Wednesday, March 31, 2010

BK LOUNGE
MARCH 30, 2010


A beautiful evening brought out a huge crowd for the show this week. There were many new faces as well as our regular group. Every seat was filled and people were standing in the lobby watching as the band took its place front and center. Dancers soon filled every open space. We enjoyed having Larry Dean back even though he was still a little under the weather. The band's good friend, Larry Smith made a surprise appearance about halfway through the first half and our newest star, 14 year old LUKE MORALES took over lead guitar duties to accompany Larry on FOLSOM PRISON BLUES to the Great enjoyment of the crowd.

It was announced today that the Stranger Creek Band will play a Mother's Day dance on May 8, 2010 at the Merriam Eagles Club at Merriam Lane and Antioch in Merriam KS. Please make plans to join us for this event and watch for more information.

We missed Country music friend, Roger Hawkins but reports are that he is recovering well and is very, very anxious to get back to attending the music shows and writing about them in his MO-KAN OPRY. COM. Hurry Back Roger!!

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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

MARCH 23, 2010
BK LOUNGE

Again, all seats were filled and the crowd was boisterous and eager for the music to get started. With Arnie Johnson filling in for the ailing Larry Dean, we got started with a "BANG" Many thanks to Arnie for coming to help out.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ROGER HAWKINS AS WE WISH HIM A SPEEDY RECOVERY AND RETURN!

Arnie Johnson had the place rockin' as he opened tonight's festivities with "Crazy Arms," Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee," Jerry Lee Lewis' "Who Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and Ernest Tubbs' "Don't Be Angry." Arnie, who was kind enough to make the trip tonight all the way from Lawrence, returned later to sing Merle's "Branded Man," Wynn Stewart's "Another Day Another Dollar," Dolly Parton's "Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You," Hank Thompson's "Wild Side Of Life," Hank Snow's "I Don't Hurt Anymore" and another Merle gem, "Runnin' Kind." Our pal Marvin Bredemeier, who of course plays fiddle each and every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie gave us a swell send-off, playing our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" followed by the "Panhandle Rag." Marvin returned the second half with the old tune "Soldier's Joy" and the ever popular "Orange Blossom Special."

Gordon Riley showed off his vocal abilities tonight, singing & playing "9 Lb. Hammer" and a great Willie/Waylon duet with David Purcell of "Good Hearted Woman and with his neighbor, 14 year old Luke Morales who Gordon has been working with, did a fantastic job on twin guitars as Arnie sang Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." Gordon and the band, including drummer John Malone also played a crowd favorite, "Honky Tonk," much to the delight of the line dancers here tonight. Speaking of David Purcell, he sounds better every time we hear him sing Garry Bichelmeyer's "Northern Star." David also donned his Willie Nelson cap and braids and in his best WN voice, sang "Remember Me," "Funny How Time Slips Away" and "On The Road Again." Bassist Mary Bichelmeyer used her soft, mellow pipes to sing Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," "Bill Bailey" and "Your Cheatin' Heart" before husband Garry Bichelmeyer sang the Charlie Pride hit "Is Anyone Goin To San Antone" and Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy."

Art Covey plays such a beautiful mandolin and tonight he chose to pick & sing "Rebel Soldier," a great instrumental of "Love Letters In The Sand" and recited a Wendy Bagwell poem entitled "I've Got The Will." Annie Little closed this wonderful evening with the great gospel number "A Very Special Grace." Thanks to all of you who stopped by to wish us "good luck" with the surgery tomorrow. We're looking forward to seeing all of you soon! (Below) top - Gordon Riley & Luke Morales hit some licks on "Folsom Prison Blues" bottom - Arnie Johnson & Marvin Bredemeier speed things up with the "Orange Blossom Special





THANKS AGAIN TO ROGER & JEAN FOR PERMISSION TO REPRINT THE ABOVE PHOTOS AND TEXT FROM MO-KAN OPRY.COM.

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

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

MARCH 23, 2010
B K LOUNGE


Our special guest at the B K Lounge tonight will be ARNIE JOHNSON!!

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

Friday, March 19, 2010

MARCH 18, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


Several first time visitors in addition to a large turnout of regulars made up a large crowd at the Grinter Barn as the ladies served a delicious Beef & Noodle dinner before the band took center stage. It took a little while for the dancers to get started but they soon filled the floor.

