ANNIE'S WELCOMES MARCELLA WILLIAMS & THE BOYS FROM ARKANSAS

Hot weather is definately here, but it had began to cool off a bit already as we picked up our aunt and headed out for Tonganoxie, KS and Annie's Country Jubilee.  It turned out to be just a gorgeous evening and a wonderful show with the place packed to the rafters with enthusastic audience members.  Emcee Jim Winters kicked things off with "Gonna Have A Party," "Just Between You And Me" and "Release Me."  Later in the show he sang Leroy Van Dyke's big hit "Walk On By," "I Won't Mention It Again" and "Honky Tonk Moon."  If this man ever releases a CD, I'll buy the first one!  Pretty Ronni Ward was next with "Put Yourself In My Place," a 1970's vintage Linda Ronstadt hit "Long Long Time," and Patsy Cline's "She's Got You."  Bass player Ted Ward made a rare singing appearance, doing a grand job on "Some Place Far Away" while steel guitar/dobro maestro Fred Uzzell played some hot licks on "Redwing" and "McHattie's Waltz," much to the delight of the big crowd.  David George's great guitar work needs to also be mentioned; he is just a phenomenal player and artist in his own right.

Our favorite red-headed girl singer from Leavenworth was a guest artist here tonight.  Just kidding.  We always enjoy hearing Marcella Williams sing, ever since we first heard her at the jam session in Spring Hill a couple of years back.  Tonight she was so good, singing Anne Murray's "Love Song," "Your Cheating Heart," Crystal Gayle's "I'll Do It All Over Again," "I Feel Lucky," and "Fool Around With Me."  Marcella's Dad was in the audience and we know he was very proud of her -- he had good reason to be!  The other two guest artists, Bart O'Neal and Johnny Hudson are both from the Northwest corner of Arkansas and we first met them when we visited their show, which at that time was held at Sulphur Springs, AR, but which we understand from them, has been temporarily suspended until they find another building.  We certainly enjoyed hearing both Bart and Johnny when we were in Arkanas last November and they both did outstanding here tonight.  Of course there were the obligatory Arkansas cracks (How can you tell if an Arkansas guy is married?  There's tobacco spit down BOTH sides of his pickup!), but make no mistake these are two talented individuals and the audience loved them.   Bart started off with an original tune, "Texas Ladies," followed by Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" and Jimmie Rodgers' classic "California Blues."  When he returned the second half, it was the Johnny Cash whimiscal "One Piece At A Time," a Marty Robbins Medley and "Mama Tried."  There must be a song that Johnny Hudson can't sing and make sound great, but darned if we know what it is.  We certainly enjoyed everything he did here tonight including "Mercury Blues," "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground," the Bellamy Brothers' "Neon Moon," "Keeper Of The Stars," "Walk Softly" and Willy's "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain."  Great, great stuff!  Drummer Steve Staub did a marvelous job closing the show with a Southern gospel number "Feeling Fine." (Below) Bart O'Neal and Johnny Hudson

 

 

ANNIE'S JUNE/JULY SCHEDULE

JUNE 2007

June 23rd           Donna Hensley               Derek Craft

June 30th            Annie Dunavin's tribute to Patsy Cline

JULY 2007

July 7th             Larry Smith              Beth Hunter

July 14th   Stephanie DeWolf     Jim Winters tribute to Ray Price

July 21st              Marty Smith          Ron Wilson (Cowboy Poet)

July 28th              The Bucky Fowler Family

 

WE VISIT GENTRY, MO - A GREAT SHOW WITH BILL JORDAN & PHIL COONTZ

When we received word from Mike Duley last month that Bill Jordan and Phil Coontz would be appearing at Mike's Rambllin Country Show in Gentry, MO this evening we set everything aside and planned on making an evening out of it.  We also invited our friends, John & Mary Pettersch to come along and after hearing us rant about Bill's singing & Phil's playing for some time now, they not only wanted to come along but volunteered to use their car and make the long drive.  So off we went, leaving the Kansas City area a little before 4PM, stopping first in Maryville for a leisurly dinner break before proceeding on to Gentry via State 46 and county road O.  Although we arrived there before 6:30 PM, the streets were already beginning to fill up as folks came early for the $5 per person fried chicken dinner at the snack bar.  We had an opportunity to meet Nick Taylor from Bethany, MO, who is now playing drums with Ramblin Country and visit with Mike Hutson, the group's regular steel guitar player, Mike Duley, band leader, emcee, opry operator and a lead guitarist extraordinaire as well as some fine folks we know from the various oprys in this area.  Phil, Bill & wife Judy arrived soon afterward, having made the drive straight through from Branson, where Bill & Phil are appearing in a show called "Cash & Friends" at the IMAX theatre.  Amazingly, they had a Friday 2PM matinee, drove straight thru to Gentry, did a 3-1/2 hr. show and have to drive back to Branson, catch a little sleep and do a 2PM matinee Saturday (tomorrow).  Ah, the 'soft' life of a country musician!

