TONIGHT A BEVY OF GREAT GUEST ARTISTS DECEND ON THE BK IN GARRY & MARY'S ABSENCE

As Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer took some well needed time off to visit relatives in Kentucky and stop in Nashville to show em how it's done, some of the area's great musicians and singers stopped by to share their talents and make this a truly fun evening.  The evening began in the same fashion as it always does, with Gordon Riley and the band, including ace drummer John Malone playing it's unofficial theme song, "Gordon's Boogie."  Larry Dean started the program with a Bob Wills' classsic, "Miles & Miles Of Texas" and a tune probably made most famous by Dean Martin, but recorded by many, "You're Nobody Till Someody Loves You."  Larry returned later with a great Merle Haggard number, "Mama Tried."  Gordon Riley was up next and sang a tune that Alison Krauss most recently recorded entitled "Another Day Another Dollar," then joined the band in a super instrumental of "Buckaroo."  "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle each Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee, was outstanding as usual playing Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues," "The Waltz You Saved For Me" and a little later, a "Hoe Down Medley" (which included "Ragtime Annie").  It was great seeing David Purcell in his accustomed spot again here tonight and he sounded as great as always, singing George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star," Willie's "Remember Me," "On The Road Again" and "A Once In A Lifetime Thing."  We always look forward to hearing Art Covey strum & pick that mandolin and sing and tonight it was a couple of our favorites, "Fallen Leaves" and "Life Is Like A Mountain Railway."

Our old friend, Jimmy Rodgers from Odessa, MO came all the way up to sit in tonight, playing bass in place of Mary Bichelmeyer and, if you've never had the pleasure of hearing him, supplying us with some of his phenominal vocals as only he can.  Beginning with Willie's "Ain't It Funny How Time Stips Away," he followed with George Strait's "Ace In The Hole," Bob Wills' "My Window Faces The South" and Claude King's "If I Ever Need A Lady I'll Call You."  Great stuff, Jimmy!  Jess Richardson, whose Westline Jamboree is held in the small town of Westline, MO (strait east of Louisburg, KS) every other Wednesday got a huge hand as he sang Bob Wills' "Time Changes Everything," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," his version of "Another Day Another Dollar" (actually first recorded by Porter Wagoner and written by Wynn Stewart) and Kris Krisofferson's "Help Me Make It Through The Night."  Audience favorite Jerome Oberlin and his squeeze-box (all button accordian) was in the house as well tonight and did a fine job with "Rose Of San Antone" and "Maiden's Prayer" while Annie Little sounded super as well singing "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and "Just In Case You Change Your Mind."  Ron Fine put his beautiful voice to good use with "I'm Crying My Heart Out Over You" and "I Love You Because You're You" before Larry Dean closed out the evening with George Jones' "Family Bible."  (Below)  l. to r. Jimmy Rodgers, Jess Richardson, Annie Little, Ron Fine

 

 

TONIGHT IT'S A SPECTACTULAR SHOW AT ANNIE'S COUNTRY JUBILEE FEATURING THE TALENTED MICHELLE LEA AND THE BANJO MAGIC OF JEFF ELSLO

This especially entertaining evening began in the usual manner, with hostess and first lady of country music in Tonganoxie, KS, Annie Dunavin greeting the enthusastic crowd with the old Porter Wagoner shuffle, "Come On In (Sit Right Down & Make Yourself At Home)." Beginning tonight's festivities, lovely Ronni Ward put her incredible vocal talents to work as she sang a Carlene Carter number, "I Fell In Love" and an old Jimmy Rodgers tune, "Hobo's Meditation.  Ronni was to return the second half with Bill Anderson's "Walk Out Backwards" and a super job of Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou."  Before introducing the band, Annie's emcee and one of the finest male vocalists around, Jim Winters treated the audience to an old Red Foley number "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy," then it was a Bill Mack tune "Drinking Champagne" before returning the second half with Waylon's "Luckenbach, Texas" and Conway Twitty's "Baby's Gone."  Fred Uzzell, who Jim calls "the chairman of the board," got a huge hand as he put his Remington triple-necked steel guitar to work on a crowd favorite, the "Steel Guitar Rag" and drummer Steve Straub gave us a peek at his vocal talents as he sang Merle Haggard's "That's The Way Love Goes."  Steve would return later for the Gospel portion.  Another Hag fan, lead guitarist A. J. Cronk, who was filling in for David George who is in the Mideast tonight entertaining our service men and women, proved he knows his stuff as well, singing and picking "Working Man Blues" and "Think I'll Just Stay Here & Drink."  Annie herself returned to treat the folks to a Faron Young hit "Leavin' And Saying Goodbye," Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" and "Ruby's Stool."  She was to return the second half with Patsy's 1962 hit, "Heartaches," a very clever rewording of Alabama's "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" which became "If You're Gonna Play In Kansas" and a Connie Smith mega-hit, "Once A Day."  Bass guitarist Ted Ward treated everyone to some fine singin' himself with "Honky Tonk Man" while "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier put bow to fiddle to close the first half with a bluegrass tune, "Silver Bells" and opened the second half with "Tennessee Wagner," Fred Uzzell contributing some fine Dobro work.

