A cool breeze through most of the early afternoon made Macken Park an ideallic setting for North Kansas City's 'Music In The Park,' today featuring Byron Jones and the Northtown Opry. The big shelter area directly facing the stage was literally packed as car & bus loads of eager fans arrived from all over the metro area as well as the various retirement homes and agencies in and around the community. Byron kicked the show off with some favorites, "How I'd Love To Be Alone With You," "Love's Gonna Live Here" and later sang Charlie Walker's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "If Teardrops Were Pennies" and a pretty duet with grand daughter Krista - "Red River Valley." It was a real pleasure to see and hear Angie Larson, one of our favorite keyboard players and singers. She really tickeled those ivories on "Down Yonder" and sounded terrific as she sang "I Wish That I Could Fall In Love Today," Linda Rhondstat's "Blue Bayou" and "I'm Satisfied." Krista Jones sounds better (if that's possible) every time we hear her and today she worked the crowd up with "5 Minutes" and "Let Me Be There," while another of Byron's grand daughters, Tara Jones sang "When I Think About Angels" for the appreciative crowd. Angie's husband, Bill Larson showed everyone that as well as being a great drummer, he has some vocal talent as well with "The Other Woman." Thanks to Wayne Bradhurst who did his usual outstanding job, playing electric bass.
Kevin Jones undoubtedly is one of the finest lead guitar players around and he and the band did a beautiful job on "Sugar Foot Rag," but he also does some fine vocals as was evident here today as he sang"True Love," "That's The Way Love Goes" and Ernest Tubb's "Waltz Across Texas." Wife Chastity Jones, who brought along their two cute little girls, was a huge hit singing another E.T. hit "Thanks A Lot," Martina McBride's "Broken Wing" and Barbara Mandrell's "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed." There was a drawing at intermission and some lucky folks received either a $20 bill from Norbank or a $20 gift certificate from Chappel's Restaurant. Byron reminded everyone there will be a show Saturday, August 25th at the Plattsburg High School Auditorium at 7PM; October 20th at Raytown High School (details to follow) and mark your calendars for the 1st Sunday in November for Byron Jones' Northtown Opry's 20th Anniversary to be held at Finnegan's Hall in North Kansas City. On a sad note, the recent passing of Nelson Stoneking was announced. Nelson played steel guitar at many of the local shows and had been battling cancer for quite some time. Our condolences to his family and friends. (Below) l to r - Angie Larson, Kevin, Krista and Byron Jones entertain the big crowd at North Kansas City's "Music In The Park."
