To all of our friend's who visited with Roger & me during his stay in the hospital.  We do so want to say thanks, it really boosted Roger to have so many people come to visit.  We also want to thank our son's and grandson's for coming to visit us at the hospital-thanks for the gifts you brought, your love and all that you shared with us.  We appreciate all of the get well cards and Christmas cards-they truly meant so much to Roger and of course to me too.

Now for this evening.  It was Roger's honor to host and have our loved friend's who we have met at Annie's Country Jubilee.  Thanks to Terry & Annie Dunavan,  Bill & louise Clark, Jerry & Linda Kendrick and John & Mary Pettersch, our son's Wayne & Robert Hawkins, our daughter in law Lisa Hawkins and our grandson's Cory & Joshua Hawkins.  We had a wonderful time at the Golden Corral at 13440 Blackbob Rd. in Olathe, Ks.  The food was great, the fellowship very wonderful.  Roger said it was great having women look after him getting his food, hugging and kissing him.  This was our Christmas gift to them for helping us by caring, giving of themselves and just being there all of the time when we are needing them.  We love them all and want to be sure they know how we both feel.  What a way to spend a very special night-you truly made our night and have put us in spirit of Christmas.

Roger is resting now, he is finally sleeping and I must say it sounds great to hear him breathing with such peacefulness.

We love you all and again thanks to all of you for making this a wonderful evening and wonderful Christmas for Roger & me.

I am so sorry we couldn't take everyone we meet at the shows, but know we love and care for each and everyone of you as well.

We will sign off now,

Love Roger & Jean Hawkins

MoKan Opry.Com

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:27 PM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | View Comments (1) | Permalink

Although Ronnie McDowell has appeared at the Northtown Opry when it was in it's previous location, this was the first time we'd had the opportunity to attend one of his shows.  We throughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend whole-heartedly that anyone who has the opportunity to take in one of his fun-packed evenings with not only great singing and music, but lots of rememberances and memories from his many years of touring. 

Tonight's show began much differently that usual with young Karli Chayne being introduced by her father.  At the tender age of 13, Karli has already signed a recording contract and released two CD's.  Tonight, backed by her younger sister and a cousin, Karli sang some cuts from her albums and some original material as well, beginning with "It's Called Love," followed closely by "Little White Church," "Love At First Sight" and finished her set with a song she wrote "What Did I Get Myself Into."  The audience gave Karli a warm round of applause as Kevin Jones & the Northtown Opry Band set up for their portion of the program.  Byron Jones greeted everyone with a Ferlin Husky tune "I Could Sing All Night" and Carl Smith's "I Overlooked An Orchid" before introducing daughter-in-law Chastity Jones who did a bang-up job singing Barbara Mandrell's "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" and a duet with Byron of a Dolly/Porter hit "Someone I Used To Know."  Chastity returned later to sing Martina McBride's "Independence Day" and Merle Haggard's "I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall."  Fiddler Carl Cook got the feet tappin' with "Sugar Foot Rag" and the same can be said of keyboardist Stan Steel who sang and played Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin."  Drummer Darrin Chumley was up next with Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon" followed by bass guitarist Mike Bush with Merle's "If We Make It Through December."  Lead guitarist and band leader Kevin Jones sang Tom T. Hall's "That's How I Got To Memphis" and Waylon Jennings' "Stop The World & Let Me Off" before Byron closed the first half of the show with Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." 

Lead guitarist Kevin Welch opened tonights festivities with a seasonal greeting of "Jingle Bell Rock", before Ronnie McDowell took center stage.  Between 1979 and l986 almost every single released became a top 10 hit including the chart topper "Older Women".  As a result of his many years of touring with mega star Conway Twitty, it was "Lay Me Down", the famous duet with Conway "It's Only Make Believe"(with Conway's actual voice piped in, for an added sense of reality).  "The King is Gone", was next before he introduced his younger son Tyler Dean McDowell, who blessed us with some terrific vocal talents of his own singing Elvis Presleys "Viva Las Vegas" to the delight of the crowd.  Ronnie returned to sing a medley of 40's songs "That Smile", "Crazy Love" and "You Are Mine At Last" before launching into 1981's "Watching Girls Go by" preceded his favorite Christmas song "White Christmas", Fats Domino's "Blue Berry Hill" and Elvis Presleys "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You".

