Tonight it was back up north of the river to Dirks where the late Mike O'Roark's band, the Nitty Gritty Dirks Band, still plays every Wednesday night.  As the second part of the evening is always "open mike" the gang from the BK Lounge or Stranger Creek, as they call themselves,  joined other gifted musicians from the area to make this a truly memorial evening.  Roger Brough, accompanied by son Chris Brough on lead guitar, C. J. Sanders on bass and Donn Weisser on drums, began the evening's festivities with "Why Don't You Love Me," "Blow Up Your Tepee," Tom T. Hall's "Watermelon Wine" & "Pamela Brown," "Old 97," and Hank Thompson's "6 Pack To Go."  C. J. gave us an idea of his vocal abilities as he sang the smooth "Scotch & Soda," and "Homegrown Tomatoes,"  then Roger returned with "Roustabout," Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "Way Down Town," "My Window Faces The South," Rodney Crowell's "She Keeps My Feet On The Ground," "Mama Tried To Tell Me" and joined by wife Sondra Brough on vocals and Alan White on flute, "The Weight."  This band really rocks!! 

When it became time for Stranger Creek to perform, Larry Dean stepped front and center to sing Merle Haggard's "Ramblin' Fever" before Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer did a great duet of Juice Newton's "Black Coffee."  Then it was Garry with his original songs, the whimiscal "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died" and "Mike's Guitar," a song he wrote and recently recorded about the late Mike O'Roark who performed here at Dirks for so many years, from the perspective of his guitar.  David Purcell, who had been playing drums, stepped front and center to sing a couple of Willie-sound alikes, "Remember Me" and "On The Road Again" along with "A Once In A Lifetime Thing."  Gordon Riley played an awesome solo of "Buckaroo" before Larry Dean closed the set with Ricky Skaggs' "Hiway 40 Blues."

Alan White is a local musician who also writes a lot of original material and has supported the Wednesday night session here at Dirks for many years now.  Tonight he picked and sang "Runaway Train," "Another Mistake" and accompanied by Jennifer O'Brien & Sondra Brough, "Time Flies" and "Mid Life Crisis Mobile," before giving way to "Grocery" Jim Phillilpie, who got his nickname from the Price Chopper he manages in Leavenworth, KS.  Jim began his set with "Here's To The Workin' Man" and followed it with "Lincoln Duncan Is My Name," "Farewell To The Gold" and "Love Is The Cross To Bear."

Whether you call it a mouth harp, harmonica or wind organ, Don Spain is the absolute master of it.  The crowd here certainly knew it and gave him a huge ovation as he played, accompanied by Roger & the band, "Rolling In My Sweet Baby's Arms," "Rocky Road Blues, Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues," "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You" and "Dear Old Dixie."  It's so great to see Kathy Lynn out and about again and tonight she did a terrific job singing Hank Sr.'s "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," Bobby Gentry's "Tallahatachie Bridge" and shades of the Blues Brothers -- "Sweet Home Chicago."  As a reminder, Kathy Lynn & David Purcell will be appearing at Annie's Country Jubilee in early June.  Don't want to miss that one!

Thanks to everyone who made this such an exciting evening here at Dirks.  The food was outstanding and the service was the best -- especially with Lisa, the world's greatest waitress!!  (Below)  top - Stranger Creek  middle - Don Spain  bottom - Kathy Lynn

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 9:37 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 24 April 2009 10:56 PM CDT

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We arrived extremely late at the BK tonight due to a long day at work (don't ya hate it when work interfers with fun?) and were surprised to see the huge crowd.  Larry Dean (Inman)'s brother, sister, wife Rosey and other relatives and friends gathered here tonight to watch the band perform and have a great time.

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who playes fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night was giving the folks a sample of his vast talents as he sang and played the old Bob Wills classic "Milk Cow Blues" as we found our seats and then was kind enough to send our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," out to us.  Later, Marvin returned with "Black Mountain Rag" and Maiden's Prayer."  It was great seeing in the audience tonight, Glen Smith, who owned & operated Glen's Opry in Tonganoxie, KS for so many years before it became Annie's.  Glen and yours truly were classmates in high school, so it's always a pleasure to see him.

