It was a super nice night as we headed down to Pleasant Hill and the Big Creek Country Show, which is held every Saturday night, right on the town square.  Larry Smith had mentioned to us that there would be a bunch of his old schoolmates (and mine too, incidently!) from the Southeast High School class of '55 attending tonight and it was great seeing Charlie & Bruce and all the rest enjoying a night out together.

The Big Creek Band featuring the fiddling of Larry Ellis opened the show with "Headin' South."  Larry must know a million fiddle tunes and he did a great job later playing and singing "Draggin The Bow" and really 'crankin' it up' on "Old Joe Clark."  Host Dennis Dittemore welcomed everyone to tonight's show, singing Hank Sr's "Kaw Liga" and the classic Charlie Rich number "The Most Beautiful Girl."  Dennis showed he has a bundle of talent as he picked up his sax the second half to play "Down Yonder" for the appreciative audience.  Debbie Martin (or Debbie Erikson on KFKF radio) is always a crowd favorite and tonite she sang Alison Kraus' "When You Say Nothing At All," "Blue Kentucky Girl," and by request the Doris Day/Freddie Fender smash "Secret Love."  Phil Hilton's unsurpassed keyboard playing got a huge ovation as he entertained the crowd with "Love Story" & "Pour Axaline Ballet (sp?)."  Jim Lower, the group's great lead guitar player showed his talents as he played "Steel Guitar Rag" and "Cold Cold Heart."  With Kevin Hoff on drums and Jim Doney picking that 7-string bass, this is a top-notch band and a lot of fun to listen to.

Mike O'Roark is hands down, one of the Kansas City area's finest entertainers.  While Mike's a great musician, can pick with the best of 'em and a super singer, he's also a hilarous comedian, always spicing up his act with a pattern of one-liners (I bought my ex-wife a new smoke alarm --- with a snooze button!).  Dressed in all black (he didn't sing ONE Johnny Cash song!) and a new matching hat, he had the audience cheering for more as he sang "San Francisco Blues," Merle's "The Way I Am," "Cryin Holy Unto The Lord" (from his new gospel album), the Carter Family's "You Are My Flower" & "I Saw The Light." Mike appears every Wednesday night at Dirk's near I-29 & Berry Rd., in Kansas City North.  Lori Harris is from nearby Lee's Summit, MO and is not only an accomplished singer but is an excellent songwriter as well.  She is in the middle of recording a new CD which will probably be released sometime early next year.  Stay tuned.  Tonite she lent her beautiful voice to "Silver Threads & Golden Needles," Connie Smith's "Ain't Had No Lovin," Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn" and from the movie Ghost, "I Need Your Love."  We always look forward to Larry Smith singing those old country standards, gospel songs and originals that he does so well.  Whenever we travel, his CDs are one of the first things we pack.  Tonight he sang "You Picked A Fine Time Lucille," Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," "The Rose,"  Hag's "Big City," Kris Krisofferson's "Sunday Morning Comin' Down" and "He Did It For Me."  I know Larry's still recovering from recent hip surgery, but we could have listened to a lot more of that! 

Dennis & Debbie closed the show with the beautiful gospel number "If That Ain't Love."  Our thanks to Dennis for the kind remarks concerning this site and congratulations on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Big Creek Country Show.  (Below) top: l. to r. Mike O'Roark, Lori Harris, Larry Smith bottom: l. Larry Ellis telling Dennis about "the biggest lamb dyer in Texas" r. Debbie Martin playing mandolin with the band on "Old Joe Clark"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:29 PM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 2 October 2007 11:06 AM CDT

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It seems like forever since we've been back to visit Ron Holmes and his terrific crew at the Fillmore Opry (directions: at the main crossroads in downtown Fillmore, next to the pop machine).  We decided to remedy that situation tonight and asked our friend Sandy Barnett to come along and bring her 'pint-sized' little Martin guitar along.  We had to wait until Sandy got off work, so we couldn't leave home until 5:30 and arrived a couple of minutes after 7:00!  Our advice is to leave a little sooner if you're planning on driving this far! 

