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"STARGANZA" - STORIES
CONCERT INFORMATION - "FEBRUARY 7, 2004" EVENT CELEBRATING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
EVENT DETAILS:
COMING TO MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 7, 2004
"BIBB PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTIONS"- PRESENTS THE SHOW EVERYONE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT.
"STARGANZA-2004" - LIVE
"STARRING" A "BONANZA" OF GREAT ENTERTAINERS FROM THE PAST / PRESENT & FUTURE - DON'T MISS THIS NIGHT OF "STARGANZA"- YOU WILL ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
Date: FEBRUARY 7, 2004
Time: 7:00 P.M.
(Doors Open - 6:00 P.M.)
LOCATION:
JOE L. REED ACADOME "ARENA"
1595 ROBERT C. HATCH DRIVE
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104
(334) 229-4528 / (334) 229-4529
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"JIM OWEN"
JOINING US TO KICK OFF OUR "STARGANZA-2004" PRODUCTION is a Legend himself. A MAN THAT IS A MEMBER OF THREE "HALLS OF FAME"/WRITER OF MULTI-MILLION SELLING SONGS AND FUNNIER THAN "A RUBBER CRUTCH IN A ONE-LEGGED HOSPITAL." DIRECT FROM HIS REGULAR SHOWPLACE IN BRANSON, MO - A SUPER TALENT AND A GREAT GENTLEMAN - If you're not already, you're gonna fall in love with "JIM OWEN".
A Country Legend in Branson, You may know Jim Owen as the man who wrote "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man", but Jim has a much broader background than that. He has worked in film, radio, compositions of many songs recorded by some of country music's greatest legends, as well as his award winning stage creation and performance.
Jim wrote and stared in "Hank" (a one-man, one hour television special on Hank Williams, Sr.) which won the SECA award as the best show of the year on public television. His extraordinary work on this project is again revisited live, on stage, for your enjoyment of the best Hank Williams, Sr. presentation. Close your eyes, and you will feel Hank is on stage performing for you.
Jim has written hits for many of country's most famous stars including: Mel Tillis, Jim Ed Brown, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Reed, Roy Clark, Moe Bandy, and many others. His most noted song, "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man", was performed by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Jim makes music come alive. His rendition of "Ghost Riders in the Sky" is the most incredible version you'll ever hear.
Every year, Jim creates a brand new show from scratch. He gives tribute to country greats throughout the show, and every year has a tribute to one of country's finest stars (this year it is Tammy Wynette). "Sunshine Express", Jim's female backup trio, doesn't just hide in the background, but performs magnificently on their own as well for the tribute to Ms. Wynette. His band, The Last Cowboy Band, is a traditional country band (drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, violin, and a steel guitar).
With Jim's show, you never have a need to worry about someone's head blocking your view or of being too far back from the stage. There are two huge screens on either side of the stage that will give you a perfect view of all that is happening during the show. The name of the original singer of the song being performed on stage will be displayed on the screen as well.
One of the great things about Branson is that you get to 'meet' the stars, and the Jim Owen Show is no different. Jim spends about 20 minutes before the show milling about the lobby of the theater talking with his guests. He also spends about 15 minutes at intermission posing for photos and signing autographs. And of course, he is available at the end of the show. (http://www.JimOwenMusic.com)
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"CIMARRON"
FROM HOMEBASE IN GATLINBURG, TN - THE GROUP THAT PROGRAM MANAGER OF WTXT 98, JAY MICHAELS, SAYS PUT THE "SMOKE" IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS - AND WE GUARANTEE, WILL LEAVE YOU WITH, "SMOKY MOUNTAIN MAGIC" IN YOUR HEART.
"STARGANZA" HEADLINERS - Tennessee's Own Recording Artists -"CIMARRON"- RONNIE SULLIVAN / CINDY THORNTON/ HAL RHEA.
Only once or twice a year can Bibb Promotional get our "own" group out of those mountains long enough to tour and give us a chance to introduce them to the rest of the world outside of the Smokies.