One of today's most exciting young performers around the opry circuit is tonight's first guest artist, Michelle Lea.  Now in her very first year of college, we are always amazed at her terrific range, voice control and stage presence.  Her delivery is smooth and very pleasant to listen to and this combination is sometimes a rarity in artists of her age bracket.  Tonight she chose Reba McIntyre's "Take It Back," a number originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler and most recently rereleased by Trick Pony, "It's A Heartache" and the Judds' "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain."  Michelle returned the second half with the upbeat Hank Williams Sr. classic "Jambalaya, then it was Marie Osmond's "Paper Roses" and a beautiful job with Linda Ronstadt's "When Will I Be Loved."  Tonight's other guest artist, Jeff Elslo is certainly no stranger to us as we have seen and visited with Jeff on numerous occasions at bluegrass clubs and festivals throughout the area.  Jeff is very proficient on the mandolin, guitar, steel guitar, Dobro and practically anything with strings, yet his weapon of choice is the five-string banjo.  Jeff got things going with a bang here tonight with Flatt & Scruggs' "Polka On A Banjo," also doing the vocals, then it was a "grassy" version of the old Duke Ellington big band number "Caravan" followed by Leon McAuliffe's "Panhandle Rag."  Jeff returned later with "Salty Dog" with vocals by himself and Jim Winters, an old bluegrass standard "Sally Gooden" and probably the most famous banjo tune of all time, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."  Jeff was definately an audience favorite and we look to see him back in the future.

The Gospel portion of tonight's program featured Michelle Lea singing the old Stanley Bros. standard, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and Annie's own Steve Straub singing the beautiful hymn "In The Garden."  Just a note here to express our admiration and respect for the sacrifice David George is making to help entertain our men and women who are serving in our military services in the Middle East.  Hats off to David and the other brave entertainers who have embraced this undertaking and our prayers go out for their safe return.  It'll be great to see you back David!  (Below) Michelle Lea and Jeff Elslo pose for a pic

 

 

A FUN CRISPY NOVEMBER EVENING AT THE BK WITH GOOD MUSIC & GREAT FRIENDS

We arrived here at the BK tonight just as the band was finishing the closing few chords of it's unofficial theme song "Gordon's Boogie."  Larry Dean greeted the crowd with more of his great vocals tonight starting with Bob Wills' "Stay All Night (Stay A Little Longer)."  Delberrt McClinton's "Going Back To Louisiana" was next and Larry returned a bit later with Johnny Cash's "The Night Hank Williams Came To Town," Jim Reeves "There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder" and a great job on Merle Haggard's "1929."  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley sounded super as he sang the old Merle Travis number "9 Pound Hammer," then joined the rest of the band including drummer John Malone for instrumentals "Back Home Again In Indiana," "Together Again" and "Honky Tonk."  "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who everyone probably knows by now, plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night, stepped to the plate next and played our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" and another request, the beautiful "Ashokan Farewell." Marvin returned later with an old fiddle tune we were unfamiliar with, "Gray Eagle" and perhaps the most famous of all fiddle tunes, the O.B.S. (the "Orange Blossom Special").  Bass guitarist Mary Bichelmeyer was next and she used her smooth, soothing voice to team up with husband Garry for a duet of Lacy J. Dalton's "Black Coffee" followed by Mary's rendition of Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight." She returned a bit later with "Bill Bailey" and Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows."