Mary Bichelmeyer got a big ovation as she sang "Please Release Me" and "Don't Come Cryin To Me When It's Over" while husband Garry brought the house down with some original material ("Marie," "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died," "Bustin' Up Rocks") as well as Hank Sr.'s Kaw-Liga and John Anderson's "Seminole Wind."  Larry Dean, backed by this great band including Gordon Riley on lead guitar and John Malone on drums, did just an incredible job singing Don Williams' "Lord I Hope This Day Is Good," Vern Gosdin's "Nickels & Dimes & Love" and "I Loved Them Everyone."  We always look forward to hearing David Purcell sing, he's a natural, that's for sure!  Tonight he started with a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," then it was Hank Sr.'s "Move It On Over," "That's The Way Love Goes" and "Tennessee Birdwalk."

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 22 April 2009 11:51 AM CDT

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Tonight finds us in Ft. Scott, Kansas to attend that community's latest country music venture, the Ft. Scott Jamboree held every Saturday night at historical Memorial Hall and hosted by Shawn and Collette Pittman.  Although this was only their third show, signs of cohesiveness appear and one has the feeling that something important is about to happen.  The Jamboree band features unbelievably talented 14 yr. old Austin Stewart on steel and dobro, Doug Fuller of Joplin on drums, Lee Ogle playing bass who hails from Baxter Springs, KS, Lou Davidson, Radley, KS who handles duties on lead guitar, keyboards and harmonica, and of course, Sean Pittman,  one of the best we've heard on fiddle & mandolin.

The evening's festivities began with "Sweet Georgia Brown" featuring Shawn on the mandolin.  Later, he was to return fiddle in hand, to do just an incredible job with "Ragtime Annie," "Back Up And Push," "Red Wing," "Faded Love" and "Orange Blossom Special."  We got a glimpse of the talent of young Austin Stewart as he played steel on "Boot Hill Drag" and "Steel Guitar Rag" as well as his little brother Dalton (11 yrs. old), who played Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" and "Surf Board Boogie" on the piano!  Multi-talented Lou Davidson showed his vocal prowess singing Josh Turner's "Long Black Train" and Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire" while drummer Doug Fuller did a super job with "Wipe Out" and sounded great singing Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool."  We have always enjoyed listening to Collette Pittman's beautiful voice and were disappointed that she only sang a couple of numbers tonight.  She did a wonderful job as always, singing Tammy Wynette's "Apartment #9 and "Summertime."

We met Ginelle Esry and her family last year when she appeared at the previous show here in Ft. Scott and were amazed at the voice and talent this young lady (only an 8th grader) possesses.  She has won almost every singing contest she has entered and tonight showed her versatility with Tanya Tucker's "San Antonio Stroll," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," Patsy's "Walkin After Midnight" and "San Antonio Rose."  Ken Phagley has always been a favorite of ours.  This gentleman, who has sang at almost every major venue we can think of, certainly got himself a bunch of new fans here tonight as he entertained them with "Johnny B. Goode," Jerry Lee's "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On," "Make The World Go Away," "Jailhouse Rock," "Help Me Make It Through The Night," "Let's All Go Down To The River" and was joined by Ginelle & Collette on "Kansas City."  He also introduced Kenneth Cole who sang Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon" and Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."  Ike Richardson of Nevada, MO gave it his all, singing Marty Robbins' "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife."

Another of the evening's highlights saw the group go accoustical and play bluegrass-style an instrumental featuring Shawn's fiddle of "Bile That cabbage Down" and a singalong of "You Are My Sunshine"  The cast joined Ken in singing "Amazing Grace" to close out the evening.  (Below)  Ken, Ginelle & Collette pose backstage

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:37 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 19 April 2009 11:42 PM CDT

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About once every couple of weeks or so, the Ribbon Room which is located just behind Shawnee (KS) city hall at 11211 W. 58th St., features Kansas City's own resident standup comedian, singer, picker and all-round entertainment guru, Calvin Cooledge along with drummer/washboard strummer Lou Moore.  Make no mistake about it, this team is world-class entertainment, and as a matter of fact have just returned from Mexico's Riveria Nayarit, where they have been performing for the past three months at variious clubs and casinos during tourist season there. 

