IT WAS A DAZZLING DISPLAY OF INCREDIBLE TALENT AT THE FT. SCOTT (KS) JAMBOREE TONIGHT

Although Shawn & Collette Pittman decided some time ago to keep their Ft. Scott Jamboree open all winter long, it seems to be the best-kept secret on the planet.  Perhaps the fact that the previous show always shut down over the winter might be affecting them, but one would think that tour buses, local nursing homes and the multitude of classic country music fans would be swarming the place.  Where else can one find a Branson-quality show such as this and pay such a low admission price?  We predict that once word gets around, the crowd will swell to well over the hundred or so who witnessed the gala event here tonight.  The Jamboree is held every Saturday night beginning at 7:30 PM in downtown Ft. Scott's Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. and the doors open early to accomodate folks who like to visit and watch rehearsals before the show.  The last time we visited the Jamboree, it was pie night and this night saw some audience members bringing in home made cookies so that everyone could enjoy delicious cookies and hot coffee at intermission!

After Shawn welcomed everyone to tonight's show, he introduced Dewayne Bowman who used his marvelous voice (we're listening to his CD as we write this) to sing "I Feel A Heartache Coming On,"  "I Love You So Much It Hurts Me" and a little later, a Harlin Howard number "I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today," Jim Reeves' "Angels Don't Lie," Eddie Arnold's "Anytime," Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and "Green Green Grass Of Home."  Dewayne, who has been going through some health problems recently, told us he is "out of the woods" now, having recently been given a clean bill by his doctor.  That's great news for Dewayne, who not only sings up a storm here each and every Saturday, but also plays an outstanding lead guitar.  Award-winning 15 year old Ginelle Esry is one talent that mere words are insufficient to describe.  Her stage presence, voice range and depth, all suggest a maturity far beyond her years. She got a terrific audience response as she sang Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day," Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and "Sweet Dreams," "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and Juice Newton's "The Sweetest Thing."  Larry King has a good many years of experience in the music business and he showed he has the vocal talents to prove it as he sang Buck Owens' "Hello Trouble," Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool" and later it was "Ashes Of Love" and George Strait's "The Chair."  After Shawn Pittman played an old fiddle tune "Back Up And Push," keyboardist Gayle Ritchie showed off his vocal abilities with Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," Fats Domino's "Josephine" and Ricky Van Shelton's "Life Turned Her That Way."  Another of tonight's highlights was Gayle & Ginelle's duet of "I Told You So."  

Dwayne Carter, who is also called the tea-drinking drummer showed he has vocal talents as well singing "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On," before Collette Pittman stepped front and center to a big round of applause to sing Anne Murray's "Walk Right Back To Me," "Singing The Blues," Ronnie Milsap's "Day Dreams About Night Things" and "Cryin' My Heart Out Over You."  Gayle Ritchie led the cast and audience, singing "I'll Fly Away" to end this fantastic evening.  (Below) l. to r.  Ginelle Esry, Dewayne Bowman, Shawn & Collette Pittman

 

 

TONIGHT WE VISIT THE SPRING HILL KOFPS CHAPTER & ENJOY SOME GREAT TALENT & A POT-LUCK SUPPER TO BOOT!

It's been quite a spell since we've had the opportunity to visit the folks at the Spring Hill Chapter of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers Pickers & Singers and were we ever glad to learn that nothing much has changed.....these folks know how to have a good time!  Along with many of our other friends who we see at many of the shows were Ron & Sandy Holmes who used to have the Filmore Opry in Filmore, MO and made the trip down tonight and John & Mary Pettersch as well as Annie Little and Jay Holmgren.  The first order of business was a wonderful pot-luck supper with salads, veggies, pastas including spaghetti & meatballs, plantation dinner, meat loaf, some delicious "dirty" rice and oodles of desserts.  YUM!  The crowd of about 60 were entertained by Chuck Capen who sang several 50's & 60's show tunes & Ron Holmes ("If I Ever Need A Lady I'll Call You") during dinner and as everyone sat back, enjoying a cup of hot black coffee and perhaps a little dessert to boot, the band began to assemble.