Ronnie introduced his oldest son Ronnie Dean McDowell Jr., the group's drummer and he proved to be an outstanding musician performing one of the best versions of "Wipe Out" that we have heard.  Next up was Phil Redmond the group's keyboard player performing "Hey Bartender" before Ronnie returned with his favorite gospel song "How Great Thou Art", Elvis Presleys "American Trilogy" followed by a duet with Byron Jones and the rest of the bad including Kevin McGurk on bass with "You Are My Sunshine".  Ronnie then closed tonights outstanding performance of "Unchained Melody" from the sound track of the Patrick Swayze movie "Ghost".  (Below) Ronnie McDowell with Karli Chayne.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 12 December 2010 1:29 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Tonight's special show began with Byron Jones and the Northtown Opry Band provding the entertainment the first half.  Byron welcomed everyone with a Porter Wagoner classic "Country Music's Gone To Town" and joined by daughter-in-law Chastity Jones followed with Ernest Tubbs' "Waltz Across Texas" and Carl Smith's "If Teardrops Were Pennies."  Chastity got a big hand as she sang a Carlene Carter hit, "I Fell In Love" and a bit later Sara Evans' "Three Chords And The Truth" and Kris Krisofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee."  It's always great to see Jason Meyerkorth on fiddle and tonight he played one of our favorites, "Faded Love" and returned a bit later singing & playing Restless Heart's "Bluest Eyes In Texas."  Stan Steele who plays a terrific keyboard here every Saturday night showed his vocal abilities, singing Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues" as did bass player Mike Bush with Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" and drummer Darrin Crumley who sang Garth Brooks' "Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old." Lead & steel guitarist, band leader Kevin Jones stepped front and center to sing Tom T. Hall's "That's How I Got To Memphis" followed by Keith Whitley's "Would These Arms Be In The Way" and "The Crawdad Song" recorded by George Jones and many others.  Byron closed the first half with a Del Reeves classic "There's A Diesel On My Tail." 

The crowd greeted Branson-based country superstar Moe Bandy and his Americana band with a big hand as he chose to open his set with a Porter Wagoner tune, "Another Day Another Dollar" before launching into one of his own top-ten hits, 1981's "Someday Soon."  Blockbuster hit, 1975's "Hank Williams You Wrote My Life" preceded 1987's "You Haven't Heard The Last Of Me" and one of many Moe Bandy/Joe Stampley duets, 81's "Hey Joe (Hey Moe) and one that we personally requested "The Biggest Airport In The World" followed by 1981's "Rodeo Romeo."  A medley of crowd favorites ("If You're Gonna Play In Texas/Amarillo By Morning/Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind/All My Ex's Live In Texas") gave way to the George Jones classic hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and Moe's 1979 "Barstool Mountain." 

Another pair of Moe/Joe compilations "Good Old Boys" and "Tell Ole I Ain't Here" gave way to 1990's "Many Mansions," 1993's "Picture In A Frame" and "A Few Stars Short Of The Moon."  Next, Moe opted to remember several of his favorite country stars including Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire," Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman," Freddie Fender's "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" and George Jones' "White Lighting" before returning with his 1975 chart-topper written by Lefty Frizzell & others, "Bandy The Rodeo Clown" and 87's "Til I'm Too Old To Die Young."  Closing out tonight's terrific entertainment package, Moe concluded with the 1987 smash, "Americana," a Moe/Joe duet of the whimiscal "Where's The Dress?" and 1979's "It's A Cheatin' Situation."  (Below) Kevin (l.) and Byron Jones (r.) pose with country superstar Moe Bandy (c.) 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 24 November 2010 11:01 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

We have been looking forward to seeing and hearing David Ball & the Pioneer Playboys perform since we last saw them at John Green's Wagon Wheel back in April of this year.  The show not only features the great vocal stylings and performance by David himself, but the band with Billy Pierce on bass, the talented Troy Cook on lead guitar & backup vocals and perhaps the best drummer/percussionist in the business, Scott Metko are a real asset to an already awesome entertaining and delightful package.  Today's show began at 4:00 PM (doors opened slightly after 3) with opry owner Ted Cline (who is also one of this area's best male vocalists and who also played bass this first half, starting tonight's festivities off with Merle Haggard's "Let's Chase Each Other 'Round The Room Tonight" and an old Gene Watson tune "Texas Saturday Night."  Ted returned a bit later with Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw Michigan."  Ted's equally talented brother Kevin Cline showed his many talents off singing Faron Young's "Step Aside," Johnny Paycheck's "Slide Off Of Your Satin Sheets" and a super job both singing, playing guitar and some great harmonica work on Tom T. Hall's "I'm A Shoeshine Man."  Jerry Forney, the group's steel guitar player, stepped front and center, donning a conventional electric guitar and showing his immense talent, singing an original song entitled "Ghost," a historical lament written about the dark final days of Jesse James.  Jerry then sang the Johnny Cash mega-hit "Rig of Fire" before returning to his usual spot and joining lead guitarist Jim Lower (who plays lead every Saturday night at the Big Creek Country Show in Pleasant Hill and whose son Jim Lower, Jr. played drums here tonight) for a great rendition of "Steel Guitar Rag."  Jim concluded tonight's first half, choosing an accoustical guitar and playing first a Chet Atkins' standard, "Southland" then finishing with Merle Travis' "I'll See You In My Dreams."

