MO-KAN Opry Travels

A COUPLE OF NEW WRINKLES MAKE FOR A FUN EVENING AT THE BK

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:57:04 -0600

Larry Dean welcomed a big crowd of country music fans to the weekly BK get-together with the Brooks & Dunn megahit "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and Mickey Gilley's "Room Full Of Roses." Larry, who emcees the goings-on here at the BK every Tuesday and is the lead singer and who plays rhythm guitar to boot, returned later in the evening with "I'm Your Handyman," Gene Vincent's "Bebop A Lula," George Strait's "The Chair," Clay Walker's "Rough Around The Edges," Gene Watson's "Pick The Wildwood Flower." "Matchbox," Randy Travis' "Storms Of Life," "Laudie Miss Claudie" and Trace Adkins' "I Left Something Turned On At Home." Lead guitarist Gordon Riley along with drummer Lou Moore and the rest of the band did an outstanding job tonight with instrumentals "Maggie," "Boogie #1," "Steel Guitar Rag," "Honky Tonk," "Alabama Jubilee," "Help Me Make It Thru The Night" and "Wheels." Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass guitar player used her mellow voice to sing "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song," a beautiful duet with husband Garry of "Black Coffee" and "Walking After Midnight."

Little Sandy Barnett was on hand tonight to sing "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," a Marty Robbins classic and "Swinging Doors" while Annie Little stepped from and center to sing "Could I Have This Dance," "Just In Case" "Grand Old Flag" and a super duet with Jay Holmgren of "I Saw The Light" for the appreciative audience.

Garry Bichelmeyer writes such clever songs, it's always a blast hearing what he will come up with next. Tonight he sang "Northern Star," a song he wrote while on the road last week going to a festival in Nebraska known as "The Horse Song" but is actually entitled "It's So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died" and a song he penned about his home town, "Tonganoxie." (Below) Annie Little and Jay Holmgren sing "I Saw The Light"

NEW FACES - SAME GREAT SHOW AT THE FORT SCOTT JUBILEE

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:59:22 -0600

Jack and Lil Sanders welcomed a crowd of nearly 200 country music lovers to their Ft. Scott Jubilee which is held Saturday nights at Memorial Hall in downtown Ft. Scott, Kansas. Jack opened the show with the Jubilee theme song and introduced the band: Charlie Loveless on lead guitar and vocals, Stan Stuckey - keyboard/guitar, Mike McGee -steel guitar, Anthony Dominquez - drums & Jack himself on bass guitar & vocals.

It was the talented Charlie Loveless who first stepped front & center to pick and sing "Johnny B. Goode," Merle Haggard's "The Highway Is My Home," Waylon's "Rambllin' Man" and returned later with Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Big City" and a great job picking "Honky Tonk." Stan Stuckey showed some of his versality tonight as he played a couple of requests for audience members. First it was "Mexico" on the guitar and later "Down Yonder" on keyboard. His brother Steve, the group's former drummer stepped on stage to let everyone know he was progressing after hip replacement and many other medical procedures he has undergone have kept him laid up. Jack Sanders showed he is certainly multi-talented as well as he sang "That's The Way Love Goes," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On." We hadn't had the opportunity to hear Mike McGee play the steel before but he certainly did a beautiful job with "I Love You Because" and "Steelin The Blues."

It was hard for us to believe that Ginelle Esry, one of tonight's special guests, is only 13 years of age! True, her tall, willowy stature may tower over some her age, but it's the voice that belies her tender years. Ginelle loves Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Lori Morgan and George Strait and her voice qualities reflect many of the same attributes of those very superstars. Her range, control and stage presence are impressive to say the least. Tonight she sang Linda Ronstadt's"When Will I Be Loved," Lori Morgan's "Five Minutes," Patsy's "She's Got You," Loretta's "You Ain't Woman Enough," "When I Get Through With You," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," "I Can See An Angel" and Connie Francis' "Lipstick On Your Collar." We hope to see lots more of Ginelle in the future!