Featuring Chuck Yates (bass), Ron Holmes (guitar), Lee Baldwin (lead guitar), Eldon Landis (lead guitar), Dale Endicott (guitar), Chuck Capen (guitar), Darryl Danner (guitar), Rich Blanton (fiddle) and Sue Hiatt (piano), the band asked one of their own to kick off things tonight with Rich Blanton putting his tenor voice to work singing the Marty Robbins classic "My Woman My Woman My Wife" and LeAnn Rimes' "Blue" beautifully.  Chuck Capen was up next, doing a smooth job on "Old Cape Cod" and Andy Williams' "Moon River" while our friend Sylvia Landis, who is such a big help every time we visit here, did such a good job singing "One Day At A Time" and "Something Is About To Happen."  Husband Eldon Landis, who plays such a beautiful Chet Atkins-style guitar took off on "Love Letters In The Sand" with Larry Keeler doing the honors on the vocals and "Lily Of The Valley."  Jesus Valesquez stepped front and center to sing a George Strait hit "This Is Where The Cowboy Rides Away" and the old Hank Thompson standard "Wild Side Of Life."  Rich Blanton shocked the troops here when he stepped in and in his high tenor voice sang Kitty Wells' answer to the latter "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels!"

Larry Keeler returned to put his vocal skills to work on "Born To Lose" and Vince Gill's "Kindly Keep It Country" before Earlene Hamilton ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow") and Suzanne Danner's Mama's He's Crazy" and "My Baby Loves Me Just The Way I Am."  Darryl Danner put his smooth, mellow voice to work on a couple of his favorite artist's hits:  Jim Reeves'  "Am I Losing You" and Don Williams' "You're My Best Friend."  Annie Little asked us what we would like her to sing tonight and we couldn't think of two better tunes that Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and a Garry Bichelmeyer original song, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind."  Friend Jay Holmgren joined the ranks with "Today I Started Loving You Again" and then was joined by Annie on a great duet of "I Saw The Light."  Bob Fish played "I'll Fly Away" and an unnamed Appalachian folk song on his harmonica and Chapter President Julie Joeckel did a swell job singing "Mississippi And You" and the Dottie West classic "Country Sunshine." Lee Baldwin got the dancers moving as he played "Sleepwalk" and Merle Haggards's "Fugitive" before our friend Ron Holmes sang Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors" and followed that with a Bill Anderson tune, "Walk Out Backwards."  Wife Sandy Holmes (who was known as Sandy Barnett around these parts for so many years) got the fingers snappin' and the feet shufflin' as she sang "Don't Be Angry" and "Truck Drivin' Man" before new member Roger Lavelock sang a song we believe Johnny Horton might have recorded, "Whispering Pines" and Hank Sr.'s "Kaw-Liga."  We always enjoy hearing Dale Endicott perform and tonight he chose "Blue Bonnet Lane" and "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I."  We love honky tonk style piano and Sue Hiatt played it beautifully tonight with "Me & Bobby McGee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

The band closed out this fun evening with "Under The Weeping Willow," "Honky Tonk" and shades of Roy and Dale --- "Happy Trails!"  (Below) top - Eldon Landis (l.), Rich Blanton (c.) and the rest of the band accompany Sylvia Landis (r.) as she sings "One Day At A Time"  bottom - Sandy Holmes sings Dave Dudley's "Truck Drivin' Man"

 

 

 

TONITE IT'S GREAT GOSPEL MUSIC, A TIMELY MESSAGE & DELICIOUS SNACKS AT RUTLADER'S COWBOY CHURCH

With the BK being closed this Tuesday night, we had originally planned on spending the evening at home when we remembered what an enjoyable time we had the last time we were able to attend Pastor Carl Garrett's Cowboy Church, located at the Rutlader Outpost, just a few doors south of the Middle Creek Theatre near Louisburg, KS.  Along with Annie Little & Jay Holmgren, who rode down with us, we left our home base in Merriam a few minutes after 6PM this evening and although we ran into a couple of traffic snarls, arrived with time to spare before the 7 PM start time.  The large number of vehicles we noticed in the parking lot outside was mute testimony to the popularity of this every-Tuesday night spiritual get-together and as we entered the building, it brought back memories of an old country church we would attend whenever we visited our Grandpa in rural southern Illinois.