We promise you that this group will give you a treat with their Country, Western, and Bluegrass. You'll see then why BIBB PROMOTIONALS can't get them out of those "Smoky Mountains " long enough to tour. The CROWDS simply won't let them leave long enough, and we don't have room enough for all of them to come with them; even though, many of their fans do follow "CIMARRON" from town to town to catch their shows.
Ronnie Sullivan has been entertaining all over the Smokeys for over 20 years. Has recorded many "demos" for the big boys during that time; including, his own personal favorite -- GEORGE JONES. Ronnie has several albums to his own credit including ROMAINE GALLO'S beautiful single "SMOKY MOUNTAIN MAGIC." (The most beautiful song you've heard since Jim Reeves "Missing You" and Hank Williams "Your Cheatin' Heart.")
Ronnie has shared the stage with the likes of STELLA PARTON, CAL SMITH, EXILE, NORMA JEAN, Jack Greene, and the late MEL STREET, just to name a few. Plans are in the working for "CIMARRON" to turn out a new album in the near future.
You must come meet them while they are here.
Born into music, Cindy inherited the music genes from her Mother and Father who were Country Music entertainers touring the country in the late 1940's to mid 1950's. Beside her natural singing talents/harmony, Cindy's Mother taught her something that is a "dying art" these days, ('YODELING'). Cindy performs with Ronnie on radio/tours/ and Gatlinburg's "HOMEBASE", and is a former member of "The Madison's."
Cindy Thornton and Ronnie Sullivan teamed up as a singing "duo" over five years ago, developed a partnership and named their company“Thornton and Sullivan Music”.
They enjoy performing in family restaurants, resorts and in various shows. One of these shows featured Bill Phillips (who had the hit “Put It Off Until Tomorrow”) and sang with Dolly Parton. After one of the shows, Bill Phillips approached Ronnie and Cindy and told them how impressed he was with their incredible blend of beautiful vocal harmonies. They are also often approached by the music industry professionals from Nashville and others who have frequently encouraged them to go to Nashville to pursue a major music career and stardom. But Ronnie and Cindy have been too modest to take that road.
From the email I received from our Cimarron Cindy this morning, 12/28/2003, it looks like they have decided to make that "contract" a lifetime committment. Ronnie gave Cindy a "pear" shaped diamond engagment ring for her Birthday -- indicating that the "pear" are planning to become a "Pair."
CONGRATULATIONS !!! To Bibb Promotional's own "STARGANZA" "DUO" headliners. We love you both.
The third member of "CIMARRON", Hal Rhea (pronounced "Ray") from Weaverville, North Carolina joined Cimarron about four years ago. Hal has many years of experience as a professional Bass Guitar player and often takes the time to play the piano for his church. You'll do a "double-take" when you see him. At first "sight" of Hal, you'll began to call him "Garth",(a young Garth) and will have to look again and again to be sure. Hal is Bibb Promotional's "pet" "picker-on-er." We all just love him and when he smiles, you'll know why. (Sorry, Ladies, Back off girls, he's already taken, and wife (Pam) isn't about to let that one go.)
Even though we've got them here for you tonight, you must visit them the next time you're in the "SMOKY MOUNTAINS". They will really make you feel at home where they enjoy playing at the Log Cabin Pancake House Restaurant in Gatlinburg and the Carriage House Restaurant in Townsend, TN.
You’ll love their performance, album, and warm and friendly personalities.
(http://www.bibbpromotional.shoppingcartsplus.com)
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"COUNTRY BOY EDDY"
JOINING US FROM HIS FARM IN WARRIOR - Alabama's own Legendary - "COUNTRY BOY EDDY" BURNS - Loved by all Alabamians, Eddy is far from retired. After having "RAISED" more yung-uns than he has cows, through his Morning Show wake up calls for more than 20 years, Eddy is better than ever and still drawing big crowds and performing all over Alabama and who knows where else! Even being seen on TV in Europe now.(website URL)
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"THE BAMA BAND"
THE BAMA BAND-(Hank, Jr. is giving them a night off to "really" work) Twice nominated for the Academy of Country Music's Band of the Year Award, The Bama Band backs superstar HANK WILLIAMS, JR. Standing on their own as a showstopping act, The Bama Band pours it on with no let down. From hard driving rock and roll to rhythm and blues to progressive country, from high energy to soulful and slow, their multi-faceted show has developed from a multitude of influences.