Troy Cook, the Playboys' lead guitarist and backup vocalist greeted the crowd as the second half began with the great Buck Owens' tune "Love's Gonna Live Here Again," followed by Johnny Cash's mega-hit "Folsom Prison Blues."  Troy returned a bit later with a George Jones' favorite, "White Lighting" which many aren't aware of, was written by the late J. P. Richardson, known as the "Big Bopper" a rockabily artist who was killed in the same plane crash that took the life of rock 'n roll artist Buddy Holly.  As David Ball stepped front and center, he kicked things off with an old Faron Young tune, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" followed by his own Buck Owens favorite "Stop The World And Let Me Off."  1994's "Look What Followed Me Home" preceeded "A Walk On The Wild Side," 2001's blockbuster "Riding With Private Malone," "Louisiana Melody," "I Wanna Go Back To Alabama," "I Don't Want To Go To Houston," "What'll I Do If I Don't Have You," "She Was Smiling In The Morning" and 2010's big hit "Hot Water Pipe."  "Let Me Be Your Sweetheart Again" was followed by "When The Thought Of You Catches Up With Me," "Deep In The Heart Of Texas," "So Long," "Long-Legged Brown Eyed Baby Of Mine" and 1989's megahit that really got David's career off the ground, "Thinking Problem."  David returned for an encore of "Amigo" at Ted Cline's request and much to the crowd's delight.  (Below) David Ball (c.) poses with Ted (l.) & Kirby (r.) Cline.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Tuesday, 16 November 2010 6:15 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Formed in 1969, the Kendalls, consisting of father Royce Kendall and daughter Jeannie Kendall, certainly come to mind when one recalls the top country duos of the 1970's, 80's and 90's.  Responsible for more than 30 singles on the Billboard country singles charts, they had 3 #1 hits and seven more Top Ten hits.  Although Jeannie understandably took some time off after Royce died from a stroke in 1998, she now continues to tour with husband Mack Watkins, who has worked with several famous rock & roll as well as country artists and helps to provide that sweet harmony that the Kendalls were always noted for.  Both Jeannie and her husband both remarked several times what a wonderful job the Middle Creek Band did all night long, not only backing them, but providing a highly entertaining first half as well.  However, tonight's show would start in a much different fashion than normal.

Direct from Branson, MO, where he is the comedic highlight of the Mo Bandy Show, comedian extraordinaire Harley Worthit, garish costumes and all greeted everyone with some pearls of wisdom:  "I feel pretty good right now..I took my in-laws to the airport this morning.  Their plane leaves Tuesday."  "My wife's pretty sore at me for opening the car door for her.  We were only going about 75 MPH at the time!" "Last Christmas my wife wanted something with diamonds in it.  So I gave her a deck of cards." "A normal marriage proposal starts out something like this: 'Would you marry me?"  However, not in Arkansas.  A marriage proposal there usually starts out 'You're What?"  Harley has a brand-new CD out - it's called "You Can't Get This Stupid Overnight."  It contains his big hit "It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chew My Rear End Out All Day!" 

Elijah Chastain and the Middle Creek Band including drummer Brad Meadows, began tonight's musical journey with him singing a Ricky Skaggs' favorite "Hiway 40 Blues" followed by Waylon Jennings' "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line."  Close behind was Jodi Austin, the group's fine keyboard player and vocalist who sang Crystal Gayle's "I'd Do It All Over Again" and played a great instrumental of "Hymne" before bass guitarist Carl Butler sang the fast-paced Larry Gatlin tune, "Ode To The Road" and Buck Owens' "A-11."  Carl then did a complete change of pace, picking up an acoustical guitar and joining fiddler Thomas McGregor on a simply beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."  Songstress Barbara Walker got a big ovation as she sang Barbara Mandrell's "You Can Eat Crackers In My Bed Anytime" and crowd-favorite Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight," then gave way to Kansas Steel Guitar Hall Of Famer Bobby DeMoss who thrilled the crowd with the "Steel Guitar Rag." Elijah returned to pay special homage to the area's veterans in recogination of the just-past Veteran's Day.  First was Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA," then an extra-special medley consisting of various service themes, patrotic songs and featuring some awesome guitar runs that were just unbelievabe.  Thomas McGregor closed the first half with his own interpretation of probably the best-known fiddle tune of all time, "The Orange Blossom Special."