Ron himself was singing the Hank Williams' classic "There's A Tear In My Beer" as we arrived and later it was "City Lights," "Six Days On The Road," Hawkshaw Hawkins' "Lonesome 7-7203," George Jones' "Love Bug," Gene Watson's "Twice The Fool To Stay," "I Don't Mind Going Under If It Will Get Me Over You" and the hilarious "Waltz Across Wal-Mart."  Jim Williams is certainly an extremely talented individual as well, playing a great electric guitar, harmonica and is a super vocalist to boot.  He got the feet shufflin' on the dance floor with "1-800 Do You Care," "Country Love," "A Texas Honky-Tonk," "If I Ever Need A Lady I'll Call You," "Charlie's Shoes," "Face To The Wall" and Gene Watson's "Got No Reason Now For Going Home."  We always enjoy so much hearing Norma Radmer play that honky-tonk piano (keyboard to be specific) and sing and tonight she did "You Call Everybody Darling," "I'm A Little Bit Lonesome," "Here We Go Again," "Ain't That Being A Little Bit Unfair," "St. Louie Blues," "Amazing Grace" (in native Cherokee & English) much to the audience's delight.  Lead guitarist Caryl Walker showed what a diversified musician he is tonight as he picked and sang "Hey Good Lookin'," Hag's "Mama Tried," "Poor Little Fool," "That's All Right Mama," "Hello Walls," a 50's medley "Say You Will"/"Lonely Teardrops," "Pour Out The Rain," George Jones' "Window Up Above" and Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat."  This band really hums, due in large measure to Terry Durfee on bass and Dick Swalls on drums.

Tonight's special guest was Phil Davison from St. Joseph, MO.  We visited briefly with Phil and he shared the fact that he had sang and played for almost 30 years, then gave it up and only recently was getting back into things.  From all that we could tell, the man hasn't lost a thing and the audience showed their appreciation as Phil sang George Strait's "The Fireman," Ray Price's "Pride," the Chuck Berry classic "Roll Over Beethoven" and Leroy Van Dyke's "Auctioneer Song.  Phil came back the second half with "All My Ex's Live In Texas," Faron Young's "Step Aside," Merle Haggard's "Let's Chase Each Other Round the Room Tonight," "She Called Me Baby" and "It Keeps Right On A'Hurtin" to a big ovation. 

We hadn't seen Donna Smith and her husband Charles for sometime either (they have the Northwest Opry, Sun. at 2PM in Maryville, MO) and we sure enjoyed hearing Donna sing "I'll Be Following You" and "Take It To The Lord In Prayer."  We just knew the crowd would enjoy hearing Sandy Barnett sing and such was the case as she enjoyed playing with this band and singing Little Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud," "Truck Drivin' Man," "Don't Be Angry," "Okie From Muskogee" & "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You."  Sandy will be returning sometime in November as a guest artist.  Jim Williams closed this wonderful evening with a couple of gospel numbers: "I Saw A Man" and "I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You."  (Below) Sandy Barnett & The Filmore Opry Band

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:16 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 30 September 2007 12:39 AM CDT

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NEW  SHOW

HEART OF AMERICA MUSIC JAMBOREE

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT  CONCESSIONS & DOOR PRIZES

Admission $4 Children 12 & under $1

Old Time Country - Bluegrass - Gospel

Host Band - Clinton County Bluegrass

Friday Night Shows - October 19th - December 14th

Doors open - 5:30 PM Shows start - 6:30 PM

No Alcohol or Drugs!!!!

Turney Community Center - H Hwy. - Turney, MO

FOR MORE INFORMATION - DERYLE OR JEAN

816-580-7886

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 5:22 PM CDT

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BRAND NEW SHOW

HEART OF AMERICA MUSIC JAMBOREE

Free Admission - Donations Accepted

Old Time Country - Bluegrass-Gospel with Regular Performers - Open Stage Guests

Doors Open - 5:30 PM Show Starts - 6:30 PM

No Alcohol or Drugs!!!

October 20 - October 27 - November 10 - November 24 - December 1 - December 8

Clinton County Youth Bldg.

251 E. 116 Hwy. Plattsburg, MO.

No Electrified Instruments

For more info.: Deryle or Jean 816-580-7886

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 5:08 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 26 September 2007 10:40 PM CDT

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As we entered the back door of the BK Lounge (or in acuality, the Burger King at 95th & Quivera Rd., Lenexa, KS) we heard the familiar sounds of Larry Dean singing Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried," Willie's "No Reason To Quit" and a song written by friend Garry Bichelmeyer, "Gone Fishin'."  There shouldn't be a single doubt in anyone's mind as to Larry's versatility, his extensive knowledge of music and his genuine talent as he later went on to sing "Boot Scootin' Boogie," a couple more Hag numbers: "Walking On The Fighting Side" & "Me And Crippled Soldiers," Billy Walker's "Charlie's Shoes," Elvis' "Don't Be Cruel" and "For The Good Times."  Larry got some loud applause for his efforts here tonight and one particularly enthusastic group was introduced, along with their translator, as a group of students from Erfurt, Germany who were enjoying their first taste of country music (and loving it from their reactions).  Speaking of Garry Bichelmeyer, he and wife Mary, the group's electric bass player, sang a great duet of "Black Coffee," both returning later: he to sing "Marie" & "Kansas City," she doing "Bill Bailey" and "There He Goes."  It's always a pleasure to hear Art Covey play his mandolin and sing and tonight it was two instrumentals, "Golden Slippers" & "Maiden's Prayer" and two vocals, "Fallen Leaves" and "Royal Telephone."  Gordon Riley's lead guitar and Lou Moore's drums and the rest of the band played some great instrumentals as well tonight with "Gordon's Boogie #2" and "Banks Of The Ohio" among them. 