As Hank Jr.'s backing band, the line up includes Wayne "Animal" Turner, Billy Earheart, Ray Barrickman, Bill "Tommy Gun" Marshall, Jimmy Hall, Tony Bowles, and Mike Daly.
When Hank is on vacation, the Bama Band continues its touring schedule with the following group members:
WAYNE "ANIMAL" TURNER, lead vocalist and guitarist, has worked with Hank Williams, Jr. since 1979. As a member of The Bama Band, Wayne has performed with many stars including Reba McIntire, Kris Kristofferson, Dickie Betts, Lee Roy Parnell.
BILLY EARHEART, keyboardist, has been a member of Hank's legendary Bama Band since 1985. Before working with Hank Jr., Billy played with the Grammy-award winning Amazing Rhythm Aces. Billy has also played with Al Green, Waylon Jennings, B.B. King, Wet Willie, and many others.
RAY BARRICKMAN, bass guitar and vocals, has been a member of The Bama Band since 1983. Ray has also performed on stage with Keith Sykes, Sammy Hagar, Leslie West, and The Kentucky Headhunters.
BILL "TOMMY GUN" MARSHALL, is a long-time veteran musician well-known for his years with Bocephus, as well as Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers, Target, Survivor, Bertie Higgins (Key Largo), Professor Longhair, Billy C. Wirtz, and many others.
The Bama Band has three albums on their own. The first album on Complete Records, simply called "The Bama Band," had the original version of the hit "Stand Up" by Mel McDaniel. The second CD, "Solid Ground," on Mercury-Polygram, included the rockin' version of "White Lightnin" and "When We Get Back To The Farm" featuring Hank Jr. on guest vocals. The third CD, "Takin Off The Edge," produced by veteran hitmaker Jimmy Bowen, includes Wayne Turner's "I'll Take My Heart and Go Home" and Ray Barrickman's "What Will I Tell My Heart." The title cut has also been recorded by John Michael Montgomery.
The Bama Band has played on Many of Hank's gold and platinum albums, including "Hank Live," "Wildstreak," "America, The Way I See It," "The Bocephus Box Set," "Hank Jr.'s Greatest Hits III," and many others. They are also in many of the videos Hank has done, including "All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin Over Tonight," "Young Country," "My Name is Bocephus," and the platinum video "Full Access." The Bama Band has two videos of their own.
The Bama Band recently won the "Lifetime Achievement" award from the Ohio Country Music Association.
When it comes down to it, The Bama Band is as tight a group as exists. Their years of road work have resulted in one of the finest examples of top musicianship in the business and they are far from finished; as new plans are lining up for them. (http://www.members.aol.com/wteiii/billye.htm)
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"RAY PETERSON"
RAY PETERSON - (Singer/Producer/Writer)Known as the "golden voice of rock & roll".
There's a song, a famous song, that mourns "THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED,"but RAY PETERSON knows that the music is still alive & well. He knows that any evening you can drive your Chevy to the levee, put your arm around your steady gal, turn on the oldies station &listen to his big hits.....Hits like "TELL LAURA I LOVE HER," "GOODNIGHT MY LOVE," "CORINNA, CORINNA," "FEVER," "MISSING YOU," & "THE WONDER OF YOU." All CERTIFIED GOLD HITS.....
As a matter of fact, "TELL LAURA I LOVE HER," just recently soared to "TRIPLE PLATINUM." That should attest to the staying power of RAY PETERSON'S music.....
