Saturday, April 30, 2011

APRIL 30, 2011
DESOTO KS "SPRING FLING
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The Stranger Creek Band was in DeSoto Kansas for the annual Spring Fling from about 10:30 this morning until nearly 2:00 this afternoon. They performed at the corner of 84th and Wea Streets in front of a former restaurant. As usual they put on a good show with the music flowing very smoothly from one song quickly to another. There were many compliments paid to us about the quality of the program, every one seemed to be enjoying it. There was also a lot of interaction between the band members and people coming by to listen for a spell. There were several of our fans from the BK Lounge that came around and some that sat down and enjoyed several songs with us.

The weather was beautiful, several booths were sat up along 84th street some serving food and some with craft and other merchandise to sell.

It was a fun day and we look forward to returning next year. Also, we will be returning to DeSoto for the River Fest on Friday September 2. Watch this web site for more information about that.

We hope to see everyone back at the BK Lounge next Tuesday. Until then, stay safe and well!!

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Friday, April 29, 2011

APRIL 29, 2011

When I went to check the web site this morning, I was surprised to find that I had not included two item in the last posting that I fully intended to write about. I sincerely apologize for neglecting to get these things in sooner.

Everyone please keep Jay Holmgren in your thoughts and prayers. In about two weeks from now he will begin 6 weeks of Chemo therapy. We all certainly wish all the best for Jay during this difficult time.

I just returned this morning from a visit to Mary Lou Yulich who is still a patient at the Sharon Lane Nursing Home at 10315 Johnson Drive in Shawnee for the therapy following surgery on her ankle. She has been moved to room 304A now. She looks really good and is in very good spirits. We had a nice, long visit, she sends her love to all her friends at the BK Lounge and Grinter House. She is grateful for all of the many cards and personal visits. She doesn't know how much longer she will be there but acknowledges that she still has a long way to go. I realize now that I failed to get a phone number for her new room.

Let's all keep these people in our thoughts and prayers.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

APRIL 27, 2011
BK LOUNGE


We are becoming accustomed to opening the Tuesday evening show at the BK Lounge to a capacity crowd. It's certainly a great feeling not be able to see any empty chairs. The crowd was very enthusiastic and obviously ready for a good show.

A good many members of our audience is also very good at multi-tasking. There are several tables where the folks are playing cards or checkers as they listen to the music they appear to enjoy so much.

We also look forward to some fine music from our guests who drop in each week. Last night was no exception. First up was Jerome Oberle with his squeeze box accordion. He pleased everyone with "Beer Barrel Polka" and a great tune recorded and made famous many years ago by Skeeter Davis. "I've Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know About Him" was especially well received by the fans.

Annie Little sang her favorite Garry Bichelmeyer penned "Why Did I Ever". It can be found on her CD along many more wonderful songs.

Annie was joined by Jay Holmgren for a rousing rendition of "I Saw The Light", we need to get Jay up to sing for us more often, he puts on a fine performance.

In the second half we were entertained with a fine performance as usual from our friend Ron Fine. He sang "Now and Then There's A Fool Such As I" and "Build Me A Cabin In The Corner Of Glory Land". It is always a pleasure to hear his wonderful voice.

Jerome Oberle came back up and joined the band for the instrumental "Harbor Lights".

We want to remind everyone to join the Stranger Creek Band at the annual "Spring Fling" in DeSoto, Kansas on Saturday, April 30. We will be performing at 84th & Wea Streets from about 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. It should be a fun day, please come on out.

We hope to see everyone back at the BK Lounge again next Tuesday.

Everyone stay safe and well until we see you again!!

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Friday, April 22, 2011

APRIL 21, 2011
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE


WHAT A SHOW!! Our "ROCK & ROLL" special wildly exceeded greatest expectations. I thought the barn would burst at the seams, there was barely any standing room left.
I don't know how many great fans came out but everyone there seemed to have a really good time. I believe there was only one song performed that was not from the '50's; that was Garry's "Northern Star" sang by Dave Purcell. He said he had a special request for it. The Sloppy Jo and Root Beer Float really hit the spot.