Meeting some friends tonight, we arrived at the Ribbon Room a little early, but bartender/waiter Matt made us feel right at home with cool drinks, a bowl of bean soup & cornbread for me and a gigantic hot dog for Miss Jean.  As we waited for Calvin & Co. to set up, a great couple, Kathy & Marvin introduced themselves as longtime customers here and mentioned that the Ribbon Room and it's predecessors have been at this location for over 40 years.  We found it to be a cozy atmosphere and super acoustics which proved to be the almost perfect venue for this type performance.

Calvin's comedic stylings, his timing and stage presence are impeccable.  Whether it was "G" rated (on the economy - it's so bad the Dollar Store now has layaway! -- Social Security asked me if I'd take a buy out!), RAW or maybe just a little undercooked -- the man is just FUNNY!  And no one is safe, not audience members (is that a haircut or are you going to the electric chair?), family members (it takes my brother Paul an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes!) or even himself (I used to be a sugar daddy, but since I got diabetes I'm a Splenda daddy).  Add to this mix the awesome musical talent as well.  He can sing and play almost any song you can think of  -- never looking at a note or sheet of music!  Visiting with Lou after the set, he remarked that Calvin must know at least 800-900 songs from memory. 

Starting with the self written, whimiscal "I'm Drinking Dinner Again," Calvin showed great versatility with Tompall Glazer's "Put Another Log On The Fire," George Hamilton IV's "Abilene," the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved," Ricky Nelson's "I'm A Travelin Man," "Livin' Alone" and David Alan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name."  Close behind were Jimmy Buffet's "Margaretaville," "Bill Bailey," Hank Sr.'s "Hey Good Lookin'," Herman Hermits' "Henry The 8th," another of Calvin's songs "Bucerias Blues" about the Mexican town where Lou has his winter home, Roger Miller's "Kansas City Star," "King Of The Road" and Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring Of Fire" and "Jackson."  The evening wound down with "Proud Mary," "This Land Is Your Land" and "Good Night Sweetheart."

We throughly enjoyed ourselves and recommend that if you'd enjoy a great evening of adult entertainment that you make it a point to contact the Ribbon Room at 913-631-1131 to see when you can catch Calvin & Lou's fantastic show.  (Below) Calvin Cooledge & Lou Moore

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 19 April 2009 12:37 PM CDT

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As Larry Dean kicked off tonight's session with Hank Williams' "Settin The World On Fire" and Merle's "Ramblin Fever," little Matthew Gilmore took his customary place near the bandstand, setting up his bright green plastic floor mike and strumming his pint-sized guitar in perfect rhythm.  Tomorrow is Matthew's 5th birthday and the band, the audience, even the restaurant worksrs joined in singing "Happy Birthday."   His dad, Scott Gilmore showed he also is blessed with musical abilities first singing "Boot Scootin Boogie" and later Conway Twitty's "Tight Fitting Jeans." 

The band featuring Gordon Riley on lead and John Malone on drums, did an excellent job on "Mona Lisa," "Interstate Rag," "Buckaroo/Gordon's Rag," "Ghost Riders In The Sky" (Larry - vocals), "Bells Of St. Mary's" and "Honky Tonk."  We visited for a bit with John Malone at intermission and learned he is originally from Lawrence, KS where as a youngster he bought a set of drums from Dewey Richardson and got much of his knowledge and experience from playing jams, dance bands and the like around town.  While playing with a blues band, it was discovered John was adept playing bass as well!  He played with Jimmy Rodgers (whom we heard last year at Leland Jones' Country Pickin Opry) and for Byron Jones in Richmond, MO at the old Farris Theatre.  Recalling those days, he remembered playing with Tommy Cash who wouldn't sing any of his brother Johnny's songs ("I don't see why I should; he doesn't sing any of mine!"), Buck Trent who played banjo for Porter Wagoner for so many years, Randy Travis and Larry Moore, who although he has been a television newscaster on KMBC for over three decades, could have been a singer or stand-up comedian if he had chosen, according to John.  John, plays drums for Stranger Creek and in addition to the BK, plays at the Grinter Barn Jamboree held every 1st & 3rd Thursdays.

