On this sweltering (we saw a bank sign that said 100 degrees!) June evening, a huge crowd of music lovers gathered at the BK tonight to enjoy some great music and dance to some old-time country music.  Larry Dean was front and center as we arrived, singing "Playboy" and Merle Haggard's "Big River."  Larry was certainly in fine voice tonight and returned later with"Wabash Cannonball"  and an old fifties number, "Rose & A Baby Ruth."  Fred Uzzell, who plays steel & dobro at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS every Saturday night did some beautiful work on the dobro here tonight with "Redwing," "Cold Cold Heart," "South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way), and "Peg Of My Heart."  Also from Annie's, fiddler "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier had the fingers poppin' and the toes tappin' with "Rubber Dolly," "Maiden's Prayer" and the "Wednesday Night Waltz."

Gordon Riley on lead guitar, John Malone on drums and the rest of the band sounded great as they were featured on "Boogie #1," "Honky Tonk" and "Wheels."   Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player, showed her vocal talents off as she sang "Bill Bailey," Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and "Don't Tell Me What To Do" while husband Garry Bichelmeyer, whose talent is second to none, sang one of his original songs, "Tonganoxie" and "Catch A Falling Star."  David Purcell sounded great as well this evening, donning that crazy hat and pigtails and singing Willie Nelson's "Remember Me," George Jones' "Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong" and a Garry Bichelmeyer tune "Northern Star."  During intermission, David and his granddaughter Chelsea Smith did just a marvelous duet of "Collide."  This was a first time singing in public for this young lady and we predict a bright future if this is any indication of things to come.

Walk-ons tonight were the talented Annie Little singing "Accentuate The Positive" and Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance" and Arnie Johnson, who, some years ago had a great dance band here in the Kansas City area.  Arnie got a big hand as he sang Hank Thompson's "Wild Side Of Life," "Okie From Muskogee," the old Louvin Bros. tune "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight," "Take These Chains From My Heart" and "Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You."   (Below)  top - Fred Uzzell (l.) & Marvin Bredemeier (r.) with Glen Smith, former operator of Glen's Opry  bottom - Dave Purcell & granddaughter Chelsea Smith

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 7 July 2009 1:24 PM CDT

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A big Father's Day crowd filled the Big Creek Theatre on Pleasant Hill, MO's town square tonight, anticipating a great evening's entertainment not only from the great guest lineup, but this top-notch Big Creek band as well, featuring Jim Lower on lead guitar, Phil Hilton on keyboard, Larry Ellis on fiddle, Carl Cook on bass, Kevin Hoff on drums and with Dennis Dittemore, owner-operator & emcee of the Big Creek Country Show, his wife Cindy Crowe-Dittemore and Debbie Martin on vocals.

The curtain opened with Larry Ellis and the band playing a Hunter Berry original fiddle tune, "Wow Baby!" and then it was Dennis Dittemore welcoming everyone with George Strait's "Ace In The Hole."  Dennis returned later with another wonderful job on another Strait tune, "Love Without End Amen" and Marty Robbins' "18 Yellow Roses Came Today."  Debbie Martin, KFKF's Saturday AM's Legends co-host continued the Father's Day theme with Merle Haggard's "Daddy Frank," the Judd's "Grandpa" and Patty Loveless' "Blame It On Your Heart" and maestro Phil Hilton played two beautiful numbers, "Watermark" & "Pour Adeline Ballet" on his keyboard to the crowd's delight.  We always enjoy hearing Cindy sing and tonight she did a spectactular job with Holly Dunn's "Daddy's Hands" and the Linda Rhonstadt/Roy Orbison mega-hit "Blue Bayou."  If you enjoy hearing a real professional play guitar as we do, Jim Lower played a couple of classics here tonight, first "Love Letters In The Sand" and then "Mister Sandman," Chet Adkins style.   Incredible!

The first of tonight's guests was Pleasant Hill's own Mike Bowman who electrified the crowd with his deep, mellow voice on numbers such as "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," George Jones' "Wine Colored Roses," "Just To Be Your Man," Conway Twitty's "Fifteen Years Ago" and Hag's "Going Where The Lonely Go."  Mike's trivia question for tonight was (for a coke & popcorn): Q.  "Who played Jim Bowie in the original Alamo? "  A. Richard Widmark.  Mike tells us he has been working hard in the studio lately and is looking forward to releasing a brand new CD in the very near future.  We're certainly looking forward to that as we know many of you are also.  Please stay tuned and we'll try and let you know when it becomes available.