The band tonight consisted of Teresa Mote, band leader, guitar/bass. Cheryl Gardner, keyboard, Jack Smith, rhythm guitar, Pastor Carl Garrett, bass, Eldon Landis, lead guitar, Wes Medin, steel guitar, Karen Eoriatti, vocals.  Among the selections tonight were "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms," "He Keeps Me Singing," "Praise Him Praise Him," "Let's Just Praise The Lord" and Jack's solo of "Your Grace Still Amazes Me."  Pastor Carl delivered a fine message this evening, urging all Christians to concentrate on being Christians and not so much on being a Baptist, Methodist or other denomination.  We have to agree that this would be a much better world if we were able to ignore the differences which drive us apart and pay more attention to the similiarities which bring us together.  Amen.  It was just astonishing to see all the wonderful sandwiches, meats, cheeses, and all kind of desserts and goodies that these folks brought in and suffice it to say everyone went home stuffed!

It was great seeing Sylvia as well as Eldon Landis, whom we know from the KOFPS shows in Spring Hill and Bill and Brenda Harris who own and operate the Outpost and the Middle Creek Theatre.  It was announced tonight that the Missourians Gospel Quartet will be appearing at the MIddle Creek Theatre for a special Southern Gospel show on March 6 @ 7:30 PM.  Stay tuned for further details.  (Below)  The Cowboy Church meets each Tuesday night at the Rutlader Outpost

 

 

WE LOSE ANOTHER COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND - CARL SMITH - R.I.P.
We were listening to the Bill Mack show on XM satillite radio's 64, "Willie's Place" this morning when Bill announced the passing of Carl Smith, who had so many great hits in the 50's & 60's including "Hey, Joe," "You Are The One," "Loose Talk" and "If Teardrops Were Pennies."  Carl's wife Goldie preceeded him in death, having passed away in 2005.  Please join us in keeping Carl's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

TONIGHT WE VISIT THE COUNTRY SHINDIG IN LAWSON, MO AND RUN INTO AN OLD FRIEND

The Country Shindig is a group of talented folks that get together at the Lawson, MO community center every 3rd Saturday from 7 - 10 PM to play oldtime country music for their own and other's enjoyment.  We have seen these folks individually, from time to time, at various bluegrass shows and jam sessions but had never had the opportunity to see them together until last night at the H.A.B.O.T. show where they performed.  Because of Annie's early show today (1PM start time), we were able to grab a bite, head for Lawson and arrive in plenty of time to enjoy a double dose of fine entertainment this Saturday.

This friendly bunch of folks are headed up by Norman Martin, who kept the beat going all night with an instrument we weren't familiar with, an accoustical bass!  Looking more lika a conventional flattip guitar than a bass, it has a tremendous sound --  almost like a standup or doghouse bass.  Interesting.  As the magic hour approached, Norman introduced Karen King who played keyboard as she sang "Calling You" and Hank Sr.'s "A Tear In My Beer."  Karen returned later with Dolly Parton's "Coat Of Many Colors."  Husband Royce King put his deep mellow voice to use with "House Of Gold," Jim Reeves' "Four Walls" and "One More Time."  Norman's uncle Walt Weigand who is also very involved in the goings on of the group, stepped front and center to sing "I'm Confessing," "Please Put My Little Shoes Away" and do a great job picking "San Antonio Rose" and "Guitar Boogie"on his flattop guitar.