After a short break, Harley introduced Jeannie Kendall and husband Mack.  Jeannie explained that tonight's bill of fare would include many of the Kendall's big hits and some of their favorite traditional country songs of yesterday, beginning with 1984's number #1 hit "Thank God For The Radio," followed by "I'm Already Blue," "If You're Waitin' On Me, You're Backing Up," "The Pittsburg Stealers," "Sweet Desire" and "Smokin' Lonesome."  A Louvin Bros. classic, "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight," was next, followed by "Your Picture Your Pillow & Me," a favorite gospel number, "Let's All Go Down To The River" and the Osmonds' "I'm Leaving It All Up To You."  Jeannie brought some good advice along with her in the form of "Make A Dance Out Of Everything You Do" and Webb Pierce's "Don't Let Me Cross Over," Hank Thompson's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and another Louvin Bros. classic, "My Baby's Gone" were close behind.  Jeannie's pure, perfect, powerful soprano voice was never more evident than when she sang Don Gibson's "Blue Blue Day" and another great gospel number, "How Great Thou Art."  Next up was a Rhonda Vincent number "Timeless True Love" and then the song that catapulted the duo to instant stardom, 1978's Grammy Award winner, "Heaven's Just A Sin Away!"  The big audience gave their instant approval and endorsement, giving the Kendalls a huge hand as they left the stage.  Many of them stayed around after to show to buy CD's. get autographs signed or just visit with this affable couple.  We were able to take a few minutes to become acquainted and found them to be very laid back and easy-going.  If you have an opportunity to see and hear this duo perform, we suggest you do so.  The Kendalls are royal entertainment indeed.  And be sure to check the Middle Creek website: http://www.rutladeroutpost.com/opry.htm.  They have a great show every Saturday night during the season.  (Below)  top -Jeannie Kendall and husband Mack Watkins  bottom_ Comedian Harley Worthit

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Monday, 15 November 2010 2:51 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

As Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer took some well needed time off to visit relatives in Kentucky and stop in Nashville to show em how it's done, some of the area's great musicians and singers stopped by to share their talents and make this a truly fun evening.  The evening began in the same fashion as it always does, with Gordon Riley and the band, including ace drummer John Malone playing it's unofficial theme song, "Gordon's Boogie."  Larry Dean started the program with a Bob Wills' classsic, "Miles & Miles Of Texas" and a tune probably made most famous by Dean Martin, but recorded by many, "You're Nobody Till Someody Loves You."  Larry returned later with a great Merle Haggard number, "Mama Tried."  Gordon Riley was up next and sang a tune that Alison Krauss most recently recorded entitled "Another Day Another Dollar," then joined the band in a super instrumental of "Buckaroo."  "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle each Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee, was outstanding as usual playing Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues," "The Waltz You Saved For Me" and a little later, a "Hoe Down Medley" (which included "Ragtime Annie").  It was great seeing David Purcell in his accustomed spot again here tonight and he sounded as great as always, singing George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star," Willie's "Remember Me," "On The Road Again" and "A Once In A Lifetime Thing."  We always look forward to hearing Art Covey strum & pick that mandolin and sing and tonight it was a couple of our favorites, "Fallen Leaves" and "Life Is Like A Mountain Railway."

Our old friend, Jimmy Rodgers from Odessa, MO came all the way up to sit in tonight, playing bass in place of Mary Bichelmeyer and, if you've never had the pleasure of hearing him, supplying us with some of his phenominal vocals as only he can.  Beginning with Willie's "Ain't It Funny How Time Stips Away," he followed with George Strait's "Ace In The Hole," Bob Wills' "My Window Faces The South" and Claude King's "If I Ever Need A Lady I'll Call You."  Great stuff, Jimmy!  Jess Richardson, whose Westline Jamboree is held in the small town of Westline, MO (strait east of Louisburg, KS) every other Wednesday got a huge hand as he sang Bob Wills' "Time Changes Everything," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," his version of "Another Day Another Dollar" (actually first recorded by Porter Wagoner and written by Wynn Stewart) and Kris Krisofferson's "Help Me Make It Through The Night."  Audience favorite Jerome Oberlin and his squeeze-box (all button accordian) was in the house as well tonight and did a fine job with "Rose Of San Antone" and "Maiden's Prayer" while Annie Little sounded super as well singing "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and "Just In Case You Change Your Mind."  Ron Fine put his beautiful voice to good use with "I'm Crying My Heart Out Over You" and "I Love You Because You're You" before Larry Dean closed out the evening with George Jones' "Family Bible."  (Below)  l. to r. Jimmy Rodgers, Jess Richardson, Annie Little, Ron Fine

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 10:00 AM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 10 November 2010 10:43 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

