Tuesday, June 29, 2010

JUNE 29, 2010
BK LOUNGE


Due to a death in my family I will be out of town and miss tonights performance at the BK Lounge.

I am attaching the flyer below.



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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

JUNE 22, 2010
BK LOUNGE

OH My! It was so hot as we prepared for tonight's show at the BK Lounge. What started out as a sparse crowd grew to be a fine group by showtime at 6:30 PM.

It was especially good to see Roger and Jean Hawkins come in. Roger has been having some health issues the last couple of weeks but reports he is doing OK now. While we are on the subject of health issues, let's all keep Sharon Miller in our thoughts and prayers. We understand she underwent a hip replacement on Tuesday and will be hospitalized for a few days.

The band will leave Thursday morning to go to the Wahoo Country Music show in Wahoo Nebraska. They will appear a total of 5 times Friday, Saturday and Sunday along with over 250 country music acts. That should be a fantastic festival. Wahoo is about 45 miles northwest of Lincoln if you are inclined to travel a few miles for some outstanding country music the band would be happy to see some regular fans follow them up there.

It was so good to see Roger & Jean Hawkins back and the article below is reprinted with their permission from MO-KAN Opry.com. Many thanks to them for their generosity!

Due to some health issues, we hadn't been able to make it to our usual Tuesday night haunt --- the B.K. Lounge for a couple of weeks and we really have missed the great music and all the friendly faces. Nevertheless, tonight found us at our usual spot, awaiting the start of tonight's festivities.

None other than Garry Bichelmeyer, one of this area's finest songwriters and a super entertainer in his own right, kicked the program off with "Kansas City" (he did such an excellent job, someone asked him to repeat it the second half), "Catch A Falling Star." Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," Cash's "Ring Of Fire" and a great job of Chris LeDoux's "Night Rider's Lament." It's always a pleasure to see and watch David Purcell perform and tonight he sang George Strait's "This Is Where The Cowboy Rides Away," a beautiful Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star" and returned a bit later with Willie's "Remember Me," "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing." Art Covey's mandolin playing and singing were top-notch as well tonight as Art chose an old Darrell McCall tune "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" to begin with and then it was Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance," "Deep Water" and the pretty "Kentucky Waltz." Gordon Riley and the band, including John Malone behind the drums, got the feet shuffling out on the dance floor as they played the ever popular "Honky Tonk" followed by "Sugar Foot Rag." Gordon returned later to play and sing "9 Lb. Hammer" Merle Travis style.

Our friend, "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who we're sure most people are aware of, plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee each and every Saturday night, decided tonight to welcome us back, playing our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," but with a little twist. Somewhere near the middle of this tune, Marv broke out an instrument we later learned was called a banjo-uke and played a few bars to the delight of the audience. Marvin recalled that his family owned one of these instruments which dates back to the 1930's and he was able to find one listed in excellent condition on e-bay. Marvin also chose another old fiddle tune, "Red Wing" before singing and playing a Merle Travis signature song "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette" and the "Orange Blossom Special," to the delight of the linedancers. We love to listen to Larry Dean roll out one unforgettable standard after another - he has such a super voice - and tonight it was Delbert McClinton's "Back To Louisiana," "Stagger Lee," a tune recorded by many artists (we like Ricky Van Shelton's) "From A Jack To A King" and Don Williams' "Living On Tulsa Time." Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player used her extraordinary soft, mellow voice tonight to sing Loretta Lynn's "Blue Kentucky Girl," Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight," Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows" and Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do." Lots of "cheek to cheek" material here!

It was also great seeing a walk-on participating tonight as well. Bill McFall from Independence, MO was in the audience and stepped front and center to do a bang-up job singing Jack Greene's "There Goes My Everything" and Carl Smith's "If Teardrops Were Pennies." Larry Dean closed tonight's entertainment with "Old Time Rock 'N Roll." (Below) top- Marvin Bredemeier with his banjo-uke bottom - Visitor Bill McFall from Independence, MO





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Thursday, June 17, 2010

JUNE 17, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


We had a nice crowd gather in the pleasant air conditioned Grinter Barn and the main topic of conversation was how hot it was outside. The ladies served a wonderful plate of chicken strips, Au gratin potatoes and baked beans to everyone.

