Ron Holmes' Fillmore Opry is where it's always been: Just take the Fillmore exit off I-29, just north of St. Joseph, MO, follow the arrows and there it is - right at the crossroads in downtown Fillmore, right next to the pop machine! John & Mary Pettersch offered to drive and it was a good thing we left early, as we ran into construction delays after construction delays all the way from KC to St. Joe. We arrived in plenty of time, however to visit with Ron and admire all the work he's done to the opry building; a dandy new dance floor and the replacement of many of the old theatre seats with tables & chairs. This more intimate and comfortable arrangement, along with a full service snack bar and restroom facilities make the Fillmore Opry a real steal: a great evening's entertainment still costs only $4!
Ron himself kicked the evening off with "Take These Chains From My Heart," then it was George Strait's "All My Exs Live In Texas," Charlie Pride's "All I Have To Offer You Is Me," Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak," "You Can Have Her" and the saddest song ever written: "Where Am I Gonna Live When I Get Home?" <wink>. Jim Williams is always a great performer. We haven't decided whether we like the old time cheatin' songs he sings so beautifully or the great blues harmonica he plays, the best. But then, why choose when you can hear the best of both anytime you visit the Fillmore Opry! Jim did a great job on the old Faron Young hit, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," then it was Hank Thompson's "Teach Me How To Lie," "Until The Neon Sun Goes Down," Faron's "Face To The Wall," "If I Ever Need A Lady," "When She Does Me Right, She Does You Wrong," "Call Me Some Day" and "1-800-Do You Care." Caryl Walker started his portion of the evening off with the 50's era "Won't You Wear My Ring Around Your Neck," Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," "Fillmore Friday Night (actually Louisiana Saturday Night), "Take My Hand," the mellow "Blue Spanish Eyes," then had the audience roaring with the mirthful "Why Paddy's Not At Work Today." Ron, Jim and Caryl also threw in a little Hee-Haw schnick - Where, Oh Where, etc. to the crowd's delight.
Norma Radmer, the little lady who resides behind the keyboard here every Friday night, showed her vocal skills off as she sang/played "Today I Started Loving You Again," "My Happiness," the funny "I Didn't Know The Gun Was Loaded," Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey," "I'm A Little Bit Lonesome" and the eternal question "Have You Kissed Any Frogs Today." Both Terry Durfee on bass and Dick Swalls on drums are top-notch musicians and did a super job keeping up the beat. Although the featured guest tonight didn't show up, there were plenty of talented folks in the audience to fill in. Our friend Mike Hughes & his wife Beth of nearby Oregon, MO were in the house, so Mike took over the singing chores and entertained all of us with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," the Bellamy's "Margaritaville," Hag's "Working Man Blues" and "Swinging Doors." It was super seeing Ruth Haynes again and hearing her sing "Pretty Words," Willy's "Blue Eyes Cryin In The Rain," "Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine" and "God On A Mountain." Debbie Shirley put her great vocal talents to work with "No One Will Ever Know," a duet with Ron of George & Tammy's "Golden Ring," Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" and Kathy Mattea's "455 Rocket."
As time ran out, Caryl sang the Gene Watson hit "14 Carat Mind," Ron, another of Gene's songs, "If I'm A Fool For Leavin,' I'd Be Twice The Fool To Stay" then Jim Williams with "I'm Gonna Stroll Over Heaven With You" and "Milk Cow Blues" - singin', pickin' and blowin' some hot licks on that blues harmonica! Great stuff!! The Fillmore Band will be featured at a concert July 5th at Civic Center Park in St. Joseph, MO. The concert lasts from 10 AM - 11 PM, but they will be onstage about 3 PM. (Below) Jim Williams not only is a fantastic picker and singer, but blows a great blues harmonica!