This especially entertaining evening began in the usual manner, with hostess and first lady of country music in Tonganoxie, KS, Annie Dunavin greeting the enthusastic crowd with the old Porter Wagoner shuffle, "Come On In (Sit Right Down & Make Yourself At Home)." Beginning tonight's festivities, lovely Ronni Ward put her incredible vocal talents to work as she sang a Carlene Carter number, "I Fell In Love" and an old Jimmy Rodgers tune, "Hobo's Meditation.  Ronni was to return the second half with Bill Anderson's "Walk Out Backwards" and a super job of Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou."  Before introducing the band, Annie's emcee and one of the finest male vocalists around, Jim Winters treated the audience to an old Red Foley number "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy," then it was a Bill Mack tune "Drinking Champagne" before returning the second half with Waylon's "Luckenbach, Texas" and Conway Twitty's "Baby's Gone."  Fred Uzzell, who Jim calls "the chairman of the board," got a huge hand as he put his Remington triple-necked steel guitar to work on a crowd favorite, the "Steel Guitar Rag" and drummer Steve Straub gave us a peek at his vocal talents as he sang Merle Haggard's "That's The Way Love Goes."  Steve would return later for the Gospel portion.  Another Hag fan, lead guitarist A. J. Cronk, who was filling in for David George who is in the Mideast tonight entertaining our service men and women, proved he knows his stuff as well, singing and picking "Working Man Blues" and "Think I'll Just Stay Here & Drink."  Annie herself returned to treat the folks to a Faron Young hit "Leavin' And Saying Goodbye," Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" and "Ruby's Stool."  She was to return the second half with Patsy's 1962 hit, "Heartaches," a very clever rewording of Alabama's "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" which became "If You're Gonna Play In Kansas" and a Connie Smith mega-hit, "Once A Day."  Bass guitarist Ted Ward treated everyone to some fine singin' himself with "Honky Tonk Man" while "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier put bow to fiddle to close the first half with a bluegrass tune, "Silver Bells" and opened the second half with "Tennessee Wagner," Fred Uzzell contributing some fine Dobro work.

One of today's most exciting young performers around the opry circuit is tonight's first guest artist, Michelle Lea.  Now in her very first year of college, we are always amazed at her terrific range, voice control and stage presence.  Her delivery is smooth and very pleasant to listen to and this combination is sometimes a rarity in artists of her age bracket.  Tonight she chose Reba McIntyre's "Take It Back," a number originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler and most recently rereleased by Trick Pony, "It's A Heartache" and the Judds' "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain."  Michelle returned the second half with the upbeat Hank Williams Sr. classic "Jambalaya, then it was Marie Osmond's "Paper Roses" and a beautiful job with Linda Ronstadt's "When Will I Be Loved."  Tonight's other guest artist, Jeff Elslo is certainly no stranger to us as we have seen and visited with Jeff on numerous occasions at bluegrass clubs and festivals throughout the area.  Jeff is very proficient on the mandolin, guitar, steel guitar, Dobro and practically anything with strings, yet his weapon of choice is the five-string banjo.  Jeff got things going with a bang here tonight with Flatt & Scruggs' "Polka On A Banjo," also doing the vocals, then it was a "grassy" version of the old Duke Ellington big band number "Caravan" followed by Leon McAuliffe's "Panhandle Rag."  Jeff returned later with "Salty Dog" with vocals by himself and Jim Winters, an old bluegrass standard "Sally Gooden" and probably the most famous banjo tune of all time, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."  Jeff was definately an audience favorite and we look to see him back in the future.

The Gospel portion of tonight's program featured Michelle Lea singing the old Stanley Bros. standard, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and Annie's own Steve Straub singing the beautiful hymn "In The Garden."  Just a note here to express our admiration and respect for the sacrifice David George is making to help entertain our men and women who are serving in our military services in the Middle East.  Hats off to David and the other brave entertainers who have embraced this undertaking and our prayers go out for their safe return.  It'll be great to see you back David!  (Below) Michelle Lea and Jeff Elslo pose for a pic

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 7 November 2010 10:36 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

We arrived here at the BK tonight just as the band was finishing the closing few chords of it's unofficial theme song "Gordon's Boogie."  Larry Dean greeted the crowd with more of his great vocals tonight starting with Bob Wills' "Stay All Night (Stay A Little Longer)."  Delberrt McClinton's "Going Back To Louisiana" was next and Larry returned a bit later with Johnny Cash's "The Night Hank Williams Came To Town," Jim Reeves "There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder" and a great job on Merle Haggard's "1929."  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley sounded super as he sang the old Merle Travis number "9 Pound Hammer," then joined the rest of the band including drummer John Malone for instrumentals "Back Home Again In Indiana," "Together Again" and "Honky Tonk."  "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who everyone probably knows by now, plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night, stepped to the plate next and played our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" and another request, the beautiful "Ashokan Farewell." Marvin returned later with an old fiddle tune we were unfamiliar with, "Gray Eagle" and perhaps the most famous of all fiddle tunes, the O.B.S. (the "Orange Blossom Special").  Bass guitarist Mary Bichelmeyer was next and she used her smooth, soothing voice to team up with husband Garry for a duet of Lacy J. Dalton's "Black Coffee" followed by Mary's rendition of Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight." She returned a bit later with "Bill Bailey" and Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows."

