "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind."  Art Covey and the band closed out this fun evening with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  (Below)  Doris & Gordon Riley celebrate their 48th Anniversary with the band and crowd

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 4 November 2009 9:50 PM CST

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This Saturday night we opted to visit Shawn & Collette Pittman's Ft. Scott Jamboree which is held every Saturday beginning at 7:30 PM at Memorial Hall, 3rd & National Streets in downtown Ft. Scott, Kansas.  The weather was perfect as we popped a "Willie & The Wheel" CD in the player, set the cruise control and enjoyed the drive south which took just over an hour.  We got our first surprise shortly after our arrival when we learned that there had been some significent changes in the band with our friend Dwayne Bowman returning to these familiar digs, playing lead guitar and contributing those awesome vocals, Larry King of Colcord, OK is now on bass and vocals, Gale Richey of Springfield plays keyboard and Dwain Carger of Grove, OK plays drums while 15 year old Austin Stewart of Mulberry, KS remains on steel guitar.  Shawn Pittman, of course plays that great fiddle and mandolin.  This is an excellent band with many of the members playing other venues together during off hours.  The second surprise was when we noticed many of the ladies attending brought along a pie and left it on a table near the stage where other ladies cut it up and placed it on small plates ready to serve.   When we asked what was going on, we were told that not only was this Halloween, but it was also "Pie Night," where the ladies who attend regularly were asked to bring one of their favorite pies and everyone would sample their fares at intermission.  They are planning on making this a regular event, perhaps once a month.  There were, of course a wide variety of fillings available and we opted for a slice of sugar-free banana creme.  YUM!

Dwayne Bowman welcomed everyone to tonight's show and began the evening with an old Ray Price tune "Heartaches By The Number," then followed with Bob Wills' "Sugar Moon," Ray Charles' "You Don't Know Me" and "Lily's White Lies."   The second half featured more Dwayne Bowman and the audience loved it as Dwayne sang the old Roy Acuff standard "Wabash Cannonball" followed by "Cinderella," Ray Price's "Sittin' & Thinkin'," Johnny Paycheck's "For A Minute There" and a Conway Twitty number, "It's Only Make Believe."  The crowd roared as Dwayne sang "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore," then it was Mel Tillis' "Green, Green Grass Of Home" and "Only You."  Fifteen year old Ginelle Esry, who just got her learner's permit this week, has some amazing vocal talents that anyone at any age would be proud of.  Tonight she sounded marvelous as usual as she sang Patsy Cline's "Honky Tonk Merry Go Round," Linda Rhonstat's "When Will I Be Loved," Tanya Tucker's "San Antonio Stroll" and Patsy's "Crazy."  We second Dwayne's remark that this young lady has a bright future in the entertainment business ahead of her.  Bass player Larry King who hails from Colcord, OK showcased his vocals talents with Jack Greene's "She's Gone Gone Gone" and "Statue Of A Fool," returning the second half with Mo Bandy's "Rodeo Romeo Style" and Eddy Arnold's "Welcome To My World." 

We love old-time fiddle music and Shawn played a great one -- "Sally Gooden" before Gale Richey cut loose on those keyboards and sang Bobby Bare's "Marie Laveau" (a great Halloween song) and later Fats Domino's "Hello Josephene."  Collette, dressed in an attractive costume complete with wings (maybe she's MY fairy godmother?) used her beautiful voice to sing a couple of Connie Smith favorites: "I'll Come Runnin' To You" and "Ain't Had No Lovin'."  Austin Stewart, who was recently named Kansas steel guitar player for the year (don't forget - only 15 yrs. old!) played an incredible rendition of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" while drummer Dwain Carger did a super job singing "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On."

We had an absolutely wonderful time and if you live anywhere near Ft. Scott or don't mind a short drive to get there, you should catch one of these fun-packed shows.  There are always a lot of surprises and who knows?  You might get lucky like we did and show up on Pie Night!  Dwayne and the entire cast closed the evening with "Kansas City."  (Below) top - l. to r. Larry King, Dwayne Bowman, Shawn Pittman, Ginelle Esry, Austin Stewart, Gale Richey  bottom - Collette Pittman in her beautiful Halloween costume

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 November 2009 1:40 PM CST

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We arrived at Wayne Hoover's Countryside Jamboree to find the parking lot crammed with cars and the hall filled with revelers, both in costume and out.  Prior to showtime, there was a scrumptious potluck supper complete with dessert and a contest for the best Halloween costume.  We made the trip up to Cameron this evening with our friends, the Petterschs and stopped in Liberty to eat at the Corner Cafe, so we were way too full to even sample the heaps of food these folks brought in, but it looked delicious!

