We missed the guitar genius of Gordon Riley who was vacationing in Branson this week, but it was a super show tonight at the BK Lounge (Burger King, 95th & Quivera Rd., Lenexa, KS), nonetheless with the return this week of Larry Dean and Art Covey and the appearance of Hall of Fame harmonica player Don Spain.  We also got a thrill when we saw our friend Glen Smith, former owner & operator of Glen's Opry in Tonganoxie, KS (now Annie's Country Jubilee) and our classmate at Shawnee Mission High School in Merriam, KS., many years ago.

We arrived a few minutes late, as is our custom, and Larry Dean was doing a great job playing lead in Gordon's absence and singing Charlie Daniels' "Long Haired Country Boy," then asked the audience to help him remember the events of 9/11/01 by singing "America The Beautiful."  He shared with everyone his rememberances and asked us all to remember where we were and what we happened to be doing when we learned of the horrific events that took place on that fateful day.  Later, it was "I Believe," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie," the plaintive "Some Old Day," Chuck Berry's "Nadine," "God Must Be A Cowboy," Hag's "I Had A Beautiful Time" and a Rock & Roll medley of Elvis/Jerry Lee Lewis songs.  Garry Bichelmeyer, in addition to playing rhythm guitar and banjo and writing some terrific songs is also quite an accomplished vocalist himself, tonight singing the Waylon/Jesse classic "Storms Never Last," "Catch A Falling Star," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Blues Stay Away From Me," "Rocky Top" and "Kansas City."  Wife Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player sang "Your Cheating Heart," "Walk The Way The Wind Blows" and "There He Goes" for the appreciative audience.  Lou Moore was looking and sounding good behind those drums tonight and it's always neat to see and hear little Sandy Barnett, who sang "Don't Be Angry," Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud," "Swingin Doors" and "Truck Driving Man."

They say you don't really appreciate something until it's gone and we've sure missed the beautiful mandolin playing and singing of Art Covey and it was so nice to have him return tonight.  Art, to the crowd's delight played "Golden Slippers," sang "Falling Leaves" and "Royal Telephone," then joined Don Spain and the band on "Red Wing," "Love Letters In The Sand" and "Black Mountain Rag."  And speaking of Don Spain, congratulatons are in order as Don was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall Of Fame, September 1st in Missouri Valley, Iowa.  An interesting article in the Leavenworth (Don lives there) Times notes that Don is one of very few harp or harmonica players who is accomplished in playing the cross harp or the ability to bend the reeds inside the harmonica and create distinctive sounds that a normal player couldn't produce.  There are literally only a handful of players in the world who do this well.  If you ever have an opportunity to hear Don play, you will appreciate the difference, it is just awesome!  Don has several CDs available and a website: www.donspain.com.  Just before leaving, he played a terrific version of "Folsom Prison Blues." (Below) top: l. Don Spain r. Sandy Barnett bottom: l. Art Covey r. Glen Smith

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:46 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 12 September 2007 12:22 PM CDT

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The little theatre on the square in Pleasant Hill, MO, which houses the Big Creek Country Show was filled to near capacity tonight in anticipation of a spectactular show and we must say it was all of that.  Larry Ellis' fiddle and the band played "Rock Creek Reel" as the curtains opened and soon afterward host & emcee Dennis Dittemore welcomed everyone, singing "Tennessee River" and the Ronnie Milsap classic "It Was Almost Like A Song." 

Debbie Martin (or Debbie Erikson as she is known to KFKF listeners) showed her exceptional vocal talents singing "If You Ain't Busy Tonight," Lori Morgan's "I Guess You Had To Be There" and later in the show "My Savior Lives."  Phil Hilton thrilled the crowd with his piano mastery, playing "Little Waltz in C" and a tribute to the late, great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who passed away just recently.  Mike Campbell got everyone's feet shuffling as he shared a couple of stories and played "Foggy Mountain Special" & "Devil's Dream" on the five-string banjo while the group's great lead guitarist, Jim Lower played and sang "Lone Star Beer & Bob Wills' Music."  Jim Doney brought his electric bass front & center and sang "Born To Boogie" for his son who was in the audience and celebrating his 10th birthday, while Kevin Hoff did a fine job behind the drums tonight.