With Gordon Riley on lead guitar & vocals, John Malone on drums, Larry Dean on vocals, guitar & banjo, Garry Bichelmeyer, guitar & vocals, Mary Bichelmeyer on bass & vocals and Marvin Bredemeier on fiddle & vocals, the band began the evening playing Bob Wills' "Take Me Back To Tulsa" and Merle Haggard's "Ramblin Fever" with Larry Dean on vocals. Larry returned somewhat later with Travis Tritt's "Living On Borrowed Time," Willie Nelson's "Nothing I Can Do About It Now," Hank Williams Sr.'s "Setting The Woods On Fire" and Merle's "Silver Wings."

Gordon Riley and the band did a great job playing "Sleepwalk" and "Honky Tonk" and Gordon did a bang-up job as well singing Waylon's "Laid Back Country Picker" and "Big Boss Man." Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle each and every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS, after some mild coaxing, played our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie," followed by a medley of the "Kentucky/Tennessee Waltzes." Marvin returned later to play a Roy Rogers/Dale Evans number "Happy Anniversary" for Scott & Lisa Gilmore who will be celebrating their 10th anniversary, Saturday March 20th. Mary Bichelmeyer did a supurb job singing Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song," Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart" and Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows." Not only gifted as a great entertainer but a wonderful songwriter to boot, Garry Bichelmeyer sang a new creation of his entitled "Losing You," then it was Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," Brad Paisey's "She Said Yes" and "Rebel Soldier."

Scott Gilmore took his turn behind the mike tonight as well, singing Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie" and "Johnny B. Goode" much to the delight of the line dancers. Annie Little was on hand as well and did a wonderful job with Brenda Lee's "Just Because" and Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance." As the nine o'clock hour approached, Larry Dean led the band and audience in the singing of "I'll Fly Away."

(Below) top - Kylie Gilmore helps her dad sing "Johnny B. Goode. bottom - The band poses in the lobby of the Grinter Barn (l. to r.) John Malone, Larry Dean, Mary Bichelmeyer, Garry Bichelmeyer, Marvin Bredemeier, Gordon Riley





Again, Thanks to Roger & Jean (MO-KAN OPRY.COM) for generosly allowing us to use their article. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU ROGER AND EXPECT TO SEE YOU BACK SOON!!

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

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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.

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

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11, 2010
UPDATE ON JAY HOLMGREN


I received an E-mail from Annie today; she reports that Jay is progressing really well and is being a good patient. He has a Doctor's appointment today but she is sure it will be good. Let's keep him in our prayers and hope to see him on the dance floor again soon.

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

MARCH 9, 2010
BK LOUNGE


It was a boisterous, capacity crowd that gathered at the BK Lounge again tonight filling nearly every chair. There are so many talented musicians in our area, every special guest that stepped up front and performed was outstanding including our own Laurence Keltner, what a treat it was to hear him sing! We look forward to seeing each of them again.

We reported earlier that Jay Holmgren was to undergo surgery last Monday. We are happy to report that he came through with flying colors and even was able to come home Monday afternoon. He is recovering quickly and all reports from the surgery was good!

Larry Dean opened tonight's festivities at the B.K., singing Merle's "A Shade Tree Pickin' Man," "Ramblin Fever" and "Livin On Borrowed Time." Somewhat later he was to return with Willie Nelson's "There's Nothing I Can Do About It Now" and "Old Time Rock 'n Roll." Gordon Riley and the band including John Malone on drums livened things up a bit with "Honky Tonk," the beautiful "Sleepwalk" before featuring Gordon on "Wheels" and the self-penned "Washboard Rag." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, Annie's Country Jubilee's resident fiddler stepped up to the plate tonight to play Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues," "Rubber Dolly" and later it was "Ragtime Annie" (thanks Marvin!) and "Maiden's Prayer." Mary Bichelmeyer put her soft, mellow voice to good use tonight, singing Patsy's "Walking After Midnight," Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and "Your Cheatin' Heart."

Garry Bichelmeyer was also in fine voice tonight with Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin To San Antone" and original songs "Marie" and "I'm So Lonesome In The Saddle Since My Horse Died," fondly known as the "Dead Horse Song." It's always a pleasure to see David Purcell and hear him sing, sounding like Willie Nelson and tonight it was Willie's "Remember Me," followed by a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star." David returned later with George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and his self-penned "Where Did Our Love Go." Art Covey is always a pleasure to listen to, whether it's one of his patented mandolin runs or the great job he always does on vocals. Tonight he played and sang "Deep Water" and Don Williams' "You're My Best Friend." Art was joined by Ron Fine and they harmonized on "You're Always In My Heart And On My Mind." Ron did a fine job soloing on "Frauline" and returned late the second half with Art to do a duet of the old Jimmie Rodgers classsic "Hobo's Lament."