We could sit and listen to Norman Martin sing all night and we heard several others say the exact same thing.  He used his mellow, calming voice tonight to sing "I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map," a Mac Wiseman tune, a tune we saw Jeannie Seely perform at Middle Creek last year, "You Don' Have Very Far To Go," Randy Travis' "Diggin' Up Bones," "This Old House" and "Till The Answer Comes."  Duke Creason, one of the newer members of the group showed he has a fine voice as well, singing "Old Country Church," Hank Williams' "Mansion On The Hill" and "Someday You'll Call My Name."  Donna Werle, one of the original founders of the Shindig which has been here for 7 years, plays a great honky tonk style keyboard and tonight sang "If There's Medals For Mothers," "That's My Baby" and Little Jimmy Dickens' "Another Bridge To Burn" much to the audience's delight.  June Smitha and Ruth Graham are a great example of what close harmony is all about and they got a big hand as they sang "So Many Times," "Too Much To Gain To Lose" and "Build My Mansion."  We really enjoyed hearing Martha Hayes sing that great Gillian Welch song "Red Clay Halo," the Osborne Brothers' "Don't Let Smoky Mountain Smoke Get In Your Eyes" and Bill Monroe's classic "Tall Pines."  Sherry Schoolfield turned the clock back a bit as she did a dandy job with the old Billy Walker tune "Down To My Last Cigarette," Jack Greene's "I Wanna Be Free" and Faron Young's "Step Aside."  This is the real stuff, folks!!

A nice surprise tonight was seeing our friend Ivan Parton.  We know Ivan from the Old Town Jamboree, Leland Jones' Country Pickin Opry and several gospel shows we have visited throughout the years and was also a grand friend of our friend and school mate, the late Glen Smith.  It turns out that Ivan lives right here in Lawson, a mere six blocks from the community center.  Ivan, who we are sure could play anything if you stick a string on it, had an old resonator guitar that Glen once gave him and did a beautiful job playing "9 Lb. Hammer," "Freight Train," "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and at Miss Jean's request, joined Walt on "You Are My Flower."  The show concluded with the entire group singing "How Great Thou Art."  (Below) top - Country Shindig  bottom - Ivan Parton

 

 

 

 

AT ANNIE'S IT'S A 1 PM SHOW TODAY AS THE GANG PREPARES TO LEAVE FOR THEIR CRUISE

Shortly after the show concludes today, Annie, the ACJ band and a busload of regular audience members will be boarding a tour bus headed for Galveston, TX where they will embark on a relaxing Caribbean cruise with Lani Novak and friends from Country Legends radio 106.9.  Surprisingly, even with the 1 PM start time, a big crowd showed up to wish the gang "Bon Voyage" and enjoy Jim Winters & Annie Dunavin's tribute to Conway & Loretta. 

Annie greeted the matinee crowd with the hearty "Come On In" and "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, the group's wonderful fiddle player, got the feet tappin' with "Jersey Bounce" and a little later "Dragging The Bow."  The cute little gal with the big voice, Haylie Walter turned back the clock a bit with Ernie Ashworth's "Talk Back Tremblin' Lips," Tammy Wynette's "Apartment #9" and later a Charlie Walker tune "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and Wanda Jackson's "Right Or Wrong."  Fred Uzzell did his usual fine job behind his triple-neck Remington steel guitar and tonight it was "Midnight In Old Amarillo" as well as "Harbor Lights."  Drummer Steve Straub showed off his trremendous vocal skills with Merle Haggard's "Big City" and Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool" and closed out the first half playing "Wipe Out."  Pretty Ronni Ward got a big hand as she sang Pam Tillis' "Put Yourself In My Place," Suzy Bogguss's "Somewhere Between," "Just Say Yes," Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart" and a Johnny Cash hit, "I Still Miss Someone" while husband Ted Ward, the group's bass player did a great job singing "Crime Of Passion."  Annie's musical director and one of the finest lead guitar players you will find anywhere, David George put his vocal talents to work as well with a couple of Ronnie Milsap tunes, "Day Dreams About Night Things" and "Pure Love."

