Because of the threatening weather forecast, the crowd at the BK was much smaller than usual tonight.  However, a good number of patrons and musicians alike braved the elements and lousy driving conditions to enjoy playing, listening and dancing at least part of the night away.  As we arrived, emcee Larry Dean was just beginning to sing the seasonal Merle Haggard hit, "If We Make It Through December."  Next up was David Purcell, who we've really missed seeing of late, singing "Once In A Lifetime Thing" and the Garry Bichelmeyer-written "Northern Star."  David returned a bit later with the Jack Blanchard/Misty Morgan hit "Tennessee Birdwalk."  Lead guitar Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including drummer John Malone played a couple of great instrumentals, "Jingle Bells" and "Harbor Lights" before Garry Bichelmeyer got a big hand as he sang "Kansas City," Elvis' "Blue Christmas" along with a couple of Credence Clearwater Revival hits, "Suzy Q" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain."  Garry's wife and the group's bass player, Mary Bichelmeyer put her mellow pipes to good use as well tonight, singing Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and Loretta Lynn's "There He Goes."  Multi-talented Art Covey played the great bluegrass tune "Red Wing" on his mandolin, then picked and sang "Rebel Soldier" to the delight of the crowd.

It had began to snow about the time the music started tonight and for the safety of the musicians and customers alike, it was wisely decided to close a little earlier than usual.  Art Covey closed the evening with "Royal Telephone."  (Below) Larry Dean sings another seasonal favorite for the crowd, George Strait's "Christmas Cookies"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 9:09 PM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 9 December 2009 8:13 AM CST

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As everyone who reads this blog regularly knows, we are always on the hunt for talented country singers and musicians to feature and write about on these pages.  Tonight, Annie featured not just one, but two extremely gifted young people who impressed everyone who heard them.  First-timer Sarah Burton from Ridgeway, MO (near Bethany) seemingly inherited her gift of music from her mother Linda Burton who, by the way, played bass and sang harmony on Annie Dunavin's 2nd CD!  Although we had previously heard Kevin Lee sing a couple of songs, we gained a whole new respect for his vocal abilities here tonight.  He has tremendous voice control, alternating between soft, melodic love songs and high energy upbeat numbers without missing a beat and has an outstanding vocal range.  And both of these young people have that magic ingredient: they leave the stage with the audience yelling for more!

Tonight's show began in the normal fashion with Annie Dunavin welcoming everyone with a hearty "Come On In!"  She returned later with "Come On Time," Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," "I'll Be Your Stepping Stone" and Patsy Cline's "I Don't Wanna."  David George, Annie's musical director and lead guitar showed his vocal talents as he sang Merle Haggard's "Ramblin' Fever," Dave Dudley's "Truck Driving Man" and later played a Christmas medley of "Away In The Manger/Joy To The World" on his flattop guitar.  Cute little Haylie Walter showed she's 100% country as she sang Tanya Tucker's "Wine Me Up," George Jones' "You're Still On My Mind," Leona Williams' "Don't Sing Me No Songs About Texas" and Wanda Jackson's "Hard Hearted Woman."  Emcee and possessor of one of this area' finest male voices, Jim Winters stepped front and center and sang Waylon's "Only Daddy (That'll Walk The Line)," Hank Sr.'s "Cold Cold Heart," Leroy Van Dyke's "Walk On By" and George Strait's "I Just Wanna Dance With You."  Pretty Ronni Ward put her beautiful voice to work, much to the audience's delight as she sang Patty Loveless' "Here I Am," Juice Newton's "Queen Of Hearts" and later "Blue Side Of Town" and Merle's "Somewhere Between."

There was some great instrumental work as well here tonight with Fred Uzzell playing "The Yellow Bird" on the steel guitar and joining David George on flattop guitar, Marvin Bredemeier on fiddle and he on the dobro playing an old bluegrass standard, "Black Mountain Rag."  When one didn't think it could get any better, here comes Marvin with our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," drummer Steve Straub putting his marvelous voice to work on Merle's "Big City" and bass player Ted Ward who got a big hand as he sang "This Is Me Missing You."  A big round of applause brought Sarah Burton back to the mike after she sang Patsy's "I Love You Honey" and an old standard most recently revamped by Taylor Swift, "You Belong To Me." For her encore, she chose Leroy Van Dyke's other chart-topper "The Auctioneer."  Returning the second half, it was "Unchained Melody," Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" and Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart."  Also getting a big nod of approval from the audience, Kevin Lee sounded great singing George Strait's "The Fireman," "It's Your Love" (a duet with Haylie Walter), Garth's "The Dance" and later Hag's "Swinging Doors" and "Mama Tried."  Kevin finished his set with John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."  Both of these young artists are wonderful to listen to and we suggest if you missed them this trip, try and catch them next time!