The band took their place at 6:30 and the show got started. We heard a good mix of music along with some new songs that I had never heard them perform before. Annie Little joined us for a couple of songs and as usual was really well received.

Next weekend the band will journey to Wahoo Nebraska for a 4 day music festival where they will appear 5 times in 3 days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). There will be approximately 250 music acts performing over the weekend. You will see plenty of good musicians if you decide to travel up and join them.

July 15 we will be back at Grinter for our monthly show. The ladies will serve Taco Salad with coffee or iced tea. Be sure to come on out. Dinner and show is only $8.00.

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

APRIL 15, 2010
BK LOUNGE


It was such a nice evening that we began to wonder if more than a few fans would come to our regular Tuesday night show. But in the final minutes before start time, the people began to file steadily in. By the time we got going, we had a nice turnout. There were not many empty seats left when everyone was there. We saw several new faces as we looked around the floor.

We did have a new experience; Mary Bichelmeyer had to leave for awhile so Mighty Marvin Bredemeier very ably took over her duties playing bass for several songs.

It's always good to see Calvin Coolidge and he was in fine form last night. He lives in the country now and that always gives him a lot of stories for his visits with us. I used to live in the country and didn't know how much fun I was having until I listened to Calvin for awhile.

We will be performing at the Grinter Barn this Thursday, June 17. A dinner of chicken strips and Au gratin potatoes with baked beans will be served beginning at 6:00PM and the music will start at 6:30.

The following weekend the band will travel to Wahoo Nebraska about 45 miles northwest of Lincoln. They will appear 5 time in 3 days along with 250 other country music acts at the WAHOO COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW. There will be 5 stages and air conditioned buildings so take a little drive and come on up and see us.

July 4, we will go back to the American Legion at 7500 West 75th St in Overland Park. We will play from 2:00 to 5:00PM in the afternoon. We were there last Sunday and received a wonderful reception and look forward to returning.

July 9, the band will help celebrate De Soto days at Riverfront Park in De Soto KS from 8:00 to 10:00PM.

A future engagement we have planned will be September 9, 10 & 11 at the 2010 Miles of Memories Country Music Fest in Hastings Nebraska. Make plans to see them along with many other acts in Hastings.

We will look forward to seeing you at the Grinter Barn Thursday and back at the BK Lounge on Tuesday.

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Monday, June 14, 2010

JUNE 13, 2010
AMERICAN LEGION


Yesterday, the Stranger Creek Band put on a show at the American Legion Hall at 7500
West 75th St in Overland Park, KS.

We were pleased to have a near capacity crowd to play for. Between a many of our faithful followers and a great group of the American Legion members the hall was nearly full. The dance floor was nearly full for the entire 3 hour show. The band consisted of regulars; Gordon Riley - lead guitar & vocals, Marvin Bredemeier - fiddle, John Malone - drums, Mary Bichelmeyer - bass & vocals, Garry bichelmeyer - rhythm guitar and vocals and Larry Dean - rhythm guitar & lead vocals.

We certainly appreciated the great reception received from the Legion. At the end of the show the band was highly complimented and invited back to play on Sunday, July 4 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM. Please be sure to join us then.

This week on Tuesday we will be back at the BK Lounge. Thursday we will have the monthly show at the Grinter Barn where the ladies will serve a dinner of Chicken strips with Au gratin potatoes and baked beans. Dinner will be served at 6:00PM and the music begins at 6:30.

If you are inclined to travel a little bit to see good music; drive on up about 45 miles northwest of Lincoln Nebraska. The Stranger Creek Band will be at the WAHOO COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW in Wahoo Nebraska for a scheduled 5 appearances in 3 days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). There will be more than 250 music acts appearing on five stages. Three air conditioned buildings and lots of jamming outdoors.