With the tables cleared and put away, it was time for some great country music and dancing --- and these folks do love their dancing!  Billy Dean Bennett started off the festivities, bow in hand, with a great old fiddle tune, "Back Up And Push," then later returned to play lead guitar and sing Buck Owens' "Haunted House," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Monster Mash," "Firecracker" and Conway's "Fifteen Years Ago."  If there is anybody in these parts who can sing Western Swing any better than Wayne Hoover, we sure haven't heard him.  Wayne began with the Hank Thompson classic "Oklahoma Hills," then it was Ray Price's "Please Talk To My Heart," Merle Haggard's "Ramblin' Fever," Hank Locklin's "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On," our request of Johnny Bush's "What A Way To Live," "Whole Lotta Shakin'," Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat" and Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone." 

Bill Rankin always plays such beautiful steel guitar and dobro and tonight was certainly no exception with "She Thinks I Still Care," "Have You Ever Been Lonely," "Deep Water" and after joining Billy Dean, Bill Ganns on bass and the rest of the band on the great instrumental "Wheels," it was "Faded Love" playing both the steel guitar and dobro (below)!  Later in the set, the dance floor once again filled up as Bill played some cheek to cheek dance music with "I Love You Most Of All."  Lisa Marie Bennett, the group's drummer (and Billy Dean's lovely wife) showed her vocal talents with "Heartaches By The Number," Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do," Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone," Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman," Trick Pony's "I Ain't Wastin' Good Whiskey On You," "I Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry" and Keith Whitley's "Every Second."  There were some walk-ons as well tonight:  Clarence Ashler sang "Swinging Doors" while Riley Crawford did a bang-up job with "Somewhere Between" and Hank Williams' "You're Gonna Change."  Art Damgar was in the house as well tonight and put everything he had into George Morgan's "Candy Kisses" and "Roomfull Of Roses."  Ten couples participated as little Peggy Wheeler called the Virginia Reel to the tune of "Down Yonder."

With a beautiful steel guitar solo by Bill Rankin and Wayne Hoover's vocals, the band closed this fun evening with the Gene Watson classic "Farewell Party!"  (Below)  top:The Halloween costume finalists (the winner is on the far left)  bottom: Dancers crowd the floor as Bill Rankin's dobro emits the sweet sounds of "Faded Love"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:24 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 31 October 2009 12:01 PM CDT

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Tonight we decided to visit one of our favorite Wednesday night haunts -- Harry's Country Club which is located in Kansas City's River Quay district and which features an evening of classic country music courtesy of Pat "Tater" Irvin and The Gravy Train (A. J. Crone on lead, Russ Wever, steel guitar & Jim Curley on the doghouse bass).  With the temperatures dropping, the band has moved inside to the main bar from the patio where it performs during the summer months, making for a closer, more intimate atmosphere.  Harry's also features a great kitchen and we never pass up a chance to sample one of their great salads, chili & cornbread, one of their many tasty sandwiches or other delicious entrees on the menu. 

As we sat back, sipping a glass of ice water and waiting for our order to arrive, Tater and the gang kicked off their set with an old George Jones number, "You're Still On My Mind" followed by Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak," Waylon's "The Door Is Always Open," Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," Vern Gosdin's "Do You Believe Me Now" and Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman."  Tater must know the words to literally thousands of songs as he didn't hesitate to fulfill our request of Bobby Bare's "Streets Of Baltimore" then it was Don Williams' "Living On Tulsa Time," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," Ernest Tubb's "Thanks A Lot," Ray Price's "The Other Woman" and "The One I Love Don't Live There Anymore." 

After A. J. showed his vocal skills with Junior Brown's "Highway Patrol," Matt Beck, who is in town performing with a group tomorrow night at the Midland Theatre, sat in for a few numbers, taking over the lead duties from A. J.  Evidently, Matt is left-handed and just fllipped the guitar upside down and did just an awesome job!  Tater sang a Kris Krisofferson tune, "The Taker" before Don Williams' "I Believe In You," Johnny Bush's "If You Can't Undo The Wrong," "I Couldn't Be Me Without You," Larry Gatlin's "I Just Can't Get Her Out Of My Mind" and "All Of Me."  It was time for some Western Swing with Bob Wills' "Rollie Pollie" then it was Ray Price's "Crazy Arms," Faron Young's "Hello Walls," Conway's "Fifteen Years Ago" and "Good Life."

