MARCH 16, 2010
B.K. LOUNGE

Several first time visitors plus regulars filled the Lounge to capacity as the music got underway. Larry Dean started by singing "Happy Birthday" to one of our most faithful regulars, Mary Lou Yulich.

The usual big crowd was on hand at the BK as we arrived tonight and after the band opened the festivities with "Gordon's Boogie," it was noted that our friend and BK regular, Mary Lou Yulich was celebrating a birthday. The band and audience members sang a chorus of "Happy Birthday." Larry Dean then led the revelers with "Hello, Mary Lou" (of course). Then it was Ricky Skaggs' "Hiway 40 Blues" and Larry was to return later with Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethovan" and Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors." The band tonight with Gordon Riley on lead guitar and John Malone on drums, sounded super as they played "Honky Tonk" & "Bells Of St. Mary." In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Gordon returned the second half to play "Irish Washer Woman" and "Laid Back Country Picker" while Larry Dean sang an old Johnny Cash tune "Forty Shades Of Green."

Our pal "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who plays fiddle each and every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, spoiled us again tonight, playing our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie" followed by Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues" and a little later "Down Yonder" and the "Kentucky Waltz." Mary Bichelmeyer put her soft, melodious voice to work on Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" and "I Can't Help If I'm Still In Love With You" while husband Garry Bichelmeyer did a bang-up job singing "Kansas City" and "The Old Home Place." Garry & Mary were to return later with a duet of "Wedding Bells." David Purcell did a fantastic job tonight as well singing his Willie-like "Remember Me," Dwight Yoakum's "Streets Of Bakersfield" and Hank's "Move It On Over." Art Covey's mandolin and great singing were another treat tonight with Ferlin Husky's "Deep Water" and Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone."

A big bonus this evening was the appearance of Kansas City's own world-renowned comedian, musician and entertainer Calvin Cooledge. Calvin played at many local venues at one time, the Majestic Steakhouse and Continental Hotel come to mind as well as travelling throughout the U.S., Canada and abroad. After he sang Marty Robbins' "Singing The Blues," Calvin mentioned that as he gets a bit older, he, unlike Toyota, recalls less while they recall more. Next up was Hank Williams' "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You" and Roger Miller's "King Of The Road." Calvin is still available if your company or organization is looking for a great entertainer for a syminar or corporate gathering. You can reach him at: 913-378-7885. Art Covey closed this evening's revelries with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." (Below) top - Art Covey (l.) with Larry Dean (r.) bottom - Calvin Cooledge (l.) with Mary Bichelmeyer (r.)





I acknowledge with great appreciation the courtesy of Roger & Jean Hawkins of MO-KAN Opry.Com for their permission to reprint most of the above text and the photos.

*************************************************************************************