Thursday, October 28, 2010

OCTOBER 26, 2010
BK LOUNGE


Again, when the show began at the BK Lounge we had a near capacity crowd of enthusiastic fans on hand. It is so good to see such a group of loyal fans come out to see and hear the band each and every week. We hope you all keep it up.

Apparently, the rumored remodeling project on the Lounge will begin next week. We understand the work will be done during the nighttime and should not interfere with our show. We look forward to the completion of this event.

We missed Garry Bichelmeyer, who was away seeing to a family emergency but Mary was at her place in front of the microphone and with her bass guitar. We certainly hope all turns out well for Garry and his family.

Also missing this week was Dave Purcell, I understand he was working out of town.

It was good to see a rested and refreshed Larry Dean back in his place front and center. Larry and Rosey had recently returned from a well deserved vacation to Michigan.

We had a special treat when drummer John Malone agreed to a rare solo on the drums playing "Wipe Out" ably assisted on the guitar by Gordon Riley.

Everyone enjoyed an appearance by special guest, Greg Herrman. He stepped up and sang a couple songs that were very well received by the audience. Then, he graciously stayed up front and filled in the second half with the rhythm guitar and singing some more for our entertainment. Good Job, Greg!! Come back again.

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Monday, October 25, 2010

OCTOBER 24, 2010

Those of us that were at Annie's Jubilee Theater in Tonganoxie Sunday afternoon were witness to a wonderful event. The tremendous outpouring of love and support for Roger and Jean Hawkins was indeed heartwarming. Country music entertainers from far and wide around Missouri and Kansas made the trek into town to show their appreciation and love for these friends of country music in their time of need.

The entertainment began at 2:00 PM and continued until nearly 8:00 PM; a large and enthusiastic crowd showed their appreciation to each and every participant in the show.

Annie and her gang are to be commended for the hard work they put into organizing this project to make it work as well as it did.

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Friday, October 22, 2010

OCTOBER 21, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


The crowd gathered at the Grinter Barn Jamboree for the annual Halloween show was a little smaller than usual. Nonetheless, they were enthusiastic and appreciative of good music. The ladies of Grinter House started off the evening with some delicious Chili.

After those present had been well-fed the band took their places front and center. Filling in for the still vacationing Larry Dean; The ever popular Arnie Johnson kicked the show off with "Another Day Another Dollar". He followed with several well received numbers before turning the show over to the rest of the band. As usual they had a good mix of songs and filled the dance floor with each drawing good applause. The only band member in costume was Garry Bichelmeyer who not only did some fine singing but had a good repertoire of jokes for the evening.

During the intermission most of us enjoyed some fine Chocolate Brownies and Cupcakes that the ladies passed around and I found some really good coffee to go with mine.

The band finished the evening with a great hour of good country music. As always, Arnie was well received and put on a fantastic performance for the enjoyment of those present.

We want to remind everyone of the Benefit this Sunday, October 24 at Annie's Jubilee in Tonganoxie Kansas. Beginning at 2:00PM there will be a silent auction and what should be an outstanding country music show with musicians from all around the eastern Kansas and Western Missouri area. Admission will be $10 per person and ALL of the proceeds from the show and auction will go to assist Roger and Jean Hawkins with their overwhelming medical bills. Please remember Roger and Jean in your prayers, too.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

OCTOBER 21, 2010

BENEFIT FOR ROGER & JEAN HAWKINS


We want to invite everyone to attend the benefit at Annie's Opry in Tonganoxie KS on Sunday, October 24 beginning at 2:00PM. ALL proceeds from the show and silent auction will go to Roger & Jean Hawkins. Roger & Jean have been struck with overwhelming medical bills recently due to some serious health issues.

Almost all of the country music venues around this Kansas Missouri area have been informed and invited to either send their band or individual musicians to entertain. This should be an unbelievably good show.

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OCTOBER 19, 2010
B.K. LOUNGE


We had a couple of great surprises at the show this week. First, Nancy Nunn had picked Rusty up at the Re-Hab Hospital and on the way home they had stopped in to enjoy the show at the BK Lounge. WHAT A FAN!!