Nate Irvin, Tater's brother who also is a terrific vocalist, was in the house as well tonight and took a turn behind the mike singing Del Reeves' "Looking At The World Thru A Windshield," Hag's "Working Man Blues," "Wind Me Up," Mel Street's "Loving On Back Streets," Johnny Paycheck's "The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised," Lefty Frizzel's "Drinking Coffee & Smokin Cigarettes Blues" Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone" and Dwight Yoakum's "Streets Of Bakersfield."  A. J. once again put his vocal talents to work with Wayon's "Ramblin Man," BR-549's "Honky Tonk and " George Jones' "Wrapped Around Her Finger."  Tater closed the evening with the Buck Owens' classic "Before You Go," "Where Oh Where Are You Tonight" (vintage Hee-Haw), "You Come & Go," Billy Joe Shaver's "Ride Me Down Easy," "House Of The Rising Sun" and "It's A Heartache."  (Below) top - Matt Beck & Pat "Tater" Irvin relax between sets bottom - Tater & the Gravy Train (10-28-09)

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 29 October 2009 12:51 PM CDT

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Although the BK always features great music, we found this evening particularily enjoying.  Larry Dean opened tonight's program with the Don Williams classic "Living On Tulsa Time" and  a Bob Wills tune recently reissued by Willie Nelson, "Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer.  Larry was to return a short time later with Merle Haggard's "It's Been A Great Afternoon" and "Going Where The Lonely Go."  Gordon Riley, who plays such a great lead guitar here every week and the rest of the band, including John Malone on drums, played a couple of great instrumentals, "Wheels" and "Sleepwalk," then returned later with "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."  "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday Night sang & fiddled the Bob Wills/George Strait number "Right Or Wrong" and fiddled another Wills' classic, "Milk Cow Blues."   

Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player demonstrated her vocals skills with Patsy Cline's "Crazy Arms," Terry Gibbs' "Somebody's Knockin'" and "I'd Rather Be A Poor Man's Woman."  The BK's resident song-writing genius Garry Bichelmeyer, got a big hand as he sang Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," for the Halloween season approaching - "Demons" (one of his creations), "Rolling In My Sweet Baby's Arms" and Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone."  It's always such a treat to see Art Covey and enjoy his singing and mandolin playing and tonight he did a wonderful job with "Rebel Soldier" and "Hobo's Meditation."  Scott Gilmore, the father of those cute little red-headed kids, stepped to the mike to close out the first half with Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie."

David Purcell will be having an operation on his hand performed Friday and we wish him the best of luck with what will be a period of recovery.  Tonight he sang "Making Believe," "Once In A Lifetime Thing" and "Where Did Our Love Go."  We hope you will be returning soon, David.  Mary Bichelmeyer closed the evening with "Just A Closer Walk."  (Below)  David Purcell, Larry Dean (seated), Marvin Bredemeier and Gordon Riley

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:28 PM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 27 October 2009 11:30 PM CDT

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To help benefit a local charity dealing with desperately sick children in the Tonganoxie KS area, Annie's Country Jubilee held a matinee this afternoon featuring some of the finest classic country gospel you'll ever hear.  Joining Annie Dunavin on stage this afternoon were longtime friend Beth Hunter who appeared here on last night's show -- from Albia, IA, "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier playing some beautiful fiddle, Haylie Walter's beautiful voice and the ACJ Quartet: Jim Winters, Steve Straub, Ted Ward and lead guitarist/musical director David George.

It was David in fact, who opened this fun event with "Walkin' In Jerusalem" before Annie sang the Ferlin Husky classic "Wings Of A Dove" and joined by Beth Hunter, "Get Up In Jesus Name."  Annie would return later with "Swing Low Sweet Chariot,"  "Living In His Love," and "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" with Beth.  Before having to leave for the long trip home, Beth put her awesome talents to work with "Have A Little Talk With Jesus," "Something About That Name," and later "I Love To Tell The Story," "In The Sweet By and By" and "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus."  Jim Winters did his usual A-1 job singing Josh Turner's "Long Black Train," "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and the great Randy Travis hit "Three Wooden Crosses."  David returned to sing "I'll Always Do Anything For You," "Dust On The Bible" and "I Know A Man Who Can" and Marvin got a huge hand as he played "I Saw The Light' on his fiddle.  That little gal with the big voice, Haylie Walter gave the folks a treat as she sang Christy Lane's "One Day At A Time," "When God Dips His Pen" and "Silver & Gold."