After Mary Bichelmeyer did an outstanding job with "Don't Tell Me What To Do," "Bill Bailey," "Your Cheating Heart" and "I'd Rather Be A Poorman's Woman," husband Garry Bichelmeyer shared his songwriting genius with "Marie," "Bustin' Up Rocks," "Mike's Guitar" and Ricky Skaggs' "Crying My Heart Out Over You."  Larry Dean returned to treat the listeners as well as the dancers with "Hot Flash On A Cold Winter Chill," Vern Gosdin's "Would These Arms Be In Your Way," Chuck Berry's "Memphis Tennessee," Merle's "I Had A Beautiful Time," "House Of Blue Lights," "Stagger Lee" and "Big River."  It was nice to see Larry's wife, Rosey behind the big white dog house bass tonight as well.

Calvin Cooledge, KC's resident comedian who has been in Mexico for the past three months entertaining in various spots, dropped in to visit and share a few songs with us.  After remarking that he was starting a new business - he intends to import Mexican water to KC and resell it as stool softner LOL- Calvin got a huge hand as he sang Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons," Waylon's "She's A Good Hearted Woman," "You've Got Me Singing The Blues" and a 50's medley: Richey Valens' "Donna/Dream/Blue Moon/Angel Baby/Goodbye My Love."  Good to see Calvin again and look for him at the Rainbow Lounge in Shawnee, KS this Friday.  (Below) John Malone 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:46 PM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 18 April 2009 2:57 PM CDT

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It was just an incredible evening's entertainment here at Dennis Dittemore's Big Creek Country Show which is located on the square in Pleasant Hill, MO.  From the time the curtain opened with Larry Ellis fiddling "Snowflake Breakdown" until the final curtain closed there was hardly a pause in the high energy packed evening.  Larry returned later with the old fiddle tune “Bill Cheatum” along with his customary bevy of corny jokes (what does a guy have who has a car with a Toyota transmission, a Ford interior and a Chevy engine?  3 years & 2 months in prison). Jim Lower, who did a fabulous job all evening on lead guitar, Kevin Hoff on drums, Mike Campbell on bass and the rest of the band gave the audience a sample of what was in store with "Raisin' The Dickens."  Jim was to return a little later with "All My Old Friends" and "I'll See You In My Dreams."  As well as owning and emceeing the Big Creek Country Show every Saturday night, Dennis Dittemore is blessed with one of the finest male voices around and tonight he got a big ovation as he sang Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochee" and Marty Robbins' "Love Me."  Debbie Martin (or Debbie Erikson for you radio listeners) sounded so good as she sang “It’s A Girl’s Night Out” and Crystal Gayle’s “I’ve Got My Baby On My Mind”  and somewhat later, Dennis’ wife Cindy Crowe Dittemore used her beautiful voice to sing “Desperado” and then joined Dennis, Debbie & David Taylor as the Big Creek Quartet sang some Easter favorites: “He Touched Me” and “Rise Again.”  Our friend Phil Hilton did a magnificent job on the keyboards, tonight playing Jesse Coulter’s “I’m Not Lisa” and “Canon In C.” 

We’ve heard a lot of great singers throughout the years and one of the best we’ve run across is Pleasant Hill native Mike Bowman.  As a matter of fact, along with Anne Brock, he graces the very first photo we published in our Artist’s Pages several years ago.  Tonight he sounded as good as ever, showing his versatility on numbers such as Jim Ed Brown’s “Pop A Top Again,” Merle Haggard’s “Things Aren’t Funny Anymore,” Johnny Duncan’s “It Couldn’t Have Been Any Better,” “Corina, Corina” and Merle’s “My House Of Memories.”  Great stuff!!

