BK LOUNGE
APRIL 27, 2010

It was great seeing Larry Dean again after a couple of weeks absence and after Gordon Riley, the group's fantastic lead guitarist, drummer John Malone and the rest of the band opened tonight's entertainment with "Gordon's Boogie #2," Larry greeted the big crowd with an old George Jones tune "She Reminds Me Of The One I Loved Back Then," Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak" (you'll remember it was featured in a Clint Eastwood film of the same name), "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You" and George Strait's "The Fireman." Gordon & the band were featured on another of his original numbers known simply as Gordon's Boogie #1, then it was "Birth Of The Blues," "Honky Tonk" and Gordon's vocal treatment of the Bob Wills' classic "Roly Poly." Marvin Bredemeier, who usually plays every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee, was a judge at a local fiddle contest this past weekend and certainly well qualified to do so. He played some sweet tunes here tonight; "Down Yonder" was followed by "Sugar Moon," "Faded Love" and "Beaumont Rag."

Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player showed her vocal skills, singing "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," "Crazy Dreams," "Tennessee Waltz" and "Walkin After Midnight." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer who is both a terrific performer and songwriter, surprised us with the old Johnny Horton chart topper "The Battle Of New Orleans" and Gene Watson's "Paper Rosie." He returned the second half with a couple of his original songs, one that's become know simply as "The Dead Horse Song" and the other, one that's still in the works, so to speak, entitled "Losing You." It's always great to see and hear David Purcell perform and tonight he chose Hank Sr.'s "Move It On Over," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and in his best Willie voice, "Remember Me."

We could sit all day long and listen to Art Covey play his mandolin and sing, but unfortunately we have to make a little go a long way each week. Tonight he did a super job with "Deep Water," "Rebel Soldier" and "The Waltz Of The Angels." Our friend Annie Little was also in the house tonight and did a swell job with "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and "That's How Much I Love You." She and friend Jay closed the evening with a fine duet of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."

We were thinking just the other day how great the sound is here at the BK each and every week and of course that is due to the labors of their sound man, Keith Nielsen who also maintains a website: www.strangercreekband.com for the group. Kudos to Keith for a fine job each and every week!

(Below) top - Garry Bichelmeyer (at microphone) sings Johnny Horton's "Battle Of New Orleans"



Once again we thank Roger and Jean Hawkins for allowing us to reprint their wonderful blog from MO-KAN OPRY.COM

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BK LOUNGE
APRIL 20, 2010

The Lounge was almost bursting at the seams again tonight as our great fans continue to fill every chair in the place nearly every Tuesday night.

It was great to see two of our good friends up and going tonight. Roger Hawkins came in minus the walker and going pretty good on a cane. Jim Rumsey got out to visit us again. He was getting around amazingly well only two weeks after a total knee replacement. A thank you to all who have inquired about my wife, Pat Nielsen. She is progressing after a pretty extensive back surgery; it will just take time.

Larry Smith filled in tonight for the absent Larry Dean who was out of town for a couple of days. It is always a pleasure to see and hear him.

Larry and the gang got things started off tonight as he sang a Harlan Howard tune, "I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today" followed by Moe Bandy's "Too Old To Die Young" and "Together Again." Gordon Riley and the band including drummer John Malone did a super job with "South" a tune made famous right here in Kansas City by the Bennie Moten orchestra. Gordon showed his vocal talents as well, singing Hank Thompson's "Six Pack To Go" and "Holding Things Together." "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays such sweet fiddle music every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee got the dancers up and moving with "Down Yonder" and "The Waltz You Saved For Me." He returned later to sing an old Hank Thompson tune "The Older The Violin, The Sweeter The Music." Larry got a big hand as he returned to sing "Kansas City" (always a favorite around here), then it was "Heartaches By The Number," "Green Green Grass Of Home," Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," Merle's "Today I Started Loving You Again," "Pass Me By If You're Only Passing Through" and Chuck Berry's "Memphis." Mary Bichelmeyer put her soft, mellow voice to good work tonight as she sang "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and Loretta's "There He Goes." We missed husband Garry's singing tonight, but he was here adding support. Hope to hear from him next week. It was super seeing David Purcell in the house tonight and he got a great ovation as he sang the Buck Owens/Dwight Yoakam classic "Streets Of Bakersfield," "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away," Hag's "No It's Not Love But It's Not Bad" and in his best Willie voice, "On The Road Again."

