Wednesday, August 25, 2010

AUGUST 24, 2010
BK LOUNGE


Last night was such a beautiful evening to get out and around. The BK Lounge was about to burst at the seams with such a large, great crowd. We were honored to have such a line-up of guests with us. Annie Dunavin of Annie's Jubilee in Tonganoxie was in along with harmonica player Bill Clark. Also, Art Covey and Ron Fine entertained us with their wonderful voices.

Tonight's festivities began with Larry Dean welcoming the big crowd with a Ricky Skaggs classic "Hiway 40 Blues," followed by Cash's "Big River," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie" and Elvis' "All Shook Up" and Chuck Berry's "C'est La Vie" a bit later. Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band, including John Malone on the drums got the dancers loosened up with "Honky Tonk" and Gordon returned to sing Dave Dudley's "Truck Drivin' Man" and Elvis' "Big Boss Man." Our friend Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday was up next and he chose to start with one of the most beautiful fiddle tunes we know of, "Shogun Farewell," followed by our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie." Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player used her soft, mellow voice to do a marvelous job with Hank Sr.'s "Your Cheating Heart" and Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do" while Dave Purcell did an awesome job with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away" and a Willie Nelson sound alike, "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away." Garry Bichelmeyer showcased his writing talents as well as his vocal abilities as he sang three self-penned numbers: "Mike's Guitar" (a song about the late Mike O'Roark, who was such an exciting performer), "The One Room School House" (a brand new song which everyone thought will turn out to be one of his best) and by request...."Tonganoxie." Somewhat later, he was joined by wife Mary as they sang a duet of Lacy J. Dalton's "Black Coffee." We always look forward to seeing and hearing Art Covey play his mandolin and sing and tonight he picked a couple of favorites, the Pat Boone classic "Love Letters In The Sand" and Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone." It was a real kick to see Bill Clark and wife Louise and we really enjoyed Bill's harmonica work on an old-fashioned hoedown - "Bile That Cabbage Down" and then the beautiful "Faded Love" accompanied by Marvin's fiddle and the rest of the band as well.

A huge ovation greeted Annie Dunavin as she took mike in hand to sing the Jeanne Pruett classic "Satin Sheets" and Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight" to close the first half of tonight's session and returned later to do a marvelous job singing "Bonaparte's Retreat" and Lorrie Morgan's "Don't Touch Me (If You Don't Love Me)." Here's hoping she can find the time to return again, real soon! Also on hand tonight was Ron Fine who used his great vocal abilities on Bobby Helms' "Fraulein" and the old Hank Snow standard "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I." Annie Little sounded super as well tonight singing Keith Whitley's "Somewhere Between" and a Garry Bichelmeyer tune "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind." Larry Dean closed out the evening's entertainment with George Morgan's "I've Got A Mansion (Just Over The Hilltop)."

(Below) Annie Dunavin entertains the crowd at the BK



The above photo and most of the text from MO-KAN OPRY.com with the permission of Roger & Jean Hawkins
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Friday, August 20, 2010

AUGUST 19, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


We all had high expectations when we went to the Grinter Barn last night for the jamboree. I think I can honestly say that what we experienced far exceeded our expectations. Our great special guests were outstanding. Fred Uzell with his Dobro and Frankie Kay and his Steel Guitar along with of course, the Stranger Creek Band put on an outstanding show. Fred and Frankie are both amazing talents.

The text and photos below are reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY with the permission of Roger & Jean Hawkins. Many thanks to them!!

The Grinter Barn was packed tonight as traditional country music lovers gathered to enjoy Sloppy Joe sandwiches and root-beer floats and their favorite tunes courtesy of the Stranger Creek Band and tonight's two great guest artists. The band, including John Malone on drums, kicked off the evening with "Gordon's Boogie" and Gordon Riley himself, the group's great lead guitar player returned to pick & sing Elvis's "Big Boss Man" before they took off on a great instrumental of "Honky Tonk." Larry Dean was in extra-fine voice tonight singing a pair of Merle Haggard tunes "Pair Of Blue Eyes In Texas" and "I Had A Beautiful Time. Later Larry got a big hand as he sang a Ricky Skaggs classic "Hiway 40 Blues," a great bluegrass tune, the Stanley Bros. "Hills Of Roan County," "Back To Louisiana," "Down Deep" and for the young at heart "Old Time Rock & Roll." Our friend Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night sure got our approval as he began by playing our personal favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie." Somewhat later, Marvin returned with the old Bob Wills' classic "Milk Cow Blues" and "Maiden's Prayer," one of the prettiest fiddle tunes you will ever hear.