Phil Coontz, who for years played steel guitar on the Grand Ole Opry's house band and has backed so many big-name Nashville stars through the years that space prevents naming them all, started the evening With "Steel Guitar Rag" joined by Mike Hutson on his steel.  This twin  steel guitar sound sounded great and was a real highlight of the evening.  Mike later showed he has vocal talents as well with "Blue House Painted White."  Phil either played or played and sang many of his Grand Ole Opry favorites here tonight: "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "There Goes My Everything," "I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name," "Mansion On The Hill," "Loving On Back Street, Living On Main," "Wabash Cannonball," "Heart Over Mind," "I Swear," "Pan Handle Rag," Mo Bandy's "I Just Started Hating Cheating Songs Today" and "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You."  Phil has many of these songs featured on his CD "Phil Coontz Plays and Sings His Grand Ole Opry Favorites."  At $10, it's a real bargain and you BETTER believe we came home with one.

Bill Jordan never fails to amaze us.  Not only the fact he was born blind and has had to overcome the obvious hardships and challanges that presented, but also the way he uses his deep, mellow voice to get the most from every song he sings and the sheer volume of songs he knows (he sang close to 30 this evening), never missing a line, a word or a note.  He always takes audience requests and it's rare when he can't fill every one.  Bill mentioned that he will be releasing a new CD very soon and many of the songs he sang tonight will be on it.  And, before we forget to mention it, he plays a terrific electric bass guitar to boot!  Bill started off with a great Jim Reeves tune, "Little Ole Dime," followed by Hank Snow's "I've Cried A Mile," "A-11," Johnny Lee's "Cherokee Fiddle," a Johnny Cash medley "Folsom Prison Blues/Big River/Walk The Line," "All I Have To Offer You Is Me," "Billy B. Bad," "Lily's White Lies," "Together Again," "Old Country," Cal Smith's "Country Bumpkin" (awesome!), "Only In My Mind," "I Left Something Turned On At Home," "Long Black Veil," Josh Turner's "Long, Black Train" and "I've Been Everywhere."  At one point, Bill's wife Judy did a cameo, singing Loretta Lynn's "Don't Come Home A'Drinking" and Bill answered with Cal Smith's comical retort, "I'll Come Home A'Drinking To A Worn-Out Wife Like You."  Bill wrapped up the evening with "The Other Woman," Hag's "Ramblin' Fever," "Step Aside," "Heart Talk," "Cold Hard Truth," Toby Keith's "I Ain't As Good As I Once Was" and "You Gave Me A Mountain." 

As we mentioned, Mike Duley plays an excellent lead guitar and frankly, none of the above happens without him.  But MIke sings a good song as well and he spelled the guys tonight with Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," "Let's Fall To Pieces Together" and just a fantastic job singing Vince Gill's "Look At Us."  Valerie Lee of Spickard, MO, who used to sing with Jeannie Seeley treated the audience to "You Ain't Woman Enough" and "Your Cheating Heart."  This was a wonderful show and we felt privledged to be able to attend.  Thanks to everyone who contributed.  (Below) The Ramblin Country Show l. to r. (front row) Nick Carter, Bill Jordan, Phil Coontz (back row) Mike Duley, Mike Hutson

 

 

 

MUSIC BOX NEWS - FROM DAVE WOOGE, BURLINGTON OPRY
Good evening. I'm a little late getting this out, but
here it is.

This week at the opry we have Lorena Prater with her
great voice and stage presence.  We have had several
calls about her this week, so hopefully we will pull
in a crowd.  We also have a young lady from Oklahoma
by the name of Sarah Getto.  Sarah is a blind piano
player/singer that is excellent.  She has been
entertaining at the oprys in kansas city and has been
highly recommended.  Can't wait to hear her!!