We love to hear Art Covey play his mandolin and sing and tonight he chose Darrell McCall's "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone," "Love Letters In The Sand" (remember Pat Boone?) and "Falling Leaves." Great stuff! Annie Little was also in the house tonight and she sang Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey" and joined Larry singing Jack Greene's "There Goes My Only Possession." Larry closed the evening with George Jones' "A Picture Of Me Without You" and "I Saw The Light."

(Below) Larry Smith



The photo and much of the text above was reprinted with the permission of Roger & Jean Hawkins of MO-KAN OPRY.COM. Thanks again, guys.

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APRIL 18, 2010
BROWN'S GRAND THEATER
CONCORDIA, KS

The Crossroads Tours bus picked up the first of the concert goers and left the Grinter House at 7:30 AM en route to get the everyone else at the Burger King in Lenexa, KS. Everyone was on board and all of the band equipment was loaded and we departed there for Concordia at 8:30 AM.

Time passed quickly on the way as Rosie, Larry and the gang kept us occupied with trivia, contests and whatever else they could think of to keep people from becoming bored. It was a good trip that all those on board seemed to enjoy immensely.

We arrived in Condordia at 11:45 AM. At the Brown's Grand Theater all of the band equipment was unloaded and the band members remained at the theater to set up and get everything ready for the concert scheduled for 3:00PM. The fans on the bus then moved to "Heavy's BBQ" for lunch.

The concert began promptly at 3:00PM with a rousing fiddle tune by Marvin Bredemeier. The music was outstanding as the Stranger Creek Band performed a good selection of their music. They were ably supported by an amazing array of special guests. Those guests included a wonderful vocalist from southwest Nebraska, Elton Flodman; Steel Guitar player Kurt Shoemaker who has played several Nashville recording sessions and backed up Martina McBride on stage. Our local friend, vocalist and song writer Larry Smith also loaned us his talents; he is always well received in Concordia. Rounding out the list of guests was Nashville recording artist, Cindy Bealer who hails from Nebraska. She is a very good singer whose newest recording can be found on I-Tunes. If you have never heard Cindy, look her up on I-Tunes and give her a listen.

When the concert ended and all passengers and equipment was back on board the bus; we made a quick visit to McDonald's for everyone to catch a quick snack and we were on our way home about 7:00PM. It had been a long day but there was still much banter and joke telling when we started the 4 hour ride. Gradually the bus grew quieter and quieter until everyone fell silent. About 11:30PM we arrived back at Grinter House and those people got off the bus and we continued to Burger King where the rest of the people and equipment was unloaded and we all headed home about midnight.

It had been a long, fun day that I think everyone enjoyed. We look forward to doing in again.

SEE YOU ALL TUESDAY AT BK LOUNGE!

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APRIL 15, 2010
GRINTER BARN

People began lining up early for the great Sloppy Jo's, chips, carrots and fruit cup prepared by the ladies with "Friends of Grinter". As usual, the food was outstanding.

AT 6:30 the band moved front and center and for the next two and a half hours the place was rockin'. Our special guest, ARNIE JOHNSON was in fine form and is always enthusiastically received.

We still missed our good friend Jim Rumsey as he continues to recover from knee surgery but we understand he will be back soon.

The show continued without a hitch until Garry Bichelmeyer stepped up to close out the show with "The Rebel Soldier". As soon as he started the fireworks began and those of us in the audience thought the Civil War had begun all over again with all "Popping" and "Banging"! Apparently we developed an electrical short somewhere in the sound system. Unable to locate the problem the show was terminated quickly. I'm sure that Larry Dean has spent today trying to locate and fix the problem before our much anticipated trip to the Brown's Grand Theater in Concordia Kansas for the concert on Sunday.

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APRIL 13, 2010
BK LOUNGE

It was good to see Roger Hawkins with us again this evening and progressing well from his recent hip replacement. Also, we had a good report from our good friend, Jim Rumsey. Jim has returned home from surgery for a complete knee replacement last Friday. Ann reports he is doing well and will be back in our audience soon!