Among tonight's guests was Mike Hughes whose father Hershel plays lead guitar with Mike Polsgrove's band at the Oregon Opry in Oregon, MO.  We've heard Mike's sister Rhonda sing as well and he proved talent runs deep in his family as he sang "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me," "Your Cheating Heart," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You."  We were really surprised to look up and see Connie Henry and her husband Duane.  Although they live in Kansas City, KS, Connie sang for many years with Delmar Hatcher's band at the opry in Stewartsville, MO.  Tonight she did a bang-up job singing "It Don't Hurt Anymore," "Pass Me By," "Corina Corina" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You" while Duane did some interpetive dancing with some of the 'live wires' that inhabit the Lounge each Tuesday.  Little Sandy Barnett was on hand tonight to sing "Don't Be Angry," Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud" and "Truck Drivin Man" much to the crowd's delight.

It's always a pleasure to see and welcome Larry Smith, one of this area's finest country singers and musicians.  Larry recently underwent a hip replacement, but with the aid of a cane, seems to be getting around very well.  Larry, along with Mike O'Roark will be appearing at the Big Creek Country Show in Pleasant Hill, MO, this Saturday night.  You won't want to miss it.  Tonight he sang "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," Eddie Arnold's "Crying Time," Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," Hag's "Swinging Doors," "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "Folsom Prison Blues" for the exuberant audience.  It was a grand time this evening and we were glad Glen Smith (Glen's Opry, now Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS) could drop in and enjoy it as well.  Connie & Duane closed the show with the spiritual "God On The Mountain."  (Below) top l. Larry Smith r. Connie Henry & husband Duane bottom l. Sandy Barnett r. Mike Hughes

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:01 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 26 September 2007 10:27 PM CDT

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Annie’s Country Jubilee

4^th & Main

Tonganoxie, KS

Is proud to present

Country Music Legend

Jack Greene

October 13, 2007

Two great shows

3:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Ticket Price: $18.00 advance

$20.00 at the door

Call: 1-866-426-6437

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:38 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 23 September 2007 11:43 PM CDT

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In the past whenever we drove the long trek from our homebase in Merriam, KS to Laredo, MO and the Young Country Show, we always drove to Chillicothe via US 36, then took US 65 north to Chula and drove quite a distance on secondary roads to get there.  Using our new GPS tracking device today, we discovered another route and drove I-35 to Winston, MO and took US69/MO6 over to Trenton, MO and it was a very short distance into Laredo via E highway.  There must be some difference in mileage and driving conditions as we arrived a half-hour earlier than we had anticipated and used a lot less gas!

We always enjoy our visits here, and who wouldn't with the great family atmosphere and this band of incredible musicians.  The show started promply at 8 PM and Todd Young who plays bass and emcees the show introduced the Young Country Band: Clitus Meeker, lead guitar- Gene Wyant, rhythm guitar & vocals - Jamie Pauls, keyboards - Rick Phillips, drums - Ann Brock, vocals plus tonight's special guest Teri Henry, keyboards & vocals.  Gene Wyant's beautiful tenor voice started the evening off with Vince Gill's "Oklahoma Borderline," then it was George Jones' "Grand Tour," "Luckenbach, Texas," "Kaw-Liga and a great duet with Ann of "Oklahoma Swing."  Ann Brock showed her great vocal talents here tonight with Suzy Bogguss' "Someday Soon," the Jo Dee Messina hits "Fool Hearted Man" & "Bye Bye," "He's A Heartache,"  a George Jones song entitled "Sometimes You Just Can't Win" and a duet with Todd of the David Frazzel/Shelly West smash, "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma."  Todd himself is quite a vocalist as well as being the group's bass player.  He recalled during the show that the first song he sang from stage was Merle's "Daddy Frank" some 23 years ago.  Tonight he also sang "Small Town Saturday Night," Clint Black's "I'm Leaving Here A Better Man" and "Don't Be Angry" to the audience's delight.  Clitus Meeker amazes us everytime we hear him play that electric guitar.  Tonight, after playing "Nervous Breakdown," he picked and sang "Bony Maroni," "I'm My Own Grandpa" and Jerry Reed's "Lord Mr. Ford (What Have You Done?)" to thunderous applause.  Rick Phillips, the group's drummer, showcased his talent doing a great job on "Wipeout!"

