With Larry Dean & wife Rosey taking a well-deserved vacation, some of this area's finest musicians gathered at the BK tonight to help fill the void.  Scott Lane, who has appeared here several times in the past and whose band, the Brush Hogs plays at several local venues, started the evening off with "Oh, Lonesome Me" and "Whiskey Bent & Heaven Bound."  Scott returned a little later to put his talents to work on "This Killin' Time Is Killin' Me," Marty Robbins' "El Paso, " Waylon's "Lukenbach Texas" with David Purcell singing the Willie Nelson parts and "Louisiana Saturday Night." 

David chose a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star" to start his set, then it was another Willie sound-alike of "Remember Me," Merle's "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad" and Old Blue Eyes' "On The Road Again." to the delight of the big crowd tonight.  As well as doing his usual excellent job on the lead guitar tonight, Gordon Riley did a bang-up job singing Merle Haggard's "Big City" and with John Malone and the rest of the band played the beautiful "Bells Of St. Mary."  We felt blessed to be able to see and hear "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier again  tonight, so soon after our trip to Iowa last Sunday.  Cranking up that fiddle, it was first "Buttermilk Skies," "Sugar Foot Rag," "The Waltz I Saved For You," "Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette" (vocals & fiddle) and the classic "Rubber Dolly." 

Mary Bichelmeyer does an excellent job every Tuesday on the electric bass and tonight did a swell job singing the Judd's "Grandpa" and "I'm Blue Again" as well. Hubby Garry can not only write some great songs, but is quite a vocalist in his own right.  Tonight it was Hank's "Kaw-Liga," "Bustin' Up Rocks," "Marie" and "Tonganoxie," the last three, his compositions.   Pama Weaver played rhythm guitar this evening and sounded so good singing Hank Sr.'s "When My Sweet Love Ain't Around" and "Jimmy Brown The Newsboy."  Annie Little did her usual great job on "Somewhere Between Me And You" and "Let Me Be There" and it was so nice seeing Connie Henry drop in tonight and get a big hand as she sang "You Win Again" and "It Don't Hurt Anymore."

 Garry Bichelmeyer closed the evening with a Terry Smith gospel number "The Farside Banks Of Jordan."  (Below) Connie Henry, Scott Lane & Marvin Bredemeier

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

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Over 50 country music lovers boarded the big Crossroad Tours bus in front of Annie's Country Jubilee Theatre in Tonganoxie, KS early this morning bound for Allerton, IA and Beth Hunter's Night Sky Opry.  Stopping briefly at the Lawson/Holt exit on I-35 to pick up David George, Annie's musical director and lead guitarist and Marvin Bredemeier, Annie's fine fiddle player, their family and friends and again at Toot-Toot's Restaurant in Bethany, MO for lunch, we rolled up in front of the Allerton Community Center, a half-hour before showtime, greeted by Beth and husband Frank. 

Marvin and Vance Monday kicked off this great show in a classic fashion, playing "Back Up And Push" on twin fiddles and a little later in the evening, returned with "Ragtime Annie" and "Bile That Cabbage Down."  Vance got a big hand as he returned to his regular haunt behind the steel guitar, and played a song he wrote sometime ago to commemorate this very show entitled "Night Sky" while Marvin made the rosin fly with the "Beaumont Rag" and "Orange Blossom Special."  Lila Monday, Vance's wife, hit a home run, singing "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "Invisible Tears" and "Mr. Man In The Moon" and we always enjoy listening to Night Sky's song stylist and bass player Mark Bailey sing and tonight it was "You And Me Goin' Fishin' In The Dark" and "Hillbilly Rock" a little later in the show.  Drummer Jim Robinson showed his vocal talents off with a song written by Dave Irwin (Beth Irwin or Lizzie Lou's husband) entitled "Say A Prayer For Daddy" and returned the second half with Waylon's "Can't You See."  Jim's brother Tom Robinson who handles both the lead guitar and keyboard duties here at Night Sky got a big hand as he sang the jaunty "Watermellon Crawl" for the appreciative audience. David George played some awesome licks here tonight and was featured on vocals by his two favorite artists, Buck Owens' "Love's Gonna Live Here Again" and John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."

Beth Hunter will never be remembered as just a singer.......she is a consumate entertainer who makes every song an adventure.  She began the evening singing "Who Says You Can't Go Home" with Tom Robinson, then it was a couple of Anne Murray songs, "A Love Song" and "Snowbird," "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I," "Never Ending Love For You," "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On," Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart" and with help from Annie & the crew, her patent "Washing Machine Song."

Johnny Hudson is one of those rare individuals who we believe can sing anything and make it sound great.  He will be appearing at Riordan Hall, Belle Vista, AR with Vance & Lila Monday at their country show, May 22nd and every 4th Saturday of the month thereafter.  Tonight he showed his great versatility and range with "Crying My Heart Out Over You," "Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes," Tracy Lawrence's "Paint Me A Birmingham," Willie Nelson's "Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground" and returned the second half with "Make The World Go Away," "Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine" and Travis Tritt's "Anymore." Great performance!

Although her CD "Memories Of Nashville" was actually released almost two months ago, Annie Dunavin was presented a big bouquet of roses by Beth, who along with the audience congratulated her on the success her project has enjoyed, both here and abroad.  If you haven't had the opportunity to purchase this CD, we highly recommend you consider it.  It's a great tribute to classic country music and details are available at Annie's website: www.anniescountryjubilee.com .  Annie began her set tonight with Connie Smith's "Nobody But A Fool," then "Don't Touch Me," "Bonaparte's Retreat," "Slewfoot," "A-11," "If The Truth Hurts" and just an incredible job on "Sweet Memories."  The entire crew joined Annie on stage to close the show with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."   Thanks to Terry & Annie Dunavin - Frank & Beth Hunter for their kindness and hospitality  (Below) The Night Sky Opry 5-3-09 l. to r.  David George, Mark Bailey, Marvin Bredemeier, Jim Robinson, Beth Hunter, Johnny Hudson, Lila Monday, Vance Monday, Annie Dunavin, Tom Robinson

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 5 May 2009 3:17 PM CDT

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Tonight we took advantage of a cool, crisp evening with no rain or other atmospheric disturbances to spoil it, and rode up with some friends to Byron Jones' Northtown Opry which is now located just a bit north of Edgerton, MO as many of you know. The old Union Mill Opry building, now known as the Byron Jones Theatre has plenty of parking with helpful attendants, a full service snack bar run by Byron's wife Donna and comfortable seating throughout.  The Northtown Opry through the years has been the measuring stick that other shows are always compared to and tonight's show certainly fell into that catagory.

After the band, with Teresa Ann Cook on bass, Vance Monday on steel & dobro, Ted Cline on lead guitar & fiddle and Jim Lower, Jr. on drums, opened the show with "Wildwood Flower" Byron welcomed everyone with the Porter Wagoner classic "Company's Comin Up The Road" and "Castle In The Sky."  Next up was Teresa Ann, doing a beautiful job with Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" and "You Really Had Me Goin'."   She returned later to sing "Could I Have This Dance," "Sentimental Old You" and a duet with Byron of "Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms."  Vance Monday's steel guitar playing is legendary and he got a huge hand tonight as he soloed on "Cold Cold War With You" and picking up his Dobro, teamed up with Ted Cline playing the fiddle and the rest of the band on "Ragtime Annie" and "Black Mountain Rag," a couple of bluegrass favorites.  Keeping the same format, Byron stepped up to sing "Wabash Cannonball" and a Rhonda Vincent tune "I Wonder Why Each Season Changes You. 

We always enjoy hearing Byron's granddaughter Krista Jones perform and tonight she did a splendid job singing the Connie Francis hit "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," "Bed Of Roses" and Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" before duets of Emmylou Harris' "As Long As I Live" and "As Far As I'm Concerned" with Byron and singing harmony with mom Teresa Ann on the Martins' "Count Your Blessings.   Of course, the evening wouldn't have been complete without a couple of Ted Cline vocals and tonight he treated everyone to George Jones' classics, "White Lightin'" and "Walk Through This World With Me" as well as "Pass Me By If You're Only Passing Through" and "I'll Be Over You When The Grass Grows Over Me."

The first of tonight's guest artists was our friend Garry Bichelmeyer, who we are fortunate enough to see every Tuesday night at the BK Lounge and also appears at the Grinter House every 1st & 3rd Thursdays.  Tonight, Garry did just an outstanding job singing not only his own original songs but others as well, which made this a well-rounded and versatile performance.  Beginning with Don Williams' "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" and Johnny Russell's "Catfish John" it was soon time for his whimsical "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died."  Later Garry shared a song he wrote about his hometown "Tonganoxie," a song written by Terry Smith, "The Farside Banks Of Jordan" and a song Garry wrote about this very part of the country entitled "Nodaway River." 

It was great seeing John Quigley again and he certainly got his share of applause as he sang George Strait's "It's A Love Without End - Amen," Moe Bandy's "Bandy, The Rodeo Clown," Alan Jackson's "Don't Rock The Juke Box," Stonewall Jackson's "Don't Be Angry," Marty Robbins' "Singing The Blues" and Joe Diffie's "Almost Home."   

Rachel Wicker, who has received a lot of notoriety in many parts of the country since her American Idol performances, put her beautiful voice to good use here tonight to sing Loretta's "You Ain't Woman Enough," Connie Smith's "Once A Day," "Silver Threads & Golden Needles," "Always On My Mind," Patsy's "Crazy," "When Will I Be Loved," "He Touched Me" and "Walkin After Midnight," much to this enthusiastic crowd's delight.  The band, along with guest performers closed the evening with "Stay A Little Longer."  (Below)  Northtown Opry 5-2-08   front-Teresa Ann Cook, Krysta Jones  back-John Quigley, Rachel Wicker, Garry Bichelmeyer, Byron Jones, Ted Cline 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:49 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 3 May 2009 2:21 AM CDT

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Singer-songwriter Vern Gosdin "The Voice of Country Music" who attained mainstream country success in the 80's with hits such as "Set 'Em Up Joe," "Chistled In Stone," "Is It Raining At Your House," "Do You Believe Me Now," "Love Rolled The Stone Away" and many others, passed away close to midnight Tuesday.  Country music and those who love it will be a little poorer for his passing.

RH

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 9:23 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 1 May 2009 9:25 PM CDT

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This cool, rainy evening found us heading over to KCMO's East Bottoms to  Knuckleheads and Pastors Carl & Sharon Butler's Gospel Lounge, held every Wednesday night beginning about 7:30 PM.  Although it is normally held in the small lounge area adjacent to the main room, tonight it was held in the big room when it became available. 

With Carl Butler on lead guitar & vocals, it was Dale Zea on drums, Frank Infranca on bass, John Nichols on keyboard & vocals, guests Kenny Tuna on guitar & vocals, Greg Hass also on guitar & vocals and Jamie Gumm-Ogle, vocals.  Jamie began the evening with "Worthy Of My Praise" and "Breathe" and Greg Haas got a hand for "I'm Trading My Sorrows" before Kenny Tuna did an outstanding job with "The Wolves" and "I Can Only Imagine."  John Nichols sounded great as he sang "I Need You More" then joined Jamie as they sang "Pass Me Not."  Carl & Jamie closed the set with the beautiful "He Touched Me."

Pastor Sharon's message tonight made a great point.  Often in life we are taught to keep a safe distance......don't follow too closely behind the car or truck in front...it could prove to be unsafe.  But sometimes we carry this to extremes...as with our faith.   There are times we need to follow more closely..to be on the firing lines of life, so to speak.  We thought it was indeed food for thought.   Thanks to all of these folks for making this a great evening.  (Below) The Gospel Lounge 4-29-09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:44 PM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, 29 April 2009 11:16 PM CDT

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As we arrived at the BK tonight, Larry Dean was doing a real bang-up job singing the Clay Walker tune "Rough Around The Edges" and Waylon's "Wrong."  Showing his versatility, Larry returned a little later with Chuck Berry's "Memphis," "Coward Of The County," Goin' Back To Louisiana, Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings."  David Purcell always is at the top of his game when it comes to singing and he chose some great material for the folks tonight, including "It Would All Be Over Now," "Today I Started Loving You Again," "There'll Always Be That One," Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star," The hilarous Tom T. Hall classic "Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night."  Gordon Riley, the group's lead guitar player, showed off his vocal prowess with "Love's Gonna Live Here Again" then he and the band, including drummer John Malone, took off on instrumentals "Harbor Lights," "Setting On Top Of The World" and "Honky Tonk."