Mary Bichelmeyer also sounded just super tonight singing an old standard "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," "Bill Bailey" and Highway 101's "Walkin' Talkin' Cryin' Barely Beatin' Broken Heart." Husband, multi-talented Garry Bichelmeyer sang four of the many songs he has composed, "Northern Star" (beautiful!), Nodaway River (song about the hardships our pioneer ancestors endured), "Would You Catch A Falling Star" and the brand-new "Losing You." Great job Garry! Of course, through all of the music we heard tonight we were doubly entertained with the dobro-playing of Fred Uzzell on dobro (he's also a fixture at Annie's Country Jubilee, playing steel guitar & dobro there each Saturday) and Frankie Kay, one of this area's best know steel players who at one time played in Cowboy Copus' band. But there was also some great solo work from these two as well with Fred beginning with a crowd favorite, "Redwing" then returning with the beautiful "McHattie's Waltz," "Fireball Mail" (one of our favorites) and the pretty "Peach Pickin' Time In Georgia." Frankie on the other hand played some sweet steel and sang "Sugar Moon" then it was "Boothill Drag" and the "Down & Dirty Blues" with Larry Dean doing the honors on harmonica. Larry closed this terrific evening with Merle's "Silver Wings."

(Below) top Fred Uzzell (l.) & Frankie Kay (r.) below: Larry Dean, Garry Bichelmeyer, Marvin Bredemeier & Gordon Riley watch guest artists Fred Uzzell & Frankie Kay perform.





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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

AUGUST 17, 2010
BK LOUNGE


If you have not yet checked into the MO-KAN OPRY web site, please do so. That site is operated by a couple of what I believe are the best friends of country music in this area. Roger and Jean Hawkins list and promote nearly every country music show around. These lists include show dates and times. They regularly travel to visit each of the shows they have listed. Upon their return from these sometimes long excursions, they write a detailed review of what they have seen and heard including a complete, accurate list of music performed by each artist. Through their kindness and generosity they regularly permit me to use all or part of their articles about the Stranger Creek band shows. Their web site is a must see site for all of you country music fans. MO-KAN OPRY.com. Thanks, Roger & Jean

Another big crowd, taking advantage of the cooler weather, jam-packed the BK tonight as Gordon Riley, the band's great lead guitar player and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums kicked the night's festivities off with "Gordon's Boogie" and "Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon." After Gordon did a super job singing "Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer," he and the band returned with the upbeat "Panhandle Rag." Larry Dean stepped front and center to sing a favorite Johnny Cash tune "The Night Hank Williams Came To Town" and David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name." Next up was Marvin Bredemeier, whose legendary fiddling can be heard every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee. Tonight Marvin chose "Rubber Dolly," "Take Me Back To Tulsa" and "The Waltz You Saved For Me" (with Larry Dean on vocals). David Purcell got a big hand as he stepped to the mike to sing Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "A Once In A Lifetime Thing." Mary Bichelmeyer used her soft voice this evening to sing Hank Sr.'s "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" and "Your Cheating Heart" while multi talented husband Garry Bichelmeyer sang one of his original songs "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died" which has become know fondly as "The Dead Horse Song" and a song he is presently working on, "Losing You." It was great seeing Art Covey again, listening to him play his mandolin and sing Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and "Falling Leaves."

Mark Hayden, one of this area's top banjo players joined the gang tonight and was featured on "Down Yonder," "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms" with Gordon, Larry & Marvin doing the vocals. Jerome Oberle brought along his button accordian this evening and really got the dance floor packed as he played the "Pennslyvania Polka" and the "Beer Barrell Polka." We were delighted to see Ron Fine made the trip tonight and he put his awesome vocal talents to work on Elvis' "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Little Mountain Church House." Our friend Mike Hughes also showed what a great singer he is with Eddy Arnold's "Make The World Go Away" and Merle's "Swinging Doors." Although Annie Little is practically a regular, we never tire of hearing her beautiful voice and tonight she sang "Have You Ever Been Lonely" and a Garry Bichelmeyer tune "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind."

Tonight's program ended with Larry Dean's beautiful recitation of "Old Barns & People" and Mark Hayden & the band playing "Cripple Creek." (Below) l. to r. Ron Fine, Mike Hughes, Mark Hayden, Jerome Oberle P.S. Photo taken with new camera. Getting somewhat used to it.



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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

AUGUST 10, 2010
BK LOUNGE


What a line-up of Special Guests We had drop into the lounge to visit us tonight. Three of the outstanding artists of the area; Arnie Johnson, Ron Fine and Larry Smith all came by. Of course, Larry coaxed each of them front and center to entertain us and we were not disappointed with any of them. While on the subject of special guests, we are able to announce that on Thursday, August 19 the Stranger Creek Band will be back at the Grinter Barn Jamboree. At that time we will be honored to have two outstanding musicians join us. Fred Uzell, Dobro and Steel Guitar player from Annie's Jubilee with be with us. Also, Frankie Kay, an amazing steel guitar player will be on hand. Frankie is a veteran of many years entertaining around the Kansas City area. Many years ago, he had the distinction of playing steel guitar with Cowboy Copas' band. Come on out and join us for some of the ladies of Grinter's Sloppy Jo's and Root Beer Floats then enjoy the wonderful country music that will follow.

