TUESDAY MAY 25, 2010
BK LOUNGE

The crowd that gathered at the BK LOUNGE on this hot Tuesday evening were in for more than one treat. In addition to an evening filled with outstanding music; during the intermission pieces of a wonderful Birthday cake were passed out to those present. At the same time, from the other side of the room, pieces of a beautiful
50th Wedding anniversary cake were being passed out. We certainly want to extend our congratulations to Laurence and Barb Keltner on their 50 years of marriage. I am sorry but I never did learn who the birthday person was but hope they had a very Happy Birthday!

Our thanks to Roger & Jean of MO-KAN OPRY.com for their song by song description of the program that follows

It was a scorcher out there today and it really felt good as we stepped through the door to the air conditioned comfort of the BK and heard the familiar strains of "Gordon's Boogie #1," a sure sign the festivities were about to start. We just found our seats and settled in a bit when Marvin Bredemeier on fiddle, Gordon Riley on lead, John Malone on drums and the rest of the band took off on the Bob Wills' classic "San Antonio Rose" with Larry Dean doing a great job on the vocals. Larry also did a great job next with a Travis Tritt number, "Living On Borrowed Time," "Bonaparte's Retreat" and somewhat later returned with Waylon Jennings' "I May Be Used" and the "Farmer Blues." Gordon and the band played some great instrumentals as well here tonight with "Panhandle Rag," "Steel Guitar Rag" and a crowd favorite, "Back Home Again In Indiana."

Our friend Marvin, who of course is the regular fiddle player at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night, gave the folks a real treat tonight as he played the old fiddle tune "Soldier's Joy" and "Ragtime Annie" (Marvin wants it noted that he played this for Annie Little who will be on vacation for the next 3 weeks). Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player, did an outstanding job tonight singing Skeeter Davis' "The End Of The World," Patsy Cline's "Crazy Dreams," "Sweet Dreams" and Terri Gibbs' "Somebody's Knocking." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer, who is not only a great performer but a super songwriter as well got a big hand as he sang Hank Sr.'s "You Win Again," Ray Price's "Are You Sure (This Is Where You Want To Be)," another Hank Williams number for a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary "Wedding Bells" and a 50's tune made famous by Ben E. King, "Stand By Me." It's always a pleasure to see and hear our pal Dave Purcell perform -- he sings a great song! Dave chose George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away" to begin with and followed it with Dwight Yoakam's "Streets Of Bakersfield." Dave returned later with a couple of Willie songs: "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "Remember Me," the latter which he sent out to us. Thanks for the thought, Dave! What a pleasure it was to see Art Covey drop in with his mandolin and great singing voice! Art sang our favorite Darrell McCall song, "There's Still A Lot Of Love In San Antone" and "Missing You," a number he wrote while sitting in his front yard one evening and thinking of his grandson who was serving his second tour in Iraq and how his wife must be feeling. What a great motivation for a song!

Jerome Oberle brought his accordian along tonight and got the feet shufflin, the hands clappin and the dancers boogying as he joined the band to play "In The Good Old Summertime," "Beer Barrell Polka" and the "Pennslyvania Polka." Fun stuff!! Annie Little, although she'll be gone for the next three weeks, left us a little something to remember her by, singing a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind" and "Just In Case You Change Your Mind." Safe trip, Annie! Art Covey closed the evening's festivities with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

(Below) top - Jerome Oberle & Marvin Bredemeier and the band play "The Beer Barrell Polka" bottom - Dave Purcell sings "Remember Me"





Thanks to Roger & Jean Hawkins of MO_KAN OPRY.com for their permission to reprint the above from their column.
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MAY 20, 2010
GRINTER BARN JAMBOREE

It was rainy and cold as we started to set-up the equipment for the jamboree and we thought it would be a small crowd tonight. But as time for the delicious Lasagna prepared by the ladies of "Friends of Grinter" to be served drew near the crowd began to grow. By the time everyone had eaten and the band was on stage, we had a large group of brave souls present.