RAY tells a story about how, on one of his many appearances on the hit music variety television show, "Shindig," in the mid 60s, ELVIS PRESLEY telephoned him.....It seems that it was the 10th anniversary of ELVIS PRESLEY being in the music business & on that special "Shindig" broadcast, RAY PETERSON had performed 4 of ELVIS PRESLEYS songs. Well, the phone rang & it was ELVIS PRESLEY. The "King Of Rock & Roll," in town filming a movie & he had seen the show.....ELVIS asked RAY if he could possibly have lunch with him that day. Well when "The King Of Rock & Roll," summoned you to lunch, you didn't exactly turn him down.....
Over lunch ELVIS told RAY how much he had enjoyed RAY'S performances of his songs & he wanted to know if it would be alright with RAY, if he recorded one of Ray's songs, "THE WONDER OF YOU," on his next album.....
Ray says, "Can you believe that....Here's ELVIS PRESLEY asking permission to record one of my songs. Of course he didn't need my permission, but it was just a great gesture, by a great guy".....
"THE WONDER OF YOU," went on to become ELVIS PRESLEY'S biggest selling ballad & was the song that ELVIS used to close all of his shows with in the 70's.
ELVIS & RAY became very good friends & remained so, until ELVIS' untimely death in 1977. Ray Peterson does a tribute to ELVIS PRESLEY in all of his concerts. It is exciting & something you will want to see, as you will treasure the memories for a long time.....
RAY PETERSON also does a tribute to another close friend of his. A guy that RAY appeared with in-concert on 147 occasions. This guy is of course, ROY ORBISON.....Only RAY PETERSON with his 4 1/2 Octave voice can pull this tribute off with such accuracy. If you close your eyes during this tribute, you will think that ROY ORBISON is right there on stage. It is electifying.....
"Maybe it's time for America to get back to the basics." Ray says, "Songs of the 50s & 60s remind us of a simpler time.... less confusion & more togetherness, I know this music is just as popular today as it was when it started, all you have to do is go out to one of the many 50s & 60s clubs across the United States & you can see what I mean & here I am ready to perform this music for you in it's original form.....Live & In-Person." RAY PETERSON live & in-person. A show you will remember for a life time..... (http://legendaryartist.net)
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"TROY SHONDELL"
TROY SHONDELL - "THIS TIME" (WE'RE REALLY BREAKING UP)(Still packing a full house and better than ever. From out of the "fifties" & "sixties" - Still a Rock &Roll Rebel / with class. All of your old favorites like: "This Time We're Really Breaking Up" / "Rip It Up" / "Rockin' Pneumonia" and many many favorites from out of the past but still loved on those specials on Pubic Broadcasting Stations world wide) "This Time" it's Troy Shondell -- the man with a voice that makes you remember where you were and who you were slow dancing with when they were playing his songs.
One cold Sunday night on February 1, 1959, Troy and his band were entertaining at a club in Davenport, Iowa when just before closing a group walked in, sat down, and sent a note to the stage. The note asked Troy to acknowledge them and do a song from their show. A young nervous Troy was very familiar with the artists and sang the request, "That'll Be The Day".
The request was from the now famous show that appeared in Clear Lake, Iowa February 2, 1959 starring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, in which the three famous stars were killed when their plane crashed following the show at the Surf Ballroom. Troy believes he was probably the last artist they ever saw perform outside of their own group.
Influenced by the late Buddy Holly, Elvis, Little Richard and many more of the early rockers, Shondell began his singing career while still in high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His first recording (made under his birth name Gary Shelton), was "My Hero" on the Smash label, followed a year later by "Kissin' at the Drive-In" on Mercury Records, that became a big regional hit that gained him national attention.
Troy's fame soon spread to the Chicagoland area where he and his band made history by becoming the first rock band to ever appear at the then famous "Brass Rail" blues and jazz club in downtown Chicago. For four solid months Troy and his band had fans standing in line to watch Rock 'n' Roll for the first time in downtown Chicago. During the next couple of years he left Mercury Records and recorded a couple of other songs for two independent labels -- "Goodbye Little Darlin'" on the Mark Label and another self penned tune called "The Trance" on the Label. Both records did well, but without the proper marketing they didn't reach the heights on the national charts. In 1959 he got a chance for his band to back a GAC "Shower of Stars" tour. Not only would his band back the stars, but he would actually get to open the show. This proved to be a big break for Troy. Following him on the show was Chuck Berry, Frankie Ford, Rod Bernard, The Skyliners, The Impalas, and Frankie Avalon. The newspaper critics gave Troy great reviews, which helped draw more attention to this young new artist from the Mid West.