It was also great to see Roger and Jean Hawkins there. We got to enjoy a short but nice visit with them at intermission.

Larry Dean was still on vacation and Dave Purcell was excellent as a fill-in. Dave sang several numbers to the great pleasure of everyone in the audience. The rest of the band put on the usually wonderful performance, I am sorry that I cannot list all the individual songs performed. We had a great treat when Luke Morales got on stage with his new guitar. Luke is either 14 or 15 years old now, I'm not sure when his birthday is! He performed an outstanding accompaniment to Mary Bichelmeyer as she sang "House of the Rising Sun" and then accompanied Gordon Riley as he sang Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues". This young man is very impressive and Gordon better watch out, the kid is going to get your job if you keep teaching him!

We hope to see you all at the Halloween show at The Grinter Barn Jamboree on Thursday night. There will be a costume contest and Chili will be served. Arnie Johnson will be our special guest.

The text and photo below are courtesy of Roger and Jean Hawkins of MO-KAN OPRY.COM. Thanks folks!!

A big crowd again decended on the BK tonight, evidently enjoying the brisk evening's cool, even chilly temperature drop. Once again, with Larry Dean on vacation David Purcell assumed the lion's share of the singing here tonight, much to the crowd's delight. Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the rest of the band including John Malone on drums welcomed every one with their familiar theme song "Gordon's Boogie #1." Gordon showed his versality singing the Dwight Yoakam smash "Guitars, Cadillacs & Country Music" followed later by instrumentals "Steel Guitar Rag" and "Honky Tonk." David Purcell got the big crowd excited as he sang George Jones' "Tell Me My Crying Eyes Are Wrong," a song written by his Dad entitled "I Wonder How Many There Would Be," Willie Nelson's "Remember Me" and joining Marvin, the Hank Williams Sr.'s classic "Move It On Over." David returned somewhat later with a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Losing You," "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing," George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and Garry's "Northern Star." Mary Bichelmeyer put her vocal talents to good use as well tonight as she sang Charly McClain's "Sentimental Old You" and Jim Reeves' "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" while Art Covey did a beautiful job playing his mandolin and singing Darrel McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," Jimmy Rodger's "Hobo's Meditation" and "Falling Leaves." Our dear friend "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jubilee took center stage next and played our favorite fiddle tuned "Ragtime Annie" while Garry Bichelmeyer showed why he is such an audience favorite singing an original number "Demons," a very appropriate choice with Halloween fast approaching, Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone," a great banjo solo on "Old Joe Clark" and "Kansas City."

Jerome Oberele, who is a real master of the all-button accordian proved to be a real treat tonight as he played the "Beer Barrel Polka" and was joined by Marvin for Elvis' "Just Because" and the lovely "Maiden's Prayer." It was great seeing Gordon Riley's friend, the young, truly gifted Luke Morales sporting a brand-new red guitar. Luke did an outstanding job playing "House Of The Rising Sun" and "Folsom Prison Blues" with Gordon furnishing the vocals. David Purcell closed tonight's program with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away." (Below) Luke Morales entertains the BK crowd.



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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

OCTOBER 12, 2010
BK LOUNGE


We had a great crowd at the BK Lounge tonight, almost a full house. They were enthusiastic in welcoming the band and guests. Larry Dean & Rosie are still on vacation up north so we were very fortunate to have Larry Smith ably fill in for him. As always when he is with us, we are treated to an outstanding array of country music. Tonight was certainly no exception as he opened the show with several selections before turning the spotlight over to our other special guest. The outstanding Dobro player from Annie's Jubilee in Tonganoxie, Mr. Fred Uzell got a large round of applause after each of the numbers he played.

Next, Gordon Riley who we think is the best lead guitar player around entertained with a vocal and an instrumental selection before Marvin Bredemeier showed off his talents with some lively fiddle playing.

Then the always popular Dave Purcell stepped up with some well received songs before Mary and Garry Bichelmeyer each performed a number. Art Covey and his Mandolin got an enthusiastic applause after his songs before intermission.

