We drove into Spring Hill around 5:00 PM in a driving rain, only to find that the regular KOFPS (Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers) meeting had been moved from their usual location at the Spring Hill Community Center to the nearby Masons Lodge located at A-Line & Webster Sts because of a special city affair being held there. Big, wet snow flakes began to fall as we reached the new, temporary location and had covered cars and most of the ground by the time we left. Despite these little inconveniences, the hall was full of people and the pot luck supper, which is a real highlight of these meetings, went over without a hitch - the food was excellent and plentiful. Dave Blackwell ("In My Father's House") and Bill Isenhower ("You Win Again," "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," "Pickin' Up Bones," etc.) provided the entertainment during the meal while Larry Keeler started the regular program with "I'm Walking The Floor Over You" and "Yellow Roses." We have the pleasure of hearing Larry most Tuesdays at the BK and never fail to enjoy his singing. Next up was Eldon Morrison who did a swell job with "Anytime You're Feeling Lonely" and "Ramblin Rose," followed by Eldon Landis' guitar instrumental of "Precious Lord Lead Me Home." Eldon has just released a new CD entitled "Whispering - Guitar Solos From Yesterday" which contains some great timeless selections: "Whispering," "Blue Spanish Eyes," "Three Little Words," "Heartaches," "Windy And Warm" and "Ave Marie" among many others. He asks for a donation of $10 and a portion of the proceeds goes to help this KOFPS (Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers Assn.) chapter. For more information call 913-681-2729. Wife Sylvia Landis then stepped to the mike to sing "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and a dandy duet with Rich Blanton of "One By One." Rich, as well as being an excellent fiddle player; is blessed with a voice that has great range and he treated the crowd to "You Gave Me A Mountain" and "Blue." Rich is also the president of the Desoto Chapter of KOFPS, which will host the annual convention this year April 27th, 28th & 29th. For more information on KOFPS and/or this year's convention use this link: www.kofps.org
Bill Owens used his deep, mellow voice to sing Ernest Tubbs' "Thanks A Lot" and "But Tomorrow Never Comes" while Dale Endicott's treatment of "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" and "In The Shadow Of The Pines" was hard to beat. Suzanne and Daryl Danner were next, she singing Dolly Parton's "Coat Of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You" and he, "There Goes My Everything" and "Kiss An Angel Good Morning." Pat & Dave Blackwell, another husband/wife team were next, Pat singing "I'll Lose My Mind Before I'm Over You," and a duet with Dave, "Make Memories With Me." Dave also sang a couple of crowd favorites, "Monday Morning Church" and "Cold Hard Facts Of Life." Lois White was on hand to play her mandolin as she sang "Send Me Some Flowers" and "Begging To You" and Steve Pruden followed with "Blue Moon" and Willie's "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." Stan Small did a terrific job on Elvis' "Love Me Tender" and "Power In The Blood" while Chapter President Julie Joeckel showed her vocal talents on "I Fall To Pieces" and "I'll Get Over You." Ted Propst ("I Didn't Know God Make Honky Tonk Angels" & "Blackboard Of My Heart") and Chuck Yates ("Bury Me Beneath The Willow" & "Hideaway") were last but certainly not least. The evening closed with the entire cast and band doing the gospel number "I've Got A Mansion Just Over The Hilltop." Below: Eldon Landis, Rich Blanton and Chuck Yates play for the enthusastic crowd