Talk about talent, this was the second time in just a few weeks that we have had the opportunity to see and hear Johnnie Walker sing and we were even more impressed with him tonight. Johnny who hails from nearby Gardner, KS, once again showed good song selection and great range with the material he chose. First it was George Jones' "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair," Tracy Lawrence's "Time Marches On," Strait's "When Did You Stop Loving Me," "From A Jack To A King," David Allan Coe's "The Ride," Diamond Rio's "Bubba Hyde," Kenny Chesney's "Tin Man" and Conway Twitty's "Hello Darlin'." Great stuff!

Ginelle Esry with Stan Stuckey on keyboard and the Jubilee band closed the show with "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." We had a little extra time tonight, so we asked Jack & Lil Sanders to stick around for a few minutes after the show and tell us a little history about the Ft. Scott Jubilee. Scroll down for that interview. (Below) Mr. Johnnie Walker

Jack Sanders was born and lived in Sedan, KS (not far from the Oklahoma state line) until his sophmore year in high school when the family moved to Wellsville, KS. While in Sedan, Jack had played saxophone in a jazz band, a dance band, a 100-member marching band and sang in the choir as well. Although the bands were much smaller, Jack continued to pursue his musical interests while at Wellsville. After graduation it was off to Emporia State Teachers College for a spell before Jack decided it was time to get married and raise a family.

In the fall of 1970, Jack and some others started a country band called the Coachmen which toured throughout this area playing at venues in Kansas City, Chanute, Ft. Scott, Iola and many other smaller communities. "I did sing in a rock and roll band while in college, so I had some experience there and as things developed, I began to get better and better," Jack was telling us. "Country was in it's heyday then and we stayed very busy."

"I was working for Stan & Sheri Wright (parents of Country Music star Chely Wright) who had a show in Burlington, KS called the Flint Hills Opry," Jack continued. "I believe the building is called the Music Box now and houses the Burlington Opry. They wanted me to quit my dance band and join them full time, but I was doing pretty well and told them I didn't think I could do that. But they needed a bass player and singer and I decided that I could probably do that part-time. Well, it got so I was doing more with the Opry than the dance band and it was easier to just plug up and play than to set up and tear down equipment each night." Jack played at the Flint Hills Opry for another 4 years until the Wrights decided they would move to the present site at Ft. Scott's Memorial Hall.

"This was in 1994" Jack explained, "And we were here about a year and Stan had a heart attack. The show closed and myself and another band member decided we wanted to attempt to put on a show here." They would give it a year and then make a final decision on where to go from there. Before the year was up, the other band member, who was basically interested in Western music, decided to go another direction and wanted out, so Jack bought out his half as well. "We've had turnovers through the years as far as the band is concerned, but we always seem to put on a top-quality show for the folks," Jack said. We heartily concur. It's a great Saturday treat for oldsters and youngsters alike -- tour the Old Fort and historic downtown Ft. Scott, eat a meal at one of the great restaurant found there and cap off a perfect day with a great country show - the Fort Scott Jubilee!! (below) Jack & Lil Sanders

A KANSAS CITY ENTERTAINMENT LEGEND PASSES -- R.I.P. MIKE O'ROARK

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:16:55 -0600

The world woke up just a little poorer this morning after the passing last evening of Kansas City entertainment legend Mike O'Roark. Many have known Mike for many more years than us, but he became a close confident and friend that we frequently saw at country shows and oprys throughout the area, at Dirks, the Northland bar & grille he played at every Wednesday, special shows and at area churches with his gospel group. We e-mailed and phoned one another often. We will miss his great singing and playing abilities (he loved bluegrass) and his side-splitting comedy routines but most of all we'll miss Mike O'Roark -- the man who could turn your entire day around with his patent one-liners, his mirth and ribald sense of humor. He taught us all that to be truly happy we needed the ability to laugh at one's self.

If we close our eyes, we can almost see Mikie with his guitar hoisted high on his shoulder, singing & picking "You Are My Flower" for a throng of heavenly hosts. Please join us in keeping Mike's wife Marsha and the O'Roark family in your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times.