Annie Dunavin closed the evening, dedicating a beautiful gospel number, "Wayfaring Stranger" to Carol Norman, who used to sit just behind us a few rows and recently lost her battle with cancer.  Please keep Carol's family & friends in your prayers.  (Below) Backstage with Jim Winters (c), Sarah Burton (l) and Kevin Lee (r)

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 8:36 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 6 December 2009 3:55 PM CST

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The pride of Westline, MO, the Westline Jamboree is held every other Wednesday night at the community center in this quaint little burg, located a few miles east of Louisburg, KS.  As we've mentioned in previous articles, there is never an admission charge and pies, cakes and other goodies are furnished at intermission.  Coffee cans are on the tables for those that care to contribute.  Jess Richardson, who emcees and headlines the show, started the Jamboree five years ago with the help of band members and locals.  Today, hardly a show goes by that doesn't entertain a packed house.

After welcoming everyone to tonight's show (No. 115), Jess opened the festivities with Mickey Gilley's "Roomful Of Roses," Hank Williams' "Honky Tonk Blues," Charlie Louvin's "I Don't Love You Anymore" and Stonewall Jackson's "Smoke Along The Tracks" and then introduced the band:  Buddy Ford plays lead guitar & mandolin, Johnny Goddard, rhythm & vocals, Chris Renner, keyboards & vocals, Jack Ford, bass guitar & vocals, George Renner, steel guitar, Eldon Adams and Floyd Harold, both on rhythm guitar.  Jess returned a bit later with Ray Charles' "I Got A Woman," "She's Just An Old Love Turned Memory," Moe Bandy's "Bandy The Rodeo Clown" and Merle Haggard's "Big City."  Jack Ford did a great job singing an old Ernest Tubb number, "You're The Only Good Thing" while Chris sounded super as he tickled those ivories and sang a song that Rhonda Vincent had a hit on recently, "I Sang Dixie" and Kris Krisofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee."  After John Goddard sang Merle's "Big River," Buddy Ford and the band closed the first half with a top-notch instrumental, "Freight Train." 

After everyone had taken the opportunity to sample the sweets & other goodies at the tables set up at the back, Jess began the second half with a song recorded by Willie Nelson & many others, "Ain't It Funny (How Time Slips Away)" followed by Elvis' "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" and by request - "Blue Christmas" twice!  The first version as Ernest Tubb performed it and the second as Elvis did it many years later!  Great stuff!  Jess was to return later with "I'm Making Plans," "Walkin' The Dog," Vince Gill's "Look At Us," Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Mind Your Own Business," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "Truck Drivin' Man" and Ray Charles' "What I Say."  Jack Ford returned this half to sing "Who Left The Door Open To Heaven," Merle's "If I'd Left It Up To You" and "Nine Pound Hammer" before Johnny Goddard got a lot of laughs as he sang Homer & Jethro's "The Yeller Rose Of Texas" and "Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette."  Buddy and the band played the old Buck Owens' band theme song, "Buckaroo" and Chris did an outstanding job singing and playing Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."