Steve Straub, Annie's regular drummer has a vast background in gospel music and he did a marvelous job with "He Looked Beyond My Faults," "The Lighthouse," "Feelin' Fine" and with the rest of the ACJ Quartet, "Buelah Land."  The show closed with the entire cast singing "I'll Fly Away."  (Below) Annie Dunavin & Beth Hunter sing "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 9:40 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 26 October 2009 11:36 AM CDT

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What a super nice evening it was as we made the short drive out to Tonganoxie, KS for what proved to be a very entertaining evening at one of our favorite venues:  Annie's Country Jubilee.  We were still quite a bit early, even after eating supper at the West End Cafe, on 4th St. just west of the theatre, so we had time to visit with Beth Hunter and husband Frank and others and before we knew it, the theatre filled up and it was time for the big red curtain to open and Annie Dunavin and the Jubilee band to welcome everyone with a hearty "Come On In!" 

"Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier got the feet shufflin' with a great old fiddle tune - "Back Up And Push" while little Haylie Walter showed everyone she knows what country singin' is all about with "Heart Over Mind," Mel Tillis' "New Patches" (a duet with Jim Winters) and later it was Connie Smith's "Heart I'm Ashamed Of You" and Johnny Rodriquez's "Riding My Thumb To Mexico."  Emcee and one of the finest male vocalists in these parts, Jim Winters stepped front and center to sing Mel Tillis' "Forgive Me For Giving You The Blues," Alan Jackson's "Job Description," Lefty Frizell's "Saginaw, MIchigan and Eddy Arnold's "Red Roses For A Blue Lady."  Curt Graber, who was filling in for Fred Uzzell tonight was featured as the band played "Buckaroo" and "Steel Guitar Rag" and, after strapping on his acoustical guitar showed his diversification as he sang "Six Days On The Road."  David George, Annie's musical director and fabulous lead guitarist showed off his vocal skills with Buck Owens' "You've Got Me Under Your Spell" and a duet with Haylie of "The Flame In My Heart Is Dying Away." 

Beth Hunter is the consumate entertainer and never fails to excite and amuse audiences whenever she is on the bill.  We have seen Beth perform many times, both here at Annie's and at her own shows in Iowa and we always look forward to the next time.  No two appearances are ever alike.  Beginning with Carl Smith's "Here Comes My Baby" (since Carl couldn't make it tonight, she explained), Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Trisha Yearwood's "She's In Love With The Boy," she returned the second half with Patty Loveless' "Don't Toss Us Away," a medley of Cheatin' Heart/My Heart Tells Me Stay (My Pride Tells Me Go)" and, of course with help from Annie and others, her signature tune, "The Washing Machine Song."  Take it from us---this lady is a dynamo!

Annie Dunavin returned to get a huge hand as she sang the Leroy Van Dyke classic "Just Walk On By" and Patsy Cline's "Church, Courtroom & Goodbye" and drummer Steve Straub turned over the duties to Bill Larson while he stepped up to the mike to sing Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool" and as an encore, Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode."  Just after the break, Annie introduced Kevin Lee, who will be appearing here at Annie's, December 5th and Kevin, who is presently serving his country as a member of the armed forces, gave us a sneak preview, sounding great as he sang George Strait's "The Fireman" and Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes." 

Annie's Country Jubilee Quartet has always been an audience favorite since it's inception several years ago.  Composed of Steve Straub, Jim Winters, David George and Ted Ward (who is Annie's bass guitar player), this group is a must listen if you like group music and close harmony as we do.  Beginning with the Oaks' "Bobbie Sue" and the Sons Of The Pioneers' "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," it was then the Statler's "Bed Of Roses" and "Lighthouse."  The quartet returned the second half with "You Are My Sunshine," "Flowers On The Wall," "More Than Just A Name On The Wall" and "Elvira."  They also closed the evening with a gospel number "Beulah Land" featuring a powerful vocal performance by Steve Straub.  A Reminder:  A Classic Country Gospel Music Show will be held tomorrow at the theatre.  Doors open at 2 PM with the show starting at 3 PM.  Hope to see you there!!  (Below) front: Beth Hunter poses with Annie's Country Jubilee Quartet members (l. to r.) Steve Straub, Jim Winters, Ted Ward, David George)

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:03 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 25 October 2009 2:41 AM CDT

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