Next up was the possessor of one of the most incredible tenor voices we have heard around these parts, Paul Asher who came up all the way from Springfield, MO.  Paul got some terrific applause as he sang John Denver's "Wild Montana Skies," "Cattle Call" which was made famous by Eddie Arnold, but actually written here in Kansas City by Tex Owens, a regular on the old Brush Creek Follies, "Carolina In The Pines" and an absolutely outstanding job on "Shenandoah" both on vocals and harmonica.

The rafters were ringing with ee-yahs as up from Branson, MO where he appears regularly on the Circle B Supper Show, Louis Darby and his high-energy Cajun fiddle got the crowd abuzzin' with "Louisiana Saturday Night,"Parrodin Two Step," "Poor Hobo," "Let's Go To Lafayette," "Tracks Of My Buggy" and "Big Mamou."  Louis will be returning here to Big Creek next month for another exciting show.  Call 816-524-6856 to make reservations and log onto www.CircleBShow.com or call 1-800-678-6179 for more information on Louis' Branson show.  After Larry Ellis sang and played the striking "Father Knows Best," he and Louis closed the evening out with twin fiddles playing "The Orange Blossom Special."  (Below) top - Louis with Mike Bowman  bottom - Louis Darby and Paul Asher

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 21 June 2009 4:17 PM CDT

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Larry Dean and the rest of the Stranger Creek Band, including Gordon Riley on lead guitar and John Malone on drums and tonight a couple of fine musicians in thier own right, Nelson Struwe on keyboards and Michael English on electric guitar joining them, kicked off this 50's look back at some of the terrific music of that era -- both country & rock & roll with Bob Seeger's "Old Time Rock & Roll," Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen" and a little later it was "Hello Mary Lou." 

After Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's electric bass player sang the old Skeeter Davis classic "The End Of The World,"  Tonganoxie, KS's own Jim Winters, who appears each Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee did such an incredible job singing JLL's "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On," Roy Orbison's "Mean Woman Blues," a number of great Elvis songs including "Washed My Hands In Muddy Water," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Little Sister."  He also remembered Bob Wills with "My Window Faces The South," Don Gibson with "Sea Of Heartbreak," Eddie Arnold with "Please Release Me," the Mills Brothers with "Cab Driver," and Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man."  Garry Bichelmeyer did a super job with a number first made popular by Ben E. King, "Stand By Me" and couldn't get away without doing this crowd's favorite song written by him -- a number that's become known simply as "The Horse Song." 

After Gordon & the gang did a supurb job with "Honky Tonk," "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier (who also plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's with Jim Winters) showed everyone what quality fiddle playing is all about, playing our favorite fiddle tune (we just LOVE to be spoiled!), "Ragtime Annie" and a little later, "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White" and with Gordon & the crew, a wonderful rendition of "Interstate Blues."  David Purcell lent his marvelous voice to an old Webb Pierce tune, "There Stands The Glass," Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again," "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and Garry Bickelmeyer's "Northern Star."  The band and guests closed the evening with another chorus of "Old Time Rock & Roll."  (Below)  David Purcell (l.) and Jim Winters (r.) with Skylar, who won the best 50's dress contest with her 50's pink poodle skirt. 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 3:47 PM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 20 June 2009 1:15 PM CDT

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When we were at the Middle Creek Opry last Saturday, we mentioned that we had conflicting dates the week before and would sure have liked to have been here for Sarah Getto and her parents whom we haven't seen for almost 2 years.  Brenda Harris mentioned that Sarah would be returning this week and had been invited to sing at the Cowboy Church which is held every Tuesday night from 7-8 PM. 

And so, as 7PM rolled around, we were just a couple of doors south of the Opry building at the Rutlader Outpost, outside the community center (last night's thunderstorms had knocked out all the electricity to the facility) where Sarah's dad had hooked up the keyboard & audio equipment to his RV's generator and the show went on as planned!  Sarah, as many of you know, was born blind and with the added handicap of having a severe cleft lip & palette.  Despite these seemingly drawbacks, she showed musical awareness at 6 months of age, was playing keyboards at the age of 3 and taught herself the fiddle at age 7!  She recently graduated college with a music degree and without a doubt has the voice of an angel.  Her dad, Mike a television producer and mom, Pat spend several months each year,  touring RV parks, oprys and other shows  and next year will be appearing at the world's biggest RV Jamboree in Louisville, KY which will feature many of music's top performers!