A pleasant surprise was tonight's guest artist, none other than Pat "Tater" Irvin who is taking the month of December off from his usual Wednesday night gig at Harry's Country Club in Kansas City's River Quay district.  Pat, by the way is Jess Richardson's nephew and is also Beth Irvin's nephew (aka Lizzie Lou, who we visited with just last night at the BK).  Pat began his set with a song especially written for his folks entitled "Mom & Dad," then it was Merle's "In My Next Life."  Pat returned later with a Billy Joe Shaver song, "I've Been To Georgia On A Fast Train," Krisofferson's "Why Me Lord" and another Merle classic, "Who'll Buy The Wine."  He then introduced the lady responsible for all his talent -- his mother Carol Irvin who did a marvelous job singing "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down."  We hated to see the evening end and we certainly won't let this much time lapse between visits, if we possibly can.  Jess urged everyone to return again soon and closed the evening with "I Saw The Light."  (Below) Pat "Tater" Irvin & Jess Richardson  

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 6 December 2009 8:35 AM CST

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With the threat of an abrupt change in the weather looming, a myriad of country music dancers and listeners decended on the BK tonight, taking advantage of what might prove to be the last mild evening for quite a spell.  Arriving on time for a change, we secured a bite to eat and just as we sat back and began to enjoy our meal, Larry Dean opened tonight's session with a Vern Gosdin song, "Month Of Sundays" followed by "Playboy."  Somewhat later, for the line dancers, Larry was to sing a Glen Campbell tune, "Try A Little Kindness," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "That Just About Does It Don't It." 

Lead guitar Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums did a dandy job with "Steel Guitar Rag," Chet Atkins' "Windy & Warm"  and a couple of seasonal tunes, "Jingle Bells" and "Silver Bells."  "Mighty" Marvin Brenemeier who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night played "The Summer Wind" while Larry Dean did the vocals, then it was "The Waltz You Saved For Me," "Ragtime Annie" (thanks, Marvin!) & "Maiden's Prayer."  Bass player Mary Bichelmeyer put her mild voice to work on Bob Dylan's "House Of The Rising Sun," the Judds' "Grandpa" and later, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."  Husband Garry Bichelmeyer was in fine voice himself tonight as he sang a song made famous by Randy Travis, "He Walked On Water," joined Larry Dean on the Soggy Bottom Boys' "Man Of Constant Sorrow" and returned the second half with a couple of his self-written songs "Northern Star" and "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died."  It's also always a treat to see and hear Art Covey sing and play that mandolin.  Tonight he played "Down Yonder" and sang and picked one of our favorite gospel numbers, "Stroll Across Heaven" while Annie Little used her amazing vocal talents to sing Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and "Winter Wonderland."

What a nice surprise it was to see Beth Irvin and her husband Dave drop in for a visit tonight.  Beth is not only a great singer but does a great comedy routine as "Lizzy Lou" and has appeared at several oprys and other venues throughout the KC area.  Dave himself is a top notch musician, writer and arranger and tonight accompanied Beth with the rest of the band as she sang some audience favorites, "Your Cheating Heart," Patsy's "I Fall To Pieces" and "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy."  Tonight's festivities ended with the audience joining the band singing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  (Below) Beth Irvin & husband Dave (l) entertain the crowd at the BK Lounge 12/1/09

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 9:50 PM CST

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It was a cool, crisp Autumn evening as we headed south on US 69 to the 335th St. exit, just south of Louisburg, KS, to the Rutlader Outpost where the Middle Creek Theatre is located.  Although we arrived 45 minutes prior to showtime, a number of folks had already arrived to take advantage of the full service snack bar and expansive dining area.  Visiting with owners Bill & Brenda Harris, we learned that although tonight was the last regular season show of the year, there would be a special pre-Christmas show and benefit held December 12th to help Carl Butler & family defray some of the extensive medical expenses they have incurred due to the severe illiness of his mother, Bernice.  We understand there will be no admittance charge or reserved seating....just donate what you can, sit where you like.  We will have more information on this affair at a later date and will post it on this blog, on the Bulletin Board and on the Middle Creek page - accessible from the home page.  Stay tuned! 