It was great seeing Rick & Leta Mowen drop by tonight. Rick is the director of the Glory Barn and they are both deeply involved in the great gospel show held there each Saturday night. Tonight Rick did a bang up job with "Singing The Blues" and Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat. Rick & Leta returned later to team up on Randy Travis' "Three Wooden Crosses." Dede Harrington Summers has a lovely voice and got a big hand as she stepped front and center to sing Jeannie Pruett's "Satin Sheets" and "Good Old Mountain Dew." A real surprise tonight was Laurence Keltner, who with his wife is one of our regular dance couples. Laurence did just a wonderful job singing Bill Mack's "Drinking Champagne" and Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy." Hope to see and hear more from him. Garry Bichelmeyer pulled the curtain on tonight's fabulous time with Josh Turner's "Long Black Train."

(Below) top - Rick & Leta Mowen, Laurence Keltner, Ron Fine bottom - Dede Harrington Summers






Thanks again to Roger & Jean Hawkins for permitting me to use their column from MO-KAN OPRY.COM

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

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

MARCH 2, 2010
B K LOUNGE


Good weather and the promise of great country music brought out a capacity crowd at the BK Lounge again tonight. No one was disappointed as the evening progressed the music was outstanding all evening.

Before I go any further, I want to ask everyone to keep one of our regulars in their thoughts and prayers. Jay Holmgren will undergo surgery Monday morning at KU. Hopefully he will return home Monday evening or Tuesday Morning. We are all thinking of you Jay.

When we talked with Wayne Hoover at the Plattsburg Opry last Sunday, he mentioned the possibility that he might make it down tonight to the BK. We were sure glad to see him, wife Shirley and friends make the trip down and we always enjoy hearing Wayne sing those honky tonk standards as well. Word might have leaked out about what a great load of talent was on hand tonight or maybe it was the change in the weather that prompted the turnout, but at any rate it was difficult to find an empty seat in the house as the band struck up "Gordon's Boogie #1" to get tonight's festivities started.

Larry Dean welcomed the capacity crowd with a Willie Nelson tune "Stay All Night," Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and returned later with Travis Tritt's "Living On Borrowed Time" and George Strait's "Write This Down." Gordon Riley let the crowd know that he does a fine job on vocals as well as being one of the best lead guitar players around, singing Elvis' "Big Boss Man" before he and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums got the dancers out on the floor with "Wheels." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee, tonight chose an old fiddle tune, "Soldier's Joy" and "Rubber Dolly." Great stuff!! The lady who keeps the beat up for this great band each and every week, bass guitarist Mary Bichelmeyer took her turn behind the mike to do a great job singing Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows" and Hank Sr.'s "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer, who in addition to being a great vocalist, writes some terrific songs as well stepped front and center to sing John Prine's "Souvenirs," a new original song "I Don't Think I Can Take Loving You," then joined Larry Dean singing the Soggy Bottom Boys' version of "In The Jailhouse Now." A little later in the evening Garry & Mary got a huge ovation as they sang duets of Johnny Cash/June Carter's "Ring Of Fire" and Lacy J. Dalton's "Black Coffee." Crowd favorite Dave Purcell did his best Willie sound-alike singing "Help Me Make It Through The Night" then it was a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star." Dave returned a bit later to sing "A Once In A Lifetime Thing" as well. Art Covey played some fine mandolin playing the "Kentucky Waltz" and did a great job singing Don Williams' "You're My Best Friend."

Wayne Hoover looked right at home as he joined the band to sing the Marty Robbins classic "Beggin' To You" and Merle Haggard's "From Now On All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers." He returned a bit later with another Hag tune, "Swinging Doors" and a great Johnny Paycheck number, "For A Minute There." Wayne's Countryside Jamboree is held every Friday night and features a big dance floor and a great band. Check out www.wayne-hoover.com . Also on hand tonight was a 14 year old young man who happens to be a neighbor of Gordon Riley. Luke Morales with some mentoring from Gordon has become quite a picker and tonight did just an awesome job taking the lead on "Folsom Prison Blues" with vocals by Larry Dean. It was super seeing Ron Fine drop in tonight as well. He has such a great voice and proved it as he sang "Frauline" (we remember Bobby Helms singing this when it first came out) and joined Art Covey for a duet of "Rebel Soldier." They also closed tonight's session singing the gospel number "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." (Below) top - Wayne Hoover sings a Johnny Paycheck favorite bottom - Oldsters & youngsters alike enjoy themselves every Tuesday at the BK





A sincere thanks to Jean and Roger Hawkins for letting us reprint their article and photos on our blog. Thanks to you!!

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