Not looking forward to spending a boring Sunday at home (no football or baseball....only pro basketball ...yuch!), we decided to run up to the Clinton County Youth Center near Plattsburg, MO where the Take 5 Band plays every other Sunday.  We had just put the finishing touches on last night's blog entry, cleaned up a smidgen, loaded our gear in our little SUV and we were off, arriving in Plattsburg just minutes before 2 PM --showtime. A large crowd of dancers, listeners and watchers had already assembled by the time Take 5 with Billy Dean Bennett (lead guitar, fiddle, steel, vocals), wife Lisa Marie Bennett (tambourine, vocals), John Lowe (rhythm guitar, vocals), Billy's brother John Bennett (bass, vocals) and wife Joy Bennett (drums) began the evening's festivities with Lisa singing the Don Gibson classic "Sea Of Heartbreak."

Lisa was to return a bit later with "I'll Be There," "George Jones' "That's All It Took," a duet with Billy of "After The Fire Is Gone," Loretta Lynn's "Blue Kentucky Girl," "I Can't Be Bothered," Connie Smith's "Paper Roses" and Crystal Gayle's "This Is My Year For Mexico." Later she was to return with "Who's She To You" and "Blue Roses."  We always look forward to hearing John Lowe sing and tonight it was "Frankie & Johnny," Mel Tillis' "Arms Of A Fool," Hank Sr.'s "Move It On Over," "Jambalaya," Tim McGraw's "Refried Dreams," Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," Waylon's "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" and Randy Travis' "Digging Up Bones."  During the "waterfall dance" John sang the Hank Thompson classic "Wild Side Of Life" while Lisa answered with the Kitty Wells hit "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and Billy Dean sang "The Key's In The Mailbox."  John returned just a bit later with "Neon Rose," Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman" and Hank Williams Jr.'s "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound."

Few indeed are as talented and work as hard at their craft as does Billy Dean Bennett.  Not only did he play an incredible lead guitar, fiddle as well as steel guitar here this afternoon, but proved to be an outstanding vocalist as well.  Beginning with Tracy Byrd's "Watermelon Crawl," Bill moved behind his steel guitar to play "Steel Guitar Rag" and "In The Mood" before picking up his fiddle to play "Westphalia Waltz," "Wabash Cannonball," "Little Liza Jane" and "Back Up And Push."  Back behind the mike, Bill sang the Billy Ray Cyrus smash "Achy Breaky Heart," Don Williams' "Tulsa Time" and Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon."  John Bennett got a big hand as he sang Joe Nichols' "What's A Guy Got To Do To Get A Girl In This Town" and Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock."

We see Jean Bartee frequently at HABOT and other bluegrass functions but we were totally surprised to see her here today and delighted when she stepped up to sing Tammy Wynette's "Another Chance" and "He Never Heard Her Cry."  Art Damgar gave it his all as he sang Merle's "Swingin Doors" and George Morgan's "Candy Kisses."  Wayne Hoover, whose Countryside Jamboree is held every Friday night at the south limits of Cameron, MO, sang a Buck Owens classic "Act Naturally" and George Strait's "Unwound."  John Lowe closed the show with Ferlin Husky's "On The Wings Of A Dove."  We've been noticing the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant on the east side of I-35 in Liberty every time we head north and tonight we stopped off and had just an incredible meal.  If you haven't tried it out, give it a shot.  Great steaks, ribs, etc. with all the trimmings.  We'll be back!  (Below)  top - The Take 5 Band - l. to r.  John Bennett, John Lowe, Lisa Marie Bennett, Joy Bennett, Billy Dean Bennett   bottom - Dancers crowd the floor at the Plattsburg Opry