Every time we head up this way for a show we think of Jamie Pauls who is an extraordinary musician who plays keyboard and happens to be blind. His is an extra special talent and it showed threefold here tonight with the addition of guest artist Teri Henry.  It proved to be quite a combo: twin keyboards and Teri's first-rate vocals.  First it was "Bill Bailey," each playing a chorus, setting the twin-keyboard theme, then it was Jamie with an instrumental of the Keith Whitley/Lorrie Morgan song "Till Each Tear Becomes A Rose" and Floyd Cramer's "Last Date."  Teri did a lovely job singing Linda Rhonstadt's "Blue Bayou" and "Tennessee Waltz," then it was Jamie with "Wheels" and Teri again with "Blue Moon Of Kentucky."  It was a wonderful concept and a lot of fun!  As an added surprise, Dean (Pappy) Allnut, 84 years young and a local music legend took the stage and treated everyone to "Truck Driving Man" and "Good Old Mountain Dew."  Jamie Pauls closed the show with "Just A Closer Walk With You."  (Below) top: l. Teri Henry r. Jamie Pauls bottom: Ann Brock & Todd Young harmonize on "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:17 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 23 September 2007 4:14 PM CDT

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H.A.B.O.T. or the Heart Of American Bluegrass & Old Time Music club meets every third Friday of the month from September thru April.  There is a regular stage show but always a lot of jamming in many of the adjacent rooms as well.  There is a snack and beverage bar, a dessert table, prize drawings and always lots and lots of pickers and singers around. 

President Byron Jones and the "house band" (Alan Prater (bass), Kenny Coates (banjo), Walt Weigand (guitar), Mike O'Roark (guitar) & Janice Wolebracht (fiddle)) opened the show with "How I'd Love To Be Alone With You" and "Gotta Travel On."  Kenny Coates had those banjo strings jumpin' with "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" while Mike O'Roark sang a couple of songs from his new gospel CD, "Road To Gloryland" & "Precious Memories," then a crowd favorite: "Old Shep."  After Walt Weigand treated the folks to "Grandfather's Clock," Alan Prater swapped his doghouse bass for a guitar and sang "Meet Me On The Mountain" and "Streets Of Gold" to the crowd's appreciation. We can't for the life of us remember where we've seen and heard Royce King before, but it was sure nice to hear his smooth voice again, singing "House Of Gold" and "Suppertime."  We appreciate Mary Edding's hard work at every H.A.B.O.T. meeting and we surely enjoyed hearing her sing "A Daisy A Day" and "Long Black Train" for the folks.  

The band portion of the program usually consists of three bands which perform several numbers each and tonight the first of these bands was called CC Bluegrass from Cass County, MO and consisted of five senior gentlemen (Jim Sears, fiddle; Bobby Glenn, banjo; Don Duvall, bass; Joe Wilkerson, guitar & Doug Mathis, mandolin) from that area who sure knew their old time music. Among their selections were: "Just Because," "Home Sweet Home," "Blue Bonnet Land," "Hell Among The Yearlings," "Tennessee," "Take This Hammer," "Love Of The Mountain," "John Henry," "Gold Rush," "Frankie & Johnny" and a great gospel medley: I Saw The Light/Somebody Touch Me/I'll Fly Away."  An absolutely great job!  The second group of folks to take the stage are called Clinton County Bluegrass, and right away we noticed a lot of familiar faces: none other than Deryle Cline (guitar), Jean Bartee (vocals), Monty Parker (mandolin & Dobro), Alan Prater (bass) & Jeremy Peiter (banjo & fiddle).  These folks are incredible musicians & singers and everyone enjoyed hearing "Hit Parade Of Love," "Close By," "Swing That Hammer," "Roving Gambler," "You'll Get No More," "Bluegrass Breakdown," "Till The End Of Time," "Mama's Hand," "Somebody Touched Me" and one of our favorite fiddle/mandolin tunes: "Back Up And Push."   The last group of the evening were the Gray Family from St. Joseph, MO and consisted of the dad, Lonnie (guitar), mother Vicki (bass) and daughter Shayla (fiddle & vocals).  Although the son couldn't be here tonight, we thought Shayla had a beautiful voice and we enjoyed hearing "Souling," "Moses On The Mountain," "Wayfaring Stranger," "Green Pastures," "Old Suzanna," "Rank Stranger," "Old Crossroads," "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand," & "Wild Moor" among others.  This was a great start to hopefully another great H.A.B.O.T. season.  See you in October!!  (Below) Royce King sings "Suppertime" with the "house band"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:38 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 22 September 2007 1:15 PM CDT