We couldn’t remember where we’d seen Wade Benson Landry until he began to perform and then we recalled he used to open for Buck Trent when he had the early morning show at the Dinner Bell Theatre in Branson where, like this evening he combined his unbelievably hot fiddling with Cajun, traditional country, western swing and gospel music.  Originally from Abbeville, Louisiana, to hear Wade tell it, he’s 122% Cajun and his side-splitting Cajun humor certainly proves that.  Formerly with the Mel Tillis show, the Grand Ladies show and Silver Dollar City’s Echo Hollow as Branson’s Fiddle Player of the Year as well as Buck Trent’s, Wade along with wife Teresa Bowe Landry now have their own show, “Swingin’ Cajun Style” at the God and Country Theatre in Branson (417-334-6806 for information or www.godandcountrytheatre.com).  Wade began his set with perhaps the most famous Cajun song of them all:  Hank Williams Sr.’s “Jambalaya” and then it was Ray Price’s “Invitation To The Blues” and “Big Mamou.”  Later, “San Antonio Rose” was followed by “Faded Love/Maiden’s Prayer” and “Cajun Fals Do Do” or Cajun Street Dance.  We found Wade to be a terrific entertainer and one you won’t want to miss whenever you get the opportunity.

Wade’s wife, Teresa Bowe Landry you might say, was born to be an entertainer.  Her dad, George Bowe (or Cuz’n Pud as he is more commonly known as) owned and operated an opry in Laredo, MO for many years where many Grand Old Opry stars would stop by and visit and is a wonderful singer, picker and comedy genius in his own right.  We understood from Teresa that he was with his other daughter tonight who, with her husband is now operating the Ft. Scott Jamboree in Ft. Scott, KS. (We will be visiting there next Saturday.)  After returning from Nashville where she had resided for the past 5 years, Teresa and Wade were married this past January and now call Branson home. Make no mistake about it…..this little gal can sing!  Beginning with one of our favorite Janie Fricke songs “Do Me With Love,” it was Brenda Lee’s “Too Many Rivers,” a Bob Wills classic “Sugar Moon,” Buck Owens’ “Excuse Me” and Patsy’s “Sweet Dreams.”  Great job Teresa!!

The only thing that would come close to beating any of this would be Larry Ellis & Wade Landry playing twin fiddles on the “Orange Blossom Special”  and wouldn’t you know it?  That’s the way this terrific evening ended!  Happy Easter everyone!   (Below) top- Wade Benson Landry & Teresa Bowe Landry  bottom – the fabulous Mike Bowman

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:09 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 12 April 2009 3:58 PM CDT

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We always have such a great time whenever we visit all the fine folks at Wayne Hoover's Countryside Jamboree which is held in Cameron, MO, each and every Friday night.  Not only are Wayne and the Countrysiders a great band to listen to, we always enjoy watching the great dancers that assemble here every week and the talented walk-ons that perform as well.  We arrived a few minutes after 7 PM to find a larger than usual crowd taking advantage of the mild weather and Shirley Hoover's well-stocked snack bar.  As the magic hour of 7:30 rolled around, the lights dimmed and Billy Dean Bennett opened the evening with a classic fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie."

Wayne Hoover's first number was "Helpless" and he was to return with "Just Walk On By," Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethovan, Conway Twitty's "I Just Destroyed The World I'm Living In," "Whiskey Stained Guitar," George Jones' "Old Old House" and Jimmy Rogers "California Blues."  Billy Dean who sings and  plays lead guitar as well as the fiddle for the Countrysiders, did a super job with Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," Trace Atkins "Next Tme I'm Gonna Marry For Money," "The Key's In The Mailbox," "City Lights" and another Brooks & Dunn number, "Rock My World Little Country Girl."  Billy Dean's wife, Lisa Marie Bennett, the group's drummer showed her vocal skills on Highway 101'a "Walkin' Talkin' Cryin' Barely Beatin' Broken Heart," "Whiskey If You Were A Woman," "Heartaches By The Number," a duet with Billy Dean of "Jackson" and "The Heartache's On Me."  Wayne Leslie aptly handled the bass duties tonight and did a super job singing Ray Price's "The Other Woman" and "Take Me As I Am Or Let Me Go" while Bill Rankin did an outstanding job with "Just Because," "Someday You'll Want Me," "Playboy," "When Two Worlds Collide" and "Kentucky/Tennessee Waltzes" (Wayne Hoover, vocals).