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:06 PM CST

Updated: Monday, 1 March 2010 12:45 AM CST

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We made a last minute decision to get out of the house tonight and were fortunate enough to call just in time to secure a couple of seats with a great view at tonight's Big Creek Country Show.  Although there were a couple of changes in tonight's Big Creek Band (lead guitarist Jim Lower's wife fell ill and had to be hospitalized, please keep that family in your thoughts and prayers, so Mike Campbell took over those duties and the talented Ron Piper took over the bass duties here tonight), the band's performance was top-notch as always.  As the big red curtain opened tonight, Larry Ellis on fiddle and the rest of the Big Creek band including Kevin Hoff on drums welcomed everyone with a tune entitled "Marty Stewart Visits The Moon."  Dennis Dittemore, who owns, operates and emcees the show each Saturday night showed why he is considered one of the finest male vocalists around as he sang a couple of George Strait classics, "Ace In The Hole" and "Amarillo By Morning."

Debbie Martin (or Debbie Erikson if you're listening to her DJ on KFKF) has always had a way with a country song and tonight she chose the Buck Owens classic "Love's Gonna Live Here" and Jeannie Pruett's "Satin Sheets."  After Larry Ellis informed Dennis that his next door neighbor got more snow this winter than he did (he has a bigger yard!), maestro Phil Hilton got a tremendous hand as he played "Unchained Melody" (the theme song of the movie "Ghost") and "Canon in C."  Mike Campbell sat his lead guitar aside for just a bit as he picked up his usual weapon of choice - a five string banjo and got the hands clappin' and the feet tappin' with "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Dear Old Dixie."  Ron Piper, who just happened to be in town visiting today when he was pressed into service at bass, showed everyone his vocal talents as well, singing Ronnie Milsap's "Back On My Mind Again" and Eddie Arnold's "Make The World Go Away." 

It's been quite a spell since we've seen Jeremy Cato perform and we sure enjoyed hearing him especially hitting those high notes.  Although Jeremy was with a number of quartets and other groups in the area for a number of years, we think he does excellent as a solo performer.  Tonight he sang John Michael Montgomery's "Grundy County Auction," David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name," "If It Don't Work Out" and "I'd Rather Have Jesus."  Talking about great singers -- we always look forward to hearing Shirley Smith sing those old country songs she does so well and tonight she was magnificent singing Connie Smith's "Cry Cry Cry," "Then And Only Then," "Are You Ever Coming Home," Jim Reeves' "Then I'll Stop Loving You" and a great gospel number "I'll Meet You In The Morning."  We've just about run out of accolades when it comes to our friend Larry Smith.  Just suffice it to say that we don't know of anybody that knows classic country music as well as Larry does and can make it sound so good.  Tonight Larry got a big crowd reaction as he sang Merle's "From Now On All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," Eddy Arnold's "All The Time," Gov. Jimmy Davis' "You Are My Sunshine" and returned the second half with Tom T. Hall's "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" and Elvis' favorite gospel number "Mansion Over The Hilltop."  Great stuff!!

Randy Rudd who, although he's originally from this area, now resides in Branson, MO and who has been a member of the Sons Of The Pioneers for the past 9 years was also part of this power-packed lineup tonight.  If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Randy perform, you should certainly do so - you won't regret it.  His Branson show will be starting up again in May or he will be returning here to Big Creek Saturday, March 20th.  Tonight he began with a Waylon Jennings song, "I Don't Think Hank Done It This A'Way," Ray Price's "I Won't Mention It Again" and Dwight Yoakam's "Please Please Baby."  After intermission and Larry Ellis' great fiddling on "Stone's Rag," Randy returned with Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" and just an awesome performance of Roy Orbison's "In Dreams."  Another of tonight's highlights was the trio of Jeremy, Randy & Dennis singing Gatlin Bros. hits "Broken Lady" and "All The Gold In California."  Larry Ellis wrapped up the evening's festivities with our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie."  (Below)   Randy Rudd & daughters, Shirley Smith, Larry Smith & Jeremy Cato

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 28 February 2010 8:15 PM CST