Ten months later, October 31, 1960, Troy's father died of a heart attack. He had been a great influence in Troy's life teaching him to play the trumpet at age four, piano at age eight and handled all of Troy's musical affairs. With his father's Troy's mother inherited a small business that was her only income. In order to keep it going she asked Troy to come home and help her - he did just that. He temporarily released his band and gave up music to help so he could help with the immediate crisis. In February 1961 his mother encouraged Troy to audition for an extra part in a movie being filmed locally after seeing an ad in the local paper. At the audition a man familiar with Troy's music, said he would financed the session, if Troy would consider recording again. Happily, Troy agreed, and since he had been secretly hoping to record again, he had set aside a song just in case the opportunity again came his way. It was a song that Al Russell, a local disc jockey in Fort Wayne, had called to Troy's attention.
There was a tremendous blizzard the day of the session (April 1, 1961) in Batavia, IL, and only three musicians were able to make it -- a guitar player, sax player, and drummer. Troy played piano, vibes and tried to get a bass type sound out of his guitar, because the bass player couldn't make it either. That song was "This Time (Were Really Breaking Up)" - and the rest is history.
Every record company in Chicago turned it down. So Troy and his new partner started their own label -- Goldcrest. Visiting WJJD in Chicago, Troy was bound and determined to get air play for the record he knew represented his future, even if it meant he had to beg. Luckily that night the DJ was Stan Major, who had befriended Troy during the Shower of Stars tour in 1959. Jim Lounsbury the music director finally agreed to let Stan play "This Time" only once and it had to be on his "Rate the Record" show, airing later that evening. Troy went up against a strong opponent and won. After that, Troy and "This Time" were unstoppable and the record began to sell. In fact, 10,000 copies were sold the very first week. "This Time" topped the charts for an unprecedented 16 weeks during the summer of '61. Although other successes would follow, none of the others might ever have happened without "This Time". "This Time" went on to sell over 3 million copies that first year. By the end of July it had reached number 1 in Chicago, and just about every major station in the USA. Troy's success for "This Time" lasted until December of that year.
"This Time" has been referred to as a swamp rock sound that quickly rose to the top of the charts, making the Shondell name synonymous with 60s rock ever since. Rock & Roll historian Wayne Jancik wrote: "Troy's impact on aspiring young rockers was apparently very significant. A young Detroit guitarist, Tommy James, who had first met Troy at Shuler's Supper Club in Niles, Michigan (Tommy's home town), named his 'Hanky Panky' group "The Shondells" -- after Troy. Jim Peterik, of "The Ides of March" and "Survivor" did the same with his first Chicago group; and when Rod Bernard and Rockabilly legend Warren Storm teamed up to record for the La Louisianne label, they also called themselves the Shondell's. Critic David Swift wrote; "He sings Rock 'n' Roll, mostly from the 50's and 60's, but he's not necessarily a nostalgia act."
Troy's popularity has flourished in the past few years to the point that he once again devotes most of his time to music. Troy along with wife Trina, reside in Nashville, where he continues to write, produce records and entertain at Rock 'n' Roll reunion shows, Casino's and Conventions around the country. Currently, Troy, joined by close friends Ray Peterson, Ronnie Dove and Jimmy Clanton, is being promoted as part of a new group called "The Masters of Rock 'n' Roll. He is a recording legend who continues to turn out product. Troy has released 6 albums and sold over 8 million records since 1961. His most recent albums are "Vintage Gold", featuring hits from '50s and '60s with all new arrangements, and "Rock & Roll Rebel" featuring 16 of his original recordings from '59 to '74, with new cuts of "Rockin' Pneumonia" and "Slow Down". "Slow Down" the first single from the CD is currently being played in 22 countries around the world. A new CD to be released in 2000 will feature his now famous "Swamp Rock" sound along with "Still Loving You", a number 1 country single for the late Bob Luman, penned by Troy about his mother's feelings after his father's death. He has also just finished video taping five Rock 'n' Roll Graffiti reunion tapes along with 30 of his Rock 'n' Roll friends. The tapes will be only be sold in a 30 minute infomercial on TV.