The spacious Middle Creek Theatre was literally packed by the time lead guitarist and Master of Ceremonies Elijah Chastain welcomed the capacity crowd with "Sweet Country Music" and Keith Urban's "I Want To Love Somebody."  Jamie Gumm-Ogle's vocals are legendary and tonight she got a huge hand as she sang Connie Smith's "Then And Only Then" and Trisha Yearwood's "Baby I Lied."   Equally talented Barb Walker turned back the clock with Patsy Cline's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" and a Dolly Parton seasonal "Hard Candy Christmas."  Multi-tasker Carl Butler not only played an outstanding bass guitar here tonight but sang Merle Haggard's "Swinging Doors," Kenny Chesney's "Please Come To Boston," and exchanging instruments with Elijah, led the band on a great instrumental version of "All Of Me."  The third member of the terrific female singing trio which graces this show, keyboardist Angie Larson took the spotlight as she sang and played "I Feel A Heartache Coming On," Merle Haggard's "You Take Me For Granted" and "Do I Believe."  And speaking of trios, Jamie, Barb & Angie returned later to blend their voices beautifully as they sang the Forester Sisters' "Just In Case," "That's What You Do When You're In Love" and an old Luvin Brothers song,  "My Baby's Gone."  The audience showed their appreciation as drummer Brad Meadows sang the Clint Black hit "I'm Leaving Here A Better Man" and Bobby DeMoss did an super job on "Steel Guitar Rag."

The first of tonight's guest artists, Jacy Chastain's last name has a familiar ring to it as she is, of course Elijah Chastain's daughter and you didn't have to look too closely to see that he was mighty proud of the job she did here tonight.  Beginning with the upbeat "Rocky Top," it was Kitty Wells' "How Far Is Heaven,"  "Once A Day" and the Isaacs' "Half A Day Away From You."  What a treat!  Alicia Kay has lived in Nashville for the past 4 years, but has recently relocated back to this area.  She has a supurb voice and we certainly enjoyed hearing her sing the Highway 101 hit "Blame It On Your Heart," "Together Again," Holly Dunn's "You Really Had Me Goin'," Emmylou Harris' "Two More Bottles Of Wine," Janie Fricke's "Down To My Last Broken Heart" and Faith Hill's "It Matters To Me."  It's been quite a spell since we've seen Luke Town perform and he proved to be quite the showman as always.  Beginning his first set with Waylon's "Good Hearted Woman," he followed with Merle Haggard's "Big City" and clever Elvis Presley/Porky Pig impressions as he sang "Blue Christmas."  Luke returned the second half with three more great numbers: Dwight Yoakum's "Guitars & Cadillacs," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" and Josh Turner's "One Woman Man." 

As the gospel portion of tonight's program arrived, Jamie, Barb & Angie again stepped ftont and center to sing a Lee Ann Womack spiritual number, "Get Up In Jesus Name."  Carl Butler was to follow with a great vocal of one of our favorite gospel numbers, "The Lighthouse" before Jamie Gumm-Ogle lent her magnificent voice to the beautiful "Shadow Of The Cross."  Elijah and Carl hit some awesome licks on their lead & bass guitars, respectively as the evening closed with "Walkin' In Jerusalem."  (Below) top -Guest artists Alicia Kay, Luke Town, Jacy Chastain    bottom - Middle Creek Band - back row (l. to r.) Jamie Gumm-Ogle, Angie Larson, Elijah Chastain, Barb Walker - front row (l. to r.) Bobby DeMoss, Brad Meadows, Carl Butler

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:14 PM CST

Updated: Tuesday, 1 December 2009 11:26 PM CST

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A nice-sized after Thanksgiving crowd greeted us as we arrived at Countryside Hall tonight, just a smidgen south of the Cameron, MO city limits on US 69.  Dancers and spectators alike gather here each and every Friday night to enjoy classic country music by the Countrysiders composed of owner/operator, emcee and lead singer Wayne Hoover, Billy Dean Bennett on lead guitar and fiddle, wife Lisa Marie Bennett on drums, Bill Rankin on steel guitar and Bill Gann on bass. Shirley Hoover's full service snack bar stayed busy also as she dispensed hot dogs, polish sausages, homemade chili, candy, popcorn, coffee and soft drinks to this enthusastic bunch.

The familiar strains of "Ragtime Annie" from the fiddle of Billy Dean signaled the beginning of tonight's festivities and he was to return later singing the whimsical Tracy Byrd tune "Watermelon Crawl," Buck Owens' "The Keys In The Mailbox," The Derailers' "Waltz Of The Angels," Johnny Tilotson's "Talk Back Tremblin' Lips" and once again putting bow on strings, fiddled both the old bluegrass tune "Maiden's Prayer" and "Tennessee Waltz."   We've always enjoyed hearing Wayne Hoover sing a country song and tonight he was definately "on his game" with Conway's "I've Already Loved You In My Mind," Marty Robbins' "it's Your World," Freddie Hart's "I Just Took A Trip To Heaven," Faron Young's "Wind Me Up," Dave & Sugar's "Queen Of The Silver Dollar," Johnny Bush's "What A Way To Live" (our request), "What Made Milwaukee Famous," "Washed My Hands In Muddy Water" and Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin'." 