There were some great walk-on tonight as well with Charlie Curtis sounding super as he sang "Blues Stay Away Me" and with Debbie Shirley a duet of the Keith Whitley/Lorrie Morgan "Till Each Tear You Cry Becomes A Rose."  It's always such a pleasure hearing the smooth delivery of Elmer Clark who tonight sang "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy" and "All My Ex's Live In Texas" while Larry Robinson gave it his all on "Good Hearted Woman" and "Walking In The Shadows Of My Mind."  Little Peggy Wheeler had 15 couples participating as she called the Virginia Reel to the tune of "Down Yonder" before Debbie Shirley returned to sing "Blue Eyes Cryin In The Rain" and "Lay Down Beside Me" for the enthusastic crowd.  Riley Crawford of Marshall, MO had 'em grinnin' as he sang Del Reeves "Sweet Thang" and "I'm So Afraid Of Losing You."  The last dance of the evening was the "Waterfall" dance where the fellas & gals mix it up and featured Lisa singing "Daddy's Hands," Billy Dean, "Blue House Painted White" and Wayne Hoover "Bebop A Lula," a Gene Vincent tune.  (Below) The Countrysiders 4-10-09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 2:13 AM CDT

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What a blessing it is for folks like us who enjoy classic country to be able to take a Tuesday evening off from the rigors of everyday life and sit back, relax and listen to a live band play our kind of music.  Tonight, with the temperatures on the rise, a big crowd clapped and hollered as emcee Larry Dean began the evening's festivities with Ricky Skaggs' "Hiway 40 Blues."  Later, he was able to fullfill some requests from some '50's rock fans as he sang "Return To Sender," "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues," "Shake, Rattle & Roll," then it was "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "I'm Goin Back To Louisiana" and a beautiful job on "P.S. I Love You."  Gordon Riley (lead guitar), John Malone (drums) and the band did a great job on "Birth Of The Blues," "Wheels," "Honky Tonk" and "Harbor Lights" plus "Love's Gonna Live Here Again" with Gordon doing the vocal. 

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who fiddles up a storm every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie was here to play with the gang tonight and he did a little singing as well as fiddling on "Rubber Dolly" and "Faded Love."  Later it was Hank Williams' "Move It On Over," "Milk Cow Blues," "Red Wing" and "Ragtime Annie."  David Purcell was here tonight as well, singing "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad," Garry Bichelmeyer's "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and his best impression of Willie with "Remember Me." 

Mary Bichelmeyer's smooth, mellow voice sounded great tonight as she sang "Keeps Right On A'Hurtin" and "Satin Sheets" while husband Garry Bichelmeyer sounded dandy as well with "Old Memory" and "Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow."  Their duet of "Black Coffee" got them a huge hand from the appreciative audience.  Annie Little, who was in the audience tonight, also got a big hand as she sang "Just Because You Love Again" and "That's How Much I Love You."

With Easter just around the corner, Larry Dean closed the evening with Vern Gosdin's "Love Rolled The Stone Away."  (Below)  The B.K. Lounge 4-7-09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:15 PM CDT

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Western swing at it's finest was the order of the day as Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel played for scores of "Wheel" fans who crowded into Knuckleheads tonight.  The band which started in 1970 and has undergone many changes over the years, has collectively won nine Grammy awards.  With Ray Benson on lead and vocals, Jason Roberts on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Dave Sanger on drums, David Miller on bass, John Whitey on piano, Eddie Rivers on steel & saxophone and Elizabeth McQueen on rhythm guitar & vocals, they not only played many of the Bob Wills original tunes they are noted for, but many of the numbers from their new album "Willie & The Wheel," which features the great Willie Nelson.