Multi-talented song writer and performer Garry Bichelmeyer gave everyone a good look tonight at his many talents singing Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy" then among his many great original compositions a song that has become known fondly as "The Dead Horse Song," a number that takes a whimiscal look at the plight of Custer's 7th Calvery, "Northern Star," a crowd favorite, a great new penning, "One Room Schoolhouse," "Half" and a home-town number "Tonganoxie."  Great job, Garry!  We always look forward to hearing Art Covey play his mandolin and sing and tonight he entertained us with Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand," "Kentucky Waltz," Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and "Rebel Soldier."  All-button accordianist Jerome Oberlin was in the house as well tonight and got the feet moving on the dance floor as he took off on the "Pennslyvania Polka," then surprised us by having Marvin join him on vocals to do our favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Jerome returned to close out tonight's festivities with "Bye Bye Blackbird"and "Beer Barrel Polka."  (Below)  Jerome Oberlin & Marvin Bredemeier played our #1 favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Thanks, guys!  That song means a lot to me.

 

 

THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT TODAY AT ANNIE'S COUNTRY JUBILEE AT A 5-1/2 HOUR COUNTRY MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA

Today's extraordinary event was a great concept to begin with:  Country Music Shows throughout Kansas & Missouri as well as many of the individual performers you have seen over the years were represented and the response was overwhelming to say the least. So many bands & preformers responded to this invitation, many traveling hundreds of miles, that the show ran a full 2 hours over!  This extravanganza began as the big red curtains parted to reveal the Annie's Country Jubilee band featuring our pal "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier playing our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie."  One of this area's finest vocalists, Jim Winters was up next and was kind enough to fulfill our request of Ray Price's "Soft Rain."  Jim returned a little later to bring the house down with his rendition of "Shenandoah."  The first of tonight's guest artists, cute-as-a-button Haylie Bagwell came up all the way from Coffeyville, KS and did a wonderful job singing Johnny Bush's "What A Way To Live" and the spectactular Martina McBride number "With A Broken Wing."  Leland Jones, who with wife Carole operate the Country Pickin' Opry near Richmond, Mo stepped to the mike next to do a bang-up job with a Ray Charles tune "Take These Chains (From My Heart)," Vince Gill's "Look At Us" and George Jones' "Window Up Above."

ACJ's own pretty Ronni Ward was up next and did a beautiful job with Highway 101's "The Bed You Made For Me" and Juice Newton's "Break It To Me Gently" followed closely by David George, Annie's musical director, awesome lead guitarist and tonight's emcee who showed what a great vocalist he is to boot with John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses" and Merle Haggard's "Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink."  One of the performers we are always looking forward to hearing, Michelle Lea is just starting her first year of college but has the vocal talents and stage presence which belie her relatively young age.  She was absolutely great tonight singing and yodeling the old Patsy Montana classic "Cowboy's Sweetheart" and Linda Ronstadt's "When Will I Be Loved."  Wayne Hoover, a good friend of ours who operates the Countryside Jamboree in Cameron, MO every Friday night got a big hand as he sang Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and Marty Robbins' "Beggin' To You."  Next up was the boss lady herself, Annie Dunavin whose vocal talents are legendary to sing Johnny Horton's "Slewfoot," a song she's been singing since childhood and a simply beautiful rendition of "Faded Love" which also featured an awesome fiddle solo by Marvin.  Kevin Olson, who used to live in this area, stepped front and center to use his great vocal abilities to sing Charley Pride's a"Mountain Of Love" and Gary Morris' "Velvet Chains."  Fred Uzzell, Annie's great steel guitar & Dobro player and the rest of the band including drummer Steve Straub and bass guitarist Ted Ward, closed this portion of the program with the "Steel Guitar Rag."

