HOW CAN YOU HAVE THIS MUCH FUN AT A BURGER KING?

And the answer is:  Just show up any Tuesday night at the BK Lounge (The Burger King Restaurant, 95th & Quivera Rd., Lenexa, KS) and enjoy the group that gathers there to play and entertain from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.  This Tuesday evening, the big, enthusastic crowd couldn't keep their feet or hands still, clappin', stompin', dancin' and generally having a great time.  David Purcell brought his grandfather, 90 years young, to watch him perform and you could see how proud he was as David sang "Today I Started Loving You Again," "I Wonder How Many There Would Be," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today." "Tennessee Birdwalk" and "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing."  We always look forward to Art Covey playing his mandolin and singing.  Tonight he did a super job with "I'll Sing A New Song Over In Gloryland," "Redwing" and "Falling Leaves."  We're amazed at all the songs that Larry Dean knows and tonight he sang "Just A Few More Butter Beans," a song sung by Little David Wilkins many years ago, Josh Turner's "Just To Be Your Man," the Chuck Berry classic "Maybelline," George Strait's "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," "Elvira" and Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie."  Mary Bichelmeier, the group's electric bass player, used her soft, smooth voice to sing "Bill Bailey," "Blue Kentucky Girl" and Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight"  while Bill Clark, as well as playing rhythm guitar and harmonica did a bang-up job singing Leroy Van Dyke's "The Auctioneer" and "Nine Pound Hammer."  Gordon Riley, the group's great lead guitarist, drummer Lou Moore and the rest of the band played some great instrumentals ("Back Home In Indiana," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Honky Tonk" and others) and at one point, several of the members walked through the restaurant, snaking thru the tables, struming their instruments all the while, much to the delight of the big crowd!

Garry Bichelmeier considers himself more a song writer than an entertainer, but the crowd let him know how they felt as he sang "Would You Catch A Falling Star," "Kansas City" and a beautiful song he wrote, "Marie."  How nice it was to see the singing engineer, Mr. Larry Keeler who sang "Wayward Wind" and "Blue Spanish Eyes" for us.  Sharon Welch helped the band close with "Goodnight Irene."  (Below) Everyone had a great time tonight at the "BK Lounge"

 

 

WE HEAR FROM COUNTRY MUSIC FANS IN AUSTRIA
We received an e-mail from Franz Sonnleitner, a country music fan in Austria who suggested we might try the following links:

ANNIE'S FAMILY POUR THEIR HEARTS OUT AT BENEFIT FOR MARVIN & SUG

For more than 50 years "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier has entertained literally thousands of folks just like you and me with his awesome fiddling and incredible knowledge of country music.  In June of this year, while on their way to do a show at Annie's, Marvin and his wife Norma or "Sug" as she is affectionally known as, were involved in an automobile accident. Despite being scraped, banged and bruised, Marvin played the entire show without a hitch and with a big smile on his face.  Luckily, the only permanent damage was to thier van, but it's loss has seriously affected their ability to get around.  The Annie's family wondered, "How can we show our apppreciation for such wonderful people?"  It was decided to hold a benefit concert to raise money to help cover the repair or replacement of Marvin & Sug's van.  There was no charge for admittance, only what folks cared to donate.  Annie & Terry donated the building, utilities and supplies while the band donated their talent and time.  And best of all, everyone got a chance to witness first hand the outpouring of love and generosity from what are arguably the best fans in the world -- the Annie's Jubilee fans!

This special show kicked off at 5PM with Annie Dunavin welcoming everyone with "Come On In, Sit Right Down & Make Yourself At Home."  She followed with "Satin Sheets" and Porter Waggoner's "Slew Foot" and came back the second half to sing "Hideaway" and "Could I Have This Dance."  Jim Winters, Annie's emcee and the man with the voice, treated the excited crowd to "Just Came To Get My Baby Out Of Here," "Blues For Dixie" "Please Release Me" and for a request on the back of a large denomination bill - Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."  Several audience members chose this method of contributing, which was great, as they requested some good, old-time country music!  Jim surprised everyone by introducing his daughter Melissa who is pretty as a picture and sang "Old Cape Cod," "When God Dips His Pen" and "When You Say Nothing At All" beautifully.  It was great seeing Kathy Lynn again, as she came down from the northland to sing "Route 66" and "Tennessee Waltz" for the appreciative crowd.  Fred Uzzell did a super job all evening both on the steel guitar ("Steel Guitar Rag") and the dobro.  Pretty Ronni Ward had another engagement today, but rushed back in plenty of time to treat us all to the Patsy Montana classic "Cowboy's Sweetheart," Linda Rhondstat's "Blue Bayou" and "Put Yourself In My Place."