Multi-talented song writer and performer Garry Bichelmeyer gave everyone a good look tonight at his many talents singing Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy" then among his many great original compositions a song that has become known fondly as "The Dead Horse Song," a number that takes a whimiscal look at the plight of Custer's 7th Calvery, "Northern Star," a crowd favorite, a great new penning, "One Room Schoolhouse," "Half" and a home-town number "Tonganoxie."  Great job, Garry!  We always look forward to hearing Art Covey play his mandolin and sing and tonight he entertained us with Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand," "Kentucky Waltz," Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and "Rebel Soldier."  All-button accordianist Jerome Oberlin was in the house as well tonight and got the feet moving on the dance floor as he took off on the "Pennslyvania Polka," then surprised us by having Marvin join him on vocals to do our favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Jerome returned to close out tonight's festivities with "Bye Bye Blackbird"and "Beer Barrel Polka."  (Below)  Jerome Oberlin & Marvin Bredemeier played our #1 favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Thanks, guys!  That song means a lot to me.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 4 November 2010 5:55 PM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Today's extraordinary event was a great concept to begin with:  Country Music Shows throughout Kansas & Missouri as well as many of the individual performers you have seen over the years were represented and the response was overwhelming to say the least. So many bands & preformers responded to this invitation, many traveling hundreds of miles, that the show ran a full 2 hours over!  This extravanganza began as the big red curtains parted to reveal the Annie's Country Jubilee band featuring our pal "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier playing our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie."  One of this area's finest vocalists, Jim Winters was up next and was kind enough to fulfill our request of Ray Price's "Soft Rain."  Jim returned a little later to bring the house down with his rendition of "Shenandoah."  The first of tonight's guest artists, cute-as-a-button Haylie Bagwell came up all the way from Coffeyville, KS and did a wonderful job singing Johnny Bush's "What A Way To Live" and the spectactular Martina McBride number "With A Broken Wing."  Leland Jones, who with wife Carole operate the Country Pickin' Opry near Richmond, Mo stepped to the mike next to do a bang-up job with a Ray Charles tune "Take These Chains (From My Heart)," Vince Gill's "Look At Us" and George Jones' "Window Up Above."

ACJ's own pretty Ronni Ward was up next and did a beautiful job with Highway 101's "The Bed You Made For Me" and Juice Newton's "Break It To Me Gently" followed closely by David George, Annie's musical director, awesome lead guitarist and tonight's emcee who showed what a great vocalist he is to boot with John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses" and Merle Haggard's "Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink."  One of the performers we are always looking forward to hearing, Michelle Lea is just starting her first year of college but has the vocal talents and stage presence which belie her relatively young age.  She was absolutely great tonight singing and yodeling the old Patsy Montana classic "Cowboy's Sweetheart" and Linda Ronstadt's "When Will I Be Loved."  Wayne Hoover, a good friend of ours who operates the Countryside Jamboree in Cameron, MO every Friday night got a big hand as he sang Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and Marty Robbins' "Beggin' To You."  Next up was the boss lady herself, Annie Dunavin whose vocal talents are legendary to sing Johnny Horton's "Slewfoot," a song she's been singing since childhood and a simply beautiful rendition of "Faded Love" which also featured an awesome fiddle solo by Marvin.  Kevin Olson, who used to live in this area, stepped front and center to use his great vocal abilities to sing Charley Pride's a"Mountain Of Love" and Gary Morris' "Velvet Chains."  Fred Uzzell, Annie's great steel guitar & Dobro player and the rest of the band including drummer Steve Straub and bass guitarist Ted Ward, closed this portion of the program with the "Steel Guitar Rag."