After a short intermission, the curtains reopened to reveal another band had replaced the first: none other than Elijah Chastain and the Middle Creek Band from Bill & Brenda Harris' Middle Creek Theatre located at the Rutlader Outpost, just south of Louisburg, KS!  Elijah started the ball rolling with a couple of great Ricky Skaggs tunes, "Ride That Hummingbird" and "Cajun Moon," then it was Angie Larson's "I Feel A Heartache Coming On" and just a super duet with Elijah of Rhonda Vincent/Gene Watson's blockbuster hit "Staying Together."  It was great seeing Angie's husband Bill Larson as well as he played drums behind her.  We always enjoy listening to the beautiful voice of Andy Lindberg and certainly tonight was no exception as Andy sang Ricky Van Shelton's "I Cried My Last Tear For You" and the great Vince Gill tune "Look At Us" with some great steel guitar runs by Bobby DeMoss, Kansas Steel Guitar Hall Of Famer.  Multi-talented drummer Brad Meadows did a super job as well, singing Clint Black's "Leaving Here (A Better Man)."  We got a huge surprise as we noticed that tonight, filling in with his big doghouse bass was none other than Missouri Country Music Hall Of Famer Dave Owens!  Dave is presently appearing at Branson's God & Country Theatre, so this was quite a trip for him, which is greatly appreciated.  Dave showed everyone he is well deserving of the HOF title as he sang "See The Big Man Cry Mama," "Angels Don't Lie" and the capper, "Rainy Night In Georgia."  If you ever get a chance to see Dave perfom, don't miss it!  Next up was our friend Mike Duley whose Ramblin' Country show is held every 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month in Gentry, MO.  Mike was so kind to make the long trip today to sing a couple of songs, Ray Price's "A Way To Survive" and Garth Brooks' "Two Of A Kind."  Great job, Mike!  What an honor it was to have Byron Jones, voice of the Northtown Opry for over 20 years drop in.  The Northtown Opry, of course has shows every Saturday night at their new location, 1419 Swift in North Kansas City.  Tonight Byron in his own distinctive style sang Faron Young's "Alone With You," Carl Smith's "I Overlooked An Orchid" and Buck Owens' "Love's Gonna Live Here."  Old friend (we attended the same high school) Larry Smith was next and he got a big ovation singing Johnny Rodriquez's "Pass Me By," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and our favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Thanks Larry for you and Francis being here.

It was certainly a pleasure to see Debbie Martin (or for you KFKF listeners, Debbie Erikson) here tonight.  Debbie, of course appears every Saturday night at Dennis Dittemore's Big Creek Opry in Pleasant Hill, MO.  Debbie sent Dennis' regrets that he couldn't be here himself, but he and wife Cindy are battling some serious illness of their own.  Debbie has an absolutely beautiful voice and tonight sang Sara Evans' "Suds In The Bucket," Lorrie Morgan's "I Guess You Had To Be There" and a great gospel number, "Because He Lives."  Wee Willie Shagnasty or as we who know and love this guy, Bill Lear who traveled all the way from Macon, MO, made an appearance to share a little about his family with us ("My son's going to be an astronaut - teacher says he's taking up space!"  "Over 10,000 people met me at the airport - if you don't believe me, ask Garth Brooks.  He was there too!"  "I was going to tell you about my wife, but it's not 'politically correct' anymore to use the word "fat," so let's just say she's 'refrigerator friendly.")  Bill, of course had the audience in stitches as he does every second and fourth Saturdays at his Black Diamond Jubilee in Macon.  Thanks for coming all this way, Bill!  Elijah and this great Middle Creek band then performed one of the best gospel renditions you'll ever hear of a number recorded by Diamond Rio, "Walking In Jerusalem Just Like John."  To say we're familiar with this next artist would be quite an understatement.  Our son Wayne Hawkins, who is an accomplished piano and keyboard virtuoso flew in from an engagement in LaCrosse, WI and rushed to be here this afternoon.  Although primarily a jazz musician, Wayne seemed right at home as he and the band took off on "Route 66" with Jim Winters furnishing the vocals.  Next up was a great piano solo of "Wichita Lineman" dedicated to yours truly and then, again with the band it was "Night Life," a Ray Price number with Jim once again furnishing the vocals.  Wayne has a new CD to be released soon and you can also catch him at Benton's, a restaurant atop Crown Center near downtown KCMO on weekends.  If you'd like to know more about Wayne, visit his website www.waynehawkins.com. It was great visiting with Bill & Brenda and thanks to this great band for appearing here tonight.