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Our hip was bothering us quite a bit after an X-ray and exam session yesterday (we'll be having hip replacement surgery March 24th) and we opted not to try and attend a show this evening.  We decided to see if Bill & Brenda Harris who own and operate the Middle Creek Theatre near Louisburg, KS. were free for dinner this evening and we met at Cozy's Cafe, a great new restaurant located at 6740 W. 75th (just east of Metcalf) and one of our sponsors.  After we finished the better part of some delicious lasagna, scrumptious meatloaf and great shrimp scampi, I asked Bill & Brenda how they happened to get into the country music business in general and more specifically how the Middle Creek Theatre originated.

"After a lot of thought and contemplation," Bill told us, "we bought the 32 acre complex in January of '98.  Our goal then and still is to recreate a country western town with a family atmosphere.  The first thing we opened was the antique store, although the furniture store and other buildings were there, we had to clean up everything, install furnaces and air conditioners and remodeled the entire complex room by room."  In 2000 with the help of another couple who had a background in country music, Bill & Brenda decided to start their own country music show.  The show was first scheduled for Friday nights and Elijah Chastain, who worked at another local show on Saturdays came on board and put together a six-piece band which debuted on opening night the second week of March, 2001.  Many changes have occurred over the years, which is almost inevitable with any musical group and has evolved indoubtly into one of the finest country bands in the area.  The current band is still headed up by Elijah Chastain, production manager, lead guitarist & a super vocalist and features Carl Butler on bass & vocals, Brad Meadows - drums & vocals, Bobby DeMoss on steel guitar, Angie Larson - keyboards & vocals and Jamie "Gumm" Ogle & Barbara Walker, two of the finest female vocalists you'd ever want to hear. 

Bill mentioned that he grew up in southern Illinois, Carlisle to be specific and many times his buddies and he would leave right after school on Friday and drive those two-lane roads down to Nashville and stand in line at the Ryman Auditorium to see the Grand Ole Opry.  Tickets were 35 cents, he recalled.  "I've always been a country music fan," he told us, "And this is just like a dream come true."  Several times throughout the season, Middle Creek not only features this terrific band and some outstanding local talent but highlights Nashville acts as well.  Already booked for this upcoming season are Gene Watson, John Conlee, Marty Haggard, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, Joe Diffie & Jeannie Kimball. 

The Harris', who had been RVers for over 20 years also decided in 2001 to build their own RV park as part of the complex, known at the Rutlader Outpost.  Today, campers from all over the country use the RV facilities as they travel and are grandly entertained at the adjacent Middle Creek Theatre.  The Cowboy Church, which meets at the Community Center on Tuesday nights will be hosting a special show at the theatre March 6th featuring the famous Southern Gospel Quartet "The Missourians" and the next Saturday will be the season opener with guest artists, Branson funnyman Harley Worthit, Tate Stevens, Andy Lindberg & Alicia Kay.  Middle Creek Theatre and the Rutlader Outpost is located at 33535 Metcalf Road, Louisburg, KS and for information on any of the above call them toll-free 1-866-888-6779.  They also have a great website http://www.rutladeroutpost.com/opry.htm  Check it out!  (Below) Bill & Brenda Harris

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:20 PM CST

Updated: Saturday, 27 February 2010 8:30 AM CST

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Carl & Sharon Butler's Gospel Lounge is held every Wednesday night at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Ave., K.C., MO beginning at 7:30 PM.  and features a terrific band consisting of Carl Butler on lead & vocals, John Nichols, keyboards & vocals, Frank Infranca, bass, Dale Zea, drums and George Lapp on keyboards as well.  After Pastor Sharon welcomed everyone and remarked that many had missed church last Sunday due to weather conditions or being out of town and like a car going to the pumps, we were here tonight for a fill-up, she introduced cousins Kayla & Sasha, a couple of cute young ladies who joined us this evening.