We have heard Lacy Ludwig sing a couple of times before, but are always amazed at her range and God-given abilities.  Tonight she sang Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden," "I Can't Stop Loving You," Lee Ann Rimes' "Blue" and returned the second half with "Bye, Bye Baby, Bye, Bye" and "You Light Up My Life."  Also, she announced that she had gotten married since her last appearance and her last name was now Wolff.  We thought Lacy Ludwig-Wolff was super and we'd like to see and hear more of her.  It's always a pleasure seeing and hearing Jack Wicker perform.  Whether it's his singing or those hot piano runs, he's a favorite wherever he appears.  Tonight he got the joint jumpin' with "Boogie Woogie Man From Tennessee," then it was "American Trilogy," "I Know A Man Who Can," Fats Domino's "Blue Berry Hill" and "Could You Walk A Mile In That Man's Shoes."  Jack surprised everyone as he introduced his beautiful daughter, Rachael who sang "Loving You' much to everyone's delight.  Ron Piper, who is a frequent guest and sits in with the band on occasion was in the audience tonight and came on stage to sing a favorite Merle Haggard tune, "If We're Not Back In Love By Monday," to a big ovation.  Tonight's extra special guest was Cajun fiddler & Branson, MO resident Louis W. Darby who plays at the Circle B Ranch on Hwy. 76 there in Branson regularly.  Louis proved to be not only a great fiddler, but an exceptionally talented entertainer with humorous antedotes and great singing to boot.  First it was "Jambayala," then Jolie Blonde (the Cajun national anthem according to Louis) and "Arkansas Traveler," a twin fiddle duet with Larry Ellis.  After Dennis, Debbie & David Taylor sang the great gospel number "Thanks To Calvary," Louis closed the show with "Big Mamou," "Danny Boy" and "Golden Slippers."  (Below) Louis W. Darby & Larry Ellis play twin fiddles on "Golden Slippers."

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:20 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 9 September 2007 2:11 PM CDT

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We had a rough Labor Day weekend with Miss Jean being admitted to the hospital, having heart rhythm problems.  We were just getting ready to head out for Leland & Carol Jones' Country Pickin Opry in Richmond, MO when the trouble arose.  Good news is that she is stable for now and just needs to slow down and take her medication religiously and let nature take it's course.  All of your calls and well wishes are very much appreciated.

Although we got a really late start and didn't get to the BK until after 7PM, we arrived in time to hear some really great music and see some really special guests.  Mary Bichelmeyer was singing a couple of her favorites, "Crazy Arms" and "Bill Bailey" as we got ourselves seated and husband Garry followed with "Catch A Falling Star," "Long Black Train" and Johnny Russell's "Catfish John."  Larry Dean was out of town tonight and it was great to see Scott Lane filling in.  Everyone thought he did a magnificent job singing "Lukenbach, Texas" and "Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold."  Bill Clark sang, played rhythm guitar and harmonica and got a big hand from the crowd for his numbers, "You're Not Mine Anymore" and "Just Because"  while Annie Little did a bang up job singing "That's How Much I Love You" and Patsy Cline's "I Love Your Automobile."  Larry Keeler was aboard tonight with "Old 97" and "Folsom Prison Blues," while our little friend Sandy Barnett (who told us she really enjoyed making so many new friends in Cameron this past Friday night) entertained the big crowd with "Truck Drivin Man" and "Don't Be Angry With Me Darlin'" and Gordon Riley, Lou Moore and the rest of the band played some great instrumentals including "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Under The Double Nickel."