It was just a perfect night to be out and around tonight and folks were taking advantage of it as a big crowd converged here tonight to dine, dance or just listen to some old-time, traditional, classic country music with maybe just a smidgen of old time rock 'n roll! By the time everyone had settled in, Gordon Riley, John Malone and the rest of the band opened the evening with "Gordon's Boogie #1," followed shortly by "Buckaroo," a song made famous by Don Rich and Buck Owens' band, "The Buckaroos." Gordon showed his vocal abilities with another Buck Owens classic, "Love's Gonna Live Here" and Merle Travis' "Sweet Temptatiion" followed by another great instrumental of "Honky Tonk."

Larry Dean, who greeted everyone in a crisp white straw Stetson tonight, did a super job singing the oft-recorded "Under Your Spell Again," Gene Watson's "14 Carat Mind," "If I'm A Fool For Leavin'" and a little later Elvis' "I'm All Shook Up" and Chuck Berry's "Nadine." Travis Tritt's "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' Anymore" was followed by Vern Gosdin's "Do You Believe Me Now," "Back To Louisiana" and "Old Time Rock 'N Roll." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, KS every Saturday night, turned back the clock a bit tonight as he played the old fiddle tune "Back Up And Push" followed by "Westphalia Waltz," Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues" and our personal favorite: "Ragtime Annie." The resident bass player, Mary Bichelmeyer, who helps hold all of this together is also blessed with vocal talents and tonight it was "Your Cheatin' Heart," Loretta's "Blue Kentucky Girl," Patsy's "Walkin' After Midnight" and a duet with husband Garry of Juice Newton's "Black Coffee." And speaking of Garry Bichelmeyer, who is an outstanding songwriter as well as performer, he was in fine voice himself tonight as he treated the audience to "Kansas City," Ricky Skaggs' "Crying My Heart Out Over You," "I Don't Think I Could Take Losing You," Don Williams' "Some Broken Hearts," Johnny Russell's "Catfish John" plus a couple of originals: "Bustin' Up Rocks" (w/Larry) and "Nodaway River."

Joining the group at intermission, was a most unusual sight -- a washtub bass, but NOT just your run-of-the-mill variety. Paul "Washtub" Brown from the nearby Lake Quivera area has constructed a beautifully painted and cleverly calibrated musical instrument that has a surprising quality and depth that one wouldn't necessarily expect. He accompanied the band for most of the second half and was featured along with Larry Dean on the gospel number "I'll Fly Away." Come back soon, Paul! Our friend Annie Little was also in the house tonight and used her beautiful, timeless voice to sing "Somewhere Between," Garry Bichelmeyer's "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and closed the evening with "One Day At A Time."

(Below) top - Larry Dean & Rosie Inman with Mary & Garry Bichelmeyer bottom - Paul "Washtub" Brown





We are grateful to Roger & Jean Hawkins for their generosity in permitting us to reprint their article from their MO-KAN OPRY.COM. Thanks Roger & Jean.

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APRIL 6, 2010
BK LOUNGE

In spite of threatening weather, an enthusiastic crowd filled the BK Lounge to near capacity again last night.

A recent issue of "THE BEST OF TIMES", a Johnson County paper for the older persons in the area, spotlighting our band and weekly shows at BK LOUNGE has helped to bring in many new faces the last few weeks. These new people were not aware of our appearances at the BK LOUNGE before and every one that I have talked to enjoyed the show immensely and promised to keep coming back.

Tonight was our first venture out of the house for the purposes of hearing some real, live, first-class, old-time classic Country Music! There's just something about seeing a live band perform that transcends performances on radio, recordings or even live TV. And this band, known as Stranger Creek, performs this style or brand of music as well as any we've heard. Thanks to John & Mary Pettersch who gave up their prime parking space for our comfort and others who helped us get around a bit, everything went off without a snag. A big thanks to all of you for your understanding. The hip is coming along nicely, we get a little stronger each day, it seems and we're doing all the exercises we've been instructed to, so it appears to be just a matter of time before we're back to full operating condition.