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We met with Marty Smith for a quick bite at Pegah's Restaurant (75th & Nieman, Shawnee, KS) this afternoon and discussed over lunch his early years and how his musical career evolved.  "I was actually born in England," Marty told us, "But moved here to the States when I was about 3 years old, so I really don't remember much other than being an American."  I went to school in Arkansas, the Mountain View area and became familiar with the old-style of picking and singing as that was where Grandpa Jones was from and we attended the Ozark Mountain Festival there every year.  Although I grew up with this grassroots type of music, in high school I took up rock and roll and it was many years before I would return to it.  Finally, I was at a show in Branson with Mom and Dad and I made the remark, "I bet I could do just as good!"  They didn't think this was possible of course and I set out that very day to do so." 

"By this time we were living in the small town of Cherokee, KS (near Ft. Scott) and I played my first show there at the little theatre in the Spring of 2000.  I only knew two songs all the way through, I sang those and when they wanted more, I didn't have any more so had to beg off.  I worked on my repertoire after that and soon after met Jack Sanders who asked me to sing at the Ft. Scott Opry.  It was quite an adjustment, going from that small theatre in Cherokee to the big stage in Ft. Scott and all those people.  But the audience was so nice and enthusastic, that I began to feel right at home there and became a regular.  I also became a part of a honky tonk band, 'Lighting Creek'  that played in many of the bars and clubs around that area.  When that finally fizzled out, I moved to the Kansas City area and one Saturday evening attended Byron Jones' Northtown Opry.  I asked him during intermission how I might get an interview or audition and he said 'How about the second half?"  And that was my audition, I sang on the second half and I guess I did all right, the people seemed to take to me and I did a lot of work for Byron and still do for that matter. "  Today Marty plays most of the oprys in this area, among them Annie's Country Jubilee, Country Pickin Opry, Middle Creek, Nowata (OK) Country Jubilee, Ft. Scott, Old Town Jamboree and many others. 

"My mom sang a little church music," Marty told us, "But my dad was tone-deaf, couldn't carry a tune.  But he loved country music, even named me after Marty Robbins, his favorite entertainer.  My first CD was a tribute to Marty (is still available) and was very well received and my new CD is being mixed as we speak and should be available by Christmas (what a great X-mas present!)."   If you haven't heard Marty Smith sing Marty Robbins or Jim Reeves (and many others), you owe it to yourself to give this young man a listen.  We understand he is working on a new website www.martysmithcountry.com, which should be up and running before too long.  (Below) the uncomparable Marty Smith

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 2:23 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 21 September 2007 3:58 PM CDT

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It was past 6:30 PM before we were able to get to the Burger King at 95th & Quivera in Lenexa, KS (or the BK Lounge as it is fondly known as) and the jam was already going strong, Larry Dean doing a bang-up job singing the Merle Haggard hit, "Big River." He later sang "I Am A Pilgram," Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," Charlie Daniels' "Long-Haired Country Boy" and "That'll Be All Right," much to the audience's delight.  Art Covey played a great mandolin solo with the band on "Redwing," then sang a old Grandpa Jones tune, "Falling Leaves" and "Rebel Soldier."  Gordon Riley, Lou Moore and the rest of the band played some great instrumentals tonight, "Ghost Riders In The Sky" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" among them.  Mary Bichelmeyer (bass guitar) sang "Walk The Way The Wind Blows," "Satin Sheets" and Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" while husband Garry sang a couple of songs he has written, "Marie" and "Nodaway River."  It's always great to see Annie Little and tonight she sang "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind," "Somewhere Between" and "Jesus Got A Hold Of My Life" beautifully.

It was a neat surprise to see Marty Smith walk through the doors about 8:00 and head for the bandstand.  He got the audience worked up to say the least as he sang George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," Marty Robbins' (his speciality) "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," "White Sport Coat" and Travis Tritt's T.R.O.U.B.L.E..  Great stuff! Amanda Brock has sung at many of the local oprys and shows in past years, but has been busy with family and work recently.  We were sure glad she was able to stop in tonight and treat us all to some great singing with Anne Murray's "Snowbird," "When You Say Nothing At All," "Before The Next Teardrop Falls," "Daddy's Hands" and Janie Fricke's "I'll Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry."  The band closed with "Good Night Irene."  (Below) Amanda Brock with Larry Dean

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:19 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 19 September 2007 11:44 PM CDT

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