We will return to the Grinter Barn for a Jamboree on Thursday, May 19. Please plan to join us then for another great show. I will post the menu as soon as I get it.

The Stranger Creek Band will perform at the Spring Fling in DeSoto KS from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 30.

Also, start making your plans to journey with us to the Wahoo Music Fest in Wahoo Nebraska on June 23 - 26. That is always a good time.

A BIG Thank You to Alice Jenkins for the photos below.

Some of the Poodle Skirts at the"Rock & Roll Show



Our newest & Most Amazing Dancers


When Warren Haycock and Ginger Arn take the dance floor it is with every one's riveted attention. The faster the song, the better they like it. Sometimes Warren, (85 years young) gets tired and needs to take a short break and Ginger usually has someone else waiting for the next dance. She dances every fast dance and sometimes a slow one. When told it was amazing the way she can dance all night, she quickly replied "I don't know why, I'm only 96 years old!'. They love to rock & roll and Ginger loves to twirl and spin around the floor. When I asked her how often they danced, she answered "he will tell you 6 times a week but we often make it 7 nights a week." She plans to dance on her 100Th birthday in 4 years. We should all be inspired by the enthusiasm and joy of life these two kids show us all!

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

APRIL 20, 2011
BK LOUNGE


It was not quite a capacity crowd as we opened on this chilly evening but it was still a large group that gathered for the band.

The show opened with a first time special guest that had to leave for an appointment. Bob Norris started with "Poor Little Fool" then a self-penned number he had recently written to sing at his brother-in-laws funeral. "Jerry's Song" was a beautiful song and well received by the fans.

The band is going back into the recording studio tomorrow night to continue working on their new CD and tonight they sang (or practiced) some of the songs they intend to record. I really look forward to this CD, I have heard several of the songs on it and was present at one recording session. I think it is going to be a good one.

Soon after the second half opened, Annie Little stepped up and did a wonderful job of singing "Could I have this Dance for the rest of my life" and followed it with "Remember Me". She came back later and closed the show with "He Grew the Tree".

Congratulations to fiddler Marvin and Sug Bredemeier. Marvin announced they were proud Great-Grandparents of a little girl named Bella; born yesterday.

Several people asked about Mary Lou Yulich, I will try to get in to visit with her in the next day or so. Watch this blog and I will let you know as soon as I get down to check on her.

Don't forget to join us this Thursday, April 21 at the Grinter Barn Jamboree featuring our "Rock & Roll" show. The ladies of Grinter will Begin serving Sloppy Jo, Chips and Root Beer Floats beginning at 6:00 PM and the music will begin at 6:30. Only $8.00 for the dinner and show with all proceeds going to the Friends of Grinter to help support the Grinter House Historical site.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

APRIL 12, 2011
BK LOUNGE


Happily, it is becoming great habit for the Stranger Creek Band to play to a full house. Once again we opened to a standing room only crowd with little standing room left. The weather has been beautiful and the crowd, tired of winter, is very enthusiastic and receptive to the good music and "Good Time" atmosphere.

We hadn't seen one of our favorite guests, Larry Smith, in a long time. Tonight it was a great joy to see him come in the door. He didn't disappoint anyone when he sang several songs to the great delight of the crowd.

Ron Fine's performance was outstanding as usual. He just doesn't seem to ever have a bad night. We always enjoy him so much!

Darrell Phillips came in and gave Mary a break on the electric bass. He does a fine job and we welcome him. Also, Mary had fun on the dance floor while the others were working. She even enjoyed a dance with husband, Garry, to the delight of the audience.

We had a report from Annie Little that Jay Holmgren had a surgical procedure yesterday which went well and he was home resting this evening. She reported that he plans to be back with us next week.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fred & Mrs Uzell on the death of her brother.