Remember, doors open at  6:15, with the show at 7:00.
Tickets have changed slightly.  We are now giving
seniors a free coffee or popcorn rather than a dollar
off.  We either had to raise ticket prices all the way
around or make some changes.  We decided this was to
have the least impact on our customers.  We do our
best to deliver you a great, clean, country show with
affordable concessions and hope our customers
understand.   Thanks for sharing your saturday nights
with us.  Remember too, this is the last month we will
be having 2 shows.  From now on we will only have a
show on the first saturday night of each month. 


Thanks, and we'll see you when the curtain opens.

DAve

THE B.K. LOUNGE TONIGHT - GOOD FOOD - GREAT MUSIC - SPECIAL GUEST

We got here a little early tonight to find the place already packed; someone was celebrating a birthday, probably having no idea when they made the reservation they were going to be getting some fine entertainment to go along with the burgers, fries, drinks, hats, and other goodies.  We always enjoy hearing Larry Dean sing, the words just seem to roll out effortlessly.  Tonight he pleased the crowd with "I'll Sail My Ship Along," George Jones' "The Love Bug," "Bar In Bakersfield," The Bellamy Brothers "I'm An Old Hippie," Travis Tritt's "Where Corn Don't Grow," Randy Travis' "1982," "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right," "Listen To The Mocking Bird" and Elvis' "That's All Right, Mama."  Gordon Riley, the group's lead and a real guitar genius entertained everyone with Gordon's Boogies 1 & 2 (his compositions), "When You And I Were Young, Maggie" and "Buckaroo."  Lou Moore kept everyone on the same page with his usual great job on the drums.  It's always fun to wonder what Garry Bichelmeier will choose from week to week and tonight he sang the Johnny Cash smash "Ring Of Fire," Josh Turner's "Long Black Train," "Rocky Top," Johnny Russell's "Act Naturally," "Tennessee Waltz," "Would You Catch A Falling Star" and "Kansas City."  Wife Mary Bichelmeier, used her mellow voice to treat everyone to "I'm Blue Again," "Crazy Dreams," "Walking After Midnight" and "Bill Bailey."

Guest Annie Little was on hand tonight to do a bang-up job singing "Somewhere Between," "Just In Case You Change Your Mind," "Could I Have This Dance" and "I Love Your Automobile."  Friend Jay Holmgren joined her for a couple of fine duets, "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "I Saw The Light."  To prove the point 'you never know who will drop in at the BK Lounge,' tonight, world-famous, Kansas City-based comedian Calvin Cooledge dropped by to visit and to pick and sing a couple.  The funniest line of the night, we thought, was from a lady in the audience who exclaimed, "I'm always confused when I see him, I want to call him GROVER CLEVELAND!!"  Calvin, who will be appearing a week from Friday (June 22) at the Ribbon Room in Shawnee, showed he is a talented picker and singer as well with the Waylon/Willie hit "Good Hearted Woman," Roger Miller's "King Of The Road" and "You Got Me Singing The Blues."  The evening wrapped up with everyone singing "Goodnight Irene."  Below:  Kansas City's own Calvin Cooledge

 

 

A CLASS ACT: THE T. G. SHEPPARD SHOW AT JRS. HITCHIN POST OPRY

It's been written and said innumerable times that T.G. Sheppard is one of the top live performers in country music today and after witnessing his performance here tonight we would most heartily agree.  We feel very fortunate that we were in a position to attend  and a little sad for those of you who couldn't: you missed a great time!  We thought the first half was tremendous as well with emcee Butch Carter, the Hitchin Post band and guest artists.  We enjoyed seeing Haley Walters again (we remember her from the Ft. Scott opry) and hearing her sing "Two More Bottles Of Wine," "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and "Stand By Your Man."  Pretty Ronda Kimble sang "I Fall To Pieces" and "Honky Tonk Angels" while Russell Wolfe was awesome on Merle's "Mama Tried" and Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool."  Jody Jackson, "The Man Of Steel (guitar)" showed his vocal talent on "San Antonio Rose" and "Sticks And Stones" and Butch Carter did a bang-up job on Hank's "Kalijah."  Special guest Katie Herrell from Drexel, MO was impressive as she sang Patsy Cline's "Seven Lonely Days," "When You Say Nothing At All," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" and "You Ain't Woman Enough."  We got some info from this young lady; we'd like to see more of her!