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

JUNE 8, 2010
BK LOUNGE


In spite of a very wet and stormy beginning, there was a good turnout at the BK Lounge last night.

It was good to see and hear Ron Fine again. It had been too long since he last joined us. In addition we heard a great selection of great music from Gordon Riley, Marvin Bredemeier, Larry Dean, Garry and Mary Bichelmeyer. Dave Purcell and Art Covey filled out an outstanding show. We mustn't forget drummer John Malone; Besides being an outstanding drummer, John manages to keep the band on their toes during most shows. Last night was certainly no exception.

We missed two of our regulars in the audience; Roger and Jean Hawkins were not there last night so I have no record of the names of songs the band performed.

We have some exciting times coming up:

Saturday June 12, the Stranger Creek Band will perform at Tonganoxie Days from 11:30AM until 1:00PM in front of the bank on Main Street in Tonganoxie, KS

Then on Sunday, June 13 we will be playing at the American Legion Hall,7500 West 75 in Overland Park from 4:00PM until ??.

Thursday, June 17; we will be back at the Grinter Barn where the ladies will serve Chicken Strips with au Gratin Potatoes and Baked Beans beginning at 6:00PM. Music and dancing will follow from 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Dinner and show are only $8.00

Of course you can catch us every Tuesday at 6:30PM at the BK Lounge (also known as the Burger King at 95th and Quivira in Lenexa KS).

I hope you all make it a point to come to one or all of these shows and watch this web site for information on additional places to see the Stranger Creek Band that wiil be announced soon!

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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

JUNE 1, 2010
BK LOUNGE

THE ENTIRE BLOG AND PHOTO BELOW WERE REPRINTED FROM MO-KAN OPRY.COM WITH THE PERMISSION OF ROGER & JEAN HAWKINS.


We noticed that several couples who regularly attend the Tuesday evening gathering at the BK had taken advantage of the long holiday weekend and had just gone ahead and taken their vacations at this time as well. However, we saw several new faces in the throng tonight and it didn't seem to affect the number of attendees at all. We were a little late arriving tonight, but due to some technical difficulties with the equipment, the band was just a tad late in starting, so things actually worked out beautifully. Shortly after the band had warmed up in it's normal fashion, playing a Gordon Riley original composition, "Gordon's Boogie," emcee Larry Dean welcomed everyone to tonight's curriculum, singing "Congratulations!," Mark Chesnutt's "Too Cold At Home" and Jimmy Rodger's "California Blues." Larry was to return later with "Old Time Rock & Roll" and Eddy Arnold's "Room Full Of Roses" to the crowd's obvious delight.

Gordon Riley and the rest of the band, including drummer extraordinare John Malone played some great numbers here tonight and had the dance floor full as they took off on the "Beer Barrel Polka," "Harbor Lights" and "Honky Tonk." Returning the second half, Gordon led them in "9 Lb. Hammer," Merle Travis style and "Wheels." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who almost everyone knows, plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday, got a big ovation as he played "The Anniversary Waltz" and "Devil's Dream." He got an even bigger hand when he returned after break to sing and play a Merle Travis number of his own, "Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette" and "In My Adobe Hacienda." Mary Bichelmeyer sounded just marvelous herself tonight, singing "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do," Jeannie Pruitt's "Satin Sheets" and a super duet with husband Garry of Juice Newton's "Black Coffee." Speaking of Garry Bichelmeyer, he did an incredible job here tonight as well, singing first a self-written number, "Northern Star," then it was a Tom T. Hall creation, "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" and a duet with Larry Dean of the Soggy Bottom Boys' "In The Jailhouse Now."

It's always a treat to see and hear Art Covey play his mandolin and sing. Tonight he picked some of our favorites: "Rebel Soldier," "Fallen Leaves" and an Alan Jackson gospel number, "I Want To Stroll Across Heaven With You." Scott Gilmore and his cute-as-a-button little daughter Kylie got the dancers moving as they sang "Boot Scootin Boogie" and Art returned to close tonight's program with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

(Below) Larry Dean sings another crowd favorite



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