Larry Dean opened the festivities tonight with an old Hank Locklin tune, "Bonaparte's Retreat" and "I Wish I Could Be 30 Again" before lead guitarist Gordon Riley led the band with John Malone on drums on "Bells Of St. Mary." Gordon gave the folks a taste of his vocal talents as he sang Hank Thompson's "Six Pack To Go." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who will be playing fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie, this Saturday night as he does every weekend, stepped front and center to treat the big crowd to "Black Mountain Rag" and "Milk Cow Blues." The soft, mellow vocals of Mary Bichelmeyer were next, with "Crazy Arms," and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer, who is a clever songwriter as well as a top-notch performer did a bang-up job with Waylon's "Storms Never Last" and Willie Nelson's "Are You Sure." Guest vocalist Annie Little sang the Garry Bichelmeyer-written "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and "I'd Choose You Again" before Larry Dean returned with Waylon's "I May Be Used (But I Ain't Used Up)," and "Old Time Rock n Roll." We decided to call it a evening, but as we were leaving, Marvin stopped us in our tracks with our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie." Thanks, Marv! And thanks to all of you who made this such a wonderful evening! (Below) Annie Little sings "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" with the band



IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO SEE OUR GOOD FRIENDS, ROGER & JEAN HAWKINS BACK THIS EVENING AFTER ROGER'S RECENT HIP SURGERY. ONCE AGAIN, WITH THEIR PERMISSION, I HAVE REPRINTED HIS ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM MO-KAN OPRY.COM, THANKS TO THEM FOR ALLOWING ME TO USE THEIR WONDERFUL ARTICLES IN OUR BLOG!
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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!!

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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.

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MARCH 23, 2010
B K LOUNGE

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

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!!

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FEBRUARY 23, 2010
ANOTHER FULL BK LOUNGE

Again, a capacity crowd had the BK Lounge almost bursting at the seams. The dancers could barely find room to dance, some going to the back dining room and others in the aisles, hopefully everyone found a spot.

Larry Dean did a bang up job singing Eddy Arnold's classic "What's He Doing In My World." Larry returned the second half with a couple of rock numbers, "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Johnny B. Goode" as well as George Jones' 1991 smash "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes." Lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the band including John Malone on drums kicked off their featured part of the program tonight with "Panhandle Rag," "9 Lb. Hammer" (featuring Gordon on vocals), "Bells Of St. Mary" and "Honky Tonk." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday at Annie's Country Jobilee, tonight played the beautiful "Sugar Moon," "Maiden's Prayer," "Ragtime Annie," "Down Yonder" and the "Orange Blossom Special" much to the delight of the big crowd. Mary Bichelmeyer. the group's bass player was in fine voice tonight singing Patsy's "Walkin' After Midnight," "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Bill Bailey." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer debuted a brand new song he recently wrote entitled "Losing You" which we enjoyed hearing and think maybe it will go someplace. Garry also sang another of his creations which has become known as the "Dead Horse Song," a comical look back at the Battle of the Big Horn.

It's always a gas to see and hear our friend Dave Purcell pick and sing. Tonight, doing his best Willie voice, he sang "Remember Me," then it was "A Once In A Lifetime Thing," a Garry Bichelmeyer song, "Northern Star" and the Jack Blanchard/Misty Morgan song "Tennessee Bird Walk." It was just terrific to see Art Covey back who has been on the mend from a recent operation. Art sounded great as always as he sang "Falling Leaves" and "Love Letters In The Sand." Talking about great vocalists, Annie Little was also here tonight and stepped front and center to sing another Garry Bichelmeyer song, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and "A Very Special Grace." This fun evening came to a close with Mary singing "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and Art doing the honors with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." (Below) - Garry Bichelmeyer debuts his new song "Losing You". bottom - The gang welcomes Art Covey back.




ONCE AGAIN WE THANK ROGER AND JEAN HAWKINS WITH MO-KAN OPRY FOR GIVING PERMISSION TO REPRINT MOST OF THE ABOVE TEXT AND THE PHOTOS FROM THEIR ARTICLE.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE

An enthusiastic, capacity crowd gathered at the Grinter Barn Thursday evening. After everyone had some of the Grinter Ladies' delicious chili, the band opened the show. The dancers quickly got into the mood and filled the dance floor. There was a good mix of music, but I have to apologize for not remembering or writing down the names of songs the band performed. It was good to have Larry Dean back from his month long vacation in South Texas and Dave Purcell back from his extended bout with the flu. Annie Little and Scott Gilmore each entertained us with a song. Scott and his family are regulars at the BK Lounge but I do not remember seeing them at the Grinter before.