After another short intermission, it was time again to change bands, this time featuring Stranger Creek, a band we are very familiar with as they play every Tuesday night at the BK Lounge (actually a Burger King located at 95th & Quivera in Lenexa, KS) where live music is featured from 6:30-9:00 PM and the Grinter House every month.  Larry Dean kicked off this portion of the evening with a Ricky Skaggs number "Hiway 40 Blues" and lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including drummer John Malone did a super job with the group's unofficial theme song, "Gordon's Boogie #1.  Lawrence, KS's own Arnie Johnson was on hand tonight to lend his smooth, silky delivery to Mark Chesnutt's "Old Flames (Can't Hold A Candle To You)," and a song recorded by Alison Krauss and others, "Another Day Another Dollar."  Garry Bichelmeyer and Larry Dean were just outstanding as they teamed up to sing "in The Jailhouse Now," Soggy Bottom Boys style and Jerome Oberle got the fingers snapping and the feet stomping as he played the "Beer Barrell Polka" with Marvin Bredemeier on vocals and "Harbor Lights" with Fred Uzzell doing some fine work on the steel guitar.  Sweet-voiced Mary Bichelmeyer sang Charly McClain's "Sentimental Old You," a song that always gets me a little emotional and Art Covey was outstanding as usual, playing mandolin and singing "Falling Leaves" and Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand."  We always relish the opportunity to hear this next man's great vocals, Ron Fine pleased the crowd tonight with Hank Snow's "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" and a Hank Williams Sr. classic "House Of Gold."  Garry Bichelmeyer and this great little band closed their portion with "Old Joe Clark,"  David George providing a great guitar solo.  After the ACJ band had settled back in, our good friend Kathy Lynn stepped front and center.  We first saw Kathy perform many years ago at Dirks Bar & Grille north of the river, where we used to go and see the late Mike O'Roark's Wednesday night get-togethers.  Tonight she did a super job singing Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough" and Bobby Gentry's "Ode To Billy Joe."  Perhaps it was a case of saving the best for last, but we were certainly astonished to see our friend Bill Jordan had made the trip all the way in from Oak Grove, MO.  Bill is of course, blind and we can only imagine the difficulty he must have encountered getting here.  Bill was just magnificent tonight, running chills up and down your spine with those low, low notes singing Jim Reeves' "Little Old Dime," "Heart Talk" (our personal favorite) and Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere."  Thanks for coming, Bill!  The ACJ Quartet (Jim Winters, David George, Ted Ward and featuring Steve Straub) closed this gala evening with a great gospel number "Beulahland."  Thanks to the many who gave of their time, talent and resources to make this evening such a success!!

Post Script:  Roger and I cannot begin to tell you how much we appreciated the great benefit show held in our behalf at Annie's Country Jubilee today.  We want to thank all single performers, the opry shows and our fans from the BK Lounge and all the other oprys.  We appreciate all the music, love and well wishes from each of you.

As Roger & I have said, it is easier to give than to be on the receiving end.  We must say that the monies donated here today are going to be a big step toward helping with our medical expenses.

We especially want to thank Annie, Terry, Bill & Louise Clark, Jerry & Linda Kendrick, the band members and the staff of helpers at Annie's for making this a beautiful day for all of us to enjoy and what better way to do it than with all our friends.

Thanks to all who contributed items for the silent auction and to those who bid & received them.  The items were very nice and who would ever have thought there would be so many!  Again, thanks to all who helped in putting this together, it worked out great.

All we can say is thanks so much to each and everyone who gave in their own special way.  Roger is having the medical procedures performed on a more frequent basis and we want to thank each of you for your prayers and help in dealing with this as well.  You have made things more bearable for us.

We love you all and want to say "God Bless" each and every one of you.  As mentioned in the words of this beautiful song, "It Is No Secret What God Can Do."