TALENT RISES TO THE SURFACE AT THE BK TONITE

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:01:34 -0600

We knew it was going to be a fun-packed night here at the BK when we noticed Marvin Bredemeier and wife Sug in attendance along with Art Covey and Mike Hughes joining regulars which included Lou Moore on drums, Gordon Riley's great lead guitar, the Bichelmeyers, Mary on bass and Garry on guitar & banjo and Larry Dean, lead singer and emcee. A trio of talented lady singers, Sandy Barnett, Annie Little and all the way from Leavenworth, Marcella Williams rounded out the cast.

It was Larry Dean himself to kick off tonight's program with a couple of R&B classics, "Laudie Miss Claudie" and Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" and returned later with Merle Haggard's "I Had A Beautiful Time," " T For Texas" (in behalf of our gravely ill friend Mike O'Roark) and "Blanket On The Ground." There were so many great instrumentals played here tonight. it was practically impossible to pick out a favorite. First it was Gordon Riley's incredible lead guitar featured as they played "South" and "Kentucky Waltz," "Boogies 1 & 2" then it was Marvin Bredemeier on "Beaumont Rag," "Bilen Cabbage," "You Are My Flower" (again, in Mike O'Roark's behalf), "Ragtime Annie" and "Red Wing." Art Covey showed what mandolin pickin' is all about as he treated everyone to "Golden Slippers," "Maiden's Prayer" and sang "Falling Leaves." Mary Bichelmeyer sounded so smooth as she sang Patsy's "Walking After Midnight" and "Don't Come Crying To Me When It's Over" and hubby Garry gave us all a geographical lesson as he sang "Kansas City" and a tune that he wrote, "Tonganoxie."

It's always so much fun to see and hear Mike Hughes get into some old-time country and tonight was certainly no exception as he did such a fantastic job with "I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today," "Bummin' Around," "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and Hag's "Working Man Blues." Annie Little was on hand tonight to treat everyone to "If You Love Me Let Me Know" & "Somewhere Between" while little Sandy Barnett let 'er fly with George Jones' "A Picture Of Me Without You" and "Truck Drivin' Man." Marcella Williams got a big hand as she sang Eddie Arnold's "Anytime" and "Could I Have This Dance," an Anne Murray number.

The evening's big surprise was the appearance of world-renown (to hear him tell it LOL), local funnyman Calvin Cooledge. Armed with his usual collection of patent one-liners, Calvin had the audience in stiches in record time. Before the laughter subsided, he picked up a guitar and began with Waylon/Willie's "Good Hearted Woman," "I Can't Stop Loving You" and the old R&R classic, "Boney Maroney." Art Covey closed out this wonderful evening with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." (Below) Mike Hughes & Art Covey play for the big crowd at the BK (Marvin Bredemeier on fiddle)

UPDATE TO SUNDAY'S "FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE" BENEFIT

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:42:52 -0600

8/18/2008 Update

"For The Love of Mike"

You all are AMAZING!

Family and Friends (aka Mike's 'family') showed up in droves to Finnigan's to pay tribute. The auction raised over $19,000 plus ticket sales and an outpouring of additional donations brought the total to over $30,000.

Mike remains in North Kansas City Hospital and was unable to attend the benefit, which was one of his greatest hopes. Sadly, he is failing rapidly. He did not want to leave Marsha owing thousands in travel expenses for him going to and from his treatments in Los Angeles, Witchita and St. Louis and you guys took that off his shoulders.

Mitch managed to play at the benefit and again, the love poured out. As he announced that this would be the first time in 35 years of being on stage without his brother and announced it would be the last as he was putting his bass down forever, tears overcame the audience. His toast said it all. "To my brother Mike, the richest man in the world."

On behalf of Mike and Marsha and their families I wish to extend their heartfelt thanks and hand of gratitude. Your love and support will never, ever be forgotten.