The rest of this article is being reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY's site through the courtesy and generosity of Roger and Jean Hawkins.

Tonight's get-together saw the BK filled close to capacity in spite of the soaring temperatures outside. We arrived a bit late due to problems that postponed us getting away from work, but we understand Larry Dean kicked off tonight's festivities with Billy Jo Shaver's "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal and Waylon Jennings' "I May Be Used (But I Ain't Used Up." Gordon Riley, the group's great lead guitar was up next showing his vocal abilities on Hank Thompson's "Six Pack To Go," then it was he and the rest of the band including John Malone, who does such a terrific job each week behind those drums, with a super rendition of "Bells Of St. Mary." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier put bow to fiddle tonight to play an upbeat version of the old Mills Bros. hit "Up A Lazy River" followed by the beautiful "Faded Love." Marvin, of course plays at Annie's Country Jubilee each and every Saturday night. Multi-talented Garry Bichelmeyer was joined by Larry Dean for a duet of the Soggy Bottom Boys' "In The Jailhouse Now" which got a huge hand from the appreciative audience. Garry returned to sing the old Kingston Trio mega hit "Tom Dooley," Bobby Bare's "Detroit City" and a tune he wrote not too long ago, "Losing You." Mary Bichelmeyer, Garry's wife and the group's bass guitarist used her vocal talents tonight to sing Terri Gibbs' "Somebody's Knocking," "You Belong To Me" and Highway 101's "I'm A Walkin, Talkin, Cryin, Barely Beatin Broken Heart." Our pal David Purcell was in fine voice himself tonight as he treated the folks to Alan Jackson's "Here In The Real World," Merle Haggard's "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad," Waylon & Willie's "Good Hearted Woman" and George Jones' "I Always Get Lucky With You."

Tonight was an extra special night for sure as we suddenly looked up and spotted not one, not two but three great artists who dropped in to share in the festivities tonight. Arnie Johnson, who has appeared at many of the local oprys and whose band some years ago played dance halls and other venues throughout this area working out of the Lawrence, KS area, was up first and chose a Merle tune, "Branded Man" to start his set. An old Louvin Bros. tune, "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" was next, followed by "Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You." Arnie returned a bit later with Elvis' "That's All Right Mama," Hank Sr.'s "Your Cheating Heart," and Merle's "Silver Wings." Larry Smith, who is certainly familiar to opry-goers throughout this region and has been a frequent visitor to the BK displayed his awesome talent next and showing what a Merle Haggard fan he is, began with "Big City" and "Okie From Muskogee" followed by Waylon's "Amanda" and "Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down." Ron Fine, whose vocals take a back seat to no one, stepped front and center to sing B. J. Thomas' "I Love You Most Of All Because You're You" and Ricky Skaggs' "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could" for the appreciative crowd.

Marvin Bredemeier closed the evening fiddling the "Beaumont Rag."

(Below) l. to r. Arnie Johnson, Ron Fine, Larry Smith



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Saturday, August 7, 2010

AUGUST 6, 2010
JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR


We arrived early because we did not know how to find the Midway stage where we were to perform. Luckily, we quickly found a lady that knew where it was and had her young son lead us through the crowded campground and keep all of the children out of our way as he directed us to the stage. Many thanks to that Mom and son for their help! We watched a fine young dance troupe perform ahead of us. Afterwards as we set up our equipment, a nice crowd including several of our regular followers gathered for our performance.

Below is reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY.com - Thanks Roger & Jean

Having traveled with some friends out to Gardner, KS where the Johnson County Fair is held each year at the sprawling fair grounds there, we managed to locate the Midway Stage, a large, covered dwelling, as it's name implies, near the center of all the bustling activity a fair invites. We set up our chairs in a front row position, got some drinks & food from one of the many vendors nearby and as we relaxed, an Overland Park dance studio brought a number of students - young ladies of various ages to perform for the swelling crowd. Dressed in darling costumes, these girls performed their routines flawlessly and seemingly effortlessly. The appreciative audience applauded long after they had left the stage.

As the Stranger Creek Band began to set up, dragging those heavy speakers, amps, wiring and instruments up on stage, we happened to run into an old friend, Greg Hermon. As a matter of fact, Greg and I were next door neighbors as teenagers living in Roeland Park. Greg now serves as State President of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers Pickers and Singers, Inc. proving that this is indeed a small world. Hopefully, we'll have the opportunity to visit again after exchanging phone numbers and e-mails.