Bill Rankin played some beautiful steel guitar numbers here tonight beginning with "Born To Lose," "Blue Hawaii," "Beggin' To You," "Playboy," and "Step Aside" along with some great backup work on the dobro.  Lisa Marie Bennett got a big hand as she sang "I'm Putting On My Walking Shoes," the upbeat "Rockin' Robin," Loretta's "Coal Miner's Daughter," Ricky Van Shelton's "I've Cried My Last Tear For You" and others.  Walk-ons tonight were Charlie Curtis, who has been recovering from a motorcycle accident and reports he is feeling much better after breaking two ribs and injuring his back in the incident.  Tonight Charlie did a super job with a song first released by Patsy Cline, "If I Could See The World Through The Eyes Of A Child" and Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone."  Elmer Clark was up next and he showed off his vocal talents with Gene Watson's "Farewell Party" and "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy."  Our pal Wayne Leslie's mellow voice was a perfect fit for Eddy Arnold's "Welcome To My World" and a Dottie West hit, "Don't Touch Me."

Little Peggy Horstman, with 12 couples of dancers to manouver, called the Virginia Reel as the band played "Down Yonder."  We hope these folks enjoyed the dancing as much as we enjoyed watching them.  Art Damgar gave it everything he had as he sang "Your Cheating Heart" and "Swinging Doors."  George Vincent played the spoons as the band accompanied him with "Old Time Rock 'N Roll" and (hooray!) an encore of "Ragtime Annie."  Wayne Hoover closed the evening with a Keith Whitley tune, "I've Still Got A Honky Tonk Heart."  (Below) top - Peggy Horstman calls the Virginia Reel as the band plays "Down Yonder"  bottom - Dancers crowd the floor during the Virginia Reel

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:59 PM CST

Updated: Saturday, 28 November 2009 11:43 AM CST

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Our pal Jim Bledsoe of Green Earth Signs, a mokanopry.com sponsor whose ad can be found on the BK Lounge page on this site, made the KC Star last Saturday as he and a helper relocated the huge Hereford House trademark head to set atop a new restaurant called The Prime Rib Grill.  Jim, it seems can handle almost anything from big sign jobs like this one to repairs and electrical work of all kinds.  If you are inclined to need his services now or know of someone who does, contact him at (816) 214-8960

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 4:10 PM CST

Updated: Friday, 27 November 2009 4:17 PM CST

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We were late getting away from home tonight, but managed to catch "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier and the rest of the band including lead guitarist Gordon Riley, drummer John Malone and Mark Hayden sitting in tonight with his banjo as he sang and played and sang the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans classic "Happy Anniversary" and "Rubber Dolly."  Marvin of course, plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS and returned later in the evening with "The Waltz You Save For Me" and a seasonal wake-up call - "Jingle Bells."  David Purcell with help from Art Covey did a great job with "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me" - a song that Willie Nelson & Ray Price recorded a great duet of.  David followed with a Garry Bichelmeyer song, "Northern Star" and later it was an original song David and his grandchildren collaborated on, "Come On Santa To My House" and Willy's "On The Road Again."  Garry's wife, Mary Bichelmeyer sang some great old standards tonight: Patsy's "Crazy Arms." "Dark Moon" (recorded by many, including Gale Storm.  How many of you remember "My Little Margie" on TV?) and a little later "Crazy Dream."  Garry dug up a golden oldie himself as he sang "Red River Valley" and then it was Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone," John Denver's "Back Home Again" and a great old bluegrass tune "The Old Home Place." 