Anyone wishing to send an additional donation may do so until September 1, 2008 to:

Antioch Community Church
8111 N Oregon Ave
Kansas CIty, MO 64151-1114

Please put "OROARK BENEFIT" in the subject line of your check.
Terry and Jennifer O'Brien

"I feel as though I have been at war

and count each and everyone of you as

soldiers in my army. May God Bless each of

you for your kindness, friendship, love and

encouragement throughout thiswhole ordeal.

Your kinship will never be forgotten. I lived

my dream to play music most of the days of

my life."

"For that friends, I am eternally grateful."

Mike

"FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE" - A SPECIAL BENEFIT & TRIBUTE TO SOMEONE WHO TOUCHED US ALL

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:29:08 -0600

Mike O'Roark isn't someone you easily forget, once you have heard him pick and sing in his own indefeasible style, shared his rollicking sense of humor or perhaps spent a private moment with Mike. He seemed to always have time to visit with everyone who approached him. He even joked about his disease: "If you don't have cancer, I don't recommend chemotheapy. Actually, it's no fun at all." One thing is for certain: Mike would have loved to have been here today at Finnegans Hall (formerly the Gold Buffet), surrounded by hundreds of family, friends and fans and to have performed for them all. Unfortunately, Mike was readmitted to North Kansas City Hospital last Thursday with complications. But..the show had to go on and go on it did.

This benefit and auction called "For The Love Of Mike" was organized and put on by Terry & Jennifer O'Brien and many of MIke's band members, friends and family to help Mike & Marsha O'Roark with the tremendous travel and other expenses they have incurred while receiving treatment for Mike's melanoma in various other distant cities and locales. This huge room was literally packed and it was indeed heartwarming to realize just how many people's lives Mike had touched over the years. Bob Reeder, a local entertainer and a long-time friend of Mike's, began the evening, entertaining the crowd with some great Irish melodies and drinking songs including "Whiskey In The Jar," "All God's Creatures Got A Place" (an animal song for the kids) and the jaunty "O'Roark, O'Connell & Me." Bob had to leave somewhat early for another engagement but wished everyone the best.

Mitch O'Roark, in 35 years of entertaining, from Las Vegas, the Palamino Club in LA to this very room in North Kansas City, had never played alongside anyone but brother Mike as the O'Roark Brothers. Tonight, however for this special occasion, he was joined by Roger Brough on rhythm guitar and harmonica and son Chris Brough on lead guitar. With Mitch slapping that big doghouse bass and singing and the great guitar and harmonica work by the Broughs, the trio got standing ovations after each song. First was Elvis' "That's All Right, Mama," "Goodnight Louise Goodnight," "Desperato" and "Rolling In My Sweet Baby's Arms," among others.

The Silent Auction was an excellent example of the outpouring of support by people and businesses in the community. Various items were displayed on tables which surrounded the big room which people were encouraged to bid on. Tables began closing in 15 minute increments beginning at 1:45 PM and among the items bid on were 4 Royals dugout box seats at a future date, 3 Hohner harmonicas, a guitar and stand, 2 tickets to Platte County's Dinner Theatre, framed artwork, a stained glass hummingbird, Sony car stereo, jewelry by Linda Robinson, Hooter's gift certificate & men's shirts.

The Live Auction was administered by a group of professional auctioneers with bidders assigned numbers. Among many of the unique items up for bid were: from Smitty's, a 10" compound saw (winning bid of $200), a George Brett autographed baseball ($120), Ever Ready carpet cleaning ($275), Meriotto Jewelries Diamond Ring ($500), Waterford Crystal Clock ($150), a Buck O'Neill autographed baseball ($175), Mitch O'Roark's 1970 Fender bass guitar ($750), KC Chiefs NFL football autographed by Marcus Allen, 3 day - 2 night stay at condo in Branson, MO ($225), 3-day rental of travel home ($175), Mike O'Roark's Black Ovation acoustic guitar ($3400), a Derrick Thomas #58 autographed jersey ($375) plus much more including $3150 in cash donations. While we didn't get a final figure, it certainly appeared that the auction was a resounding success.