My wife and I stopped for a brief visit with Mary Yulich on our way to the BK Lounge this afternoon. Mary is in Sharon Lane Nursing Home recovering from surgery on her ankle. She is looking very good and in good spirits. She says she is getting a lot of hard therapy but gaining strength every day. I asked if she had any messages for the fans and she said to tell everyone she loves them and hopes to be back soon.

Don't forget that next week, April 21, is our special "Rock & Roll" program at the Grinter Barn Jamboree. The ladies will serve Sloppy Jo, Potato chips and Root Beer Floats beginning at 6:00 PM. The Rock & Roll music will begin at 6:30 and I am sure it will be a lot of fun. We hope you join us. Only $8.00 gets you the dinner and show with all proceeds going to the non-profit "Friends of Grinter" to help with the upkeep of the Grinter site.

April 30 we will perform at the "Spring Fling" in DeSoto KS. There will be more information later.

Everyone stay safe and well til next time.

Photos below courtesy of Dave & Jean Hightower. Top: Larry Smith; Center: Ron Fine; Bottom: Darrell Phillips







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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

APRIL 5, 2011
BK LOUNGE


For the third week in a row the show opened to a standing room only, very enthusiastic crowd. The band always seems to respond to a wonderful group like this and tonight was certainly no exception.

Mr Fred Uzell, the outstanding Dobro and Steel Guitar player was filling in with the band for Marvin Bredemeier who had another engagement. Fred did a wonderful job with his steel guitar and Marvin arrived at about intermission and joined the rest for the remainder of the show.

We were joined by the State President of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers,Pickers and Singers, Mr Greg Hermon. Greg stepped up and sang a couple of songs. What a wonderful, Baritone voice he has. Most of us could have listened to him all night.

Jerome Oberle entertained us as usual with his all-button accordion, he is always well received especially playing polkas.

Ron Fine is always a welcome guest in the line-up. He is especially good with gospel music and enjoyed by everyone.

A friend of Marvin's from south Texas, Mr Jim King came up and sang three songs for us. "Your Cheatin' Heart", "For the Good Times" and a rousing version of "Lone Star Beer and Sweet Taters" I believe was the name of it. He is a great performer and we certainly hope to see him back again.

Annie Little performed a couple of songs including her favorite, a Garry Bichelmeyer penned "Why Did I Ever".

We got a report on Mary Lou Yulich. She had her ankle surgery on Friday and is still very weak from it. They have moved her to Sharon Lane Nursing Home located at 10315 Johnson Dr in Shawnee Ks 66203. She is in room 302B and her phone number is 913-387-3527. She will not be able to put her weight on her foot for two months and she is too weak to use crutches or hop on one foot to move around. She is very weak and faces a slow recovery. I am sure she would appreciate any cards and phone calls.

Fred Uzell had a death in the family so Larry Smith will be our guest this Tuesday in his place. Our prayers and sympathy to Fred and his Family during this time of sorrow.

Again, Many thanks to Jean Hightower for the photos below:

On the Left are a couple of our newest fans: Warren and Ginger (she is 96 years old) certainly enjoyed the music. I think Ginger was on the dance floor for nearly every dance and could have danced all night. On the right, Warren had to sit down for a few minutes so Ginger got a new partner. Way to go folks!!!

Bottom left: Greg Hermon performed for us.

Bottom Right: Jim King exhibited his great talent for the crowd.









DON'T WE ALL WISH I COULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THESE PICTURES LINED UP AND IN PROPER ORDER?? I AM WORKING ON IT, I PROMISE!



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Friday, April 1, 2011

APRIL 1, 2011

MARY LOU YULICH CAME THROUGH HER SURGERY OK! SHE IS STILL IN RECOVERY AND I WILL GET A REPORT WHEN SHE IS IN HER ROOM. AT THAT TIME I WILL GET AN ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER FOR HER BUT PLEASE NO CALLS UNTIL TOMORROW. SHE WILL NOT NEED REHABILITATION BUT WILL NEED A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS OR SO.

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