Jean Hawkins 

(Below) top - The Annie's Country Jubilee Band  middle - Elijah Chastain & the Middle Creek Band  bottom - Stranger Creek 

 

 

 

 

A BIG CROWD ENJOYS GREAT COUNTRY MUSIC AT THE BK TONIGHT PLUS PERFORMANCES BY JEROME OBERLE & LUKE MORALES

A big crowd again decended on the BK tonight, evidently enjoying the brisk evening's cool, even chilly temperature drop.  Once again, with Larry Dean on vacation David Purcell assumed the lion's share of the singing here tonight, much to the crowd's delight.  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums welcomed every one with their familiar theme song "Gordon's Boogie #1."  Gordon showed his versality singing the Dwight Yoakam smash "Guitars, Cadillacs & Country Music" followed later by instrumentals "Steel Guitar Rag" and "Honky Tonk."  David Purcell got the big crowd excited as he sang George Jones' "Tell Me My Crying Eyes Are Wrong," a song written by his Dad entitled "I Wonder How Many There Would Be," Willie Nelson's "Remember Me" and joining Marvin, the Hank Williams Sr.'s classic "Move It On Over."  David returned somewhat later with a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Losing You," "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing," George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and Garry's "Northern Star." Mary Bichelmeyer put her vocal talents to good use as well tonight as she sang Charly McClain's "Sentimental Old You" and Jim Reeves' "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" while Art Covey did a beautiful job playing his mandolin and singing Darrel McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," Jimmy Rodger's "Hobo's Meditation" and "Falling Leaves."  Our dear friend "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jubilee took center stage next and played our favorite fiddle tuned "Ragtime Annie" while Garry Bichelmeyer showed why he is such an audience favorite singing an original number "Demons," a very appropriate choice with Halloween fast approaching, Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone," a great banjo solo on "Old Joe Clark" and "Kansas City." 

Jerome Oberele, who is a real master of the all-button accordian proved to be a real treat tonight as he played the "Beer Barrel Polka" and was joined by Marvin for Elvis' "Just Because" and the lovely "Maiden's Prayer."  It was great seeing Gordon Riley's friend, the young, truly gifted Luke Morales sporting a brand-new red guitar.  Luke did an outstanding job playing "House Of The Rising Sun" and "Folsom Prison Blues" with Gordon furnishing the vocals.  David Purcell closed tonight's program with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away."  (Below) Luke Morales entertains the BK crowd.

*********R.I.P.*****THE BURLINGTON OPRY*****R.I.P.**********
We got an e-mail from Dave Wooge informing us that the Burlington Opry is closing it's doors.  He went on to explain that this was a business decision made in the best interests of Dave and his family.  We fully realize these decisions have to be made and this is certainly one that was made for the right reason, but we want Dave to know that we'll never forget his, Stephanie's and the girls, Katie and Erin's smiling faces that greeted us each time we were fortunate enough to be able to take in one of their performances.  Our best wishes also go out to the wonderful band which shared their awesome talents there, each and every show.  May the Good Lord flood whatever path you choose with sunshine and flowers.

A GREAT SHOW AT THE BK TONIGHT FEATURING "EXTRA SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST" DAVE PURCELL

With the absence of Larry Dean, who is on a well-deserved vacation, it was decided to recruit our friend and awesome vocalist Dave Purcell to fill in and handle most of the vocal duties tonight, dubbing him the "extra special guest artist."  David surely gave a splendid account of himself here tonight as he began the festivities with a George Jones blockbuster hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" followed closely by the Buck Owens/Dwight Yoakum hit "Streets Of Bakersfield" and Keith Whitley's "When Each Tear You Cry Becomes A Rose."  David returned just after the break to entertain everyone with Alan Jackson's "Just Playin' Possum," Willie's "Why Should I Have To Choose," a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," an uncanny sound-alike of Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again" and George Strait's "This Is Where The Cowboy Rides Away."  Thanks to Dave for being here tonight, you always leave me wanting to hear "just one more!" 