Tonight she started things off with the Anne Murray megahit, "Snow Bird," then it was "It Is No Secret,' "He Didn't Leave Me," "I Love You Lord," "Victory To Jesus," "The Old Rugged Cross," "When He Was On The Cross I Was On His Mind," "God Bless America" and "Above All."  Pastor Carl Garrett preached a short but timely sermon that might be entitled "Are You A Cat Kicker?"  which showed how one person's negative feelings can affect so many others attitudes, if we let them.  Sarah closed the service with some audience participation as she sang "How Great Thou Art."  For more information on the Outpost Cowboy Church and the Rutlader Outpost try: www.rutladeroutpost.com   (Below) Sarah Getto

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:13 PM CDT

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A good-sized crowd greeted Elijah Chastain, emcee, musical director and lead guitar as he and the band, including drummer Brad Meadows, bass guitarist Carl Butler and Bobby DeMoss on the steel guitar began the evening's festivities with "Liza Jane" and Ronnie Milsap's "Day Dreams About Night Things."  With members Jamie Gumm-Ogle & Angie Larson taking a night off, the female vocals were left up to Barbara Walker, who we thought, just did a fantastic job.  First was Martina McBride's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and Anne Murray's "Shadows In The Moonlight" followed later by Tammy Wynette's "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad," "Crying," a Roy Orbison tune and a beautiful gospel number, "I'll Keep Climbing."  Elijah & Barbara did a couple of crowd-pleasing duets this evening as well, Vince Gill & Reba McEntire's "Oklahoma Swing" and Dave & Sugar's "The Door Is Always Open."

Carl Butler not only hits some heavy licks on that bass guitar every Saturday night here at Middle Creek, but as Pastor Carl, he and his wife, Pastor Sharon host the Gospel Lounge every Wednesday night at Knuckleheads in KC's East Bottoms, which we attend whenever possible.  Carl also possesses a terrific singing voice and tonight entertained the masses with Buck Owens' "A-11," "Words," a gender-jumping "You Ain't Woman Enough" and "Uncommon Man."  As we mentioned, Angie Larson was taking an evening off and filling in on keyboards & vocals tonight was Frank Brown of Blue Springs, MO.  Although we understand Frank was with the band at one time for over a year, we can't recall ever seeing him play so this was a real treat for us.   Like many handicapped artists (Frank is blind), he seems to have been blessed in many other respects, his mastery of the keyboard was evident (we understand he plays fiddle as well) and his vocals are first-rate to say the least.  We enjoyed his song selection, a couple of Charlie Rich numbers, "The Most Beautiful Girl" & "Behind Closed Doors," Mickey Gilley's "The Girls All Get Prettier," Travis Tritt's "T.R.O.U.B.L.E.," a beautiful number "Now That I Found You" written by Frank himself and Ray Charles' "Georgia." 

The first of tonight's special guests was Ashley Struzick from Kingsville, MO., a young mother whose family watched her youngster as she performed.  Ashley used her smooth, mellow voice to sing some great country standards, Connie Smith's "Once A Day," Ray Price's "Heartaches By The Number," Holly Dunn's "Daddy's Hands" and returned the second half with Pam Tillis' "Blue Roses," Donna Fargo's "Funny Face" and an absolutely beautiful duet with Elijah of the Shelley West & David Frizzell classic "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma."  Tonight's second special guest, Bill White hails from the town of Amorette, MO and we remembered him from Jess Richardson's Westline Jamboree a few weeks ago when that every other Wednesday group celebrated it's 100th show.  Bill told us that he's just getting back into singing and performing after a long absence, but he sure sounded not only adept but polished as he sang Ray Price's "Walk Me To The Door," Ernie Ashworth's "Talk Back Tremblin' Lips," Hank Sr.'s "Crazy Heart," Clint Black's "A Better Man," Waylon's "What Makes A Man Wander?" Marty Robbins' "Cowboy In The Continential Suit" and a wonderful job with "Big Blue Diamonds." 