Gordon Riley opened the second half with an amazing performance of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo. It kind of makes me wonder if there is no end to that man's talent! I believe he can play anything with strings and make it sound outstanding.

Larry announced that Cindy Bealer, Larry Smith and Elton Flodman would be Special Guest vocalists and Curt Shoemaker would be Guest steel guitar player at the concert in Concordia on April 18. If you would like to ride the charter bus out to Concordia and see the show for a total of $45.00 per person, be sure to sign up at one of our shows or contact Larry at 913-585-3495.

Our next show at the Grinter Barn will be March 18, 2010. Watch this website we will post the menu as soon as we get it. Don't forget we are at the BK Lounge every Tuesday evening. Please come by to say "Hello" and enjoy some good country music while you are there.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010
BK LOUNGE

A near capacity crowd was waiting to welcome the STRANGER CREEK BAND to the BK Lounge last night. It was great to see Larry Dean standing front and center again after a month long vacation.

Larry quickly got things started singing "Stay a Little Longer", "Hello Mary Lou" and "Back to Louisiana". Gordon Riley and Marvin Bredemeier along with drummer john Malone entertained us with "Honky Tonk", "Down Yonder", "Bells of St Mary", "Waltz Across Texas", "Maiden's Prayer" and the favorite "Ragtime Annie".

Dave Purcell returned after a couple of weeks battling the flu. He ably entertained us with "Funny How Time Slips Away",and "Northern Star". Bass player Mary Bichelmeier put her talent and voice to "Tennessee Waltz" and "Blue Kentucky Girl" followed by Gary singing "Marie" and joined by Larry Dean performing the favorite "In the Jailhouse Now".

The dancers filled the floor as guest Scott Gilmore sang a rousing version of "Johnny B Good".

We were joined by Jess Richardson from the Westline Jamboree who sang "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" and an old Webb Pierce number, "Walkin' the Dog". Jess was followed by an appearance from Dave Irvin doing a fantastic job with "You Win Again". It was nice having them visit and we look forward to seeing them again.

Mary closed the evening with "Just a Closer Walk".

We hope you all join us Thursday, February 18 at the Grinter Barn for another enjoyable evening of music and also some of the ladies delicious Chili. Of course, we will be looking for all of you next Tuesday, February 23 back at the BK Lounge.

Pictured below, Jess Richardson




SOME OF THE ABOVE TEXT AND THE PHOTO REPRINTED FROM MO-KAN OPRY.COM WITH THE PERMISSION AND GENEROSITY OF ROGER AND JEAN HAWKINS.

FEBRUARY 9, 2010
COLD TEMPERATURES FAIL TO DAMPEN THE ENTHUSIASM AT THE BK LOUNGE AGAIN

We had a nice crowd come in for the weekly show at BK Lounge last night. Arnie Johnson was outstanding as he filled in for the still vacationing Larry Dean who will return next week. Also, it was good to see Ron Fine again and have him entertain us as he did again last night.

The climate and the mood inside the BK was toasty as Gordon Riley and the band, including John Malone on drums, opened the festivities with "Gordon's Boogie #2." Later, the band took the spot light with instrumentals "Honky Tonk" and "Bells Of St. Mary" featuring some great guitar licks by Gordon, who also showed his vocal abilities, singing "Love's Gonna Live Here Again" and "Big Boss Man." Tonight's guest artist, Arnie Johnson began with Charlie Pride's "Crystal Chandilier," and followed with "Walkin' The Dog," Merle's "Silver Wings," "The Waltz Of The Angels," Waylon & Willie's "Good Hearted Woman" and a medly of "Wild Side Of Life/Your Cheatin Heart." Arnie returned a bit later with Elvis melodies "A Fool Such As I," "Laudy Miss Claudy" and "That's All Right Mama" and a couple of Willie Nelson's - "Forgiving You Is Easy," and "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain."