Larry Smith opened the second half with a well received medley of country songs he had received requests for during the intermission. Ron Fine brought his always refreshing voice to the stage for a couple of songs next. The rest of the band and guests very ably filled out the remainder of the show.

I am sorry that I can't name each of the numbers performed by our entertainers but I simply do not have that ability.

We understand Rusty Nunn is progressing well and is expected to come home next week.

As I reported last week, Johanna Valaika fell and injured a knee and will have approximately an 8 week recovery.

Please don't forget to remember Roger & Jean Hawkins and all of our ailing fans in your thoughts and prayers!!


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Sunday, October 10, 2010

OCTOBER 10, 2010

I have some items to report this morning:

JOHANNA VALAIKA fell in her garage injuring a knee and will be laid up about 8 weeks. We are going to miss her on our dance floor every week. She would appreciate any cards and words of encouragement.

JOHANNA VALAIKA
21171 WEST 227 STREET
SPRING HILL KS 66083


Also, Fred Uzell and Larry Smith will be our very special guests at the BK Lounge this Tuesday, October 12.

And third, THE STRANGER CREEK BAND will appear at 1:00PM in the Country Music Tent at the MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL in Baldwin City KS on Saturday, October 16, 2010

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Thursday, October 7, 2010

OCTOBER 5, 2010
BK LOUNGE


Nancy Nunn reports great gains in Rusty's condition. He is still in Mid-America Rehab but has been moved to room #219. She says he is doing really well, Keep It Up Rusty!!

It was so good to see Roger & Jean Hawkins back in their seats tonight. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Below is reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY.COM with permission from Roger & Jean Hawkins. Many thanks to them.

With the absence of Larry Dean, who is on a well-deserved vacation, it was decided to recruit our friend and awesome vocalist Dave Purcell to fill in and handle most of the vocal duties tonight, dubbing him the "extra special guest artist." David surely gave a splendid account of himself here tonight as he began the festivities with a George Jones blockbuster hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" followed closely by the Buck Owens/Dwight Yoakum hit "Streets Of Bakersfield" and Keith Whitley's "When Each Tear You Cry Becomes A Rose." David returned just after the break to entertain everyone with Alan Jackson's "Just Playin' Possum," Willie's "Why Should I Have To Choose," a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," an uncanny sound-alike of Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again" and George Strait's "This Is Where The Cowboy Rides Away." Thanks to Dave for being here tonight, you always leave me wanting to hear "just one more!"

After this great band, including lead guitarist Gordon Riley and drummer John Malone got the feet pattin', the hands clappin' and the dancers shufflin' with a super instrumental of "Honky Tonk," "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS did us the honor of playing our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" followed by Bob Wills classics "Milk Cow Blues" and "Roly Poly," which he both played and sang! Mary Bichelmeyer's beautiful voice was put to good use as she sang Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and one of our favorites, "Sentimental Old You" (thanks, Mary!) before multi-talented husband Garry Bichelmeyer stepped to the mike to sing an old R&R classic, "Stand By Me," John Prine's "Souvenirs" and a bit later it was Jimmy Buffet's "Margaretville," two of his original compositions, "Marie" and a tune that has become known fondly as "The Dead Horse Song," a whimiscal look at life in Custer's 7th Cavalry, Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and a great banjo solo of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." It was wonderful seeing Art Covey again and listening to him sing and play his mandolin. Tonight Art chose some of our favorites, "Rebel Soldier," Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," "Let Me Be There" and the beautiful "Kentucky Waltz" with Marvin doing the vocal duties. Mary Bichelmeyer closed this fun-packed evening with a wonderful gospel number, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." (Below) Dave Purcell entertains the crowd at the BK Lounge.



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Saturday, October 2, 2010

OCTOBER 2, 2010

Rusty Nunn is now at Mid-America Rehab; I-435 & Nall; Rm 213-B. Nancy reports he is doing great and will be there 16-18 days. I know he would appreciate any cards sent to him.

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Friday, October 1, 2010

OCTOBER 1, 2010

Nancy reports that Rusty is MUCH better today. He is laughing, joking & doing really well. He will be moving to Mid-America Rehab; I435 & Nall tomorrow.

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