After this great band, including lead guitarist Gordon Riley and drummer John Malone got the feet pattin', the hands clappin' and the dancers shufflin' with a super instrumental of "Honky Tonk," "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS did us the honor of playing our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" followed by Bob Wills classics "Milk Cow Blues" and "Roly Poly," which he both played and sang!  Mary Bichelmeyer's beautiful voice was put to good use as she sang Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and one of our favorites, "Sentimental Old You" (thanks, Mary!) before multi-talented husband Garry Bichelmeyer stepped to the mike to sing an old R&R classic, "Stand By Me," John Prine's "Souvenirs" and a bit later it was Jimmy Buffet's "Margaretville," two of his original compositions, "Marie" and a tune that has become known fondly as "The Dead Horse Song," a whimiscal look at life in Custer's 7th Cavalry, Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and a great banjo solo of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."  It was wonderful seeing Art Covey again and listening to him sing and play his mandolin.  Tonight Art chose some of our favorites, "Rebel Soldier," Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," "Let Me Be There" and the beautiful "Kentucky Waltz" with Marvin doing the vocal duties.  Mary Bichelmeyer closed this fun-packed evening with a wonderful gospel number, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."  (Below) Dave Purcell entertains the crowd at the BK Lounge 10-05-10

 

 

WHAT A MAGNIFICENT DAY FOR A DELICIOUS DINNER & A WONDERFUL GOSPEL SHOW AT ANNIE'S COUNTRY JUBILEE

The weather was simply beautiful as we stepped out of John & Mary Pettersch's car, who kindly offered to drive us to the festivities at Annie's today and entered the theatre lobby to find personnel from Cutter's BBQ, which is located in Eudora, KS, who catered the affair, and others busily setting up tables & chairs for the afternoon's sit-down dinner. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, fresh sliced turkey, delicious slow-cooked baked beans, potato salad and some of the best cole slaw we have ever sampled, this was all capped off with glasses of cold ice tea or punch and was throughly enjoyed by everyone that we talked to. 

After a bit when everyone had an opportunity to let their food settle a bit and were joined in the auditorium by those who missed out on that great meal and chose to see only the show itself, probably due to church or other commitments, the curtains parted and David George, Annie's musical director and lead guitarist stepped forward to welcome the big crowd of around 300 people singing the old Charles H. Gabriel hymn "Send The Light."  David was to return a bit later with the Hank Williams classic "Dust On The Bible" and a number most recently recorded by Rhonda Vincent, "A Heart That Will Never Break Again."  Annie Dunavin herself, greeted everyone with an old gospel number written by a Choctaw Indian by the name of Wallis Willis around 1862 entitled "Swing Low (Sweet Chariot) and Lee Ann Womack's "Get Up In Jesus' Name."  A bit later it was Dottie Rambo's "Sheltered In The Arms Of God" and a phenominal job of Patsy Cline's "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."  Pretty Ronni Ward was next to take over the vocal duties and she certainly picked some great numbers, beginning with Detrick Haddon's "Count Your Blessings," the Isaac's "If That Don't Make You Wanna Go" and with David and husband Ted Ward (also the band's great bass guitarist) providing the harmony, Johnny Cash's "I Saw A Man."  Ronni returned the second half to sing two of her beautiful self-written gospel numbers "Walk On The Water" and "Pray" before an awe-inspiring performance of "Blessed Assurance," an old composition recorded by Alan Jackson and many, many others. Annie's emcee and possessor of one of this area's finest male voices, Jim Winters got a big hand as he launched into Josh Turner's "Long Black Train," Clay Walker's "Chain Of Love" and a bit later the Oak Ridge Boys' "Baptism Of Jesse Taylor" and CCR's "Man Walking On The Water."  Great stuff, Jim!

"Fiddlin'" Marvin Bredemeier opened the second half of today's show, stepping to the mike and singing the old gospel number "I Saw The Light."  We have heard Marv sing many times at the BK Lounge, but this was the first time we've heard him on the big stage and we thought he did a wonderful job as did our friend Fred Uzzell who played both his Remington triple-deck steel guitar and Dobro here this afternoon, adding such style and grace to each performance. We have always enjoyed listening to gospel quartets since we can remember, marveling in their close harmony and the way their voices blend.  Fortunately we were blessed to have one of the finest gospel quartets around this afternoon, the ACJQ (Annie's Country Jubilee Quartet) which consists of David George, Ted Ward, Jim Winters & drummer Steve Straub. Beginning with the Statler's "Feeling Fine" it was a crowd favorite, "The Lighthouse" followed by a number made popular by the Cathedrals, "Thanks To Calvary" and Squire Parson's "Buelahland."  Steve Staub grew up around gospel music, touring with his family throughout the United States, performing at various revivals, tent shows, festivals, churches and the like.  Today, he transmitted love and joy as he sang a solo of Christy Lane's "One Day At A Time."  At one point in tonight's festivities, David George related that when I first arrived here this afternoon, I jokingly inquired if they were going to play my favorite gospel tune.  When I told him what it was, he said he had never heard it and I merely winked and told him I was just kidding, not to worry about it.  Unbeknowst to me, David asked the entire band if they knew the song and Steve said he knew a little of it but couldn't remember all the words.  Believe it or not, they took the time to look it up on the Internet, print the lyrics and we suspect took a look at U Tube to listen to the melody and Steve Staub and this marvelous band played and sang this beautiful gospel number written by Stuart Hamblin and recorded many years ago by Tennessee Ernie Ford.  We thought we might share some of the lyrics of "It Is No Secret" with you.... 