After Carl and the group opened the evening's festivities with "Comin' Home Baby," he sang a great gospel number "We Want To See Jesus Lifted High."  John Nichols followed with "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Cold Outside" before Carl returned with "Start A Fire," a special request of "Jesus Loves Me" and Merle Haggard's "Swingin' Doors."  Sticking with Merle Haggard, John sang a medley of "Sing Me Back Home/The Fugitive," then closed the musical part of the evening with "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Pastor Carl made a few well directed remarks about stress -- that can be caused by weather-related issues or just stuff that happens to everyone.  We need to always keep a joyful heart, even in times of distress.  We need the ability to laugh at ourselves and not at others' plight.  A good attitude is contageous.  We thought this was a great message and very timely.  (Below) John Nichols (l.) - Carl Butler (r.)

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:38 PM CST

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We arrived at the BK a tad late this evening due to work obligations but just in time to listen to Larry Dean do a bang up job singing Eddy Arnold's classic "What's He Doing In My World."  Larry returned the second half with a couple of rock numbers, "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Johnny B. Goode" as well as George Jones' 1991 smash "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes."  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the band including John Malone on drums kicked off their featured part of the program tonight with "Panhandle Rag," "9 Lb. Hammer" (featuring Gordon on vocals), "Bells Of St. Mary" and "Honky Tonk."  "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jobilee, tonight played the beautiful "Sugar Moon," "Maiden's Prayer," "Ragtime Annie," "Down Yonder" and the "Orange Blossom Special" much to the delight of the big crowd.  Mary Bichelmeyer. the group's bass player was in fine voice tonight singing Patsy's "Walkin' After Midnight," "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Bill Bailey."  Husband Garry Bichelmeyer debuted a brand new song he recently wrote entitled "Losing You" which we enjoyed hearing and think maybe it will go someplace.  Garry also sang another of his creations which has become known as the "Dead Horse Song," a comical look back at the Battle of the Big Horn. 

It's always a gas to see and hear our friend Dave Purcell pick and sing.  Tonight, doing his best Willie voice, he sang "Remember Me," then it was "A Once In A Lifetime Thing," a Garry Bichelmeyer song, "Northern Star" and the Jack Blanchard/Misty Morgan song "Tennessee Bird Walk."  It was just terrific to see Art Covey back who has been on the mend from a recent operation.  Art sounded great as always as he sang "Falling Leaves" and "Love Letters In The Sand."  Talking about great vocalists, Annie Little was also here tonight and stepped front and center to sing another Garry Bichelmeyer song, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and "A Very Special Grace."   This fun evening came to a close with Mary singing "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and Art doing the honors with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  (Below)  top - Garry Bichelmeyer debuts his new song "Losing You"  bottom - The gang welcomes Art Covey back

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:55 PM CST

Updated: Tuesday, 23 February 2010 10:58 PM CST

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Because of the weather, we decided to stay close to home and so this evening found us once again at Annie's Country Jubilee in beautiful, tropical (sic), downtown Tonganoxie, Kansas as emcee Jim Winters would say.  Because of the adverse driving conditions, the crowd was somewhat smaller than usual, we estimated two hundred or so, but they certainly were treated to an evening of great entertainment. 