Garry Bichelmeyer filled several requests as he sang "Tonganoxie" and "Marie" which, of course he wrote but he also did such an outstanding job tonight singing Don Williams' "Some Broken Hearts Will Never Mend" and Terry Smith's "Far Side Bands Of Jordan" which was recorded originally by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash and was featured twice in the Robert Duvall movie "The Apostle."  Wife Mary Bichelmeyer, who handles the group's bass guitar duties, also sounded super tonight singing Patsy's "Crazy Dreams," Jeannie Pruitt's "Satin Sheets" and "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." 

It's always a real pleasure to see Annie Little and hear her sing in her own special way.  Tonight she and Larry Dean did a duet of a tune written by the late, great Jimmie Rodgers and most recently recorded by the trio of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton entitled "Hobo's Meditation."  Then she sang a Garry Bichelmeyer original "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and closed the evening with "A Very Special Grace."  (Below) Annie Little & Larry Dean sing "Hobo's Meditation"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:23 PM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 7 May 2009 11:55 AM CDT

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It's been quite a spell since we've been able to visit Jr.'s Hitchin Post Opry in the bucolic surroundings of Quenemo, KS and from all appearances, except the closing of the cafe and the new-improved full service snack bar, things seemed to be about the same.  The big change, we were to discover, was in the band.  Butch Carter still anchors the show with his emcee duties as well as vocals, Rick McClintic plays that great lead guitar and our friend Gary Gnip sits behind those drums, keeping things together.  But with the addition of Elizabeth McKinley's beautiful vocals, Mike Wilcox's bass & awesome vocal talent along with Rex Peterson's outstanding keyboards and vocals, this band is just a lot of fun to listen to. 

Elizabeth started the night's festivities with Patty Loveless' "Blame It On Your Heart" and a little later it was Tammy Wynette's "Till I Can Make It On My Own," Jesse Coulter's "I'm Not Lisa," "Silver Threads & Golden Needles" and Lorri Morgan's "What Part Of No Don't You Understand."  Mike Wilcox, who we found out while visiting with him has quite a bit of Branson-area experience, did some great vocal work here tonight. We were especially impressed with his singing of some of the audience requests, which is a new feature here at the Hitchin Post.  Beginning with "Heart Over Mind" and "Crystal Chandelier," Mike returned later with "Don't Close Your Eyes," Gene Watson's "Would You Change Her Mind" and Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool."

Butch Carter not only did a super job emceeing the show tonight, but sings a super country song himself.  First it was T.G. Shepard's "There's Only One You" followed by Conway Twitty's "We're Not Exactly Strangers," "Six Days On The Road," David Alan Coe's "The Ride," Hank Sr.'s "Kaw Liga" and an outstanding job of "Private Malone."  We thought Rex Peterson's keyboards and vocals added a lot to this band's mixture  Rex, who drives in here all the way from Lee's Summit, MO every Saturday night, sang "Every Second Every Minute," Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," Gene Watson's "Farewell Party" and the Statler's "Elizabeth."  Rick McClintic showed that he's a multi-talented performer as well, singing Rodney Crowell's "Above & Beyond," "Honey Don't," 'Green Green Grass Of Home" and played a tune written by Don Rich, Buck Owens' longtime lead guitar player, "Buckaroo."  Gary Gnip showed the audience he's not just another pretty face behind those drums, as he sang the Beetles' "Money" and Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses."

Tonight's guest, Phil Decker has a deep voice with great range, we thought.  Although we had seen him at a previous show, he sang several new songs we hadn't heard previously.  Beginning with Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak," an audience request of Josh Gibson's "Long Black Train" and Gene Watson's "14 Carat Mind" he continued with Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons," "Oh, Lonesome Me" and Merle Haggard's "The Fugitive."  It's always nice to see Ralph & Jane Wilson, the owner & operators of the opry and have them participate.  Tonight they did a skit based on Hee-Haw's "Where Oh Where Are You Tonight?" Funny stuff!!  We had a most enjoyable evening which closed with cast and crew singing the Gatlin Brothers' "All The Gold In California."  (Below) The Hitchin Post Band: l to r  Front: Butch Carter, Elizabeth McKinley, Mike Wilcox  Back: Rick McClintic, Rex Peterson, Gary Gnip

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:30 PM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 26 April 2009 2:24 PM CDT

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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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