When Bill Browder, an executive with RCA Victor promotions department, changed his name to T.G. Sheppard in 1974, it catapulted a 33 year musical career chock-full of chart busting hits.  A close personal friend, Elvis Presley, bought him his first tour bus and T.G. still lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee,on the lake, not far from the late Johnny & June Carter Cash residence.  Although he admits to 62 years of age, T.G. appeared much younger as he took the stage in a form fitting black suit.  It must have slipped our mind as to just how many gigantic hits this man is responsible for, but we became amazed as we recognized almost every one was a chart topper!  Hands were clappin' and fingers snappin' as T.G. and his band launched into "I Loved 'Em Everyone," "Slowburn," "Last Cheater's Waltz," "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven" and 'Only One You."  He showed what a warm personality he has as he walked down from the stage shaking hands and at one point answered personal questions from audience members (he's been married twice and will remarry this August; he uses a little hair dye, etc.)  

The music continued with the hit that started things for T.G., "Devil In The Bottle," then "War Is Hell (On The Home Front)," a couple of big band era songs, "It Had To Be You," & "The Very Thought Of You" (which showed his versatility), the Folger's Coffee themesong (written by him), "Party Time" and "Finally."  T.G. Sheppard proved to not only be a terrific entertainer but a "Country Gentleman" as well.  He stuck around after the show and shook hands, signed autographs and CDs until the last person left.  For more information about T.G. Sheppard, try his website: www.tgsheppard.com  (Below) l. to r. - Ralph Wilson (Jr.), T. G. Sheppard, Janie Wilson, Butch Carter

 

  

THURSDAY NITE OPRY - WHILE GARY'S AWAY, THE BOYS (AND GIRLS) WILL PLAY!!

We hadn't been to the Thursday Nite Opry which is held at the Community of Christ Church, 9801 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO every Thursday Night, in quite awhile and unfortunately we picked a night when organizer and emcee Gary Russell was off on a well-deserved cruise somewhere in the Caribbean.  Things were left in capable hands however, with Ernie Jones, Pappy Reece, Karen Keloh, Jerry Justice, Norman Dawson & Tim Leary kicking things off.  While Ernie went to run down some supplies, Jerry Justice, a former member of the bluegrass group Green Side Up, showed his immense talents, picking and singing "Today I Started Loving You Again," "Thank You For Making My Day" (a gospel number he wrote), the whimscial "Brenda" (he wrote this too!), Elvis' "That's All Right Mama," "Going Where The Lonely Go" and  "I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am."  Norman Dawson and his guitar made the trip up from Peculair, MO and we sure enjoyed hearing him sing "I Know I'm Only Dreaming Of 1933," "Jimmy Brown" and "When She Comes Wandering Home."  Pappy Reece had his dobro singing tonight with some audience favorites:  "Wheels," "I'm Crying My Heart Out Over You," "Lilly Dale" and "End Of The World" while pretty Karen Keloh did a beautiful job singing "Blue Kentucky Girl," "Blue Water Holler," "I'll Fly Away" and "You'll Get No More Of Me."  We always like to hear Ernie Jones sing, he's so enthusastic!  He did a great job tonight (his wife was in the audience!) with "Old Country Church," "Jesus Hold My Hand," "The Old Home Town," "They Tell Me Of An Uncloudy Day," "Prayer Bells In Heaven," "I'll Give You A Daisy A Day" and a duet with Karen, "I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer."  Tim Leary also sounded good tonight with "Singing The Blues" and "Peach Pickin' Time In Georgia."

David Russell arrived with his mandolin and did his usual incredible job on "Walking The Dog" and "Red Haired Boy" and joined "Doc" KImball on the banjo and Tess Stephens' great fiddling on numbers such as "Amazing Grace," "Ragtime Annie," "Saint Anne's Reel," "Cotton Patch Rag" "Cold Frosty Morning" and "Back Up And Push."  This music is all accoustical, sang and played the way it was originally done years ago as authentic as is possible.  There is no admission fee, just donations from those who wish to contribute.  If you love bluegrass and gospel music as we do, come out some Thursday evening from 6PM on and enjoy yourselves.  Below:  Tess Stephens and the boys "get down" on some old-time fiddle music

 

  