Jimmy Eaton and the Whiskey Benders were the last act of this unforgettable afternoon. Jimmy, who's a native of the Northland, presently plays out of Nashville, New Orleans and other entertainment meccas. We had to leave before he finished his set, but we sure enjoyed the "Benders" brand of country as they played Elvis' "Promise Land Calling," Travis Tritt's "Where Corn Don't Grow," Waylon's "Honky Tonk Heroes" and others.

We'd like to take time here to thank all of you who made this event the success it was. I know Mike and Marsha appreciate all your efforts and sacrifices in their behalf. If you haven't had the opportunity to contribute and wish to do so, please send your donation payable to: Antioch Community Church, 8111 N. Oregon Ave., Kansas City, MO 64151 (Below) top - l. Bob Reeder sings an old Irish song for the crowd r. Chris & Roger Brough join Mitch O'Roark onstage center - part of the huge crowd attending the benefit - (the only empty seat was mine), bottom - Jimmy Eaton and the Whiskey Benders entertain the crowd with some good ole country music

GOOD FOOD + GREAT COUNTRY MUSIC = "ON THE RIGHT TRACK" FOR A FUN SATURDAY NIGHT

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:43:41 -0600

We arrived in Pleasant Hill, MO an hour or so before the curtain opened at the Big Creek Country Show, so we decided to grab a bite at Cafe 113, located just across the tracks behind the Old Depot in the old town region. We found the interior tastefully decorated in railroad memorbilia and a replica model steam engine pulling a couple of railcars chugged around a track suspended from the ceiling in the main dining area. We opted for a catfish filet on a toasted hoagie bun which proved to be a delicious selection and we headed for the Big Creek theatre stuffed and ready to enjoy some good ole country music.

We arrived back at the theatre in plenty of time and the band with Larry Ellis' featured fiddling, opened the evening's festivities with "Frost On The Pumpkin," then with Mike Campbell on banjo it was "Stone's Rag," "Lonesome Fiddle Blues" and Larry sang and played the hilarous Ray Stevens number "I'm My Own Grandpa" as well. Ever the card, Larry reminded everyone that Dennis was like a brother. "Last night," Larry told us, "He beat me up and took my bicycle!" After Dennis, Cindy, Debbie & David Taylor blended their voices on "Mama Taught Us How To Harmonize," Dennis Dittemore, who owns and operates the Big Creek Opry, did a beautiful job singing "Little Liza Jane" and "It's Now Or Never" (an Elvis song; this week marks the 31st anniversary of his death). Debbie Martin was next (the brand new Mrs. Kevin Kilmurray) or Debbie Erkison for you KFKF listeners and she did just a bang up job with Dottie West's "Country Sunshine" (we remember years ago watching Dottie sing this live from the stage of the American Royal), another Elvis tune, "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and Roseanne Cash's "My Baby Thinks He's A Train." Phil Hilton, one of the finest keyboard players we've run across got a huge hand as he played "City Slickers Theme Song" and "Last Date" with Jim Doney on bass and Kevin Hoff on drums. Mike Campbell had his 5-string smokin' as he played "Road Rage," a tune written by Kenny Ingram, Rhonda Vincent's banjo player and "Rawhide." Big Creek's fine lead guitarist, Jim Lower did a magnificent job himself as he soloed on "Steel Guitar Rag" and "I'll See You In My Dreams" for the appreciative audience and what a treat it was to hear the beautiful voice of Cindy Dittemore as she sang Kathy Mattea's "Eighteen Wheels & A Dozen Roses" and Patsy's "Sweet Dreams."