If you happen to be a Conway Twitty or Loretta Lynn fan (what true country music fan isn't?) and didn't make it out to Tonganoxie this afternoon, you truly missed out on a grand performance.  Jim Winters did a outstanding job singing many of Conway's top hits in a method and style that was truly his own.  "Hello Darlin'," "Baby's Gone," "Fifteen Years Ago" and "Linda On My Mind" were followed by "I'd Love To Lay You Down," "I Talked To The Man In The Moon" and "Tight Fitting Jeans."  We thought Annie Dunavin's tribute to Loretta sounded so much like Loretta herself, that it was almost uncanny.  "Don't Come Home A'Drinkin'," "Blue Kentucky Girl," and "Coal Miner's Daughter" was followed by "You Ain't Woman Enough" and a special request, "Sweet Memories" (we love to hear her sing this!).  And what would a Conway/Loretta tribute be like without the duets?  Jim and Annie got a huge ovation as they sang "Sweet Thang," "Louisiana Woman/Mississippi Man" and "After The Fire Is Gone."

Annie Dunavin closed the festivities tonight with Ferlin Husky's "On The Wings Of A Dove."  Don't forget -- there will be no show at Annie's next Saturday, January 23rd as the gang will not be back yet, but Byron & Krysta Jones will be on the show January 30th.  To everyone on the cruise - BON VOYAGE and come back safe.  (Below) Jim Winters & Annie Dunavin with another Conway/Loretta duet

 

 

TONIGHT H.A.B.O.T. FEATURES BLUEGRASS & WESTERN SWING AT IT'S FINEST

Hard to believe, but it's already the third Friday of the month and January is already half over, the snow is melting and we're getting used to writing "twenty-ten" (2010)!  As we arrived at the Northcross Methodist Church, 1321 N.E. Vivion Rd. in Kansas City's Northland where the Heart Of America Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Club (H.A.B.O.T.) meets, it was evident that we weren't the only ones "thawed out" and anxious for an evening's entertainment as the parking lot was full and it was a scramble to find a place to park.  As we entered the church, we noticed that the back rooms were already full of jammers and that a big crowd was already forming in the auditorium, anxiously awaiting tonight's program.

President Mary Eddings welcomed everyone to tonight's gathering and after a few announcements introduced tonight's first guest artist, Mary Harris of Overland Park, KS who played her autoharp and sang "Wildwood Flower," an instrumental of "Remington Ride" and John Denver's "Gramdma's Feather Bed."  Next up were Joyce Carriker and Jake Smith, Joyce, of course having served for many years as H.A.B.O.T.'s newsletter editor and Jake, a past president of the organization.  With Joyce on the doghouse bass and Jake on banjo, they sang some great old tunes: "Just A Closer Walk With Three," the "Crawdad Song," Moe Bandy's "Too Old To Die Young" and Vern Gosdin's "Gonna Be Movin'."  Dave Hicks, who accompanied them on guitar and also serves as a board member, took his turn behind the mike, doing a bang-up job with "Blue Ridge Mountain Home" and "Where Could I Go?" 

Tonight's first band, Judy Coder and Cowgirl Swing. all dressed to the nines in their classy cowgirl costumes, features Judy Coder on guitar and lead vocals, Diane Gillenwater, fiddle, mandolin & vocals, Karla Campbell, stand-up bass, vocals and Patti Nance, dobro & vocals.  "Cowgirl Swing" preceeded Jimmy Dean's "Cimarron Roll On," "Mockingbird Yodel," "Cowboys Are My Weakness" and "Silver Spurs."  Next up was "Arikaree Breaks"  a song Diane co-wrote about an area in northwest Kansas, followed by "I Didn't Know" and the beautiful, award-winning "Mourning Dove Song" by Judy.  Next up was Bob Wills' "Panhandle Rag," "Spurs That Jingle Jangle Jingle," "Singing On The Trail," "Cottonwood Waltz," "Paint The Town," "Thank Heavens" and "Yippie Yi Your Troubles Away."  Find out lots more about Judy Coder and this group by logging onto: www.judycoder.com .

