It's always a treat and a terrific change of pace whenever we get the opportunity to visit Carl Butler's Gospel Lounge held each and every Wednesday night and hear this great band composed of Carl on lead guitar & vocals, John Nichols on organ & vocals, George Lapp on keyboard, Frank Infranca on bass, Dale Zea on drums and Jamie Gumm-Ogle vocals play such great gospel and country music.  Tonight Grigg Haws, who is also a part of Carl & Sharon Butler's New Song Christian Fellowship was the guest artist.

After the band opened with "Comin' Home" it was Jamie, Grigg & Carl with "Pass Me Not," followed by John Nichols' "Ain't No Sunshine."  Jamie with some help from Carl then sang the beautiful "Lord Reign In Me" and "I Long To Worship."  Grigg showed his abilities as he picked and sang "Trading My Sorrows" and "Willin'" before John Nichols sang the Merle Haggard hit, "Rambliln Fever."  Jamie & Carl closed out this wonderful musical evening with the hymn "Grace."

Rev. Carl's remarks tonight were on that very subject: Grace.  He pointed out that grace isn't something we earn or are even entitled to.  It is something that God does for us and all we have to do is accept it.  He pointed out that we should never be ashamed to profess our faith, we can only help others by proclaiming it. 

Now for the surprise:  Frank Hicks asked us before the program began tonight if we knew who David Ball was and we told him sure (we bought a CD a few years back because we liked his music) and he told us that David was in the audience outside watching a show on the main stage.  We couldn't miss the opportunity to meet David, so after the Gospel Lounge program concluded, we looked up Frank and he introduced us.  For those of you who might not be familiar with David, his list of hits include "Thinkin Problem," "When The Thought Of You Catches Up With Me" and "Riding With Private Malone."  For more about David check out www.davidball.com (Below)  top - The Gospel Lounge 8-26-09  bottom - Frank Hicks with David Ball  F.Y.I. - We will be returning to Knuckleheads this Friday evening for Grand Ole Opry star Hal Ketchum's show which begins at 9PM.  Hope to see lots of you folks there as well!!

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:44 PM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 27 August 2009 1:26 AM CDT

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A nice-sized crowd was already on hand as we arrived at the BK tonight, surprisingly early for us, and we were able to visit with a few folks before Larry Dean opened tonight's festivities with "Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof," Alan Jackson's "Don't Rock The Jukebox" and returning later to sing a Carl Perkins (also recorded by many other artists) song "Why You Been Gone So Long," Merle's "Silver Wings," "I Just Wanna Dance With You" and Gene Watson's "Love In The Hot Afternoon."   Next up was the great voice of David Purcell who chose the Hag's "Someday We'll Look Back," "There'll Never Be Another You," Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star" and one of Alan Jackson's debut songs, "Here In The Real World." 

Guitar guru Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone, who does such a fantastic job on the drums each week, did some great instrumental work as well with "Sugar Foot Rag," "Back Home In Indiana," "Wildwood Flower" and "When You And I Were Young Maggie."  "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle each Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee, gave us all a lesson in old fiddle music as he played "Ragtime Annie," "Maiden's Payer," "Rubber Dolly," "Black Mountain Rag" and "Sally Gooden."  He also joined David Purcell singing Hank Sr.'s "Move It On Over."  Great stuff!!  Mary Bichelmeyer the group's bass player showed her vocal abilities singing "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" while husband Garry got a big ovation as he sang George Morgan's "Candy Kisses," the riotious "Ghost Chickens In The Sky" and joined Larry on the Soggy Bottom Boys' version of "I'm In The Jailhouse Now." 

It was great seeing Scott Lane of the Brush Hogs drop in tonight and we certainly enjoyed hearing him sing "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound," "Killin' Time Is Killin' Me," and a couple of Dwight Yoakum tunes "Guitars & Cadillacs & Hillbilly Music" and "Streets Of Bakersfield."   Larry Dean closed the evening with "Little Mountain Church."  (Below) Garry Bichelmeyer & Larry Dean play like the Soggy Bottom Boys with "I'm In The Jailhouse Now."