After a short intermission, emcee Larry Dean sang Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie" for the linedancers, then it was Chuck Berry's "Nadine" followed by Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."  Gordon Riley did a marvelous job singing as well as picking Buck Owens' "Love's Gonna Live Here Again" and he and this super band did an awesome job with Chet Atkins' "Meet Mr. Callahan."  A special treat tonight was Amanda Brock who used to sing at Glen's Opry several years ago and had just stopped off for a hamburger.  She was quickly pressed into service and did a beautiful job singing Anne Murray's "Snow Bird" and a duet with Garry of Keith Whitley & Lorrie Morgan's "Till Each Tear You Cry Becomes A Rose."  Our friend Art Covey did a swell job himself tonight, playing mandolin and singing Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand," Ferlin Husky's "Deep Water" and closed this evening with "Mountain Railway."  (Below)  Amanda Brock (c.) with Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 11:12 PM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 25 November 2009 9:32 AM CST

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A good-sized crowd showed up tonight to attend Leland & Carole Jones' final show of the season at their Country Pickin' Opry, located just west of Richmond, MO off of Highway 10 on Route C.  These folks put on a terrific show every time we have the opportunity to visit and tonight was certainly a prime example of that.  Leland's band or the "Country Pickers" as they are called are comprised of Leland Jones, emcee, rhythm guitar & vocals, Richard Jewell, electric banjo,  Ron Lana, lead guitar, Harvey Hayseed, bass & comedy, Bob Smith, drums, Chuck Robinson, steel guitar, Jack Wicker, keyboards & vocals with Fonda Bennett, lead singer.  Fonda, by the way looked terrific tonight, having lost 163 lbs. this season and wearing a nifty pair of blue jeans and sporting a new haircut. 

After singing "I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today," Leland welcomed everyone to the final show of 2009 (the show closes on the 3rd Saturday of November and reopens the 3rd Saturday of March), then treated everyone to a Webb Pierce song, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "Rose Of San Antone," a great bluegrass tune "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" and a little later, Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."  Fonda Bennett is blessed with one of the best female voices around and tonight she did a spectactular job singing Patsy Montana's "Cowboy's Sweetheart,"  Ray Price's "You Don't Have Very Far To Go," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," "1-900 Bubba" (with Richard Jewell playing the straight man) and "You Belong To Me."  Harvey Hayseed, resident bass player and funnyman related an unfortunate incident he had recently when he went to eat at a local diner.  As he sat down at the counter he noticed a man sitting next to him who was just staring at a bowl of chili.  After several minutes went by, Harvey asked the man if he was going to eat that chili or what?  No answer was forthcoming.  Soon, he asked the man "If you're not going to eat that chili do you mind if I do?"  The man nodded yes, so Harvey took the chili and began eating it.  He got to almost the bottom of the bowl and there was a dead mouse in the bottom of the bowl.  Well, of course this made him deathly sick and he upchucked all of the chili right back into the bowl.  The guy turned to Harv and said, "Yep.  That's about as far as I got!"  Yuch!

The first of tonight's guest artists, Rex Barnett is a retired Missouri State trooper and hails from Trenton, MO.  Decked out in a bright red western shirt and ten gallon hat, Rex sang some of our favorite classic country numbers including Billy Walker's "Charlie's Shoes," Willie's "Blue Eyes Cryin In The Rain," Marty Robbins' "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," "Today I Started Loving You Again," Dwight Yoakum's "I Sang Dixie" and "Pass Me By If You're Only Passing Through."  Richard Jewell did a couple of numbers for his mother who was in the audience tonight, picking his 'lectric bannger (as Leland calls it) or electric banjo on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and picking and singing the old bluegrass tune "Where The Roses Bloom." A short while later, lead guitar Ron Lana let 'er fly with "Guitar Boogie."

It's been sometime since we've seen Clarence Hayden perform, but his smooth, silky delivery is one you will certainly remember.  Clarence is a busy man these days dividing his time with appearances on RFD TV and other obligations.  He plans on spending his winter doing shows at various venues in Texas' Rio Grande valley.  His set tonight began with "There She Goes," then it was "Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" and Waylon's "Amanda."  Clarence returned later to sing Stonewall Jackson's "Don't Be Angry" and Mark Chesnutt's "As The Honky Tonk Turns."  We always enjoy hearing Jack Wicker's keyboard and vocals and tonight he turned the clock back with the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace," "It's Only Make Believe" and "Who Am I."  Returning later, it was a 50's medley: "White Sport Coat/Blueberry Hill/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Jack closed the evening's festivities with "How Great Thou Art."  (Below) top - Clarence Hayden/Leland Jones/Rex Barnett  bottom - Fonda Bennett entertains Richard Jewell with "1-900 Bubba"