If you haven't witnessed Annie's Quartet in action, you are due for a real treat when you do.  Consisting of Jim Winters, band leader and an extraordinary lead guitarist David George, drummer Steve Staub (who has quite a gospel music background) and electric bass player, Ted Ward, this group was one of the best we've heard.  If we hadn't been staring right at them, we would have guessed we were hearing the Statlers, the Oaks, the Gatlins or some other big name.  They were just outstanding on "Elvira," "Flowers On The Wall," "Broken Lady," "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine," "Bobby Sue," "The Lighthouse," "Bed Of Roses" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."  Just incredible!  It was a treat seeing AJ Straub, Steve's son sit in at drums while "Pop" sang and he did a neat solo of "Wipeout" as well. Marvin got the feet stompin' and the fingers snappin' as he fiddled "Black Mountain Rag," "Ragtime Annie" and the "Westphalia Waltz."  As a surprise, he asked a friend, Frankie Kay, who was Cowboy Copus' steel guitar player back in the 50's to come up on stage and sing Bob Will's "Sugar Moon" as he handled the fiddling chores.  Delightful!  Marvin closed, playing the "Orange Blossom Special" as only he can. It was announced that the benefit concert raised $2400, which will go a long ways toward helping these wonderful folks.  We know some of you weren't able to make this benefit show for one reason or another, but would love to help Marvin & Sug out with a contribution.  Here is an address you can send them to:  Annie's Country Jubilee, P.O. Box 604, Tonganoxie, KS 66086.  Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated.  (Below) Marvin & Norma ("Sug") Bredemeier

 

 

FAVORITES - OLD & NEW GRACE THE BIG CREEK STAGE TONITE

It was a lovely but humid evening and a lot of folks took advantage of the air-conditioned comfort and what proved to be a wonderful time at Pleasant Hill, MO's Big Creek Country Show.  Emcee Dennis Dittemore kicked the evening off with his mellow voice, singing "I Cried My Last Tear For You," "I Wanna Dance With You" and returned later with an appropriate song, "Summertime Blues." We always look forward to hearing Debbie Martin's (Debbie Erikson on KFKF) beautiful voice and it was all of that as she sang "I've Got Better Things To Do," and "Love Can Build A Bridge."  Larry Ellis is one of the finest fiddle players we have heard and Big Creek's resident joke teller (You're only as old as you look.  But if you look -- you're old!).  He sure had those strings a'smokin' tonight as he led the band on "Washington Lee Swing," "Bonaparte's Retreat," "Leavin' Rosene" and "Flop Eared Mule."  Denny Osburn filled in at keyboard tonight and had the toes tapping with "Black Mountain Rag" and "Caravan." We (and everyone else, judging from the applause) really enjoyed hearing Cindy Dittemore sing Diamond Rio's "In God We Still Trust" as well as "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" and Patsy's "Crazy."  That lead guitar guru, Jim Lower treated everyone to some Western Swing with "Oklahoma Hills" and Chet Atkins' classy "Country Gentleman" while electric bass player Jim Doney showed off his vocal talents with "The Grundy County Auction."

We've just about run out of accolades to describe the talents of Larry Smith, but anyone who has heard him will agree that he sings traditional country music about as well as it can be sung.  Tonight he sang "Lone Star Beer And Bob Wills Music," "There Goes My Everything," the George Jones classic "Walk Thru This World With Me," "Truck Drivin' Man" and Little Jimmy Dickins' "We Could."  Larry appears here at Big Creek the 4th Saturday of each month.  A new face, that of Lori Harris appeared here tonight for the first time and we thought she was remarkable.  Lori has a musical background, both writing and performing and did a bang-up job here tonight singing "Once A Day," Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," "Silver Threads And Golden Needles," "Delta Dawn" and our favorite - "Faded Love."  Lorie will be returning next month!  We always look forward to seeing one of this area's finest entertainers, Mike O'Roark, not only for his side-splitting comedy (Two dogs were in a disco, one said to the other, "If we acted like that, they'd have us wormed!) but also his incredible picking and singing.  MIke recently released his new gospel album "Road To Glory" and tonight sang "The Road To Gloryland," "Rindercella," "Down Deep," "You Can Feel It In Your Soul," "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" and "I'm Walking With Him."  Mike will also be returning to Big Creek the 4th Saturday of August.  Dennis, Cindy and Debbie closed this evening's show with two beautiful gospel numbers: "Build My Mansion" and "When I Get Carried Away" (below).

 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!

Annie's Country Jubilee

 

 

"A Sunday for Marvin & Sug"

 

 

A benefit concert to help Marvin get back on the road again!

 

Sunday July 29,2007 Showtime - 5:00pm

 

featuring the

Annie's Country Jubilee Quartet

For over 50 years, Marvin has entertained thousands of folks just like you. On his way to an Annie's Country Jubilee concert in June of this year, Marvin and Norma were in an automobile accident. Luckily, the van was the only thing damaged in the accident. Marvin performed as scheduled that evening with the ACJ band. Bruises, bumps, and scrapes didn't affect the most talented and warm spirited fiddle player in the Midwest. He played perfectly as any true professional would and smiled throughout the entire show.

How can we show our appreciation for such wonderful people? How about a benefit concert to raise money to cover the repair or replacement of Marvin and Norma's van? SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA TO ME!!!

Through the generosity of your donations, we will raise money for just that! Seating will be free! Annie & Terry have donated the building, utilities, and supplies. The band has donated their talent and time. It is going to be a WONDERFUL time! And best of all... We get to spend a Sunday with the best folks in the country, The Annie's Country Jubilee Fans!!!

Come join us for a fantastic evening and help us give back to an artist who has touched so many people for so many years!

PEOPLE FLOCK TO MACKEN PARK TO SEE BYRON JONES & THE NORTHTOWN OPRY

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."

 

 

INFORMATION ON HAZEL KINDER'S LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE IN COLUMBIA, MO
We have received several e-mails as well as Guestbook entries concerning Hazel Kinder's Lighthouse Theatre in Columbia, MO which has country/bluegrass shows.  The correct URL is http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=996.  We haven't had the opportunity to check it out ourselves, but if someone sends us more information, etc. or we get down that way sometime, we'll sure pass it on.

SOME SUBTRACTIONS AND SOME ADDITIONS AT THE BK TONITE

As we arrived at the BK tonight (Burger King, 95th & Quivera, Lenexa, KS), we noticed that Larry Dean, the man of a thousand songs and the group's drummer, Lou Moore had taken the night off.  Not to worry though, as none other than the uncomparable Larry Smith was on hand to thrill the crowd with such numbers as the Hag's "Sing Me Back Home" and "Okie From Muskogee," "Make The World Go Away," "Crying My Heart Out Over You," "Wabash Cannonball," "My Heart Skips A Beat," "Heartaches By The Number," and the whimsical "Little Red Car" which was also written by Larry.  It's always great seeing and hearing David Purcell as well and tonight he treated the enthusastic audience to George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "I Wonder How Many There Would Be" (written by David's dad), the riotious "Tennessee Birdwalk" and "Storms Never Last."  Art Covey did a great job picking "Maiden's Prayer" on his mandolin and picking and singing "Royal Telephone" and "Falling Leaves."  Art also did some great work on the dobro as Annie Little sang "Somewhere Between" and "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind," a song written by Garry Bichelmeyer.  Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's electric bass player, did a bang up job on "Bill Bailey" and little Sandy Barnett did the same with "Don't Be Angry" and "Swingin' Doors."

Bill Clark, with that beautiful new guitar, sang "My Window Faces The South" and "Nine Pound Hammer, then later played the harmonica, joining the band on "Just Because."  And speaking of the band, Gordon Riley and the band played some great instrumentals here tonight:  "Oh, Them Golden Slippers," "Buckaroo,"  "Honky Tonk" and "Banks Of The Ohio."  It was a special treat tonight to hear Frank Pulcher from nearby Basehor, KS and his accordian.  We could tell he was very accomplished as he played along with the band, but he got a big ovation of his own as he soloed with "Crazy" and "Rose Of San Antone."  The session closed with "Goodnight Irene." We had a marvelous time and are amazed at the talent that shows up here each and every Tuesday night.  (Below) David Purcell, Larry Smith and Gordon Riley jam at the BK..

 

 

JR'S HITCHIN POST OPRY & CAFE - A FAVORITE STOP

We headed south tonight to Jr's Hitchin Post Opry which is located in the quaint little town of Quenemo, KS, just southwest of Ottawa, KS. We like to make an evening of it - you just step through an adjoining door to the Hitchin Post Cafe which serves delicious meals and desserts at more than reasonable prices.  Shows start at 7PM to allow folks to get up for church, so come early and stay awhile!  We were impressed with the plush green stage curtains and the new sound system which are recent additions.  Guest artist Don Roberts opened the show with the National Anthum and emcee Butch Carter introduced Russell Wolfe, the Hitchin Post Opry Band's electric bass player, who sang "Six Days On The Road."  Russell is a big crowd favorite and returned later with two Randy Travis numbers, "Pickin Up Bones" and "3 Wooden Crosses", then it was Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" which brought the big crowd to it's feet in a show of support and respect for our great country.  Haley Walters has always been one of our favorites, she adds a certain style and dignity to everything she sings.  Tonight it was "Timber, I'm Falling In Love," Merle's "Silver Wings," "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and her friend and mentor Leona Williams' "If Anyone Ought To Know."  Butch Carter as well as always doing a super job with the emcee duties, sings a mighty fine song himself and we enjoyed hearing him do Mark Chesnutt's "It's Only Monday," Conway's "I Don't Know A Thing About Love," Mel McDaniel's "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On" and to stay on the subject, "Tight Fittin Jeans."  Pretty Ronda Kimball delighted the crowd with a tribute to Loretta Lynn.  Ronda and her family were privledged to see Loretta in concert earlier this year in Topeka and she was amazed at the 73 year old superstar's top notch performance.  We thought Ronda was pretty amazing as well as she sang "Lyin Alone," "There He Goes," "You Ain't Woman Enough" and "How Great Thou Art."  The band's "man of steel" (steel guitar, that is) Jody Jackson showed his vocal talents off on "My Old Flames Have New Names," "All My Exs Live In Texas" and the Waylon/Willie classic "Good Hearted Woman."  Rick McClintic plays an awesome lead guitar and led the band on "Main Street Breakdown" while Gary Gnip did a great job on the drums with "Wipeout" and for a change of pace, sang the Beatles "Can't Buy Me Love." 

It was great seeing Don Roberts perform again.  His deep, resonating voice is one you won't forget once you hear him and tonight he sang "We're Burning The Roadhouse Down," "Thanks To The Keeper Of The Stars," "Kansas City," "T.R.O.U.B.L.E.," "Your Cheating Heart" and "Be My Baby Tonight."  Don is an educator by profession and has appeared at a number of local oprys and shows.  Tonight's other guest artist was Roy Kramer from Rantoul, Kansas.  Roy, dressed in a flamboyant, but tasteful western outfit did a super job singing "Truck Driving Man," Carl Smith's "Are You Teasing Me," "Rose Of San Antone" and "Back On The Texas Plains."  But it was "Candy Kisses" that really did it for this audience!  Roy, with a portable mike, came off stage and began passing out Hershey Kisses to all the ladies in the audience he could possibly reach.  As he began to sing Elvis' "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," he paused on the front row, handed our Aunt Bernice several foil-wrapped Hershey Kisses and held her hand as he sang.  She melted faster than the candy!  Roy told us later that he performs at many local nursing homes and care centers as well as the opry.  What a nice man and what an enjoyable performance!  The show closed with the gospel portion: Don Roberts singing "Peace In The Valley" and Jody Jackson "Keep Your Eyes On The Ark."  (Below) Roy Kramer performs with the Hitchin Post Opry Band.

 

 

 

TONITE IT'S BACK TO THE CASS COUNTY FAIR AND THE ANNUAL GOSPEL SHOW

We decided to return to Pleasant Hill this evening and attend the annual Gospel show which is held at the picturesque pavillion on the city square.  There were three distinctly different groups featured here tonight, but each with the same message of hope and inspiration.  The weather couldn't have been any better and the music was wonderful.  The first group consisted of three friends from the Independence/Blue Springs area, Shelly Peterson, Debby Stout and Kelly Spencer who called themselves "All The Above"  and have been singing and performing together for the past 8 years.  They sang traditional southern gospel and their harmonizing was awesome on numbers such as: "God's Good," "It Ain't Gonna Worry Me Long," "The Victory's In The Shout," "I'm Traveling Light," "On-Time God," "Jesus Loves Me" and "I'll Fly Away."  Next up was "Gospel Echoes," a country gospel band with two husband/wife teams, Ruby & Tom Standiford and Leo & Sharon Smith with our pal Art Covey.  There was definately some fine picking and singing on old-time gospel songs as well as newer ones such as: "I Learned About Jesus In Grandma's Rockin Chair," "Falling Leaves," "Let's Go Down To The River," Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me Lord," 'I'll Meet You On The Other Side Of Jordan," "Royal Telephone," "It Wasn't Rainin When Noah Built The Ark," "Lay Down Your Heavy Load," "The God Of The Day Is The God Of The Night" and "One Day At A Time."  The third and last group was composed of two sisters, Darla Zook & Ranae Almos and two brothers Calvin and Willard Yoder who call themselves "Jubilee Transfer" and hail from Garden City, MO.  They did such an unbelievable job singing barbershop quartet-type gospel music that you just have to hear it to picture it.  Among their selections were: "I'm Winging My Way Back Home," "My Sins Are Gone," "I'll Hold To The Hand Of My Lord," "I'll Arise," "Jubilee In Heaven," "Little Pine Log Cabin," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "Bye Bye Blues," "Crowning" and "What A Morning That Will Be."  It was a great show on a perfect evening and we left feeling blessed.  (Below) Gospel Echoes performs.