Wednesday, December 30, 2009

DECEMBER 29, 2009
ANOTHER GREAT SHOW AT THE BK LOUNGE


Again, there was a nice sized crowd when the music began at the BK Lounge tonight. We had a few new people and there were several regulars missing mostly due to vacations and Christmas trips out of town .

It was really good to see Sharon Miller back and looking well after several weeks of being unable to join us because of a fall in her home.

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier (who, of course is the resident fiddler every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS) fiddle the Kentucky Waltz, the old fiddle tune "Back Up And Push" and later in the evening sang & fiddled Charlie Daniels "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" and was kind enough to play "Ragtime Annie" for yours truly. Thanks, Marv! Close on his heels, David Purcell donned his cap & pigtails and in his best Willie voice did a super job singing "On The Road Again" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night." Dave returned after break and with help from the rest of the band including drummer John Malone, sang a couple of Garry Bichelmeyer creations, "Northern Star" and "The River Is Deep." Mary Bichelmeyer gave the crowd a treat as she sang Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," "Walk The Way The Wind Blows," "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and "Bill Bailey."

Larry Dean was in fine voice himself tonight, singing Delbert McClinton's "Back To Louisiana," Alan Jackson's "Designated Drinker," George Strait's "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" and after Scott Gilmore sang "Boot Scootin' Boogie" for the line-dancers, it was a Frank Sinatra tune, "The Summer Wind." The group's great lead guitarist, Gordon Riley and the rest of the band played an original tune of his we all call "Gordon's Boogie," then it was "Sweet Georgia Brown" Merle Travis style and "9 Lb. Hammer," on which he did a excellent job, both singing and picking. Garry Bichelmeyer got a big hand as he sang Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin To San Antone," "Kansas City" and Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy." Marvin led the band playing "Ault Lang Syne" and wished everyone a Happy and Safe New Year!!

A large portion of the above reprinted with permission from Roger Hawkins - MO-KAN OPRY.COM - Many Thanks Again, Roger!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

DECEMBER 22, 2009
CHRISTMAS SHOW AT THE BK LOUNGE


A near capacity crowd filled the BK tonight in anticipation of a great Christmas program here tonight and after Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums, opened tonight's get-together with "Gordon's Boogie #1," Larry Dean got the holiday cheer started with George Strait's "Christmas Cookies' and Elvis' "Santa Claus Is Back In Town." Larry returned later with John Denver's "Grandma's Feather Bed" and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December." Garry Bichelmeyer also chose an Elvis song, "Blue Christmas" to start off with, then it was Waylon's "Wurlitzer Prize" and somewhat later Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy." "Magnanimous" Marvin Bredemeier was up next (magnanimous means having a dignified and generous nature, which fits our friend Marvin to a "T") and putting bow to fiddle did a beautiful job playing "Goodnight My Love," played & sang "Here Come Santa Claus" and "Winter Wonderland." Marvin, of course plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS.

Mary Bichelmeyer, Garry's wife and the group's bass player, used her soft, mellow voice tonight to sing Patsy's "Crazy Arms," "Bill Bailey," "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," and Gordon and the gang returned with a great instrumental of "Silver Bells" a super vocal by Gordon of Buck Owens' "Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy" then it was the "Panhandle Rag" and "Honky Tonk." We always enjoy seeing our friend David Purcell perform and tonight he sang a Garry Bichelmeyer song "Northern Star," "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (we saw Kris Krisofferson & Rita Cooledge perform this at a concert here in KC) and later it was Merle's "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad" and in his best "Willie voice," "Remember Me." Thanks David! Art Covey made some beautiful sounds himself here tonight as he sang & picked his mandolin to "Deep Water" and the "Kentucky Waltz."

It's been quite a spell since we've seen Rick Mullen and didn't hardly recognize him behind that full beard, but it was great to have him drop in and perform "Singing The Blues." Rick and his wife Leta have the Glory Barn at 34th & Woodend in KCKS, which has a show every Saturday night. Ron Fine also a fine singer, dropped in this evening as well and did a marvelous job singing the Waylon/Jessie standard, "Storms Never Last." This was the first opportunity we've had to meet Jerome Oberle and hear him play his all-button accordion or as they are sometimes referred to: "squeezebox." Whatever you call them, Jerome got some great sounds from it as he played "Pennsylvania Polka," "White Christmas" and closed the festivities this evening with the "Blue Skirt Waltz" and "Silent Night."

Once again, because he does such outstanding work, we have reprinted Roger Hawkins' article from MO-KAN OPRY.COM As always we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Roger for letting us use his articles.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

DECEMBER 17, 2009
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


The dance floor at the Grinter Barn was a busy place tonight. Between the usual mix of country songs, the band performed a nice selection of Christmas music including Gordon's impeccable playing of "Jingle Bells" and Mary's beautiful rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

During intermission, Rosie and Schuyler joined forces to draw names for several door prizes that were given away.

Due to scheduling difficulties, Larry announced that the only show at the Grinter Barn in January will be on Thursday, January 28, 2010. We look forward to seeing everyone then. We will also be at the Burger King every Tuesday as usual.

It was really good to see Bob Kampen back with us tonight. He looked good and reported feeling good after his recent surgery. WAY TO GO BOB!!

Every one be safe during the Holidays. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

December 16, 2009

Once again I have decided that I am wasting my time trying to put out an article comparable to Jean and Roger so I am going to use theirs instead.