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:26 PM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 25 August 2009 11:35 PM CDT

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By the time Lani Novak and Roger Allan of Country Legends radio 106.9 welcomed everyone to the first of two shows here at Annie's Country Jubilee, it was apparent this show was a complete sell-out (ditto for the second show as well, we were fortunate to be at both).  There were a few empty seats to begin with, but late comers soon filled them, hustling up the aisles with their popcorn, hot dogs and cokes in tow.

As the lights dimmed, Annie Dunavin began this special night with the customary "Come On In" and turned it over to Master of Cermonies, Jim Winters.  This big crowd came here to see country superstar Gene Watson perform, but they also let everyone know how proud they are of this band and the great music they produce each and every Saturday night by giving Jim and the band a huge ovation as he sang Tom T. Hall's "Shoe Shine Man" and Ray Price's "Night Life."  Keeping the theme, for the second show it was "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy" and Bob Wills' "My Window Faces The South."  Next up was little Haylie Walter, who can sing a country song with the best of 'em, chose "Loser's Game," "San Antonio Rose," and Leona Williams' "If Anyone Ought To Know" for the first show and returned the second with "Wind Me Up" and Larry Gatlin's "The Bitter They Are The Harder They Fall."  Drummer Steve Straub got the opportunity tonight to show his considerable vocal skills with "Every Second" and "Fast As You" as well as bass guitarist Ted Ward who sang "Little By Little."  Annie returned to sing some songs which are featured on her CD:  "Ruby's Stool," "Sweet Memories" and "A-11" before introducing musical director and lead guitarist David George who turned his acoustical guitar loose on "Salt Creek" and sang an old bluegrass tune, "The Moonlight Motor Inn" (Merle Haggard's "Think I'll Just Stay Here & Drink" the second show).  Pretty Ronni Ward showcased her incredible vocal talents tonight singing Highway 101's "The Bed You Made For Me," Brenda Lee's "Break It To Me Gently" and  "Put Yourself In My Place."   Fred Uzzell played "Midnight In Old Amarillo"/"Sleep Walk" beautifully on his triple-deck Remington steel guitar while "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier fiddled us to break with "Rubber Dolly"/"Orange Blossom Special."

Gene Watson was born in Palestine, Texas in 1943 to a musical family, his father playing both blues harmonica and guitar.  His earliest public performance came at age 12 and he left school at an early age to work in the auto body repair business and sing in clubs (he calls them beer joints) at night.   Although his primary interest was in making a living working on cars, he eventually released his first single record, a tune entitled "Bad Water" in 1975, but was followed by the provocative "Love In The Hot Afternoon," which launched Watson's long mega-hit career.  A former drinker, smoker and cancer survivor, life hasn't always been easy, yet this marks his 36th year of touring!  His most recent CD release, "In A Perfect World" which features duets with many country favorites:  Rhonda Vincent, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Mark Chesnutt & Connie Smith, is a real work of art and a brand-new CD, "Taste Of The Truth" will be hitting the shelves this Tuesday. 

Gene and his Farewell Party band (Corky Owens - steel, Todd Hines, - drums, Jim Black - keyboards and the man who had more fun than anyone - Staley Rogers on bass) kicked off the second half with "One And One And One," "Where Love Begins," (second show only songs are highlighted), "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)," "In A Perfect World," the whimiscal "Ain't No Trash In My Trailer," a Merle Haggard favorite "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad," from his CD "Then And Now," "Baby Me Baby," "Pick The Wildwood Flowers," "I Don't Need A Thing At All," "Take Me As I Am Or Let Me Go" and another number one hit "Paper Rosie."  Gene recalled Johnny Russell (who we were fortunate enough to see at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville shortly before his death in 2001) handed him a cassette tape and told him to go learn the song and make a hit out of it and that's precisely what Gene proceeded to do with "Got No Reason Now For Goin' Home."  Next up was Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors," "Follow Me" from Gene's gospel album, "When We Were Down To Nothing (Nothing Sure Looked Good On You)," "Memories To Burn," Dallas Frazier's "14 Carat Mind" and to close this wonderful evening, it was his all-time No. 1 requested hit:  "Farewell Party." (Below) l. to r. Jim Winters, Marvin Bredemeier, Fred Uzzell, Steve Straub, Haylie Walter, David George, Annie Dunavin, Country Superstar Gene Watson