Bobby DeMoss did a great job on that pedal-steel guitar with "Bud's Bounce" & "Steel Guitar Rag" and Elijah closed the show with the gospel tune "Let's Keep Following Jesus."  Our thanks to the Harris' for their kindness & hospitality.  For more information about the theatre & upcoming shows check out their website  http://www.rutladeroutpost.com/opry.htm (Below) top - Bill White & Ashley Struzick  bottom - Frank Brown

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 16 June 2009 11:39 PM CDT

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After a surprisingly uneventful trip thru the midst of downtown and rush hour traffic we arrived at Knuckleheads via I-35/Independence Ave./Chestnut St. Trfwy., etc.  Among the crowd that was beginning to form, we recognized Jim McGreevey, the wonderful banjo player & vocalist with the Bluegrass Brigade and Karla Campbell who plays bass and sings with the Hootin' Annies, a local all-girl bluegrass group.  These folks are not only great performers, but die-hard bluegrass fans to boot. 

Featuring Julie Major on vocals, Tim Rose, bass, Mick Munoz on drums, Paul Coughlin on guitar & vocals with Darryl Logue on pedal steel guitar, Miss Major & the Minor Mood Swings plays here every third Wednesday night.  We found this group to be highly entertaining, a step back into yesteryear, if you will.  It's hard to put a label on their music because it is somewhat diversified but rockabilly comes to mind.  Julie herself, dressed in a shiny black dress with white polka dots and a bright red leather belt lent a lot to the period atmosphere.

With Julie singing numbers such as "Burn That Candle," Brenda Lee's "Sweet Nuthin," Patsy Cline's "Honky Tonk Merry Go Round" and a medley of "Seven Lonely Days/Walking After Midnight," "Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor," "Have It Your Way Baby," the suggestive "Spinach Song" and "Blue Tattoo" and Paul's mellow voice on "Smoke That Cigarette," George Jones' "One Woman Man" and others, this proved to be a very interesting and enjoyable set.  We would definately enjoy hearing more of their great music and recommend you give these folks a listen if you are into 'real' country and 40's & 50's period music, like we are.  Check out their web site @ www.missmajor.com .

The award-winning bluegrass group, The Dixie Bee-Liners were up next.  From the hills of southern Virginia, this talented group is comprised of Brandi Hart, rhythm guitar, dulcimer, fiddle & lead vocals, husband Buddy Woodward, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass, drums, dulcimer & vocals, Rachel Renee Johnson, fiddle & vocals, Jonathan Maness, lead guitar, mandolin, vocals, Sam Morrow, banjo & Jeremy Darrow, upright bass, vocals.  Brandi was first up with "Lay Down My Ball & Chain" with Jonathan following close behind with "I'll Remember You Love In My Prayers."  Brandi and Buddy (with a beautiful two of a kind mandolin) collaborated on Big Mama Thornton's "You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog" and Rachel followed with an original fiddle tune, "Possum John." 

Brandi returned with "I Lost In Silence," "Down On The Crooked Road," "Dixie Grey Or Black," the Stanley Bros. "The Kitten & The Cat" and "Why Do I Make You Cry" before Jonathan's "The Jet Airliner" and "I've Waited As Long As I Can" and Sam broke loose on the banjo with "Aliean Road" and others and Buddy did a bang-up job with "Doin' Time."  Brandi came back once again to sing "Yellow Haired Girl," "She's My Angel," "I've Waited As Long As I Can," "Jefferson Railroad Line," "Roses Are Gray" and "I'm Working On A Building For My Lord."  The group returned for an encore with Rachel fiddling & singing the old tune, "Trouble In Mind."  Don't forget -- Saturday, June 22, David Allan Coe will be appearing at Knuckleheads -- make your reservations now!  Check out Knuckleheads page line at our home page or Announcement & Bulletins for more informtion.  (Below) top - the Dixie Bee-liners  bottom - Miss Major & The Minor Mood Swings

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Friday, 12 June 2009 8:35 PM CDT

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As the big red curtain parted, Annie Dunavin welcomed the big crowd with a friendly "Come On In, Sit Right Down And Make Yourself At Home."  Next, "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier put bow to fiddle, playing an audience favorite, "Down Yonder" before pretty Ronni Ward sang Trisha Yearwood's "That's What I Like About You" and Patsy Cline's "Leaving On Your Mind."  Then it was time for the man who possesses one of the finest male voices we have heard and Annie's master of ceremonies, Jim Winters who showed a bit of his incredible vocal talents as he sang a Wynn Stewart tune "Another Day Another Dollar," Ray Price's "I'd Rather Be Sorry" and Tom T. Hall's "Shoe Shine Man" as an encore.  Sitting in at steel guitar this evening was Vance Monday who got a big hand as he played "Steelin' Home."   

