It was a cool, crisp Autumn evening as we headed south on US 69 to the 335th St. exit, just south of Louisburg, KS, to the Rutlader Outpost where the Middle Creek Theatre is located. Although we arrived 45 minutes prior to showtime, a number of folks had already arrived to take advantage of the full service snack bar and expansive dining area. Visiting with owners Bill & Brenda Harris, we learned that although tonight was the last regular season show of the year, there would be a special pre-Christmas show and benefit held December 12th to help Carl Butler & family defray some of the extensive medical expenses they have incurred due to the severe illiness of his mother, Bernice. We understand there will be no admittance charge or reserved seating....just donate what you can, sit where you like. We will have more information on this affair at a later date and will post it on this blog, on the Bulletin Board and on the Middle Creek page - accessible from the home page. Stay tuned!
The spacious Middle Creek Theatre was literally packed by the time lead guitarist and Master of Ceremonies Elijah Chastain welcomed the capacity crowd with "Sweet Country Music" and Keith Urban's "I Want To Love Somebody." Jamie Gumm-Ogle's vocals are legendary and tonight she got a huge hand as she sang Connie Smith's "Then And Only Then" and Trisha Yearwood's "Baby I Lied." Equally talented Barb Walker turned back the clock with Patsy Cline's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and a Dolly Parton seasonal "Hard Candy Christmas." Multi-tasker Carl Butler not only played an outstanding bass guitar here tonight but sang Merle Haggard's "Swinging Doors," Kenny Chesney's "Please Come To Boston," and exchanging instruments with Elijah, led the band on a great instrumental version of "All Of Me." The third member of the terrific female singing trio which graces this show, keyboardist Angie Larson took the spotlight as she sang and played "I Feel A Heartache Coming On," Merle Haggard's "You Take Me For Granted" and "Do I Believe." And speaking of trios, Jamie, Barb & Angie returned later to blend their voices beautifully as they sang the Forester Sisters' "Just In Case," "That's What You Do When You're In Love" and an old Luvin Brothers song, "My Baby's Gone." The audience showed their appreciation as drummer Brad Meadows sang the Clint Black hit "I'm Leaving Here A Better Man" and Bobby DeMoss did an super job on "Steel Guitar Rag."
The first of tonight's guest artists, Jacy Chastain's last name has a familiar ring to it as she is, of course Elijah Chastain's daughter and you didn't have to look too closely to see that he was mighty proud of the job she did here tonight. Beginning with the upbeat "Rocky Top," it was Kitty Wells' "How Far Is Heaven," "Once A Day" and the Isaacs' "Half A Day Away From You." What a treat! Alicia Kay has lived in Nashville for the past 4 years, but has recently relocated back to this area. She has a supurb voice and we certainly enjoyed hearing her sing the Highway 101 hit "Blame It On Your Heart," "Together Again," Holly Dunn's "You Really Had Me Goin'," Emmylou Harris' "Two More Bottles Of Wine," Janie Fricke's "Down To My Last Broken Heart" and Faith Hill's "It Matters To Me." It's been quite a spell since we've seen Luke Town perform and he proved to be quite the showman as always. Beginning his first set with Waylon's "Good Hearted Woman," he followed with Merle Haggard's "Big City" and clever Elvis Presley/Porky Pig impressions as he sang "Blue Christmas." Luke returned the second half with three more great numbers: Dwight Yoakum's "Guitars & Cadillacs," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" and Josh Turner's "One Woman Man."
As the gospel portion of tonight's program arrived, Jamie, Barb & Angie again stepped ftont and center to sing a Lee Ann Womack spiritual number, "Get Up In Jesus Name." Carl Butler was to follow with a great vocal of one of our favorite gospel numbers, "The Lighthouse" before Jamie Gumm-Ogle lent her magnificent voice to the beautiful "Shadow Of The Cross." Elijah and Carl hit some awesome licks on their lead & bass guitars, respectively as the evening closed with "Walkin' In Jerusalem." (Below) top -Guest artists Alicia Kay, Luke Town, Jacy Chastain bottom - Middle Creek Band - back row (l. to r.) Jamie Gumm-Ogle, Angie Larson, Elijah Chastain, Barb Walker - front row (l. to r.) Bobby DeMoss, Brad Meadows, Carl Butler