Tonight's second group, Country Shindig have their own show in Lawson, MO, at the community center every 3rd Saturday beginning at 7 PM.  Tonight, with Jim Downs sitting in on bass,  Karen King started the set singing a Hank Sr. song, "There's A Tear In My Beer" with Royce King close behind with George Jones' "A House Of Gold."  Walt Weigand sang another George Jones gospel tune "Old Brush Arbor" while Norman Martin sang crowd favorites, "I Use My Bible For A Road Map," "Mama's Hungry Eyes" and later returned with "I Won't Go Huntin' With You Jake, But I'll Go Chasin' Women."  Donna Werle sounded so good as she sang Little Jimmy Dickens' "Just Another Bridge To Burn" while Ruth Graham & June Smitha blended their voices beautifully, proclaiming "If You Lift Your Eyes A Little Higher, You Won't See The Thorns, You'll See The Rose."  Martha Hayes was up next, with a real oldy but goody, "Red Clay Halo" and Sherry Schoolfield sang a honky-tonk favorite, "Down To My Last Cigarette."  Royce King returned to lead the group in closing with "How Great Thou Art."

There was a last minute cancellation due to a death in one of the members of the last scheduled band tonight, so who is better putting a last minute show together than Byron Jones?  No one, that's who and that is why the last band of the evening was called simply, "Byron Jones & Friends."  Along with Byron (vocals & guitar), it was Mark Franske (vocals & mandolin), Jim Downs (vocals, bass) and Jake Smith (vocals, banjo).  Byron kicked the set off with "Cabin In The Hills Of Caroline" and Porter Wagoner's "Old Love Letters" before Mark, playing a brand-new mandolin he had just made, led the group picking "When You And I Were Young Maggie."  Mark returned to sing Bill Monroe's "She's My Little Georgia Rose" and the Stanley Bros. "White Dove."  Mary Eddings joined the group to sing "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" and "Wildflowers" and then it was Jean Bartee with "I Think I'll Just Stay Around" and "I'll Take The Blame."  Jim Downs followed with "Slewfoot" before Jake and the rest of the crew closed the evening with "I Saw The Light."  Byron announced that the Northtown Opry will be returning to North Kansas City around the 1st of April and shows will either be held on Fridays or Saturdays.  (Below)  top - Judy Coder and Cowgirl Swing  center - Lawson MO's Country Shindig  bottom - Byron Jones & Friends

 

 

 

 

TONIGHT IT'S KNUCKLEHEADS AND ONE OF THE "BESTIEST" HONKY TONK SINGERS AROUND - DALE WATSON

Over 200 enthusastic honky tonk and classic country fans crowded into Knuckleheads tonight to hear Austin, TX country music legend Dale Watson.  Actually born in Alabama, Dale moved to Texas at a very young age and has always thought of Texas as his true home.  Living in the Houston area at the time, Dale began writing songs at age 12 and made his first recording two years later.  After graduating from high school, he spent seven years playing local clubs and honky tonks.  After a few years in California and Nashville, he didn't find commercial country much to his taste and he relocated to the more progressive-minded music scene in Austin, TX.  Soon, he formed a backup band he called the Lonestars and in 1995, Hightone released his debut album, "Cheatin' Heart Attack."  It was welcomed with enormous acclaim for the vitality he brought to his vintage-style material and performance.

Dressed in his signature black leather vest and thigh length coat tonight, Dale put the final tuning on his instrument of choice, a Fender Telecaster covered with bright, silver coins!  With Dale on vocals and lead guitar, Billy Donahue on bass, Don Pawlak on pedal steel guitar, Mike Bernal on drums and Don Raby on fiddle, the audience clapped, stomped and yelled at the familiar strains of "Honky Tonkers Don't Cry."  Next up was Merle Haggard's "Here In Frisco" followed by a tribute to Lonestar Beer, "Brown Bottle Little Blue Label," "Truckstop In La Grange," "Wine Don't Lie," "Where Do You Want It," and Ray Price's "City Lights."   "Made In Japan" was next, then "No Help Wanted," "You're Always On My Mind," "Whiskey Or God," "Pretty Girls" and soon to be recorded "Honky Tonk Wizard Of Oz."  We appreciated very much the fact that Dale and his road manager Robert "Hawk" Hawkins invited us on his bus for a short visit before the concert and he mentioned he would be singing several songs tonight that were earmarked for an album he will be recording later this month and should be released this spring. 