After Annie Dunavin welcomed all the brave souls who did make the trip in tonight with her usual "Come On In," musical director and lead guitarist David George did just an awesome job picking "Devil's Dream" on the flattop guitar.  We paid close attention and at no time did his fingers ever leave his hands!! Later, closing the first half, it was "Black Mountain Rag," one of our favorite bluegrass melodies and others. Beautiful Ronni Ward stepped front and center to sing Hank Thompson's "Green Light," "There Goes My Heart Again" and later Hank Sr.'s "My Sweet Love Ain't Around" and the Suzy Bogguss megahit "Letting Go."  Jim Winters put his extraordinary vocal talents to work here tonight with Waylon's "Shine, Shine, Shine," Ray Price's 'Something I Didn't Do," Moe Bandy's "Rodeo Romeo Style" and "Chistled In Stone."  Annie Dunavin got a huge audience response as she returned with "Ruby's Stool," Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz" and later Jean Shepard's "Slippin Away" and the Connie Smith classic "If I Talk To Him."  Vance Monday was once again sitting in at steel guitar while Fred Uzzell is recovering from a recent operation.  Vance played the "Steel Guitar Rag" and a duet with Annie's resident fiddle player, "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier of the beautiful "Maiden's Prayer."  Showing his versatility, Marvin & Vance opened the second half on twin fiddles playing "Back Up And Push."  Ted Ward, the group's great bass player, showed his vocal techniques off on a CCR standard, "Looking Out My Back Door" and later, joining wife Ronni did a marvelous duet of the Dolly Parton/Ricky Van Shelton hit "Thru Our Rockin' Years."

We met 12 year-old Anna Bishop and her wonderful family backstage before tonight's performance and they are an extremely nice bunch of folks who reside in the Gladstone, MO area.  They told us that it was almost an accident the way they found out she could sing as good as she does!  And no mistake about it, this young lady can sing!  Her voice quality, timing, stage presence and joy in performing are God-given and it's pretty evident she has worked hard, learning to put them to use.  Tonight she sang Emmylou Harris' "Born To Run," Linda Ronstadt's "Silver Threads," Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," another Emmylou Harris megahit "Guitar Town," Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" and as an encore - Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight."  What a great young talent!  Make a mental note of her name, we know you will be hearing more of her in the future and we wish her all the best.  Don't miss the opportunity to see her perform if you get the chance!

We always look forward to an opportunity to see Duke Mason perform.  Although Duke only stands 40 some inches high, he has a marvelous voice, a boatload of talent and a heart the size of a mountain.  His Elvis performances are almost uncanny, the tonal qualities and mannerisms so alike you just have to see to believe.  Although Duke has a busy schedule, including a cruise of his own this winter, this is one of his favorite stopping off places.  Tonight he started his evening with a Don Gibson tune "Sea Of Heartbreak," then it was Elvis: "It's Now Or Never," "There Goes My Everything," "That's Alright," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Laudy Miss Claudy," "Are You Lonesome Tonight," "Teddy Bear" and "Little Sister."  There were evidently a lot of Elvis fans here tonight, but maybe even more Duke Mason fans who certainly loved his performance here tonight.

Jim Winters, Ted Ward & David George joined drummer Steve Straub as the ACJ Quartet began the gospel portion with "Beulahland" before Duke Mason sang "This Old House" beautifully.  Annie Dunavin stepped to the mike and sang the inspirational words of "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "House Of The Rising Sun" to close out this evening's festivities.  (Below) top - l. to r.  Marvin Bredemeier, Ted Ward, Ronni Ward, Anna Bishop, David George, Steve Straub, Annie Dunavin  bottom - Anna Bishop and Duke Mason pose in the lobby

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 21 February 2010 4:27 PM CST

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What a difference a few miles can make as far as the weather is concerned!  We left Kansas City headed north with light rain falling, but by the time we got to the south city limit sign of Cameron, MO, where Wayne Hoover's Countryside Inn is located, there was snow on the ground and worse yet, about 3-4 inches of icy slush covered the roadways!  Bill Rankin, the group's steel & dobro player was still recovering from a medical procedure and he and regular bass player Bill Gann were unable to make it in tonight.  Bill Bennett, who is such a terrific musician, singing, playing lead guitar & fiddle every Saturday night with wife Lisa on drums, saved the day having Bill's brother John fill in on bass and wife Joy spelling Lisa the second half on the drums.  Charlie Curtis, a regular here was in the audience tonight and joined the gang on rhythm guitar and vocals tonight.