After a short intermission, the curtains reopened to reveal another band had replaced the first: none other than Elijah Chastain and the Middle Creek Band from Bill & Brenda Harris' Middle Creek Theatre located at the Rutlader Outpost, just south of Louisburg, KS!  Elijah started the ball rolling with a couple of great Ricky Skaggs tunes, "Ride That Hummingbird" and "Cajun Moon," then it was Angie Larson's "I Feel A Heartache Coming On" and just a super duet with Elijah of Rhonda Vincent/Gene Watson's blockbuster hit "Staying Together."  It was great seeing Angie's husband Bill Larson as well as he played drums behind her.  We always enjoy listening to the beautiful voice of Andy Lindberg and certainly tonight was no exception as Andy sang Ricky Van Shelton's "I Cried My Last Tear For You" and the great Vince Gill tune "Look At Us" with some great steel guitar runs by Bobby DeMoss, Kansas Steel Guitar Hall Of Famer.  Multi-talented drummer Brad Meadows did a super job as well, singing Clint Black's "Leaving Here (A Better Man)."  We got a huge surprise as we noticed that tonight, filling in with his big doghouse bass was none other than Missouri Country Music Hall Of Famer Dave Owens!  Dave is presently appearing at Branson's God & Country Theatre, so this was quite a trip for him, which is greatly appreciated.  Dave showed everyone he is well deserving of the HOF title as he sang "See The Big Man Cry Mama," "Angels Don't Lie" and the capper, "Rainy Night In Georgia."  If you ever get a chance to see Dave perfom, don't miss it!  Next up was our friend Mike Duley whose Ramblin' Country show is held every 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month in Gentry, MO.  Mike was so kind to make the long trip today to sing a couple of songs, Ray Price's "A Way To Survive" and Garth Brooks' "Two Of A Kind."  Great job, Mike!  What an honor it was to have Byron Jones, voice of the Northtown Opry for over 20 years drop in.  The Northtown Opry, of course has shows every Saturday night at their new location, 1419 Swift in North Kansas City.  Tonight Byron in his own distinctive style sang Faron Young's "Alone With You," Carl Smith's "I Overlooked An Orchid" and Buck Owens' "Love's Gonna Live Here."  Old friend (we attended the same high school) Larry Smith was next and he got a big ovation singing Johnny Rodriquez's "Pass Me By," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and our favorite gospel number "It Is No Secret."  Thanks Larry for you and Francis being here.

It was certainly a pleasure to see Debbie Martin (or for you KFKF listeners, Debbie Erikson) here tonight.  Debbie, of course appears every Saturday night at Dennis Dittemore's Big Creek Opry in Pleasant Hill, MO.  Debbie sent Dennis' regrets that he couldn't be here himself, but he and wife Cindy are battling some serious illness of their own.  Debbie has an absolutely beautiful voice and tonight sang Sara Evans' "Suds In The Bucket," Lorrie Morgan's "I Guess You Had To Be There" and a great gospel number, "Because He Lives."  Wee Willie Shagnasty or as we who know and love this guy, Bill Lear who traveled all the way from Macon, MO, made an appearance to share a little about his family with us ("My son's going to be an astronaut - teacher says he's taking up space!"  "Over 10,000 people met me at the airport - if you don't believe me, ask Garth Brooks.  He was there too!"  "I was going to tell you about my wife, but it's not 'politically correct' anymore to use the word "fat," so let's just say she's 'refrigerator friendly.")  Bill, of course had the audience in stitches as he does every second and fourth Saturdays at his Black Diamond Jubilee in Macon.  Thanks for coming all this way, Bill!  Elijah and this great Middle Creek band then performed one of the best gospel renditions you'll ever hear of a number recorded by Diamond Rio, "Walking In Jerusalem Just Like John."  To say we're familiar with this next artist would be quite an understatement.  Our son Wayne Hawkins, who is an accomplished piano and keyboard virtuoso flew in from an engagement in LaCrosse, WI and rushed to be here this afternoon.  Although primarily a jazz musician, Wayne seemed right at home as he and the band took off on "Route 66" with Jim Winters furnishing the vocals.  Next up was a great piano solo of "Wichita Lineman" dedicated to yours truly and then, again with the band it was "Night Life," a Ray Price number with Jim once again furnishing the vocals.  Wayne has a new CD to be released soon and you can also catch him at Benton's, a restaurant atop Crown Center near downtown KCMO on weekends.  If you'd like to know more about Wayne, visit his website www.waynehawkins.com. It was great visiting with Bill & Brenda and thanks to this great band for appearing here tonight.

After another short intermission, it was time again to change bands, this time featuring Stranger Creek, a band we are very familiar with as they play every Tuesday night at the BK Lounge (actually a Burger King located at 95th & Quivera in Lenexa, KS) where live music is featured from 6:30-9:00 PM and the Grinter House every month.  Larry Dean kicked off this portion of the evening with a Ricky Skaggs number "Hiway 40 Blues" and lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including drummer John Malone did a super job with the group's unofficial theme song, "Gordon's Boogie #1.  Lawrence, KS's own Arnie Johnson was on hand tonight to lend his smooth, silky delivery to Mark Chesnutt's "Old Flames (Can't Hold A Candle To You)," and a song recorded by Alison Krauss and others, "Another Day Another Dollar."  Garry Bichelmeyer and Larry Dean were just outstanding as they teamed up to sing "in The Jailhouse Now," Soggy Bottom Boys style and Jerome Oberle got the fingers snapping and the feet stomping as he played the "Beer Barrell Polka" with Marvin Bredemeier on vocals and "Harbor Lights" with Fred Uzzell doing some fine work on the steel guitar.  Sweet-voiced Mary Bichelmeyer sang Charly McClain's "Sentimental Old You," a song that always gets me a little emotional and Art Covey was outstanding as usual, playing mandolin and singing "Falling Leaves" and Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand."  We always relish the opportunity to hear this next man's great vocals, Ron Fine pleased the crowd tonight with Hank Snow's "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" and a Hank Williams Sr. classic "House Of Gold."  Garry Bichelmeyer and this great little band closed their portion with "Old Joe Clark,"  David George providing a great guitar solo.  After the ACJ band had settled back in, our good friend Kathy Lynn stepped front and center.  We first saw Kathy perform many years ago at Dirks Bar & Grille north of the river, where we used to go and see the late Mike O'Roark's Wednesday night get-togethers.  Tonight she did a super job singing Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough" and Bobby Gentry's "Ode To Billy Joe."  Perhaps it was a case of saving the best for last, but we were certainly astonished to see our friend Bill Jordan had made the trip all the way in from Oak Grove, MO.  Bill is of course, blind and we can only imagine the difficulty he must have encountered getting here.  Bill was just magnificent tonight, running chills up and down your spine with those low, low notes singing Jim Reeves' "Little Old Dime," "Heart Talk" (our personal favorite) and Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere."  Thanks for coming, Bill!  The ACJ Quartet (Jim Winters, David George, Ted Ward and featuring Steve Straub) closed this gala evening with a great gospel number "Beulahland."  Thanks to the many who gave of their time, talent and resources to make this evening such a success!!