Chad Vaughn, one of tonight's special guests, is a Pleasant Hill native and despite his youthful appearance, is blessed with a voice and musical knowledge second to none. Tonight he had the feet tappin' and the hands clappin' with Garth's "Callin Baton Rouge," John Denver's "Country Roads," Hank Sr.'s "Your Cheating Heart," David Ball's "Riding With Private Malone" and Gene Watson's "Farewell Party." We remember hearing Delisa Dawn Jones sing at Byron Jones' Northtown Opry when she was very young, but we still look forward to hearing her powerful but smooth voice whenever we get a chance. And....she announced that she will be opening for Lorrie Morgan at Independence's Santa Cali-Gon Days, Sunday, August 31st. Don't want to miss this one! Tonight she wowed the crowd with Patty Loveless' "Little Bit In Love," Patsy Cline's "If You've Got Lovin On Your Mind," "Burning Old Memories With A Brand New Flame" and Crystal Gayle's "I'd Do It All Over Again." Mike Bowman, always a crowd favorite, also hails from right here in Pleasant Hill and has appeared at local oprys from Louisburg, KS to Laredo, MO. Tonight, he did just a super job singing Ernest Tubbs' "I'm Walking The Floor Over You," Gene Watson's "The Great Divide," Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried," Randy Travis' "1982" and "Always Wanting You." Great stuff!!

The gospel portion of the program featured a quartet of Debbie, Cindy, Dennis & David singing "The God That Cannot Fail" and "He Touched Me." The show closed with Larry Ellis fiddling and the quartet singing the words to "Orange Blossom Special." (Below) Debbie, Cindy, Dennis & David sing the beautiful Bill Gather gospel number "He Touched Me"

AN OUTSTANDING SHOW IN CAMERON TONITE & A VISIT WITH THE BENNETTS

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:49:33 -0600

It was indeed a pleasure to be getting back to Cameron, MO and visiting with all these great folks at Wayne Hoover's Countryside Jamboree. At one point in the evening, we counted almost 100 people crowding the big dance floor enjoying the great country music by the Countrysiders (Wayne Hoover, rhythm, lead vocals - Wayne Leslie, bass - Billy Dean Bennett, lead guitar, fiddle - Bill Rankin, steel guitar, dobro - Lisa Marie Bennett, drums).

Billy Dean kicked off the evening's festivities fiddling our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" and came back shortly after to sing Dwight Yoakum's "Guitars & Cadillacs," "Egg Suckin' Dog" (we joked about this song some months ago and darned if he didn't practice it and sing it tonite!), a super duet with wife Lisa of George & Tammy's "Golden Ring," Josh Turner's "Just To Be Your Man" and "Lilly's White Lies." Wayne Hoover's vocal skills are almost legendary and tonight it was Hank Jr's. "Family Tradition," Gene Watson's "Farewell Party" (w/a beautiful steel guitar solo by Bill Rankin), "Roadmaster," Marty Robbins' "Farewell Party," "Take Back Your Old Love Letters," "Last Cheater's Waltz," Conway's "I've Already Loved You In My Mind" and "I've Still Got A Honky Tonk Heart." Bill Rankin showed he is equally skilled on the dobro as he played "Born To Lose" and then it was back to the steel guitar for "Steel Guitar Rag." Pretty stuff!! Lisa Bennett showed her vocal prowess, singing "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "Blue Roses," Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman," "Whiskey, If You Were A Woman" and "Don't Be Angry."

Walk-ons tonight included Art Damgar ("Just Walk On By," "Cheating Heart"), Elmer Clark ("Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy," "Amarillo By Morning"), Dave Wagner, who was helping celebrate his mother, Jeri Raines' birthday ("I Cross My Heart," "One Day At A Time"), George Vincent's great spoon playing ("Wildwood Flowers," Ragtime Annie) and little 90+ years of age Peggy Wheeler calling the Virginia Reel with no less than 9 couples participating. The show ended with the floor full of dancers and the band striking up the "'G' Boogie."

Billy Dean & Lisa Marie Bennett live near Turney, MO with son Carl, daughter Felicia (who's a senior this year at MU in Columbia, MO) and pet rabbit Thumper. "We met at the Darlington Opry many years ago," Lisa was telling us. "Billy was the lead guitar there and I was a walk-on." "Those were the days when crowds of 200-300 people weren't uncommon," Bill added. "I'd show up every other week or so," Lisa continued, "And eventually we fell madly in love ---and the rest is history!"