HOLIDAY SONGS COMMAND THE MUSICAL THEME OF TONITE'S PROGRAM AT THE BK

Larry Dean kicked off tonight's festivities with the cheery Roy Orbison tune, "Pretty Paper" and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Thru December." He was to return later with "Back To Louisiana," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie" and Jerry Lee's "All Shook Up." Lead guitar Gordon Riley led the band, including drummer John Malone on instrumentals "Birth Of The Blues," "Buckaroo" and "The Bells Of St. Mary." Gordon also received a big hand as he picked & sang Hank Thompson's "Six Pack To Go." "Magnanimous" Marvin Bredemeier, who fiddles each and every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS, played the beautiful "Waltz You Saved For Me," "Rubber Dolly," sang the "She's Too Fat For Me Polka" (what was that all about?), Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues" and our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie." The group's resident bass player Mary Bichelmeyer was up next and she did a wonderful job tonight singing Hank Sr.'s "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," Patsy Cline's "Crazy Dreams," and Ray Price's "Crazy Arms."

Garry Bichelmeyer, Mary's husband and one of the cleverest song writers you'll ever run into, at Gordon Riley's suggestion, dedicated the evening's performance to Tiger Woods, who as everyone is aware of, has been getting a lot of flack in the news lately. For the occassion Garry wrote and performed a clever parody of the old Buck Owens hit, "Tiger By The Tail" entitled "She's Got Ol' Tiger By The Tail" which had the audience rolling in the aisles. This little charmer was followed by an actual song released some years ago by John Denver, "Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas." Garry returned after break with Krisofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" and with Mary sang the Johnny Cash/June Carter smash "Ring Of Fire." We always get such a kick when Art Covey is here to play his mandolin and sing and tonight he picked three good 'uns: "Deep Water," "The Kentucky Waltz" and "Hobo's Lament."

We brought along some lyrics to a song we heard Saturday Night, a tune sung by Vince Gill - "My Name Is Christmas Carol" and Scott Gilmore who with wife Lisa almost always brings those cute little redheaded kids (Matthew & Kylie) of theirs in to hear the band play, volunteered and did a bang-up job singing this great little Christmas story in song. We were thrilled to see Annie Little back tonight and she used her beautiful voice the first half to sing "Winter Wonderland" and "Let It Snow." She also closed the evening out with "A Very Special Grace."

Many Thanks to Roger Hawkins at MO-KAN OPRY.COM for his generosity in allowing us to use his article. I owe you, Roger

Sunday, December 13, 2009

December 12, 2009
Eagles Club - Merriam KS


A fine, near capacity crowd nearly filled the hall at the Merriam Eagles Club last night when the Stranger Creek Band took center stage. For the next four and a half hours drummer John Malone kept the beat as Gordon Riley and his usual fine lead guitar performed. Larry Dean, Garry and Mary Bichelmeyer were in fine form as their voices entertained us. The mix of music was outstanding, ranging from cheek-to-cheek dancing to George Jones' "Walk Thru This World With Me" to the more raucous and lively "Old Time Rock & Roll". There was a near even mix of classic country and rock & roll, much to the enjoyment of everyone present. We also enjoyed several Christmas songs mixed in through the night.

The Eagles staff announced that ALL of their proceeds from last nights program (more than $750.00) will be used to help needy families in the Merriam area this Christmas.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

December 8, 2009
A snowy evening at the BK Lounge


Due to the inclement weather and lousy driving conditions, it was a much smaller than normal crowd that gathered at the BK Lounge tonight.

The snow started at about the same time as Larry Dean opened the show with "Leroy The Red-Nosed Reindeer". He followed that with "If We Make It Through December". As most of those present kept one eye on the weather and one on the performers, Dave Purcell sang "Once it a Lifetime Thing". He then did the popular "Northern Star" written by our own Garry Bichelmeyer. Later it the evening Dave performed the Jack Blanchard/Misty Morgan hit "Tennessee Birdwalk". Gordon Riley, accompanied by drummer John Malone and the rest of the band pleased the group with fine renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "Harbor Lights". Garry answered a request with "Kansas City" followed by Elvis' "Blue Christmas"and Credence Clearwater Revival's "Suzy Q" and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain". Garry's wife, Mary stepped to the microphone and with her always mellow voice entertained with "Don't Tell Me What to Do" and Loretta Lynn's "There He Goes". The multi-talented Art Covey picked the bluegrass "Red Wing" on his mandolin then picked and sang "Rebel Soldier".

A little after 8:00 PM it was decided that in the interest of everyone's safety we would call it a show. Art Covey was called on to close with "Royal Telephone"

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Eagles Club dance Saturday evening.

Portions of the above obtained from the great work of Jean & Roger Hawkins @ MO-KAN OPRY.COM Thanks again, Roger

Saturday, December 5, 2009

December 5, 2009
On The Sick List

One of our faithful fans needs our thoughts and prayers this morning. Earlier this week BOB KAMPEN underwent surgery and received five Heart By-passes.

He is in Providence Hospital in Intensive Care. Cards and notes can be sent to him at:

BOB KAMPEN
720 SO. 77 TERR
KANSAS CITY KS 66111

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

December 1, 2009
The BK Lounge


A large, enthusiastic crowd gathered at the BK Lounge in Lenexa last night. There was lots of entertainment and dancing.

We received information that Sharon Miller, our favorite dancing lady, has moved to the Lakeview Village Care Center to continue her recovery from her recent fall at home. We are praying that she is able to return home soon and we are anxious to see her on our dance floor again.

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."

Portions of the above were obtained from Mo-Kan Opry through the courtesy of
Roger Hawkins - Thanks again, Roger