The big surprise of the evening was the appearance of Marty Smith, who has performed at practically every opry we have ever heard of.  Marty held the audience spellbound as he always does as he sang Marty Robbins' "You Got Me Singing The Blues," Merle's "Mama Tried," Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Heartaches By The Number," "This Time You Gave Me A Mountain" and "Jambalaya."  We had a chance to talk with Marty a little after the show and he told us he had just completed a brand new CD which will contain hits from many artists as well as some original material.  We will be letting everyone know when it is officially released and it will be available wherever Marty performs...stay tuned.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:42 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 7 September 2007 11:46 AM CDT

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We got a late start this Friday night and got caught up in a little Labor Day Weekend traffic heading north with our friend Sandy Barnett along.  We had been telling Sandy about this great little show for some time and finally talked her into coming along and bringing her guitar!  The show had just started as we arrived, the dance floor was full and the group's drummer Lisa Marie Bennett was doing a fine job singing "Jones On The Jukebox."  She later sang the Patsy Cline classic "Walking After Midnight," "That's The Way Love Goes," and for the waterfall dance, "Don't Be Angry."  Billy Dean Bennett, Lisa's husband and the group's lead guitar and fiddler, displayed his vocal talents on "All For The Love Of Sunshine," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Brand New Girl Friend," "Mansion On The Hill" and did an absolutely fabulous job fiddling "Black Mountain Rag."  We've about worn out our friend Wayne Hoover's CD we play it so much; we love to hear that man sing!  Tonight it was "I Just Came To Get My Baby Outta Here," "Hey Good Lookin'," "Why Don't Love Just Go Away When It's All Gone," Eddie Arnold's "Cattle Call," "Charlie's Shoes" (a cut from Wayne's CD), "If I Were You I'd Fall In Love With Me" and Conway Twitty's "Hello Darlin'."  Our pal Wayne Leslie, the group's bass player was in fine voice himself tonight singing "My Heart Won't Let My Love For You Change," "Welcome To My World," "Wish You Would Leave Me Alone," "Tiny Bubbles" and "Soft Rain."  Bill Rankin's steel guitar work is always a crowd favorite and tonight he played "We Haven't Got Very Far To Go," "My Window Faces The South" and "Danny Boy" beautifully. 

Tonight's walk-ons included Dorothy Pigsley and Judy Parkinson from Maysville, MO who sure sounded good singing "Just Because" and Dorothy returned the second half with "If I Could See The World Through The Eyes Of A Child" and "I Forgot To Remember To Forget Her," friends Elmer Clark ("Blue Bird" & "White Sport Coat") and Charlie Curtis ("Walk Thru This World With Me" & "Farewell Party").  Art Damgar gave it his all singing "Room Full Of Roses" & George Morgan's "Candy Kisses" while little Sandy Barnett showed she packs a lot of punch, singing Little Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud" and "Truck Drivin' Man" to the delight of the crowd.  Wayne Hoover closed the show with "11 Months & 29 Days."  (Below) Sandy Barnett sings "I'm Little But I'm Loud" with Wayne Hoover & the Countrysiders  REMINDER: These folks have a Sunday show as well.  For more information on schedules, the band, Countryside Hall, directions or Wayne's CD, log on to www.wayne-hoover.com

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:00 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 3 September 2007 8:00 PM CDT

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We always have a wonderful time whenever we spend a Wednesday night at Dirks listening to our friend Mike O'Roark play music and sing with his friends (Roger Brough on lead guitar and harmonica, C.J. Sanders on electric bass and Don Wiser behind the drums) and as we had the day off, we got there in plenty of time to get a table close to the bandstand. 

Mike started this enjoyable evening off with a couple of Johnny Cash numbers, "I Got Stripes" and "Guess Things Happen That Way," then it was "Cryin Holy To The Lord," Hank Thompson's "The Wild Side Of Life," "Grandpa Was A Carpenter," "Nine Pound Hammer," "Louisiana Saturday Night," the Hank Williams' classic "Jambalaya," Garth Brooks' smash "Friends In Low Places," Johnny Horton's "Battle Of New Orleans," Tom T. Hall's "Old Dogs And Children And Watermelon Wine" and "Hard Time Blues."  Answering a request, Terry O'Brien did a great job on "Chantilly Lace," while C.J. Sanders fullfilled another, singing "They Call The Wind Mariah" and "Home Grown Tomatoes" to boot!  Mike again took center stage singing the old Carter Family classic "You Are My Flower," "Big Bruce" (a take-off on Jimmy Dean's "Big John" - need we explain?) and "Did She Mention My Name" before asking Saundra Brough and Jennifer O'Brien to join the group on stage to sing some gospel favorites from his new album.  These folks made some beautiful music as they sang "Working On The Road To Gloryland," "Walking In Jerusalem Just Like John," "The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor" (recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys among others), "I'll Fly Away" and "May The Circle Be Unbroken."  For more information on Mike's CD's and appearances, check out his website www.mikeoroark.com  (Below) Saundra & Roger Brough, Jennifer O'Brien & C.J. Sanders join Mike O'Roark (center) to sing some gospel greats.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:49 PM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 30 August 2007 8:57 PM CDT