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 22 November 2009 1:03 PM CST

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A big crowd filled the auditorium of the Northcross United Methodist Church tonight at the monthly meeting of the Heart Of America Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Club or HABOT.  Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month and normally last from 6:00 - 10:45 PM. President Mary Caton Eddings welcomed everyone and introduced the "house" band which would accompany the individual acts which preceeded the bands on tonight's program.  Larry Willis had the honors on banjo, with Mary Bliefnick on bass, Cotton Sanders played his fiddle with Walt Weigman on guitar.  Jim Downs handled the duties on mandolin and Irvin Martin also played guitar.

Tonight's first guest artist Molly Reed, however didn't require any accompaniment as she sang both of her numbers "Pick Me Up Before I Hit The Ground" and "I Won't Be Lonesome Up There," a cappella.  Mark Burnett and daughter-in-law Chelsea Burnett were up next and they did a great job blending their voices on "Too Late Now" and "Do What You Do Do Well."  Sherry Schoolfield from Excelsior Springs, MO used her vocal talents to sing "I'll Wait For You" and "I Just Drove By" before Mary Eddings sang the bluegrass standard "Wildflowers" for the appreciative crowd.  The last act tonight was Richard Reeves who did an excellent job both accompanying himself on the guitar and singing "High On The Mountain" and Blue Highway's "Lonesome Pine." 

The Great White Possum String Band, consisting of Mike Weaver, mandolin, Gary Gray, banjo & dobro, Mark Purcell, guitar, Don Huff, lead vocals, guitar and Bill Norton, bass was the first of three bands featured here tonight.  We first saw this group perform many years ago at the Sally Mountain Festival near Queen City, MO and they are always a lot of fun to listen to.  Tonight it was "Sea Of Heartbreak," "I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home," "On And On," an instrumental of "Fireball Mail,' "Greenville Trestle," "Blue Virginia Blues," "If I Lose," "Bye Bye Blues" and "Close The Door."  Webb Pierce's "Walking The Dog," "Close The Door," "Matterhorn" and "Love Over Lonesome" closed the set.  The second group tonight was Gary Russell's Sugar Creek with Gary on vocals & guitar, Bud Carey on guitar & vocals as well and Gary's sons David (mandolin, vocals) & Keith Russell (banjo).  This group has been around the bluegrass scene for a number of years and are really fun to listen to.  Gary and the gang are featured every Thursday night at their own show (see Thursday Night Opry on our home page) and maintain their own website @ www.sugarridgegrass.com.  Their set tonight began with an instrumental, "Clinch Mountain Backstep," then it was Gary with "Farm In Louisiana," "Old Train," "Carolina Star," "I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water" and others.  "Blackberry Blossom" featured Keith on banjo, Bud Carey got a big hand as he picked and sang "I Saw A Man" and David did the honors as he sang his most requested song, "Walkin' The Dog."  Other selections included "Liberty" & "I Like To Hear Them Preach It."

Misty Mountain Revival, the last of tonight's great bluegrass bands had Larry Cook sitting in tonight at doghouse bass, the versatile Gary Gray (mandolin, banjo, guitar), Ken Slyter on banjo and guitar,  Kathy (vocals) and Jim (guitar, mandolin) Belk.  They performed a variety of old-timey and bluegrass selections here tonight including "Way Downtown," "Last Thing On My Mind," Hold Whatcha Got," "White Frieghtliner Blues" and "99 Years & One Dark Day."  "Panhandle Rag" was followed by "You're In My Heart," I'll See You On The Other Side Of Jordan," "Nellie Kane," "Think Of What You've Done" and "Winter's Come & Gone."  This super group closed the evening's festivities with "Lonesome Pine" and "Remington's Ride."  (Below)  top - Gary Russell of Sugar Ridge in his jaunty hat sings "Carolina Star"  bottom - Jim & Kathy Belk harmonize on another great bluegrass standard

Posted by hawkshaw5 at 12:47 AM CST

Updated: Sunday, 22 November 2009 9:08 PM CST

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