Dale continued with "I Hate These Songs," Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses," "One More For Her," "Honkiest Tonkiest Beer Joint" (about Jenny's, his favorite Austin bar), "Tell 'Em I Ain't Here," "Hey, Don (Support My Favorite Beertender)," "Every Song I Write Is For You," "Fox On The Run," "Hair Of The Dog," "Tequilah & Tear Drops," "Texas Boogie," "She Asked Me To Dance" and "Nashville Rash," a well-deserved shot at Nashville and mainstream country music today.  As a debut, Dale returned with "Sit, Drink & Cry," another number from the new album, "What I Like Most About You" and "Dragonfly" (which also is the name of the bus).  Dale will be traveling to Minneapolis next and then it's a tour down the east coast.  It was an honor to be able to spend a little time with Dale and we encourage you to watch those shelves at your favorite audio outlet for his new CD this spring or check out his website @ http://www.myspace.com/dalewatson

At one point, Dale thanked the many in attendance here tonight for choosing to spend their dollars watching him in these uncertain times.  We thought this was an extremely classy act on his part.  Dale and the Lonestars will be returning to Knuckleheads, Friday May 21st with country music superstar Ray Price and possibly Billy Joe Shaver.  Don't wanna miss that one!  Many thanks to Frank Hicks at Knuckleheads for his hospitality and a thumbs up to Pete, who does such a fantastic job with the sound.  Folks - We had a blast!!! (Below) top - Dale Watson in concert @ Knuckleheads 1-14-10  bottom - Miss Jean poses with Dale Watson

 

 

 

ARNIE JOHNSON & THE STRANGER CREEK BAND CONTINUE FESTIVITIES AT THE BK TONIGHT

Despite the chilly conditions, the BK was literally swamped with country music lovers and dancers this evening and late comers (like ourselves) were frantically searching for parking places amid the snow piles and icy lot conditions.  We managed to find a spot at the back of the lot, nuzzled up against a snow bank and just as we opened the door, the band was playing the opening strains of "Gordon's Boogie," their unofficial theme song.  Tonight found the group's lead singer, Larry Dean taking a well deserved vacation and Lawrence, KS's Arnie Johnson, a long-time area musician & band leader aptly filling in.  Arnie began the evening with Hank Sr.'s "I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You," "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again" and Charlie Pride's "Crystal Chandelier."  Arnie returned later with Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors," Keith Whitley's "Somewhere Between," Jimmy Rodgers' "T For Texas," Gene Watson's "Paper Rosie," "Walkin' The Dog," Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings" and an Elvis Presley classic, "That's All Right Mama." Lead guitarist Gordon Riley also chose to sing an Elvis tune, "Big Boss Man," much to the delight of the audience, then he and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums teamed up on "Wheels," "Honky Tonk" and "Back Home Again In Indiana" as the floor was literally covered with dancers.  "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS showed his vocals talents off as well tonight with "Rubber Dolly" and Bob Wills' "Right Or Wrong."  He was to return later with "Tennessee Waltz" and another Wills classic, "Milk Cow Blues." 

David Purcell is always a crowd favorite and tonight he put on his best Willie voice to sing "Funny How Time Slips Away,' then it was a Garry Bichelmeyer song, "Northern Star," another Willie - "Remember Me" and "I Wonder How Many There Would Be."  Art Covey and his mandolin were joined tonight by good friend Ron Fine on his guitar and together they did a beautiful job singing and playing "Falling Leaves," "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I," "Rebel Soldier" and "Frauline."  Mary Bichelmeyer did her usual fine vocal treatment on "Your Cheating Heart" and Gordon with help from Dave sang the Waylon Jennings classic "Good Hearted Woman."  It's always great to hear Annie Little tackle a song and tonight she did a swell job with Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance?".  Art & Ron closed out this evening's festivities on a spiritual tone with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  Note: Due to vacations, there will be no show at the BK next Tuesday 1/19/10 and Grinter House will be held Thursday 1/28/10. (Below)  top - Arnie Johnson entertains the big BK crowd  bottom - Ron Fine (l.)  and Art Covey (r.) sing "Falling Leaves"

 

 

 

 

FAMILIAR FACES PREVAIL AT THE NEW PLATTSBURG OPRY & THE "TAKE 5 BAND"

This bright, sunny Sunday afternoon found us traveling to the Clinton County Youth Building for the first ever Plattsburg Opry.  The building, which is located on MO Hwy. 116 between Lathrop & Plattsburg, MO is home to many county youth programs including 4H and used to feature another Sunday country show featuring the Heartland Express a few years ago.  The new Opry features the Take 5 Band which is composed of our friends, Bill (lead guitar, fiddle, steel & vocals) & Lisa (vocals) Bennett, John Lowe (guitar, vocals) plus John (bass) & Joy (drums) Bennett.  Plans are for the Opry to have shows every 2nd & 4th Sundays from 2PM to 5PM.  They feature a large dance floor and a full service snack bar with hot dogs, brats, (w/ or w/o chili), chips, popcorn, candy bars, strawberry cheesecake, coffee & soft drinks & more!  Despite the freezing temps outside, a nice-sized crowd showed up to eat, dance and listen to some good 'ol classic country music.

Bill Bennett opened this afternoon's festivities, fiddling the "Orange Blossom Special and somewhat later, "Wheels" and "Faded Love."  Bill also showed his versatility, playing "Steel Guitar Rag" on his steel and picked and sang Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie, joined wife Lisa on George & Tammy's "Golden Rings," the Bellamy's "Margarittaville," "Keys In The Mailbox" and Dwight Yoakum's "Guitars & Cadillacs."  It was Bill starting the second half with an old fiddle tune, "Black Mountain Rag" then singing "Bubba Can Dance."  The dance floor filled up as Lisa sang Patsy Cline's "Crazy Arms" & "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," Ray Charles' "Take These Chains," Del Reeves' "Don't Come Crying To Me," Ricky Van Shelton's "I Cried My Last Tear For You," Gretchen Wilson's "Red Neck Woman," Tanya Tucker's "Let Me Be There," Highway 101's "Walkin, Talkin, Cryin" and Janie Fricke's "I Need Someone To Hold Me."

John Lowe started his set with a great George Strait classic "The Cowboy Rides Away" followed by Hank Williams Jr.'s "Eleven Roses" and "All For The Love Of Sunshine," Hank Sr.'s "Honky Tonk Blues," Chuck Berry's "Memphis" and Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy."  Later it was George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Merle Haggard's "Ramblin Fever," Gene Watson's "Got No Reason Now For Going Home" and Micky Gilley's "There's A Song On The Jukebox."  Great stuff!  Walk-ons this afternoon included Elmer Clark ("All My Ex's Live In Texas," "Your Cheatin Heart"), Larry Roberts ("Candy Kisses," "Wabash Cannonball"), Bill Boswell (his uncle Buddy Boswell used to operate the Union Mill Opry in Edgerton, MO) ("Silver Wings," "Farewell Party"), Art Damgar ("Just Walk On By", "Swinging Doors"), Jordan Wallace ("Last Kiss," "Sweet Home Alabama") and our pal Wayne Hoover, who operates the Countryside Jamboree in Cameron, MO each Friday night ("Washed My Hands In Muddy Water," "Unwound").  John Lowe closed the show with a gospel number - "I Saw The Light."  (Below) The Take 5 Band plays here at the Clinton County Youth Building the 2nd & 4th Sundays from 2-5 PM