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It was great having Lou Moore back in place again this week.  You don't realize just how important a good drummer is to a band until they're gone!  It was also nice to have Dave Hendricks aboard and hear him play some of that great old-time fiddle music ("Lost Indian," "Ragtime Annie," "Black Mountain Rag," "Arkansas Traveler" and "Midnight Waltz").  Larry Dean kicked the session off tonight, singing the Ricky Skaggs hit, "Highway 40 Blues," and "Too Cold At Home" then later it was "Gone Fishin'," Alan Jackson's "That'll Be All Right," Merle Haggard's "I Had A Beautiful Time," "Match Box," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Big City" and the Willie/Merle release "Reasons To Quit" for the big crowd.  Mary Bichelmeyer, who plays bass guitar with the group had a good night vocally as well, singing "Walk The Way The Wind Blows," "Walking After Midnight," "Crazy Arms" and "Bill Bailey" while husband Garry Bichelmeyer, the group's rhythm guitar and banjo picker did a great job singing "Kaw Liga," "Devil Woman" and Bobby Bare's "Detroit City" for the appreciative crowd.  Gordon Riley, the group's great lead guitar player, lead the band on some great instrumentals; "Panhandle Rag," " Listen To The Mocking Bird," "Back Home Again In Indiana" and "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" among them.

Sandy Barnett and Annie Little also dropped in to add their vocal talents to the mix, Sandy doing a fine job singing "Truck Driving Man," "Swinging Doors" and Little Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud," while Annie did the same with "Just In Case You Change Your Mind," "Grand Old Flag" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You."  If there is anyone who doesn't know, the BK Lounge is actually the Burger King Restaurant at 95th & Quivera Sts. in Lenexa, KS.  We always have a lot of fun from 6-9 PM every Tuesday evening.  Come out and enjoy some good old-time country music!!  (Below) Larry Dean, Dave Hendricks & Gordon Riley

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:58 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 29 August 2007 5:31 PM CDT

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Our friend Mike Duley left us an entry on our Guestbook, advising that Sarah Getto was scheduled to appear at the Ramblin Country Show in Gentry tonight and we hastily changed plans and prepared for the trek northward.  Sarah, for those of you who aren't familiar with her, is a young lady who just recently graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a degree in musical education and who, although being born blind and with other serious handicaps, taught herself to play the piano at age three and the violin at age 8.   And, if that weren't enough, she simply sings like an angel.  We have been corresponding with her Dad for some months now and we finally were fortunate to meet face to face at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS earlier this year and see Sarah perform.  Fair warning--once you see and hear Sarah, she'll steal your heart and you'll want to hear more of this talented young lady. 

Emcee and lead guitarist Mike Duley kicked the evening's festivities off, singing "Don't Be Angry" and "The Cowboy Rides Away" and returned later with "Blue Suede Shoes"  while Mark Hutson, on electric bass, used his fine vocal talents on "Swinging Doors," "Count Me Out," "City Lights," Elvis' "Promise Land," Alan Jackson's "I'm A Little Bluer Than That," "One More Time" and "Waltz Of The Angels."  Rick Hontz, who was playing drums tonight did a bang up job singing "That's The Way Love Goes," "Lukenbach, Texas," "Pass Me By" and "'Leven Roses."  We always enjoy hearing Mike Hutson play that great steel guitar and tonight he sang "My Blue House Painted White" and "Walk Out Backwards" to boot.

The Gettos, parents Mike & Pat with daughter Sarah, travel by motor home to the various oprys and other shows from their home base in Norman, Oklahoma.  Tomorrow night (Saturday) they plan to be at the Ft. Scott (KS) Opry, Annie's on September 15th, then several shows at RV parks in Colorado before journeying to Iowa.  We all know how expensive it is to travel these days and Mike told us all of their expenses are paid from the sale of Sarah's CDs.  They also maintain a website at www.sarahgetto.com.  Southeastern Oklahoma State University which Sarah attended is also the alma mater of Reba MacIntyre whom Sarah so admires.  She started her first set singing Reba's hit "Somebody Should Leave,"  then it was Alison Kraus' haunting "The Lucky One," some keyboard magic with Floyd Cramer's "Last Date" and just some awesome fiddling with "The Crawfish Song."  Sarah closed with a tribute to her friend Anne Murray with "I Just Fall In Love Again" and the gospel classic "Beulah Land" but returned the second half with a Patsy Cline medley "Sweet Dreams/Crazy/I Fall To Pieces" and with everyone on their feet, a tribute to our fighting men and women -- "God Bless America."  (Below) Pat, Sarah & Mike Getto - Mike is holding a couple of Sarah's CDs.  If you need more information concerning her CDs, go to her website www.sarahgetto.com

It wouldn't be fair to only make a partial list of the many walk-ons who appeared here tonight.  As most of you know, everyone is important to us.  We apologize that we didn't get noted all the names of all the walk-ons and the songs they sang or played, but due to the large number, the late hour and  the fact we had to leave early due to the long drive home, it made it impossible to give these folks the credit they deserve.  We do want them to know we throughtly enjoyed hearing and seeing them again.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:18 PM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 25 August 2007 10:45 PM CDT

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How surprised we were when we walked thru the doors of the BK Lounge (or to be specific - the Burger King at 95th & Quivera Rd. in Lenexa, KS) and spotted Marvin Bredemeier over in the corner tuning up his fiddle and wife Norma (or Sug as she is commonly known as) at a nearby table.  Marvin explained that he and Gordon Riley go way back and that Gordon had invited him to come out and play with the Tuesday night gang.  We just knew we were in for some great fiddle music and Marvin certainly didn't disappoint as he started tonight's session off with "Boil That Cabbage Down," "Orange Blossom Special" and later teamed up with Gordon and the band on "Dueling Banjos" (or the theme from "Deliverance"), "Yakity Sax," and with Bill Clark on harmonica, "Black Mountain Rag."  Larry Dean, who we enjoyed so much at Annie's Country Jubilee last Saturday, tonight did a wonderful job singing the Billy Joe Shaver written "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," Hag's "Big River," Jimmy Rodger's "California Blues," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "If I'm A Fool For Leavin'" and Ricky Skagg's "Highway Forty Blues." 

We just happen to be listening to Larry's CD "Songs For The Common Man" as we are writing this and notice that not only is the CD well mastered and produced, but also features three songs ("Out Of My Mind," "Let's Go Fishin'," & "Rainy Day Off") that were written by friend Garry Bichelmeyer!  This group has oodles and oodles of talent and the session is open to the public every Tuesday night from 6-9PM, contributions via the tip jar are appreciated.  And speaking of Garry Bichelmeyer, he did a super job as well tonight, singing a couple more songs he wrote, "Nodaway River" and "Marie" as well as "Could You Catch A Falling Star" and "Kansas City."  Wife Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player, used her smooth, mellow voice on "Satin Sheets," "Bill Bailey" and "Crazy Arms" for the appreciative crowd.  Bill Clark lent his considerable talents to playing harmonica, singing and playing rhythm guitar and was featured on "Wildwood Flower," and  "My Window Faces The South."

Sandy Barnett was on hand tonight and did a bang-up job singing "Truck Driving Man" and Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud" (she does this so well!) and our favorite singing railroad engineer, Larry Keeler did  wonderful with "Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello" and "Folsom Prison Blues."  It was super seeing Annie Little back in town from a short vacation and hearing her sing "Somewhere Between" and "Out Of My Mind."  And....it's always great seeing local comedian Calvin Cooledge (who sings extremely well to boot) and tonight, after he told a couple of side-splitters. treated everyone to Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat" and Roger Miller's "Kansas City Star."  Calvin in turn introduced Jessica Bichelmeyer, who it turns out, is a cousin of Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer. Talent must run deep in this family.  Jessica, from nearby Shawnee, did an outstanding job singing Crystal Gayle's "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy."  Before closing tonight's session with the customary "Goodnight Irene," Larry Dean & Sharon Welch treated the crowd to the gospel song "I'll Fly Away."  (Below) Calvin Cooledge, Marvin Bredemeier & Larry Dean entertain the crowd at the BK Lounge

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:14 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 22 August 2007 2:54 PM CDT

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It was a perfect evening as we picked up our Aunt Bernice and headed towards Tonganoxie, KS, just west of the NASCAR track on 40 Highway (or straight out State Ave.)  to Annie's Country Jubilee, 4th & Main Sts.  We left a little early, as we knew about the construction on State Ave., but we didn't need to worry, traffic was somewhat light and we arrived plenty early.  We've written about the spaceous new lobby and restrooms that are such a welcome addition here at the Jubilee theatre, but tonight we were surprised to see the new balcony at the rear of the theatre (actually only a step up from the main floor) completed, and full of comfortable seating.  This of course, made an idyllic setting for a great show and Annie Dunavin opened the festivities by urging everyone to "Come On In, Sit Right Down And Make Yourself At Home!"

Fred Uzzell and his steel guitar started the evening off with the "Nashville Bounce" and later played "Dream" beautifully while pretty Ronni Ward sang "The Bed You Made For Me," "Desperado," "Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue" and "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman."  Emcee and country troubadour Jim Winters welcomed everyone and delighted the big crowd, singing Ray Price's "Deep Water" and "I Won't Mention It Again" and later "Diana," George Strait's "As Long As It's You" and "I Don't Mind If I Do."  Jim introduced Pat Pierce who was playing keyboard tonight.  Pat got the joint jumpin' with "Boogie Back To Texas" and later "The House Of Blue Lights."  Bill Larson, who sat in at drums tonight also did a great job singing "The Other Woman" for the appreciative crowd and Marvin Bredemeier was just fantastic as he sang and fiddled the Charlie Daniels classic "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."  We always look forward to hearing the incredible guitar work by band leader and lead guitarist David George whenever we visit Annie's.  Tonight, David treated everyone to "New Light Motor Inn," "Black Mountain Rag" and Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven." 

We've known tonight's special guest Larry Dean for some time now and have always been impressed with his vocal talents, but in this venue and backed by these fantastically talented musicians, it was almost like we were hearing him for the first time -- again!  We thought Larry did a great job picking his numbers and the audience evidently agreed as he sang Merle Haggard's "I Had A Beautiful Day," Jimmy Rodgers' "California Blues," "Down Deep," Randy Travis' "1982," Gene Watson's "If I'm A Fool For Leavin'" and George Jones' "I Always Get Lucky With You."  Judging from this performance, these folks will be seeing more of Mr. Larry Dean (below)

Connie Smith has always been one of our favorite country performers and we last saw her, in person, at Byron Jones' Northtown Opry about three years ago.  Luckily, we had the opportunity to visit with her afterward and she proved to be as gracious as she was talented.  We thought Annie's tribute to Connie Smith was extraordinary.  It was not only that familiar twinge of huskiness, that expressive twang, but the big voice, the emotion and confidence that is always reminicent of Connie; it was all there!  For certain it wasn't an easy matter singing chart-busters such as "I'll Come Running," "Then And Only Then," "If I Talk To Him," "Cincinnati, Ohio," "Once A Day," "Nobody But A Fool," "Cry, Cry, Cry," "If It Ain't Love" and "Run Away Little Tears" due to Connie's wide vocal range and richness, but Annie pulled it off without a hitch.  It was an unbelievable performance, with the band deserving a lot of the credit as well.  Fred Uzzell closed the show playing "Amazing Grace" on his dobro and mandolin.  Thanks to David George & Annie for their kind comments concerning this website.  It's a labor of love and we so much appreciate your kindness, hospitality and most of all -- your friendship.  (Below) Annie Dunavin's tribute to Connie Smith

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:26 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 19 August 2007 2:43 PM CDT

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