Bill Bennett welcomed everyone to tonight's program with a great old fiddle tune, "Back Up And Push" and returned shortly to sing John Anderson's "Swingin'," Johnny Horton's "Springtime In Alaska," "Wise To The Ways Of A Woman," "I Really Don't Want To Know," "On A Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor," Josh Turner's "Long Black Train," Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon," a couple of duets with Lisa,  a Miranda Lambert song "I Can't Be Bothered" and Gene Watson's "Got No Reason Now For Going Home."  Bill also played a couple of great old fiddle tunes later in the evening, "Liza Jane" and "Over The Waves."  Mr. Countrysider himself, Wayne Hoover got a well deserved hand as he sang the Johnny Paycheck hit "Jukebox Charlie."  Later it was Charlie Pride's "Kiss An Angel Good Morning," "Queen Of The Silver Dollar," Johnny Rodriguez's "Down On The Rio Grande," Gene Watson's "Everybody Needs A Hero," Johnny Bush's "What A Way To Live" (written by Willie Nelson, our request - Thanks Wayne!!), Freddie Hart's "Easy Lovin'," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," another Paycheck song, "Eleven Months & 29 Days" and the great Roy Acuff's "Fire Ball Mail."

Lisa Bennett as well as being an awesome drummer is quite a vocalist as well and tonight she started with the Highway 101 hit "Walkin, Talkin, Cryin, Barely Beatin Broken Heart" before Trick Pony's "I Ain't Wasting Good Whiskey On You," "Walk The Way The Wind Blows," "If The Jukebox Took Teardrops" and the Crystal Gayle hit "This Is My Year In Mexico."  We always enjoy hearing Charlie Curtis sing and tonight he did a dandy job singing Hank Sr.'s "You Win Again," "I Can See Your Loveless Mansion On The Hill," "Today I Started Loving You Again," "Too Old To Die Young,"  "Big House On The Corner," "Holdin' Things Together"  and Willie's "Blue Eyes Cryin In The Rain."  John Bennett closed the first half festivities with a rare vocal of Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock" and Elmer Clark, who was also in the audience tonight, despite a sore throat did a great job singing "Burning Memories," "Cold Cold Heart" and Willie Nelson's "The Party's Over."  Joy Bennett did a super job filling in for Donna at the door and Shirley's snack bar was scrumptous as always!  (Below) Wayne Hoover and the Countrysiders (tonight's edition)

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:42 AM CST

Updated: Saturday, 20 February 2010 12:46 PM CST

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It was great having Larry Dean and wife Rosie back from their extended vacation which took them to Lukenbach, Texas and other sophisticated ports of call.  It was quite evident that Western Swing had left it’s mark on Larry as he started the evening with Bob Wills’ “Stay A Little Longer.”  “Hello Mary Lou” and “Back To Louisiana” were next with Larry returning the second half with Merle Haggard’s “Big River” and Guy Clark’s “Stuff That Works.”  Gordon Riley on lead guitar and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums showed their stuff on the self-written “Gordon Boogie #2,” “Honky Tonk,” “Down Yonder,” “Bells Of St. Mary” and “Harbor Lights.”  “Mighty” Marvin Bredemeier, Annie’s Country Jubilee’s resident fiddle player made the rosin fly tonight as he played Ernest Tubb’s “Waltz Across Texas” as Larry Dean sang the melody, then returned to play “Maiden’s Prayer” on his five-string fiddle before he played our favorite fiddle tune – “Ragtime Annie.” 

