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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