"Although I came from a family of musicians, I didn't start playing until I was 12 years old," Billy Dean revealed, "My sister Lori had gotten a guitar for Christmas, but wouldn't play it, so I started playing it and that's how I got started. My dad taught me some chords that his dad had taught him and my grandfather also played the fiddle. Eventually we started a family band and played around Eagleville and Harrison County (MO) from about 1979-1983 when all my sisters left for college. I quit for awhile, but then I did a benefit with an old family friend, Lyle Edwards and he mentioined that Darlington Opry was looking for a lead player and a bass player, so my brother John & myself went down and tried out. That's what got me started back in music and I've loved it ever since."

"I've always loved music," Lisa said, "And I had an uncle who would visit us every summer and bring along his guitar and we would gather in the living room every night and sing. There were always family reunions, friends would drop in and we would always end up jamming, playing and singing for hours on end. One Saturday, someone asked me if I was going to the show in Turney and I said 'What show?' 'The one at the community building,' they told me. I didn't know a thing about it, but went anyway and they talked me into singing my first time in public and I was scared to death. But I kept coming back and singing every week after that and grew to really enjoy it. Soon, I was singing at every opry I could find; Redding, IA, Stanbury, Northtown, Richmond, Allendale and so many others -- and Darlington of course, where I met Bill."

Eventually, Bill & Lisa left the Darlington Opry and formed a family band of their own, Big Creek. The band consisted of Bill on lead guitar, Lisa, Bill's brother John, their sister Sherri & John's wife Joy. The first year of the band's existence, they played 41 shows! (We remember them doing such an excellent job opening for Grand Ole Opry star Jean Shepard at the Maysville, MO annual celebration a few years ago.) Bill & Lisa met Wayne Hoover when they were all playing in Kearney, MO and they hit it off so well that they began playing together on a regular basis at Turney until Wayne purchased and developed Countryside Hall. The Bennetts own and operate Bennetts Furniture & Refinishing near Bethany, MO where Bill refinishes and repairs antique furniture. Fine craftsman that he is, Bill says he is always three months behind in his work, but the orders keep coming in. For links to this business and more about the Bennetts and the rest of the Countrysiders, log onto www.wayne-hoover.com (Below) Lisa Marie & Billy Dean Bennett

GREAT GUEST ARTISTS MAKE THIS A SPECIAL EVENING AT THE BK

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:49:03 -0600

We arrived at the BK tonight just in time to hear Gordon Riley and the rest of the band, including Art Covey on mandolin, Fred Uzzell on dobro, Mike Hughes on rhythm, Bill Clark on harmonica, and John Malone who sat in on bass for part of the evening, take off on the instrumental "Wheels." We also enjoyed hearing these great musicians play the beautiful "Kentucky Waltz," "Wildwood Flower" (featuring Bill Clark), "I Am A Pilgram" (featuring Gordon Riley) and "Blue Spanish Eyes" (featuring Fred Uzzell).

Gary Bichelmeyer is not only a talented picker and singer , but quite a prolific songwriter as well. Tonight he sang four of his songs: "Tonganoxie" (about his home town), "Marie," the whimiscal "Half" and a song with historical references and pieces of personal knowledge, "Nodaway River." Mary Bichelmeyer sounded super as well tonight singing "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and "Bill Bailey" with help from Lou Moore on the washboard. Emcee Larry Dean is multi-talented as well. he also writes, sings, plays several instruments and hit some hot licks tonight on his flattop guitar. He got a big ovation from the enthusiastic crowd as he sang "Blanket On The Ground," "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain," Gene Vincent's "Bebop A Lula," "Laudy Miss Claudy" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie" for the line dancers.

