JANUARY 12, 2010
BIG NIGHT AT THE BK LOUNGE

My goodness, who would have expected such a crowd at the BK Lounge last night. In spite of the weather not yet being perfect, the large crowd had the Lounge almost bursting at the seams. Opening the show was Arnie Johnson filling in for the still vacationing Larry Dean. Arnie and the rest of the Stranger Creek Band put on an outstanding performance. The dancers were filling the dance area, the aisles, the back dining room and even some were dancing between the tables. When Art Covey, ably assisted by Ron Fine began the closing number, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" several members of the audience put on their coats, but hardly anyone left until the last chord was struck. We certainly look forward to Arnie returning soon.

There will be no show at the BK Lounge next Tuesday, January 19 due to several band members being on vacation. We will return to the Lounge the following Tuesday, January 26. Tentatively, Larry Smith will join us then. We look forward to seeing Larry again.

The following is being reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY.COM through the courtesy of Roger Hawkins

Despite the chilly conditions, the BK was literally swamped with country music lovers and dancers this evening and late comers (like ourselves) were frantically searching for parking places amid the snow piles and icy lot conditions. We managed to find a spot at the back of the lot, nuzzled up against a snow bank and just as we opened the door, the band was playing the opening strains of "Gordon's Boogie," their unofficial theme song. Tonight found the group's lead singer, Larry Dean taking a well deserved vacation and Lawrence, KS's Arnie Johnson, a long-time area musician & band leader aptly filling in. Arnie began the evening with Hank Sr.'s "I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You," "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again" and Charlie Pride's "Crystal Chandelier." Arnie returned later with Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors," Keith Whitley's "Somewhere Between," Jimmy Rodgers' "T For Texas," Gene Watson's "Paper Rosie," "Walkin' The Dog," Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings" and an Elvis Presley classic, "That's All Right Mama." Lead guitarist Gordon Riley also chose to sing an Elvis tune, "Big Boss Man," much to the delight of the audience, then he and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums teamed up on "Wheels," "Honky Tonk" and "Back Home Again In Indiana" as the floor was literally covered with dancers. "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS showed his vocals talents off as well tonight with "Rubber Dolly" and Bob Wills' "Right Or Wrong." He was to return later with "Tennessee Waltz" and another Wills classic, "Milk Cow Blues."

David Purcell is always a crowd favorite and tonight he put on his best Willie voice to sing "Funny How Time Slips Away,' then it was a Garry Bichelmeyer song, "Northern Star," another Willie - "Remember Me" and "I Wonder How Many There Would Be." Art Covey and his mandolin were joined tonight by good friend Ron Fine on his guitar and together they did a beautiful job singing and playing "Falling Leaves," "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I," "Rebel Soldier" and "Frauline." Mary Bichelmeyer did her usual fine vocal treatment on "Your Cheating Heart" and Gordon with help from Dave sang the Waylon Jennings classic "Good Hearted Woman." It's always great to hear Annie Little tackle a song and tonight she did a swell job with Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance?". Art & Ron closed out this evening's festivities on a spiritual tone with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Note: Due to vacations, there will be no show at the BK next Tuesday 1/19/10 and Grinter House will be held Thursday 1/28/10.

THANKS, ROGER & JEAN