Kathy Lynn, one of tonight's guest artists, missed performing most of last year due to illness.  It was certainly a pleasure to see and hear her perform again and enjoying good health.  She began her set with Hank Snow's "Movin On," then it was Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough" and Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows."  Tonight's other guest artist was our friend David Purcell who was making his debut here at Annie's tonight.  For his first set, David chose Alan Jackson's "Here In The Real World," George Jones'  "Today I Started Loving You Again" and donning that crazy cap with the sewn-in pigtails, sang Willie's "Remember Me" and "On The Road Again" as the audience erupted.

The "Queen Of Country Music In Tonganoxie, Kansas," Annie Dunavin then stepped front and center and used her marvelous voice to sing an old Billy Walker tune (re-released recently by Chely Wright), "Nobody But A Fool" and  Connie Smith's "Runaway Little Tears."  Drummer Steve Straub lent his great vocal talents to the Tennessee state song, "Rocky Top" and as a complete surprise to everyone, Kevin Olson, who was attending the show tonight came onstage to sing the Gatlin's "She's A Broken Lady" and Ricky Van Shelton's "Life Turned Her That Way." Great job, Kevin!  Also great was little Haylie Walter, who will have a brand-new name this time next week!  They will be tying the knot next Saturday in her hometown of Coffeyville, KS and Mr. & Mrs. Shane Bagwell will be leaving on their honeymoon shortly thereafter.  We know all of you will want to wish these two great folks all the best in the years to come.  Hailey treated the audience to Ray Price's "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You," her friend Leona Williams' "You Take Me For Granted" and Connie Smith's "You're Wearing Out The Hinges On The Door."  Musical director and lead guitarist David George showed his vocal skills singing George Strait's "The Chair" to close the first half.

After a short intermission, Marvin Bredemeier & Vance Monday played twin fiddles on a old hoedown tune, "Bile That Cabbage Down" to open the second half.  After Haylie Walter sang Grand Ole Opry member Ernie Ashworth's "Talk Back Tremblin' Lips" and Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," emcee Jim Winters got a big ovation as he sang Hank Sr.'s "Mind Your Own Business" and Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."  (Just a reminder:  Gene Watson will be appearing here at Annies August 22nd for two shows: 3PM & 7:30PM!) 

Kathy Lynn brought back some memories as she sang a 1946 chart buster written by Bobby Troup and recorded first by Nat King Cole, "Route 66" and a beautiful job on "You Belong To Me."  Ted Ward, who handles Annie's bass guitar duties is another multi-talented musician and got a big hand as he sang Buck Owens' "Hello Trouble."  To begin his second set, David Purcell sang a beautiful Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," then it was "Never Be Another You" and at the audience's insistence  -----  another Willie song, "Help Me Make It Through The Night." 

Ronni Ward returned with "Heartaches By The Numbers" before Annie did a fabulous job with "Faded Love" and a gospel number "Amazing Grace" as the band played "House Of The Rising Sun."  David George closed the evening with "My Reedemer Is Faithful And True."  (Below) David Purcell & Kathy Lynn backstage at Annie's Country Jubilee

We have always admired how versatile as musicians Ted & Ronni Ward are.  Ronni's beautiful voice and rhythm guitar playing as well as Ted's work on bass guitar and his jaunty delivery of a vocal, grace every Annie's Country Jubilee performance.  We have also seen this talented pair sing at area coffeehouses, city squares and other venues as a duo, with a small band or as part of a gospel group.  We asked them to sit down with us after the show tonight and share a little about their backgrounds.

Ronni told us that she was born in Kansas City, KS and started singing in church as a child.  She continued to sing through her high school years and sang at the Turner High School prom.  "Eventually, I became a member of a group called Cowtown," Ronni told us, "that toured regionally, MO, AR, KS, IA, NE, & OK and opened for artists such as The Desert Rose Band, Patty Loveless, the Bellamy Brothers, Exile, Restless Heart, Johnny Lee, Blackhawk & Chris Isaacs to name a few."  The group became so popular that it was featured at Crown Center's Friday Night Concerts and other public events.  It was during one of these sessions, a gig at the Hyatt Regency that Ronni and Ted first met.

 "The circumstances under which we met were a little bizarre!"  Ronni said.  "Our lighting man got drunk and fell asleep, so we had to fire him.  This left us in a real bind, but fortunately our drummer knew Ted and called him to help us with the lights.  And that's how we met, because of a drunken lighting man!"  After they were married, Ted & Ronni became a duo, playing  bars in the Westport area and other area venues.  One of Ronni's classmates at Turner High School was Jim Winters and after Cowtown broke up, he asked if she'd like to join an opry in Tonganoxie.  Shortly thereafter she joined Glen's Opry as it was called then and two months later Ted was hired as well.

Ted Ward had a friend who lived in Kansas City and was always telling him how great the living was here and on almost a whim, his drummer friend and himself moved lock, stock and barrel from New York to KC in 1976.  They couldn't believe their luck, renting the entire 2nd floor (8,000 sq. ft.) of the old Ebenezer Building (built in 1890) at 5th & Delaware for $150 a month!  They practiced 4-8 hrs. every day and became part of a popular local band, the John Bailey Explosion when their bass & drummer left to become part of the James Brown band.  Playing such local hot spots such as the Plaza's Putsch's Cafe & the Sugar Shack at 51st & Main, they lost their faithful Dodge Dart to 1977's Plaza flood waters, having to swim for their lives!

Ted's musical talents allowed him to play with many groups over the years: Plain Jane, Jackie Cook, Boss Tweed & Max Groove (when he met Ronni) and took him to faraway places such as London, England in 1984 and Denver, CO. somewhat later.  Ted has been in construction since he was 14 years old and today owns and operates Ted Ward Construction, specializing in new home construction and home remodeling and Ronni has been teaching voice & guitar in the home for the past 8 years.  Add that to their many outside shows and the fact they are a fixture at Annie's Country Jubilee each and every Saturday night, these are some busy folks.  We want to take this chance to thank both of them for taking time from their busy schedules to visit with us and share a little of their lives.   Check out Ronni's website @ www.myspace.com/ronniward (Below) Ted & Ronni perform at a local coffeehouse.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:02 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 7 June 2009 7:15 PM CDT

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Like a bright neon gem, Knuckleheads sets tucked in under the Chestnut Trafficway viaduct, amid the switch yards and industrial plants of Kansas City's East Bottoms.  Known for many years as Kansas City's premier blues bar, it now also features top country and rockabilly names as well.  In addition to tonight's Bellamy Brothers concert, future shows will feature names such as David Allan Coe, Leon Russell, Hal Ketchum, Rhonda Vincent and the Cherokee Cowboy himself, Ray Price. 

Tonight's announcer, radio station Q104's T.J. McEntire welcomed everyone to Knuckleheads and the Bellamy Brothers show, then introduced tonight's opening act, Tater & The Gravy Train.  Patrick "Tater" Irvin is one of those singers who can sing anything and make it sound like it was written just for him.  Along with his band, the Gravy Train (Russ Weaver, steel, Jim Curley, dog house bass, A.J. Cronk, lead & vocals), Tater proved to be almost an encyclopedia of classic country tunes as he played & sang one song after another, most of them audience requests. Following "Wind Me Up" & "Help Me Make It Through The Night" it was a Johnny Bush song, "If You Can't Undo The Wrong, Undo The Right" followed by "Folsom Prison Blues," "Old 97," Hag's "Mama Tried," Dean Martin's "Little Old Winedrinker Me," and a couple more Merle Haggard standards, "My Favorite Memory" & "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink." 

Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak," Buck Owens' "Before You Go," "Tiger By The Tail" and "My Heart Skips A Beat" preceeded "Sam's Place," "Cryin' Time Again," "Where Oh Where Are You Tonight" (shades of Hee Haw), "Playboy," Bob Wills' "Rolli Polli," George Jones' "I'll Be Over You When The Grass Grows Over Me," Roger Miller's "Dang Me" and Waylon's "Rainy Day Woman."  A. J. Cronk did a super job picking and singing "Rock Bottom" and Russ Weaver was simply awesome playing "Sleepwalk" on the steel.  Tater closed the set with "It's Only Make Believe" and Johnny Cash's "Big River."  Tater and the gang play every Wednesday night at Harry's Country Club in Kansas City's River Quay and we're planning on joining them June 17th for an evening of fun!

Although the Bellamys are the most successful duo in country music history and have had many chart toppers throughout the years, we were still surprised to realize they have been around for over thirty years, tops both in popularity and in musical diversity.  Combining traditional country, western swing, calypso, rock & pop influences, the brothers have developed a style of their own, which judging by the crowd that gathered around the stage this evening, was appreciated by young and old alike.   As if to acknowledge this very fact, the set began with "Old Hippie," then it was "Feelin The Feelin," "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend," "Sugar Daddy," "Do You Love As Good As You Look," "Lovers Live Longer," "I Could Be Persuaded," "Crazy From The Heart," "Forget About Me" and "Dancin Cowboys."  Howard & David (he's the taller of the two) gave us some good advice as they sang "Don't Go Running Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly'" then it was 1983's "When I'm Away From You," "You Ain't Just Whistling Dixie," "We Dared The Lightning," "I Need More Of You," "For All The Wrong Reasons," "Get Into Raggae Cowboy," and "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)"  1976's mega hit, "Let Your Love Flow" which started it all for the Bellamy's was next followed by "Redneck Girl" which ended the set.  Thunderous applause brought the brothers back for two encores, "Rip Off The Knob" and a selection from their new gospel album, "Lord Help Me Be The Kind Of Person My Dog Thinks I Am."

Thanks to Frank Hicks for his kindness & hospitality and for booking these great performers.  We'll be enjoying some great bluegrass music right here at Knuckleheads next Wednesday evening (June 10th) at 7:30 PM with the Dixie Bee-Liners --- hope we see you there.  (Below) top - Howard (l.) & David (r.) - the Bellamy Brothers performing live at Knuckleheads 6-5-09  bottom - Tater & The Gravy Train

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 6 June 2009 1:47 PM CDT

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As is the usual story with us, we arrived at the BK 10 or 15 minutes late tonight, but were in time to hear David Purcell sing "Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong" and a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star."  David, of course will be appearing as a guest at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS this Saturday night.  He was to return the second half, donning that crazy cap with the sewn-in pigtail to sing a couple of Willie Nelson classics "Remember Me" & "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and a song written by his Dad entitled "I Wonder How Many There Would Be."  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley not only did a super job singing a Hank Thompson classic, "6-Pack To Go" but he and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums did some great instrumental work with "Wheels," "Freight Train" and "Wildwood Flower."

Larry Dean did an outstanding job with the vocals on "Bonaparte's Retreat" which also featured some great solo work by Gordon Riley and Marvin Bredemeier on the fiddle.  Larry returned with George Strait's "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," Merle's "Silver Wings" and the Bellamy's "Old Hippie."  (We'll be seeing the Belamy's this Friday night at Knuckleheads!)  Marvin, who once played with Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Boys and plays every Saturday night @ Annie's Country Jubilee, cranked up his fiddle a little later to play our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," Bob Wells' "Milk Cow Blues," "The Jersey Bounce" and "Rubber Dolly."  Great stuff!!  Mary Bichelmeyer lent her soft voice to "Don't Come Crying To Me" and "Don't Tell Me What To Do" while husband Garry sang Gov. Jimmy Davis' "You Are My Sunshine," "Abilene," "Nodaway River" and the whimiscal "Ghost Chickens In The Sky."  Joined by Larry Dean, the duo did a terrific job singing the Soggy Bottom Boys version of "He's In The Jailhouse Now."

It was a super treat to see and hear Art Covey and his mandolin tonight.  We were certainly glad he found an evening between his extensive travels to drop by and play "Falling Leaves" and "Rebel Soldier" as only he can.  Art also closed the evening's festivities with the beautiful gospel number "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  (Below) top - Larry Dean, Marvin Bredemeier, Gordon Riley  bottom - Art Covey

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:19 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 3 June 2009 9:20 AM CDT

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