We actually arrived a little earlier than usual at the BK tonight and the place was packed nevertheless as more and more folks are learning about the opportunity to grab a little supper and enjoy an evening of great classic country music played by some top-notch musicians. We were also happy to see Jerry & Carol Smith from Weatherby Lake were able to make it down for a show. Jerry & Carol are Wednesday night regulars at Dirk's Bar & Grille, located near I-29 & Barry Rd. in the Northland, where the late Mike O'Roark played for so many years.
Emcee Larry Dean kicked the evening off singing Merle Haggard's "Ramblin Fever" and the late Dan Seals' "God Must Be A Cowboy." Later he returned with Gene Vincent's "Bebop A Lula," "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "Let's Fall To Pieces Together." David Purcell, whose show at Annie's last weekend was snowed out and rescheduled for June 6th, was up next and sounded marvelous singing Willie Nelson's "Remember Me," Gary Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star," "On The Road Again," "Tennessee Bird Walk" and "It's Not Love, But It's Not Bad." Gordon Riley with John Malone on drums and the rest of the band sounded marvelous playing "Buckaroo," "Bells Of St. Mary," "Birth Of The Blues" and "Old Country Love In My Heart" (which featured Gordon's vocal work as well!). "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee joined the group again tonight and treated the crowd to some great fiddling on "Jersey Bounce," "San Antonio Rose," "Ragtime Annie" (wonder who requested that? <wink>) and a vocal on Hank Williams' "Move It On Over."
Mary Bichelmeyer sure sounded good tonight as she sang Patsy's "Walkin After Midnight," "Don't Tell Me What To Do," "Sentimental Old You" (our request) and "Walk The Way The Wind Blows." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer did a great duet with Larry Dean of the Soggy Bottom Boys' "I'm In The Jailhouse Now" then it was "Marie," "Catch A Falling Star" and of course, the original song he sang at Dirk's last Wednesday, "Mike's Guitar." Annie Little also sang a Garry Bichelmeyer tonight, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" before closing the evening with "Just In Case You Change Your Mind" and "A Very Special Grace." (Below) (l.) Carol and (r.) Jerry Smith enjoying the evening at the B.K. Lounge