Starting with "Miles & Miles Of Texas," Don't Fence Me In," and "Route 66" Ray turned the reins over to Elizabeth for "I'm An Old Cowhand From The Rio Grande" and Jason Roberts on "A Six Pack To Go."  "Goodbye Liza Jane" was followed by "San Antonio Rose," "Faded Love" and "Big Balls In Cowtown."  Later, it was a number from the new album entitled "Hesitation Blues," then "Sweet Jenny From Sunny Tennessee," Bob Wills' "Sittin' On Top Of The World," "Oh You Pretty Woman," a song written here in Kansas City by Bennie Moten - "South," "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie," and "I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine."  After "Poncho & Lefty," "Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground" and "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," Ray and the band got a huge ovation for "Kansas City," "Hot Rod Lincoln" and "House Of Blue Lights."  As an encore, it was the Roy Rogers theme song, "Happy Trails To You" and the 1940 Bob Wills radio introduction "We're The Texas Playboys From The Lonestar State."

This huge crowd throughly enjoyed themselves, many of them dancing to each and every song.  We were pleased to see Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius (she sat a couple of tables away from us) step away from the political arena long enough to enjoy this great musical evening.   Thanks to Frank Hicks who seems to always book these great entertainers ...... keep up the good work!  (Below) top - Asleep At The Wheel  bottom - Ray Benson

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:47 PM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 7 April 2009 4:36 PM CDT

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As Chris Fisher & Lani Novak of Country Legends Radio 106.9 stepped in front of the big red curtain to welcome one and all to tonight's special: The Jack Greene Show, latecomers were scurrying to their seats in the packed auditorium.  The big news other than the great show which lay ahead tonight was the 2nd Chris & Lani cruise which will be this January and will feature none other than Annie Dunivan and her Annie's Country Jubilee band.  For more information use this link: http://www.countrylegends1069fm.com/.

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who used to play fiddle for Hank Thompson and now graces the stage at Annie's each & every Saturday night, began the evening with a crowd favorite "Orange Blossom Special."  Then it was Annie herself who welcomed everyone with "Come On In" and later Porter Wagoner's "Slew Foot," Patsy's "Walking After Midnight," "Sittin' On Ruby's Stool" and a cut from her new CD, "A-11."  Bassist Ted Ward showed off his vocal talents with "Fall In Love Again" and his pretty wife, Ronni Ward used her incredible voice to sing "Blue Side Of Town" and Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart." 

Emcee, troubadour and all around nice guy Jim Winters gave us a real treat as he sang Ray Price's "Better Class Of Losers" and Merle Haggard's "Diana" before introducing Annie's lead guitar and musical director, David George who played and sang Ronnie Milsap's "Pure Love" and the Buck Owens classic "Act Naturally" as only he can.  Classy little Hailey Walter got a big ovation as she sang Ray Price's "Pride" and Tammy Wynette's "She Didn't Color Daddy" and Fred Uzzell got the feet tappin as he played "Steel Guitar Rag" on his triple deck Remington.  After drummer Steve Staub sang Ray Price's "Crazy Arms" Ronni Ward ("Blue Bayou") & Haylie Walter ("Hard-Hearted Woman") closed the first half.

Jack Greene is indeed a legend in country music.  Beginning his musical career as a drummer and later vocalist with the Ernest Tubb band, he went on to forge a career that would make him a world wide celebrity and member of the Grand Ole Opry.  Tonight was a pleasant stroll back through time as he sang many old favorites including "Highway To The Sky," This One Belongs To Me," "Try A Little Kindness," "The Last Letter," "Walking The Floor Over You," "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me," "Waling On New Grass," "I Need Someone Bad Tonight," "Follow Me," "There's A Whole Lot About A Woman (That A Man Don't Know)," and a medley "All The Time/There Goes My Everything/Statue Of A Fool."  Jack, resplendent in his Manual jacket along with his manager LeeAnn of L & L Management stayed to sign autographs, photos & albums until everyone was taken care of.  A true Country Music Gentleman!  (Below)  Country Music Legend Jack Greene performs at Annie's Country Jubilee

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 6 April 2009 8:27 AM CDT

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