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who will be playing fiddle this Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee which will be featuring the incredible Bill Jordan as a guest artist, was kind enough to play our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" along with "Rubber Dolly" and "Yakity Sax." Mary Bichelmeyer, who helps the group keeping beat on her bass guitar, put her smooth soft voice to use this evening, singing Pam Tillis' "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and Jeannie Pruitt's "Satin Sheets." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer also did an outstanding job singing Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy" and one of Garry's self-penned creations, "Northern Star." The dancers were out in numbers as well tonight and Scott Gilmore helped the line dancers get organized as he sang Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin Boogie."

A real bonus tonight was the appearance of Ron Fine, who we enjoyed so much the last time he visited. Tonight he did a marvelous job singing some of our old favorites: "California Blues," "Just Someone I Used To Know," "House Of Gold" and "Life's Railway To Heaven."

(Below) top - The cool weather didn't slow down the dancers; bottom - l. to. r. Ron Fine, Arnie Johnson, Marvin Bredemeier




ONCE AGAIN WE ARE INDEBTED TO ROGER AND JEAN HAWKINS FOR ALLOWING US TO USE MUCH OF THE ABOVE TEXT AND THE PHOTOS FROM THEIR ARTICLE IN MO-KAN OPRY.COM THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU!

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Tuesday, 2 February 2010
THE BK LOUNGE ONCE AGAIN FEATURES THE VOCALS OF LARRY SMITH , BILL CLARK SITS IN ON HARMONICA & SOME TERRIFIC MUSIC BY THE STRANGER CREEK BAND
Another big crowd of classic country music fans and dancers once again filled the BK to almost overflowing tonight as our pal Larry Smith once again lent his vocal talents to the evening's festivities. Starting the evening off with Gene Watson's "Got No Reason Now For Goin' Home," Larry continued with Conway Twitty's "I Don't Know A Thing About Love," George Jones' "Choices" and Ray Price's "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down. After lead guitarist Gordon Riley and the band including their great drummer John Malone played "Honky Tonk" and Gordon did a super vocal of "Big Boss Man," Larry returned with "Today I Started Loving You Again," "Crazy Arms," "Just Another Bridge To Burn," a tune written by Little Jimmy Dickens and Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." Somewhat later in the evening Larry was to return with Mel Tillis' "Green Green Greass Of Home," "Johnny B. Goode," "Kansas City," George Jones' "Walk Thru This World With Me," and Glen Campbell's "Help Me Make It Through The Night." We thought one of tonight's highlights was Larry singing "Wabash Cannonball" as Gordon Riley played the Dobro. Great stuff!

"Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who handles the fiddlin' duties at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night got a big hand as he played "Silver Bells" and "Ragtime Annie" then returned a little later to play and vocalize "Bilin' Cabbage Down" and "Take Me Back To Tulsa." Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player did a wonderful job singing "Bill Bailey" and husband Garry Bichelmeyer sounded just great as he sang Don Williams' "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" and Charlie Pride's "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone." It was great seeing our friend Bill Clark sit in with the group tonight playing harmonica and singing "My Window Faces The South," "Just Because" and "Faded Love."

Scott Gilmore opened the second half with Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," much to the delight of the line dancers and Annie Little got a big hand as she sang "Somewhere Between" and a Garry Bichelmeyer original, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind." Larry Smith closed this fun evening with an original gospel number he wrote some years back, "I Was There." (Below) l. to r. Garry Bichelmeyer, Bill Clark & Larry Smith



The above text and photo reprinted from MO-KAN OPRY.COM with permission of Roger Hawkins. Again, Many thanks, Roger!

GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE
JANUARY 28, 2010

The Jamboree at Grinter Barn last night was a huge success. By show time, the staff at Grinter was busily searching for more chairs and seating places for the capacity crowd that had gathered. After a delicious dinner of Chicken Rice Casserole served by the ladies of Grinter House; special guest Larry Smith and the band opened what proved to be a rousing show. The appreciative audience did not hold back in showing their appreciation and the dancers filled dance area all evening. In the second half Ron Fine came up and entertained with his Great singing voice. We really enjoyed hearing Ron and look forward seeing him again.

Larry Dean and wife Rosie are still vacationing in south Texas so Larry Smith will capably fill in again Tuesday at the BK Lounge.

Gordon briefly discussed our upcoming journey to Concordia, KS for another concert at Brown's Grand Theater. Please be sure to get your name on the sheet if you are interested in riding a bus to the concert. If enough people sign up, we will charter a bus. More information on times and prices will follow as soon as available.