Post Script:  Roger and I cannot begin to tell you how much we appreciated the great benefit show held in our behalf at Annie's Country Jubilee today.  We want to thank all single performers, the opry shows and our fans from the BK Lounge and all the other oprys.  We appreciate all the music, love and well wishes from each of you.

As Roger & I have said, it is easier to give than to be on the receiving end.  We must say that the monies donated here today are going to be a big step toward helping with our medical expenses.

We especially want to thank Annie, Terry, Bill & Louise Clark, Jerry & Linda Kendrick, the band members and the staff of helpers at Annie's for making this a beautiful day for all of us to enjoy and what better way to do it than with all our friends.

Thanks to all who contributed items for the silent auction and to those who bid & received them.  The items were very nice and who would ever have thought there would be so many!  Again, thanks to all who helped in putting this together, it worked out great.

All we can say is thanks so much to each and everyone who gave in their own special way.  Roger is having the medical procedures performed on a more frequent basis and we want to thank each of you for your prayers and help in dealing with this as well.  You have made things more bearable for us.

We love you all and want to say "God Bless" each and every one of you.  As mentioned in the words of this beautiful song, "It Is No Secret What God Can Do."

Jean Hawkins 

(Below) top - The Annie's Country Jubilee Band  middle - Elijah Chastain & the Middle Creek Band  bottom - Stranger Creek 

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 28 October 2010 8:18 PM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

A big crowd again decended on the BK tonight, evidently enjoying the brisk evening's cool, even chilly temperature drop.  Once again, with Larry Dean on vacation David Purcell assumed the lion's share of the singing here tonight, much to the crowd's delight.  Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums welcomed every one with their familiar theme song "Gordon's Boogie #1."  Gordon showed his versality singing the Dwight Yoakam smash "Guitars, Cadillacs & Country Music" followed later by instrumentals "Steel Guitar Rag" and "Honky Tonk."  David Purcell got the big crowd excited as he sang George Jones' "Tell Me My Crying Eyes Are Wrong," a song written by his Dad entitled "I Wonder How Many There Would Be," Willie Nelson's "Remember Me" and joining Marvin, the Hank Williams Sr.'s classic "Move It On Over."  David returned somewhat later with a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Losing You," "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing," George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and Garry's "Northern Star." Mary Bichelmeyer put her vocal talents to good use as well tonight as she sang Charly McClain's "Sentimental Old You" and Jim Reeves' "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" while Art Covey did a beautiful job playing his mandolin and singing Darrel McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," Jimmy Rodger's "Hobo's Meditation" and "Falling Leaves."  Our dear friend "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jubilee took center stage next and played our favorite fiddle tuned "Ragtime Annie" while Garry Bichelmeyer showed why he is such an audience favorite singing an original number "Demons," a very appropriate choice with Halloween fast approaching, Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone," a great banjo solo on "Old Joe Clark" and "Kansas City." 

Jerome Oberele, who is a real master of the all-button accordian proved to be a real treat tonight as he played the "Beer Barrel Polka" and was joined by Marvin for Elvis' "Just Because" and the lovely "Maiden's Prayer."  It was great seeing Gordon Riley's friend, the young, truly gifted Luke Morales sporting a brand-new red guitar.  Luke did an outstanding job playing "House Of The Rising Sun" and "Folsom Prison Blues" with Gordon furnishing the vocals.  David Purcell closed tonight's program with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away."  (Below) Luke Morales entertains the BK crowd.

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, 21 October 2010 1:51 PM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink