We finally got the opportunity to visit Tim Dunagan's "new" Old Town Jamboree since he moved the show from it's former location in Old Pattonsburg, MO to the Community Arts Theatre in Hamilton, MO.  We arrived early as we wanted to look over not only the new location of Tim's show, but the town itself.  Hamilton, MO proved to be a bustling community, the theatre located across the street from the Hamilton Bank and adjacent to a charming little park which featured a large mural painted on the side of an adjoining building which depected much of the area's historical past.  Although most of Hamilton's history revolves around native son and retail giant J. C. Penny (1875-1971), it is also the site of many interesting landmarks (Frank Clark's Mill - 1867, Sam McBrayer's Livery Stable - 1898, original City Hall - 1911) and home of Baseball Hall of Famer Zack Wheat. 

Although the Jamboree has a full service snack bar which offers full meals, being early, we opted to cross the street and enjoy the cuisine at John & Tammy Harbolt's Past Times Diner.  The diner isn't hard to spot with the likeness of a bright red '57 Chevy adorning the entrance.  Inside, the decor is definately reminicent of the 1950's, glistening chrome counters & stools wilth pictures of Marilyn, Elvis & other period personalities adorning the walls.  I had absolutely no trouble devouring a flame-broiled double cheeseburger and Miss Jean, a grilled chicken breast with all the fixin's.

Even with this being graduation weekend and the many other community affairs going on, a good-sized crowd settled into the comfortable seats as the Jamboree band with Tim Dunagan on lead guitar, Todd Young on bass, Terri Henry, keyboards, Bubba Fisk, steel & guitar, Jamie Dunagan, drums and Paul Watson from Tulsa, OK, joining the group tonight, on keyboards, harmonica & tenor sax took their places.  The band opened tonight's festivities with "Down The Seven Bridges Road" and then it was Terri Henry's great vocal of "A Perfect Love."  She would return later with Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," "I'm Burning Old Memories With A Brand New Flame" and a beautiful gospel number, "He Touched Me."  Bubba Fisk was in fine voice as well tonight as he stepped forward, guitar in hand to sing George Jones' "I'll Share My World With You," "Open Up Your Heart" and after Tim sang "Satisified Mind," it was "Just As Long As You Love Me" and "White Lightning."  George Jones songs seemed to be the order of the day as Todd sang "Love Bug" to the audience's delight, then "I'm Leavin' Here A Better Man," Roger Miller's "King Of The Road" and after Jamie turned her drums loose on "Wipe Out," he did just an excellent job on the old Carl Perkins' standard, "Blue Suede Shoes."

Paul Watson, who sat in with the band tonight, proved to be a multi-talented musician who played some keyboard, played some great harmonica but mostly played his newest instrument, a tenor saxophone!  Boots Randolph's "Tuff" was first, followed by the Eagles' "Tequila Sunrise" and "Yakity Sax."  We first met  Rick & Manda Lynn Hontz when they opened for Tommy Horton several years ago at John Green's Wagon Wheel in Pattonsburg, and it was certainly a treat to see this talented duo again.  After Rick did a marvelous job with George Strait's "The Fireman," Merle's "The Way I Am," "Don't Rock The Jukebox" and Faron Young's "Wind Me Up," Mandy treated the crowd to Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls Of Fire," "Cryin' Time," Emmy Lou Harris' "Two More Bottles Of Wine" and "Last Kiss."  These folks got a tremendous hand as they sang duets of June & Johnny's "Jackson" and "He Drinks Tequila."

Mike White, who has a show held every 2nd & 4th Saturday in Chula. MO, was tonight's other guest and certainly proved he has a ton of vocal talent as he sang Charlie Daniels' "The South's Gonna Do It Again," Merle's "Branded Man," Mickey Gilley's "The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time," "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad" and "Just Playin' Possum."  Just great stuff and we'll be checking into more concerning Mike's show and hopefully be reporting more on these pages.  Stay tuned!

After Tim sang "Old Time Rock & Roll" and the audience, facing the flag at the rear of the auditorium, sang the National Anthem, it was time to bring this fun evening to a close.  We'll certainly be returning the first chance we get, not only for a super show, but to spend a little more time checking out all those fun stores and businesses in the great little community of Hamilton, MO.  (Below)  top - Mike White (l.), Rick (r.) & Mandy (c.) Hontz  bottom - The Past Times Diner

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, 19 May 2009 2:16 PM CDT

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We arrived at the BK tonight just in time to hear Larry Dean, who was on vacation last week, kick things off with the rockabilly classic, "Johnny B. Goode" followed by Ricky Skaggs' "Hiway 40 Blues."   Later he was to return with I'm Goin' Back To Louisiana," "Till I Gain Control Of You" and the 50's rock tune "Lawdy Miss Claudie."  After Gordon Riley on lead guitar and the rest of the band, including John Malone on drums did a super job on "Boogie #2," "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS played our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" as well as sang and played "Faded Love" and "Rubber Dolly" (also known as "Back Up And Push.")  WOW!!   

After Mary Bichelmeyer used her smooth, mellow voice to sing "I'm Blue Again," and "Crazy Dreams," husband Garry Bichelmeyer shared a brand-new creation of his, "Larry's Life," a song if not correct in all respects, was at least inspired by his friend, Larry Dean followed by another original, "It'll Make You Blue."  Visiting from Lynch, NE tonight was a friend of the group, Dave Bergquist who proved to be a very talented guitar picker and singer to boot.  Beginning with instrumentals of "Honky Tonk," "Sugar Foot Rag" and "Wildwood Flower, he then picked and sang "Old Cotton Fields Back Home" and Lyle Lovett's "Long Tall Texan." 

It's always a pleasure to see Pama Weaver sit in and tonight she sounded so good as she sang "Jimmy Brown The News Boy," "Under The Boardwalk," "I'm Making Plans" and "Blue Magic."  Our friend Annie Little did her usual marvelous job singing "You Love Again" and Patsy's "I Love You Honey."  It was a real surprise to look up and see Jim McGreevey of the Bluegrass Brigade coming in the door and although he just came for a visit and didn't bring along his banjo, he finally relented and sang a couple with a borrowed guitar: one of the best bluegrass songs ever written, Jimmy Martin's "Sunny Side Of The Mountain" and a Hank Williams Sr. tulne, "There'll Be No Tear Drops Tonight."  Thanks, Jim and we hope you'll come back soon.  (Below)  top - Jim McGreevey  bottom - Tonight the gang celebrated Garry's birthday with a slice of this big cake for everyone... 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 3:46 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 18 May 2009 10:22 PM CDT

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Taking advantage of the moderate weather, we noticed several folks gathered outside the side entrance before the show, enjoying Annie & Terry's beautiful koi pond, watching the fish swim and relaxing.  As show time approached, the theatre seemed to fill up fast and by the time the curtains opened, there were very few empty seats to be found.  In Annie's absence (she was appearing at a show near Wichita with the Bucky Fowler Family), Jim Winters greeted everyone with "Gonna Have A Party" and then introduced the Jubilee's resident fiddle player, "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who did a magnifient rendition of the old fiddle tune, "Black Mountain Rag" and he did equally as well when he opened the second half with "Down Yonder."  It always amazes us how musical director & lead guitarist David George can pick a guitar the way he does and sing at the same time, he is just amazing.  Tonight he sang "Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms," Merle Haggard's "The Fugitive" and later it was a bluegrass tune "How Mountain Girls Can Love."  Cute Haylie Walter (she's getting married next month!) loves to sing those old country tunes as much as we enjoy hearing 'em and tonight it was "Farewell, Goodnight," a song written by her friend Leona Williams & Merle Haggard when they were married, "Anyone Ought To Know," "Hinges On The Door" and "I Never Go Around Mirrors."

The "Chairman Of The Board" Fred Uzzell turned his triple-deck Remington steel guitar loose on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Midnight In Old Amarillo" to the audience's complete delight while pretty Ronni Ward did such a great job singing "Blue Side Of Town," "A Fool Such As I," "Hey Mister" and "Kansas City."  Husband Ted Ward, the group's bass player, honed his vocal skills with "Honky Tonk Man."

The problem with a tribute to a performer like Conway Twitty is that although his career was cut short by his untimely death, the man still recorded a lot of songs and this in itself makes it difficult to choose which ones to use.  We thought Jim Winters did a fabulous job in picking the cream of Conway's material and an incrdible job performing them tonight.  Beginning with "Hello Darlin'," it was "You've Never Been This Far Before," Baby's Gone" and if that didn't have the gals all excited, he returned after intermission with "Tight Fittin' Jeans," "I Talked To The Man In The Moon," "Fifteen Years Ago" and "I Love To Lay You Down." 

Tonight's guest artist, Duke Mason may only rise 43" above the floor, but he has 9 miles of talent.  Hailing from Joplin, MO, Duke has appeared at many local oprys & shows and has toured with Elvis' TCB Band, the Jordanaires and many other artists.  Although this was his first appearance here, we predict it certainly won't be his last.  From the upbeat "All Shook Up" to the deep resonance of "Treat Me Like A Fool," he sang them all impeccably.  "Let Me Be There," "Funny How Time Slips Away," "Teddy Bear," Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go," "Promised Land" and Ricky Nelson's "Travelin' Man."  Check out Duke's website @ www.dukemason.com .

As the show neared it's close, David George dedicated to his wife (Mother's Day tomorrow) and sang "Wonderful Tonight" and Duke Mason sang the gospel selection "This Old House."  We also want to mention the man who sits behind the drums and keeps everything in rhythm as well as announcing a portion of each show and can sing with the best of 'em -- Steve Straub.  If you will scroll down, below the picture, you will find a short interview we had with Steve backstage, after the show.  We think you will find it interesting.  (Below) Duke Mason & Jim Winters

Steve Staub was born in Kansas City, Kansas and lived in the Turner area, where he attended school through the 8th grade.  When he was 8 yrs. old, the Staub family began singing gospel music and by the time he turned 14, they were playing professionally, touring a four-state area just making it back on Mondays in time for school and work.  Finally this grueling schedule got to be too much and everyone quit school and their jobs to tour and Steve, from that point on was home-schooled.  They began to perfom at school functions, 3 or 4 a day sometimes, touring South Carolina, Georgia & southern states for three months, then Wisconsin, Illinois & northern states for another similar period.  They did this for about two and a half years, then began playing show clubs, state and county fairs.

Steve told us one of the things he was most proud of were the two USO tours the family was involved in, bringing enterainment to our men and women in uniform at remote outposts.  The first was an Alaskan tour in which the family flew over 22,000 miles to remote areas of that state and the other in Greenland!  There was also a 3 month Western Canadian Fair circuit the family performed at.  During a rare 3 week stay in Sioux City, Nebraska, Steve met future wife Rita.  They dated, fell in love, eventually married and she, too joined the group which now consisted of Steve's mom & dad, brother & his wife, fiddler Mark Walker, Steve & Rita.  The group by now was becoming very well known, touring with Marty Robbins, Willy Nelson, Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others.

There were two more tours in 1982 and when they came off the road after a tour with Amy Grant, Steve & Rita decided to settle down in Nebraska and raise a family.  But after experiencing a winter in which he had to pull a sled back & forth to the grocery store due to the weather, they decided to move back to the Kansas City area, first he in March and she followed in August.  Steve, incidently, was not always a drummer.  The family decided, at an earlly age, he needed something else to do besides just sing and he literally learned from his brother (who was left-handed) to play while touring, in the back of a bus.  Thirty-five years and still going strong!

At any rate, Steve played at several clubs in the KC area but as he doesn't drink, that scene didn't appeal to him. As fate would have it, he just happened to have gone to school with Jim Winters and Glen Smith, who operated the Opry at that time as Glen's Opry was related to Steve, by marriage.  It seemed the perfect fit and Steve has been a fixture either behind the drums or center stage behind the mike, for the past 12 seasons - six of those with Annie's.  Steve & Rita's son A.J. has become quite the drummer in his own right and both mom and dad are equally proud of their lovely daughter Alexis or "Lexie" as she is called.  We found Steve's story fascinating as we are sure you did and although we think Steve is a world-class drummer, we are looking forward to the next time he lowers that mike and does such a fantastic job singing the Jack Greene classic "Statue Of A Fool."  (Below) Steve Staub

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:22 AM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 10 May 2009 3:36 PM CDT

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President Byron Jones held a short meeting for the KCABMC members present and announced that this would be the final meeting/show of this season and the next meeting will be held in October.  After some minor items of club business were dealt with, Byron adjourned the meeting and introduced the first of three groups who performed here tonight, The Bradford Trio.  Mandell Bradford, Danette Bradford-Dean and Jennifer Bradford, two sisters and a cousin, all live in the Kansas City area but have performed in many parts of the country, most recently in nearby Branson, MO.  The trio sings strictly acapella, songs of a spiritual nature and the way their voices melt and blend was indeed lifting for all.  Beginning with "The Lord Is My Rock," "If That Don't Make You Wanna Go To Heaven," "Farther Along" and "Jesus Is All I Need," we watched the audience's collective smiles as the girls sang "Whispering Hope."  Next up it was "Elijah Rock," "Go To The Rock," "Wayfaring Stranger," "The Lord's Prayer" and "It's Shoutin' Time."  These young ladies, ages 19 to 22, got a big hand as they closed their set with "Hallelujah!" 

We always enjoy hearing Willow Creek play that old-time bluegrass and tonight Rick & Gail Dakon with Larry & Ron Willis played a lot of our favorites.  With Rick's terrific mandolin playing and one-liners ("Folks, we're just like an old milk cow on a cold winter morning, we appreciate a warm hand too!"), Ron's guitar & vocals ("Mountain Dew," "Please Be My Love" and "Sadie"). brother Larry's banjo & vocals ("Katy Daly," "Dig A Hole," "I'll Be On That Good Road," "Fifteen Years") and Gail's bass & vocals ("Hundred Years From Now," "Lonesome Feeling" and "Going Home"), this is a very entertaining group to listen to and the audience certainly showed their appreciation.  The Willis brothers closed the set with a duet of "Hot Corn, Cold Corn" and "Cuckoo" featuring Larry.

This evening's last group hails from the Excelsior Springs, MO area where Glen Jenkins & The Country Music Makers perform at many area nursing homes and other venues throughout the area.  With Glenn Jenkins on mandolin, Kenny Coates on banjo, Bob Thompson on guitar, Roscoe Sexton on Dobro and Norman Martin also on guitar, they were joined this evening by Dorothy Essig & Mary Eddings-Caton both doing vocals.  Kenny kicked the set off with the rousing "Down Yonder" and returned later with the nostalgic "Home Sweet Home" while Dorothy sang "I'll Come Runnin'," and Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart."  Roscoe played the beautiful "Jennifer's Waltz" and "Steel Guitar Rag" on his Dobro and Bob chose our favorite Jimmy Martin tune, "Sunny Side Of The Mountain" and "Girl In The Blue Velvet Band" to the audience's delight.  Norman stepped front and center to sing "Rock The Cradle" and "Too Old To Die Young" and little Mary sang a couple of old favorites, "Wabash Cannonball" and "Wildflowers."  Glen Jenkins had that mandolin cookin' as he gave the folks a treat with "Black Mountain Rag" and "Footprints In The Snow." 

In closing we want to thank all the folks who help every month to make this show such a success.  All the people who work on the sound system, setting up chairs, manning the tables and so on -- thanks to all of you for everything you do to make this club a success.  The good Lord willing, we'll see you all in October.  (Below) top - The Bradford Trio  middle - Willow Creek  bottom - Glen Jenkins & The Music Makers

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 9 May 2009 12:35 PM CDT

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It was August of 1968 and Johnny Cash was considering quitting the music business.  His close friend, Luther Perkins, an original member of the Tennessee Three and originator of the legendary "boom chick a boom" guitar on Cash's early hits had been tragically killed in a house fire.  It was to perhaps be his last performance, in Fayetteville, AR when a young lady got June Carter's attention and told her there was a man in the audience that could play every song Johnny performed just like Luther.  Cash gave the young man a try right on the spot -- no rehearsal, and was throughly amazed.  From that day forward and for the next 30 years, whenever Johnny Cash performed Bob Wootton never left his side.  Devastated by Cash's illness and death, Wootton didn't perform for several years.  Today, however with wife Vicky Wootton, once a member of the "Carter Family," daughters Scarlett & Montana, Shawn Supra on the doghouse bass and drummer Rodney Powell, Bob Wootton is touring the world, keeping the tradition of the Cash/Carter Family alive.  The title of their CD says it best:  "The Sound Must Go On."

And went on it did.  As the familiar opening chords of "Folsom Prison Blues" ran thru the air, the big audience cheered, clapped, hollered and whistled as Bob Wootton, resplendent in a long black coat, much like the man himself, took the stage and began to sing.  The outward appearance (anyone who doesn't see the resemblance is blind), the vocals (they sound so much like JC that it's almost uncanny) and of oourse the great music he played for so many years made us feel we were in a familiar place, one that we had thought we could never return to.  Next up was the 1958 release "Guess Things Happen That Way," followed by "All Over Again," "Give My Love To Rose," "Big River," "I Was There When It Happened," "Luther Played The Boogie," "How High's The Water Momma?" "Orange Blossom Special/Old 97" medley and Kris Krisofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down."

After Scarlett sang one of Cash's last recordings "Hurt" and 11 yr. old Montana performed "I'm Not Your Princess,"  Bob returned with the classic "Ghost Riders In The Sky," "Walk The Line," "Get Rhythm," "I Got Stripes," "Delia's Gone," "Suppertime" a great duet of "Jackson" with wife Vicky, "Ring Of Fire" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" with Vicky, Scarlett & Montana.  After a thunderous standing ovation, the Tennessee Three returned to the stage, Bob singing "Daddy Sang Bass," "Home Of The Blues," "You've Got The Ways Of A Woman In Love," "San Quintin," "Long Black Veil," "The Ballad Of Ira Hayes," "Folsom Prison Blues" and an audience request of "A Boy Named Sue."

We had a nice visit with these folks after the show and understand they are heading for a couple of dates in Texas before heading home to Tennessee for a few days of well-deserved rest.  Daughter Scarlett keeps the group's myspace site up to date http://www.myspace.com/TennesseeThree and the group has it's main website at http://www.tennesseethree.com.  Log on if you'd like to know more about this fantastic group.  (Below)  The Tennessee Three - front row-Scarlett & Montana Wootton back row-Shawn Supra, Rodney Powell, Vicky & Bob Wootton

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Friday, 8 May 2009 12:39 PM CDT

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A crowd of over 250 folks decended on the West Line Community Center to help Jess Richardson and the West Line Jamboree band celebrate their 100th show since the Jamboree opened almost 4 years ago.  To say this little community is proud of their every-other-Wednesday show would be an understatement to say the least.  "There were only six or seven people at the first show," Jess recalled, "But the crowd seemed to double every show."  In fact, at one point it was decided that the community center was inadequate to handle the crowd and was added onto, doubling it's size, all the materials and labor furnished by local people.  A big highlight every year is the hog roast, held the Saturday before Labor Day (this year September 5th) featuring roast pork and brats with all the trimmings.  The most amazing feature of all is the fact that there is no charge at all for admittance,  True, there are coffee cans around the food tables for donations, but they never pass a basket or ask for anything.  Pretty rare these days!

But everything revolves around the great classic country music these folks play every show.  Tonight Jess Richardson kicked things off with a tune made famous by Jim Reeves, Mickey Gilley & others, "Roomful Of Roses," Hank Williams' "You Win Again," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry About Me" and Ricky Nelson's "I'm Walkin'"  before Jack Ford, the group's bass player did a super job singing Hank Thompson's "The Mark Of A Heel."  Jack returned later with "My Window Faces The South" and "If I Left It Up To You."  After Chris Renner played keyboard & sang "Jailhouse Rock" (& Gene Watson's "Farewell Party," later) and brother George Renner played "Steel Guitar Rag," Jess returned with "You're My Memory Number One," Hank Sr.'s "Move It On Over," "Truck Drivin Man," Willie's "Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain," Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman" and Conway Twitty's "I'm Making Plans."

After intermission when everyone was treated to homemade ice cream and cakes and pies of every description and Jess had began the second half with "May You Never Be Alone Like Me" & Hank's "Lonesome Blues," the show was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a celebrity (?), none other than Dolly!  She was quite a sight in her hot pink outfit, blonde curls, bright red lipstick and other distinguishing features!  Someone said they had never seen her up this close before and that it was amazing how much she resembled band member Floyd Harold.  Dolly didn't treat us to a song, but Floyd did, singing "Today I Started Loving You Again," a little later in the show.  Jess dedicated "Night Train To Memphis" to Miss Dolly and returned later with a 50's rock tune "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Valley Of Tears," "Don't Touch Me" and "Some Days Are Diamonds."

We got a kick out of Johnny Goddard's "Daddy Played First," a baseball takeoff on Merle Haggard's "Daddy Played Bass."  He returned the second half with the hilarious "Money Song" (If My Nose Was Running Money, I'd Blow It All On You) and "If I Can't Have All Of You."  Buddy Ford, who plays lead guitar here at the Jamboree is also a marvelous mandolin player and tonight he got a big hand as he plaed "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" and "Somewhere My Love."  Joe Crook from Frontenac, KS put his talents to use, singing Tompall Glazier's "Put Another Log On The Fire" and "Crying My Heart Out OVer You."  After Roger Loveloc sang "White Sports Coat" and "Peace In The Valley," Ed Kinney did a bang-up job with "Wayward Wind" and Merle Haggard's "If We're Not Back In Love By Monday."  We were also impressed with the vocal talents of Bill White of Amsterdam, MO who sang "Four Strong Winds" and "Big Diamonds."

Jess closed this special evening with "Kentucky Waltz," a number he told us was his late mother's favorite and led the band, crew and audience with the gospel number "I Saw The Light."  (Below) top:  Jess Robinson  bottom: Who else?  DOLLY  

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 7 May 2009 11:51 AM CDT

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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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