The band was in fine form as usual and the dance floor was full. We certainly have a nice group of good dancers come out for all of our shows. I am not able to name all of the songs performed by these talented musicians but they always come up with a nice mix of good music. The fans also know requests are welcome usually someone in the band knows almost any song asked for.

We will be back at the Grinter Barn next on June 17. We hope you all join us next Tuesday at the BK Lounge and on June 13 at the American Legion located at 7500 West 75 Street in Overland Park. We will be there at 2:00PM.

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May 18, 2010
BK LOUNGE

It is truly amazing to me the great fans the Stranger Creek Band draws to the BK Lounge every Tuesday. It seems the weather or nothing else matters, we always enjoy a capacity or near capacity crowd. A large majority of them are there each and every week eagerly waiting for Gordon to make that first strike on the guitar string to get things going. I don't know if anyone notices but the larger and more enthusiastic the fans, the harder the band works to please.

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Jean and Roger Hawkins of MO-KAN OPRY.com for their generosity in allowing me to use their material in this blog. Their accuracy in listing not only the titles of songs performed but to also list the original artist that recorded it is amazing to say the least! I am the first to admit it is way beyond my capability to do that.

With a clear, sunny day instead of the rainy, overcast conditions we've been experiencing, a bigger than normal crowd decended on the BK this evening and the place was pretty well packed by the time Larry Dean and the band struck up the first chords of Merle Haggard's "Big City." Next up was George Strait's "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" and somewhat later Larry returned to sing "Ramblin Fever" and Lefty Frizzell's "Always Late With Your Kisses."

One of the finest lead guitar players we know, Gordon Riley along with the rest of the band including drummer John Malone played the ever-popular "Under The Double Eagle," picked and sang the Hank Thompson classic "Six-Pack To Go" and Elvis' "Big Boss Man." Later was the self-penned "Gordon's Boogie #1 and "Harbor Lights." "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier, who plays fiddle every Saturday evening at Annie's Country Jubilee in Tonganoxie was kind enough to play our favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie" for us this evening as well as the beautiful "Maiden's Prayer, Bob Wills' "Milk Cow Blues" and "Red Wing." Great stuff!! Mary Bichelmeyer sounded super this evening as she kept up the beat on that bass guitar and sang Highway 101's "Walkin Talkin Cryin Barely Beatin Broken Heart," "You Belong To Me," Kathy Mattea's "Walk The Way The Wind Blows" and "Oh Lonesome Me." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer, on the other hand decided to test everyone's memory with an oldie but goodie - "The Ballad Of Jed Clampett" (Beverly Hillbillies, etc.), Johnny Russell's "Catfish John" and later teamed with Larry Dean for the Soggy Bottom Boys' rendition of "In The Jailhouse Now" and then it was Garry with "Stand By Me" and one of his many self-penned numbers, "Marie."

David Purcell is always a crowd favorite and tonight he didn't disappoint as he sang George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away," Merle's "It's Not Love But It's Not Bad," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night," George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me" and Alan Jackson's "Here In The Real World." Larry Dean closed the evening with a couple of R & B tunes, Gene Vincent's "Bebop A Lula" and "Old Time Rock & Roll." (Below) top - Our friend Marvin Bredemeier plays our favorite fiddle tune "Ragtime Annie" bottom - Look who we spotted on the dance floor tonight - Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer dance while the others play!





Thanks again Jean & Roger!!

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TUESDAY MAY 11, 2010
BK LOUNGE

A boisterous, near capacity crowd descended on the BK Lounge again last night and we had a lot of new faces join us. It seems like every Tuesday we see new people and most of them enjoy the music enough to come back again and again.

May 12 is Garry Bichelmeyer's birthday and to celebrate the occasion there was ample cake for everyone during the intermission. Garry was so embarrassed by the attention that he threatened to go out and sit in his car; I won't announce here how old he is. Everyone joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to him and then we sang "Happy Birthday" to little Kylie Gilmore whose birthday had been on May 10.