Dave Purcell also returned tonight after a couple of weeks of fighting the flu and got a big hand as he sang “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Willie Nelson style and Garry Bichelmeyer’s “Northern Star.”  Mary Bichelmeyer used her vocal talents to sing “Tennessee Waltz” and Loretta’s “Blue Kentucky Girl” before husband Garry sang his self-penned “Marie” and joined by Larry sang the Soggy Bottom Boys version of “In The Jailhouse Now.”  Scott Gilmore got the feet shuffling as the dancers mobbed the floor as he sang “Johnny B. Goode.”  It was so nice to have Jess Richardson of the Westline Jamboree visit here tonight for the first time.  We have such a fine time whenever we get the opportunity to visit the Jamboree and tonight Jess gave the folks a sample of what they can look forward to, singing Hank Sr.’s “Long Gone Lonesome Blues” and an old Webb Pierce number “Walkin’ The Dog.”  Dave Irvin, whose wife Beth Irvin not only is a terrific singer but does some great comedy stints as “Lizzie Lou,” also made the trip up and got a big hand as he sang Hank Williams’ “You Win Again.”  Mary Bichelmeyer closed the evening’s festivities with “Just A Closer Walk.”  Below:  top - Larry Dean returned this evening  bottom - Jess Richardson visited the BK for the first time tonight

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Thursday, 18 February 2010 8:22 PM CST

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Annie Dunavin welcomed tonight's crowd to what was to prove to be an especially entertaining evening in her usual manner, a musical invitation to "Come On In (Sit Right Down & Make Yourself At Home)."  "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier began the evening's festivities singing and fiddling Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues" and was joined by Vance Monday also on fiddle.  This "dynamic duo" was to start the second half with "Bilen Cabbage" on twin fiddles, much to the delight of the appreciative audience.  Vance filled in tonight for Annie's usual steel guitarist Fred Uzzell who is recovering from a recent operation and we always enjoy hearing Vance play an original song he wrote entitled "Night Sky" which he wrote for Beth Hunter's Allerton, IA opry of the same name.  Vance was to return later with "I Love You Because."  Pretty Ronni Ward reminded everyone that tomorrow was Valentine's Day and that tonight everyone would be singing their favorite love songs.  Beginning with "Have I Told You Lately" and "Why They Call It Falling," Ronni was to return with "One More Reason," "Queen Of Hearts" and Elvis' "Love Me Tender." 

Master Of Ceremonies Jim Winters continued tonight's theme with a Merle Haggard classic "Let's Chase Each Other Round The Room Tonight," "I Just Want To Dance With You," "Red Roses For A Blue Lady" and somewhat later David Houston's "Almost Persuaded," Ernest Tubb's "Waltz Across Texas" and George Jones' "Ol' King Kong."  Annie Dunavin returned to sing Johnny Horton's "Ole Slew Foot" with Marvin & Vance once again supplying the twin fiddle rythm, "Talk To Me" (from Annie's CD,"Memories Of Nashville"), "Sweet Memories" and "Mule Skinner Blues."  Drummer Steve Straub did a outstanding job, singing Merle's "The Farmer's Daughter" while David George, Annie's musical director and lead guitarist put his vocal talents and hot flattop guitar pickin' to good use on "How Mountain Girls Can Love" and bassist Ted Ward sang CCR's "Born On The Bayou" to the crowd's delight. 

But tonight was a real first for many of those who were fortunate enough to be in attendance here tonight.  From the first deep, sonorous note as he sang Jim Reeves' "Little Old Dime," the audience was simply enthralled with Bill Jordan's performance.  Bill, who has been blind from birth, once related to us how his mother would pick him up from school every day and have a new vinyl record for him to take home and play.  To this very day, Bill can not only sing all those songs, word for word but can relate the writer, artist, label and year recorded of hundreds if not thousands of country tunes.  Every woman in the audience swooned as Bill continued with a Dick Curtis tune "Heart Talk," then it was the self-written "I Can't Afford To Quit" - a well deserved shot at Nashville's Country Music Awards and "new country."  Trace Adkins' "Rest Of Mine" was next followed by an encore, "I've Been Everywhere." 