It's always great to see and hear Art Covey return to pick his mandolin and sing with the band and tonight he sounded awesome on "Rebel Soldier" and "Royal Telephone" and it was super seeing Mike Hughes, all the way from Oregon, MO sit in tonight and sing "City Lights," "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me" and "My Heart Tells Me Stay (My Pride Tells Me Go)." And since we've already mentioning traveling, pretty red-headed Marcella Williams came down from Leavenworth, KS tonight just to sing "Who's Cheatin Who," "Your Cheating Heart," "Have You Ever Been Lonely" and "Here I Go Down That Wrong Road Again" for all of us. Little Sandy Barnett was also on hand tonight with Little Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud," "Truck Driving Man," George Jones' "A Picture Of Me Without You" and Randy Travis' "Digging Up Bones." Thanks to Larry for announcing the benefit concert for Mike O'Roark this Sunday (details on home page). (Below) Fred Uzzell plays "Blue Spanish Eyes" on his Dobro. Fred plays steel guitar and Dobro each Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee

IT'S A DAZZLING EVENING AT JR'S HITCHIN POST OPRY

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:42:04 -0600

We've been looking forward to making the trip down to Jr's. Hitchin Post Opry which is located in the picturesque little town of Quenemo, KS , just southwest of Ottawa, KS on St. 68. Although we ran into a little intermittent rain on the trip down, the cloud cover kept the temp down and it was indeed a pleasant trip. We arrived a little early and had a delicious supper in the Hitchin Post Cafe which is located in the same building as the Opry, then found our seats just as the show started at 7 PM.

Bob Harmon, who owns & operates Harmon's Family Denistry and BTW is lead singer Ronda Kimball's husband, did an A-1 job as emcee here tonight. Keeping the audience chuckling throughout the evening with some great one-liners, Bob also gave a little personal background as he introduced each of these talented performers that make up the Hitchin Post band. We hadn't seen Jr's. keyboard player Tommy Jay, who hails from Topeka, perform before but we certainly enjoyed not only his playing, but his outstanding vocals as well. First it was John Fogerty's "Sea Cruise," "Your Momma Don't Dance" then an instrumental "Green Onions," the Everlys' "Dream" and another Creedence hit "Midnight Special." Bass player Andy Ray showed his vocal talents with Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," Jimmy Rodgers' "T For Texas" and "Bad Moon Rising." Pretty Ronda Kimball turned back the clock a bit with the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love," "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy," "When Will I Be Loved" and "I Can See Clearly Now."

Rick McClintic, the group's lead guitar player showed his vocal talents as he sang Carl Perkins' "Honey Don't," Johnny Russell's "Act Naturally" and did an absolutely beautiful job playing "Sleepwalk." Gary Gnip as well as being one of this area's best drummers is also quite a vocalist in his own right. Tonight he entertained the crowd with Alan Jackson's "Who's Cheating Who" and "Twist And Shout" (Ferris Bueller, eat your heart out!!).

We were very impressed with tonight's first guest, Johnnie Walker who lives in Gardner, KS. Not because of his "spirited" brand name, but because of his vocal range and quality, his stage presence and his song selection which we felt represented his versatility. First it was a phenominal job of Travis Tritt's "Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde," Elvis' "From A Jack To A King," Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool," the Tracy Lawrence megahit "Time Marches On," Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon," George Jones' "I Don't Need No Rockin' Chair," Chris Ladoux's "Cadilliac Ranch" and others. Johnnie's four-year-old son Damian almost upstaged him the second half as he sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for the enthusastic crowd. Another young man, Phil Decker who hails from Burlington, KS proved he has a boatload of talent as well as he sang the great Jim Reeves' hit, "He'll Have To Go," the humorous "Squaws Along The Yukon," Gene Watson's "14 Carat MInd," "Oh, Lonesome Me," Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons," Johnny Cash's "Daddy Sang Bass," "Grundy County Auction," George Strait's "Amarillo By Morning" and "Kalijah."

The show closed with Phil Decker singing Josh Turner's "Long Black Train" and Miss Ronda reminding us to live it "One Day At A Time." We had a real blast here tonight and encourage you to visit the folks here at the Hitchin Post Opry! You'll be glad you did. Visit the Announcement & Bulletins section of our site for more information on this great little show. (Below) Bob Harmon, emcee encourages the crowd to return soon for another great show @ Jr's. Hitchin Post Opry in Quenemo, KS