Roger and Jean Hawkins were not with us last night and I have not yet figured out how to keep track of all the songs the band performs while working the sound machine. So, without their help, I will just have to tell you we heard an outstanding mix of good music all evening long.

We hope everyone joins us at the BK Lounge next Tuesday, May 17 and again on Thursday, May 20 at the Grinter Barn where the "Friends of Grinter" ladies will be serving a Lasagna Dinner before the show.

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SATURDAY MAY 8, 2010
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES
MERRIAM KS

The Eagles Club of Merriam Kansas put on a great dance program tonight. The building was nearly filled to capacity and the dance floor was full all night. Many Stranger Creek Band regular fans came out to dance along with a really good turnout from Eagles club members and friends.

All of the band members were in fine form as the music poured out. There was a good mix of classic and new country with some rock and roll dispersed throughout the evening. As usual, Dave Purcell gave an outstanding performance imitating Willie Nelson on several songs as well as performing a number of other songs during the evening. Dave is always well received and tonight was no exception.

As the show progressed there were many door prizes given away with all proceeds going to Diabetes research. With tonights proceeds the local club made its goal
for donations to the research program!

The Stranger Creek Band enjoyed the great turnout and we are looking forward to a return performance again soon!

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TUESDAY MAY 4, 2010
BK LOUNGE
It was a marvelous evening to be out and about tonight and a big crowd took advantage of the weather and decended on the BK for an evening of great classical country & vintage music, dancing, dining and visiting. Larry Dean has been accused of being a "walking juke box" and it was easy to see why as he opened the evening with Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues," then it was a big band era tune, "It Had To Be You," followed somewhat later by "Old Time Rock & Roll," a tune made famous by The Platters, "Only You" and "I Can't Stop Loving You." This great band featuring Gordon Riley on lead guitar and John Malone on drums got the dancers wound up with "Panhandle Rag" and featured Gordon on "9 Lb. Hammer," "Windy & Warm," "Sugarfoot Rag" and "The Theme From Bonnie & Clyde." "Mighty" Marvin Bredemeier who plays fiddle at Annie's Country Jubilee every Saturday night got the toes tappin' with the "Beaumont Rag," "a beautiful but unnamed waltz" and a medley of "Soldier's Joy/Ragtime Annie."

Mary Bichelmeyer whose folks were visiting here tonight from Kentucky, did a supurb job singing Jeannie Pruett's "Satin Sheets," Loretta's "There He Goes," "I Don't Hurt Anymore" and "It Keeps Right On A'Hurtin." Husband Garry Bichelmeyer, who also writes such great songs, showed what a great performer he is as well singing George Jones' "Choices," "Kansas City" and John Anderson's "Swingin'." David Purcell is always such a treat to listen to and tonight he got a big hand as he sang "Once In A Lifetime Thing," a Garry Bichelmeyer tune, "Northern Star," Willie's "Help Me Make It Through The Night," Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan's "Tennessee Birdwalk" and "Today I Started Loving You Again." Scott Gilmore was also in the house tonight and sang "Boot Scootin Boogie," much to the delight of the line dancers. Larry Dean closed tonight's program with "Long Black Train."

We also want to take this opportunity to welcome Judy Engle, one of the regulars here at the BK every Tuesday, as one of our newest sponsors. Judy is a Realtor with Re/Max Heartland operating from the Lee's Summit, MO area. To contact Judy call 816-589-8933 or visit www.JudyEngle.com or check out her sponsorship banner on the Big Creek Country Show page accessable from our home page.

(Below) Mary Bichelmeyer sings "I Don't Hurt Anymore" with lots of encouragement from husband Garry



Once again we have reprinted the article from MO-KAN OPRY.com. Thanks Roger & Jean
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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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