Bill returned the second half with Buck Owens' "A-11," "Award To An Angel," Tom T. Hall's "Watermellon Wine," Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool" and (yep, you guessed it - another encore!) "Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line."  This incredible evening concluded with two gospel numbers, Ronni Ward's "Thank You Lord For Your Blessings" and Bill Jordan returned to sing "How Great Thou Art."  (Below)  Vance Monday - Annie Dunavin - Bill Jordan

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Thursday, 18 February 2010 8:25 PM CST

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It took Byron Jones, Jim Long & Kay Jefferies four and a half minutes to dispose of club business (maybe a new record) and then it was off to what everyone came here to see and hear: lots of great bluegrass and country tunes courtesy of the three bands featured here tonight.  KCABMC meets every 2nd Friday @ 3601 Sterling Ave. in Independence, MO and doors open at 6:30, the shows lasting from 7:30 - 10:30 PM.  Jamming rooms are also available for those who are interested.  Tonight's first band was dubbed the "House Band" by Byron who recruited some last minute volunteers (?).  All kidding aside, these folks were a treat with Byron's son, Kevin Jones on flattop guitar & vocals, daughter in law Chastity Jones, vocals, David Hicks on bass, Ben Richards, guitar & vocals, Byron on guitar & vocals and Rob Collins on banjo.  Byron & Chastity began the set with a great Osborne Brothers song "Each Season Changes You" followed by Porter Wagoner/Dolly Parton's "If Teardrops Were Pennies."  Chastity sang a great rendition of Ernest Tubb's "Slippin Around" before Ben Richards who hails from Smithville, MO stepped front and center to sing Johnny Cash's "Cry Cry Cry," the Statler's "More Than A Name On A Wall" and somewhat later "Have I Told You Lately."  After the group did a bang up job on the instrumental "Red Wing," Kevin Jones sang "Would You Come With Me" and Rob Collins did some great banjo work and led the group with "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain."  David Hicks did a marvelous job with the civil war ballad "Rebel Soldier" before Byron's two granddaughters Ginger & Delaney were introduced and Ginger sang "Jesus Loves Me," much to the delight of the crowd.  Chastity closed the set with "Rocky Top."  

Tonight's second band, the Blue Grass Missourians is a group that have played together for many years and is always a hit at festivals and shows throughout our region.  With Ed Sellers on fiddle, Dave Batson on bass, Randy Denney on banjo, Brian McCarty on mandolin and Bob White on guitar, the group kicked off their portion of the evening with Dave singing "Knee Deep In Bluegrass Is Where I Want To Be."  Dave returned later with "Come Back To Me," "Where There Will Be" and some great duets with Brian: "Stormy Waters" and "Don't You Call My Name."  Brian was featured on his mandolin as well on instrumentals "Hang File" and "Daybreak In Dixie" as was Ed as he fiddled "Back Up & Push" and "8th Of January."  Bob White got a big hand as he sang "Take Your Shoes Off Moses" as did Randy who did an awesome job playing banjo and singing "The Lonesome River."  This group has a well-deserved reputation for great harmony.  Don't miss seeing them perform if you have the chance!

Misty Mountain Revival is another group we are always pleased to see on the docket.  Gary Gray, the group's great banjo player recently was injured in an industrial accident and it was great seeing him back and playing as always.  While Jim Belk (mandolin) and wife Kathy account for most of the vocals, Ken Simon comes all the way from Neosho, MO to play bass and Ken Slider from Spring Hill, KS has the duties on guitar.  These smooth, mellow and harmonious musicians provided some real "ear candy" here this evening with selections such as "Will You Be Waiting There For Me," "8 More Miles To Louisville," "Lonesome Pine," "Winter's Come And Gone," "Some Old Day," "If I Lose," "Luck In The Irish Rain," "I Will See You On The Other Side Of Jordan," "Hold Whatcha Got," "Last Thing On My Mind," Doc Watson's "Way Down Town" and "Morning Sky."  Great stuff!!  (Below)   top - Byron Jones' "House Band"  middle - The Bluegrass Missourians  bottom - Misty Mountain Revival

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:01 PM CST

Updated: Saturday, 13 February 2010 1:27 PM CST

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