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:30 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 24 August 2009 1:28 AM CDT

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We've just gotten off the phone with Collette Pittman, who was kind enough to call us and tell us of the unfortunate passing of a dear friend of country music and all of us who love it.  Duane Simmons of Trenton, MO was involved in a tractor accident yesterday which claimed his life.  Duane was an extraordinary singer and entertainer who, with wife Carol were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.  Please join us in extending our deepest sympathies and keeping Carol and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:46 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 22 August 2009 11:51 AM CDT

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A flock of family, friends and well-wishers descended on Annie's Country Jubilee this afternoon to remember in song and word how Glen Smith, who was taken from us last Sunday, had touched each and every one of our lives.  Before Annie's this very building housed Glen's Opry and he helped many of the musicians on stage and in the audience here tonight, in their formative years.  Glen often remarked that under Annie & Terry's tutelage, this show had become his dream come true.  Hardly a Saturday night passed that one didn't see Glen in his scooter sitting against the west wall enjoying the show and ditto for the BK Lounge every Tuesday evening where he savored each and every song and always had a smile and a handshake for everyone. 

After the audience and musicians alike joined in a congregational hymn "In The Sweet By & By," Glen's nephew Ronnie Smith asked everyone to join him in a short prayer before he sang the beautiful hymn "Beulah Land."  Annie Dunavin sang one of Glen's favorites, "Amazing Grace" and Nini Blackburn followed with "A Heart That Will Never Break Again."  Angie Larson, whose husband Bill sat in at drums tonight sang one of our favorites, "He Saw Beyond My Faults," Elijah Chastain was next with the upbeat "Walking In Jerusalem" and Ronni Ward sang "My Life Is In His Hands" to the audience's delight.  Jim Winters recalled how Glen picked him up one day and they drove to Tonganoxie to see this building which he transformed into Glen's Opry.  He told Jim that if he were to do this thing, Jim would have to be the emcee; Jim of course agreed and has had the job ever since.  Jim sang "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" as a tribute to his old friend and then introduced Glen's granddaughter Brittany Cox who in turn sang "Keep On The Sunny Side."  Darrel Phillips, the original Glen's Opry bass player and Glen's close friend, who incidently found Glen Sunday, sang "I'm A Poor Rich Man" which was very appropriate, if you knew Glen.  Although Jack Wicker was unable to attend today, David George did a magnificent job singing "I Know A Man Who Can" before Pastor Seaba of the Elm Grove Baptist Church where Glen attended services, shared with everyone the kind of man Glen Smith truly was.

"Glen loved God, Glen loved music. he told us.  "Do what the songs tell us, not just sing them.  He told me that half of his life was over when he lost his wife Jane, but then added, God will restore it!"  Glen's son-in-law David Cox read something his wife Kim wrote for the occasion entitled "To God Be the Glory," a real tribute to her Dad and all he stood for.  The service concluded as Forrest Tudor offered a closing prayer and everyone sang "I'll Fly Away."  (Below) top - Friends & family gather on stage to celebrate the life of Glen Smith  bottom:  Some of the fans & friends who gathered here this afternoon for Glen Smith's Celebration of Life

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 8:28 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 21 August 2009 8:56 PM CDT

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One year ago tomorrow, our friend Mike O'Roark left us to pick and sing with the Heavenly Host.  Last Monday we received an e-mail from Mike's long-time friend Terry O'Brien inviting us to a gathering in his honor to be held at the usual time on Wednesday night at Dirk's, the Northland bistro where Mike performed for so many years and his friends & band members continue to do so.  Mike's son Shane and wife Marsha O'Roark attended as well as a number of other family members and friends. 

Congratulations are in order, by the way to two band members, Roger Brough and C. J. Sanders who have become grandpas in the last few days.  Donn Wiser did his usual fine job on the drums (WOW! What a setup!) and Ken Fryer played an excellent lead guitar in place of Chris Brough, who has his hands full with his brand-new son!  Roger reminded us of the great talents this man possessed by singing a lot of Mikie songs, among them: "Make Me An Angel," "Little Feet," "My Window Faces The South," "Way Down Town," "The Way I Am," "Crying Holy Unto My Lord," "Hiway 40 Blues," "Song For Life" and "Roustabout."  C. J. reminded us all that Mike had written some spicy lyrics of his own to a song he performed entitled "Home Grown Tomatoes."  Jennifer O'Brien, Sondra Brough & Roger, Mikie's gospel group, sang Johnny Russell's "Baptism of Jesse Taylor" before Terry reminded us all of  some of Mike's rare qualities and incredible sense of humor.  He remarked that one time he was a little down over something and was having a drink with Mike when Mike fished an ice cube which had a hole in the middle, from his glass and studied it for a minute and then said, "You know, I used to be married to a woman just like that!"  That was Mike O'Roark and I'm sure he picked up the spirits of many of you out there as well with his special gift of entertaining.  Mike was..........unforgettable.  Thanks to all of you who contributed tonight and thanks to Terry for the invitation.  (Below) Marsha O'Roark, family & friends at Dirk's 8/19/09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 20 August 2009 4:48 PM CDT

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A good-sized crowd, taking advantage of the cool August weather, gathered at the BK tonight to dance, listen and just plain enjoy some great old-time country music.  After emcee Larry Dean opened the evening's festivities with Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues" and Gene Watson's "If I'm A Fool For Leavin', I'd Be Twice The Fool To Stay," he remarked that we had all lost a good friend this past Sunday with the passing of Glen Smith, who not only started Glen's Opry in Tonganoxie many years ago (now Annie's Country Jubilee), but was a regular here at the BK almost every Tuesday night and dedicated tonight's show in his memory. 

Larry returned later in the show to sing David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name," "14 Carat Mind." a Gene Watson hit (Gene will of course be appearing at Annie's this Saturday for two shows, 3 & 7:30 PM), Gene Vincent's "Bebop A Lula" and "It's Not Right But Lefty's Gone," a tribute to the late Lefty Frizzell.  David Purcell began his evening with "I Wonder How Many There Would Be," Jack Blanchard & Misti Morgan's "Tennessee Birdwalk" along with George Jones' "Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong" and returned a bit later with Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star" and his sound-alike Willie Nelson version of "Help Me Make It Through The Night."  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the band including John Malone on drums sounded super as well tonight as they played "Panhandle Rag," "Harbor Lights," "Honky Tonk" and "Bells of St. Mary's" for the line dancers which crowded the dance floor and listeners alike!  Speaking of Annie's, Marvin Bredemeier, of course plays fiddle there every Saturday night and has become a regular here at the BK.  Tonight Marvin got a round of applause as he played or played and sang Bob Wills' "Right Or Wrong," "San Antonio Rose" and "Milk Cow Blues" as well as "The Waltz You Saved For Me" and "Orange Blossom Special."   

Mary Bichlemeyer's contributions this evening went far beyond just playing bass guitar as she put her smooth soothing voice to good use with Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do," Patsy's "Walking After Midnight," Kitty Wells' "Dark Moon" and "Don't Come Crying To Me."  Husband Garry shared a couple of new tunes he is actually still working with but which sounded great to us, "Swimmin' In The River" and the humorous "Old Timer's Waltz" and a little later he returned with "Marie" and what has become know as "The Dead Horse Song," both creations of his as well as  "People Are Crazy."  Larry Dean closed the show with a Elizia R. Stone/M. E. Abbey gospel number "Life's Railway To Heaven."  (Below)  Line dancers enjoying the music at the BK

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:51 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 19 August 2009 9:51 AM CDT

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It's with a great deal of regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Glen Smith, who for many years had Glen's Opry (now Annie's Country Jubilee) located at 4th & Main in Tonganoxie, KS.  Although Glen is in God's Hands now, he will be sorely missed by his family and the multitude of friends he made over these many years.  On a personal note, Glen and I were classmates at Shawnee Mission High School (now Shawnee Mission North) in the mid-1950's and always liked a lot of the same things. Glen loved country & gospel music and was a regular at the BK, which is where we saw him last Tuesday.   Please keep Glen and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  Please feel free to post your comments by clicking on the green "Post Comment" link below.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 8:55 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 16 August 2009 9:50 PM CDT

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