The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through.

Someone slipped and fell.  Was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew

But do not be disheartened, for I have news for you.

It is no secret, what God can do

What He's done for others, He'll do for you

With arms wide open, He'll pardon you

It is no secret, what God can do

 

There is no night for in His light you never walk alone

Always feel at home, wherever you may roam

There is no power can conquer you when God is on your side.

Take Him at His promise, don't run away and hide

 

It is no secret, what God can do

What He's done for others, He'll do for you

With arms wide open, He'll pardon you

It is no secret, what God can do……

 

Thanks David, Steve and all for your kindness and thoughtfulness.  It meant a lot to me.

Tonight's special guest artist may only rise 47 in. from the ground, but Duke Mason's talents, abilities and charisma are piled higher than man can reach.  Although known far and wide for his Elvis impersonations, Duke confided in us that he had also grown up in a family that sang spiritual music and his first love had always been gospel.  Duke began his set today with the spiritual "By And By" followed by Johnny Cash's "I Was There When It Happened," a Albert E. Brumley number recorded by Marty Stuart, "Give Me Just A Little More Time" and a couple of great Elvis gospel numbers "Milky White Ways" and "The Chapel."  Returning the second half, it was more Elvis gospel with "Lead Me On Lord," a tune written by Larry Gatlin and recorded by Elvis, "Help Me," Andre' Crouch's "Through It All" and after tumultous applause brought him back, an encore of Rosemary Clooney's "This Old House."  Today's other special guest artist is also well-known to opry goers in this area.  Jack Wicker, who hails from the Richmond, MO area and whose keyboard talents and awesome vocals are legendary as much for his gospel performances as those of a more conventional vein.  We don't believe we've ever met anyone who enjoyed singing gospel more than Jack does.  Jack began with one of the greatest gospel numbers ever, "I'll Fly Away" followed by T. Graham Brown's "Could You Help Me Turn The Wine Back Into Water," George Jones' "I Know A Man Who Can" and after a standing ovation, an encore of Hovie Lister's "Goodby World Goodbye."  Jack returned later with the Statler's "Turn Your Radio On," Jack & Audrey Williams' "Could You Walk A Mile In That Man's Shoes" and just an amazing job of "How Great Thou Art."  Annie Dunavin closed this tremendous gospel presentation singing "Amazing Grace" to the melody of "House Of The Rising Sun."  We must tell you that we left tonight completely and emotionally drained.....and LOVING every minute of it.  (Below)   top - Today's guest artists -- (l.) Duke Mason and (r.) Jack Wicker  bottom - We pose with the gang for a quick pic (l. to r.) Annie Dunavin, David George, Ronni Ward, Steve Straub, Ted Ward, myself, Miss Jean, Fred Uzzell, Jim Winters & Marvin Bredemeier

 

 

 

*****UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE TO CANCEL OUR TRIP TO COUNTRY PICKIN' OPRY
Although we are somewhat better, we decided we were just too weak to make the trip to Richmond, MO and attend Leland & Carole Jones' Country Pickin' Opry.  Our apologies to them for the late notice and we hope to be in a position soon to pay these great folks a visit.

******WE ARE UNABLE TO VISIT THE B. K. TONITE DUE TO ILLNESS

We are  sorry we were unable to attend the B.K. tonight.  We have been very ill since our last medical procedure.  We want to thank all of you for your calls, e-mails and prayers. We hope to be returning soon.