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, the group's fiddle player and the rest of the band, including John Malone on drums kicked off tonight's 2-hour set with an old fiddle tune, "Back Up And Push." Marvin, who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie every Saturday night returned a bit later with one of our favorites "Ragtime Annie," Merle Travis' "Smoke Smake Smoke That Cigarette," "Fire On The Mountain" and Bob Will's "Milk Cow Blues." Larry Dean got an ovation from the big crowd as he sang Ricky Skaggs' "Hiway 40 Blues," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie," "Old Time Rock & Roll," a song he wrote with Garry Bichelmeyer, "The Winner," Vern Gosdin's "That Just About Does It Don't It," Roger Miller's "King Of The Road," Johnny Cash's "The Night Hank Williams Came To Town" and Delbert McClinton's "Back To Louisiana." David Purcell got the feet tappin and the hands clappin as he thrilled the crowd with his best Willie Nelson sound alike on "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away" and "On The Road Again." David returned to sing George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away," George Jones' "I Always Get Lucky With You," a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan's "Tennessee Bird Walk," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "Remember Me." The band's great lead guitar player, Gordon Riley showed his vocal skills as he picked and sang "Nine Pound Hammer," then joined the rest of the gang on instrumentals "Harbor Lights," "Honky Tonk" and "Ghost Riders In The Sky" (Larry Dean vocals).

Mary Bichelmeyer who plays bass for the group, used her smooth, mellow voice to sing Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and "Bill Bailey" while husband, multi-talented Garry Bichelmeyer did just an awesome job singing Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone," Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy" and one of his original tunes, "Marie." Garry & Mary also teamed up for a duet of Lacy J. Dalton's "Black Coffee." David Purcell closed this wonderful set with "Once In A Lifetime Thing."

Again, many thanks to Roger & Jean for allowing us to reprint their blog from MO-KAN OPRY.com.



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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

AUGUST 3, 2010
BK LOUNGE

The temperature in several of the cars registered 103 degrees as we arrived at the BK Lounge this evening. In spite of that heat, the crowd at the lounge quickly drew to near capacity. Fortunately, we were able to get the sound equipment from Garry's car in time to set up and were only about ten minutes late getting the show underway.

We hope that all of you come out to see us at the Johnson County Fair on Friday evening from 8:30 to 10:30.

The rest of this blog below is reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY.com with permission of Roger & Jean Hawkins. Thanks Guys.

Everyone here at the BK tonight missed seeing Garry Bichelmeyer's smiling face, his great baritone vocals, the many great songs he writes and tries out on us first and his seemingly endless supply of corny jokes. Garry, unfortunately had car trouble on the way in tonight and was forced to miss tonight's session. Hope everything works out well and we see him here next week. Larry Dean took the reins this evening and began with a Ricky Skaggs number, "Hiway 40 Blues" followed by "Blue Eyes In Texas" and Tracy Byrd's "You Never Know Just How Good You Got It." He returned a bit later with Johnny Cash's "The Night Hank Williams Came To Town," Travis Tritt's "Sometimes She Forgets" and Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings."

Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including drummer John Malone played some great instrumentals here tonight, "Buckaroo" (Buck Owens' band's theme song), "Honky Tonk," "Wheels" and Gordon sounded super as he picked and sang Kris Kristofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee." Always an audience favorite, David Purcell certainly showed why tonight as he sang George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Willie's "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away," "Northern Star" (a Garry Bichelmeyer tune), George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away" and another Willie sound-alike, "On The Road Again." "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night began his set with an old fiddle tune, "Bile That Cabbage Down" followed by "Jersey Bounce," "Westphalia Waltz," "Down Yonder" and Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues." Despite the car troubles Mary Bichelmeyer, who plays bass for the group and is a dandy singer in her own right, was able to make it in and used her soothing, mellow voice tonight to sing "Your Cheating Heart," "Don't Tell Me What To Do," "You Belong To Me" and "Paper Roses."

It was great to see Annie Little and we all enjoyed hearing her sing Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You." Scott Gilmore got a hand as well as he sang "Johnny B. Goode" and Jim Ed Brown's "Pop A Top Again." Larry Dean closed the evening with the spiritual "Sittin' On The Front Porch With My Jesus." FOOTNOTE: The band (which call themselves the Stranger Creek Band) will be appearing at the Johnson County Fair in Gardner this Friday evening (8/6/10) from 8:30 - 10:30 PM

(Below) l. to. r. John Malone, Larry Dean & Gordon Riley prepare to entertain the crowd tonight at the BK Lounge



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