FAMILY & FRIENDS JOIN US AT DIRKS TO SEE MIKE O'ROARK & COMPANY

We had been telling friends and family so much about the great food we enjoyed at Dirks last week and the wonderful entertainment, complements of Mike O'Roark and the other outstanding musicians that gather here every Wednesday night that we decided to invite some of them to tag along this evening.  Our son Wayne, his wife Sylvia and our friend Jim Bledsoe joined us at a table near the bandstand.  Shortly after intermission, we were pleasantly surprised to see Gordon Riley, Larry Dean and their wives made it up as well.  Mike, of course always does the first set from 8-9 PM; tonight with C.J. Sanders on bass, Roger Brough on lead and mouth harp (excellent!) and Don Wiser on drums.  Mike sang a lot of our favorites tonight, among them:  "Sweet Temptation," "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight," "You Can Feel It In Your Soul," "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads," "Some Days Are Diamonds," The Carter Family's "You Are My Flower," "Act Naturally," "Kindly Keep It Country," Tom T. Hall's "Pamela Brown" & "Nobody Wants Your Body Anymore," Jimmie Dallas' "I Got A One-Way Ticket To The Blues," "Squaws Along The Yukon"  and "Muleskinner Blues." It was kind of Mike to do a couple of requests for us and our group throughly enjoyed listening to these fine musicians while dining on some great steaks and sandwiches. 

After intermission Terry O'Brien, joined by wife Jennifer, took center stage and did a bang-up job on "Don't Mess Around With Jim," "Did I Shave My Legs For This?" Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," "I Like Coffee," "Rock Around The Clock," "Blue Suede Shoes," and the Every Brothers' "Bye Bye Love" & Dream, Dream, Dream."  We had to leave early this evening as we have to be up early tomorrow, but we sure are glad we stuck around long enough to hear Micheal Jay sing a few country classics.  We hadn't had the opportunity of hearing him sing before, but we certainly would like to hear more of him.  We thought he did a super job with "One More Last Chance," "Working Man Blues," "What She Don't Know Won't Hurt Her," "If You're Going To Do Me Wrong, Do It Right" and three George Jones hits: "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Race Is On" and "I Don't Need No Rocking Chair."  It was a fun evening and we hated to leave -- but there will be other Wednesdays at Dirks!  Hope we see you there!!  (Below) l to r:  Wayne Hawkins, Mike O'Roark, Miss Jean, Jim Bledsoe & Yours Truly.....(Sylvia took the pic)

 

 

SPRINGFIELD MO SHOW THIS COMING SATURDAY

Hello  : Tater & The Country All Stars are playing this Saturday night in Springfield, Missouri at The Northview Center at Doling Park for a 3 hr dance. Starting at 7:30 PM featuring Luann Turner, Frank Watson, Larry Jackson, Curtice Williams, Jimmy Burrels & Leon Dennis "Tater". Great Classic Country Music. Come join the fun and good music, no smoking or drinking. Just good clean fun for all ages.

LARRY SMITH, SANDY BARNETT & ART COVEY JOIN THE GANG FOR A FUN EVENING AT THE B.K.

As is normal, we arrived at the BK Lounge a little late, ordered something to eat (those chicken fries with ranch dressing are GREAT!) and spotted our friend Larry Smith and his wife (we all went to Southeast High School, KCMO together, quite a few years ago) just as he was about to don his guitar and sing a few for the crowd.  Larry is one of this area's great vocalists and it was a real treat hearing him sing "Pass Me By If You're Only Passing Thru," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Today I Started Loving You Again," Hawkshaw Hawkins' "Lonesome 7-7203" and "Little Red Car" a song Larry wrote himself.  Larry returned the second half with some other outstanding classics: "I Don't Know A Thing About Love," George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Hag's "The Fugitive" and "Make The World Go Away."  Larry appears at most of the local oprys and has produced some great CD's.  Don't miss an opportunity to see him perform.  It was super seeing Bill Clark again and hearing him sing "My Window Faces The South" and playing "Faded Love" on harmonica and once again having Art Covey and his mandolin singing and picking "Rebel Soldier" and "Royal Telephone."  Great stuff!

Larry Dean entertained the crowd with "Big River," Gene Watson's "Everybody Needs A Hero," "Highway 40 Blues" and the Killer's "Shake Rattle & Roll."  Tonight's session was a short one as Burger King had to close early to upgrade their software and equipment but not before Garry Bichelmeier sang "Marie," wife Mary Bichelmeier did "Satin Sheets," Gordon Riley's lead guitar led the band with "Gordon's Boogie #1 and Sandy Barnett sang "Truck Driving Man" and "Swinging Doors."  Larry Smith, Larry Dean & Sharon Welch led the audience with a singalong on the patriotic "This Land Was Made For You & Me" and the evening closed with the traditional "Goodnight Irene."  (Below) The Larrys (Larry Smith - Larry Dean)