So "This Time" take a journey into his "official" Web Site. (http://troyshondell.com) or (http://legendaryartist.net)
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"DIAMOND" DAVE SOMERVILLE
"DIAMOND" DAVE SOMERVILLE" - (From out of the 50's and into oblivion. A man of whom Dick Clark once said "When you think of The Diamonds, you think of Dave Somerville."
And a man to whom Buddy Holly once said "Six months? I hope you're wrong, Dave, I think Rock 'n Roll's good for a year."
From 1955 to 1961, DIAMOND DAVE'S lead voice defined the sound of THE DIAMONDS on all their timeless hits from the classic "Little Darlin'" to "The Stroll", "Silhouettes" and "Why Do Fools Fall In Love."
After charting 16 times in Billboard, THE DIAMONDS were honored into the Hall of Fame Juno Award for their contribution to international music. Diamond Dave's singing influenced the evolution of countless legendary artists including Bob Dylan, Carole King. One of their biggest fans was Elvis Presley.
DIAMOND DAVE explored television, commercial production, the musical stage and other venues. Along the way he collaborated on the title song for the hit television series, "The Fall Guy" and was co-writer of the title song for Willie Nelson's No. 1 country album, "The Troublemaker."
Some say that Diamond Dave Somerville is a legend, more accurately, he is a renaissance man whose musical history and evolving talent bridges several decades and artistic boarders. (http://legendaryartist.net)
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"SHAW-HILL"
Another of our "STARGANZA" team group members, Bibb Promotional found singing beside a river in the Old Town of Helena, Alabama one warm evening. Recording Artist Singer/Songwriter "DAVID AUSTIN SHAW" and Singer/Guitarist "MARK HILLEY" were doing their "thing" on the outside deck of a place called "INCAHOOTS", located right in the middle of the beautiful old town on the Cahaba River.
At first sight, I thought they were just sitting out there BBQuing. As I approached them and started up the steps of the deck with my camcorder (which at that same moment ran out of film) David Shaw threw his hands and arms up, teasingly, as if to block my being able to film him. It was all in gestering fun, though, not serious.
About that time I noticed that the two were not "BBQing", but had guitar cases open on the floor of the deck with a sign that read "TIPS"; and not noticing that there were people sitting at the tables behind me looking "our way." After standing there directly in front of them and conversing with them about the guitars and music for a while, a "light" suddenly "switched on."
My Dad was with me and I slowly turned around, and trying to be inconspicuous about the sudden "awareness" I felt, told him -- "They're the entertainment and we're standing in their faces between them and the audience behind us. Reckon anybody noticed??!!" We then took our seats on a side bench near them and listened. All in all it was a fun evening, despite embarrassing ourselves, and Mark and David made us feel comfortable about it, while we were treated to some really good sounds.
Before leaving there, we managed to get a little history about them and asked if they would like to do a spot in a "STARGANZA" production I was working on to be done in the next Spring. They agreed that it might be fun and feasible, if they didn't already have something booked.
I then found out that there were two other members of the band not with them that evening, and that they would all be playing together on a regular gig they do in Altadina at Bennett's Sports Grill. Mark gave me the last business card they had and I promised to be in touch to make arrangements to come and shoot some video footage on them for Promos. Which, I did. It so happened that it was a special day for a dear love of mine, Merle Kilgore, and the band did a special number to him on the video -- Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."
THE "SHAW-HILL BAND"- began with David Austin Shaw and Mark Hilley over 22 years ago. Playing around Birmingham and vicinities thereabout, the two have remained close friends and family friends all that time. Later the two decided to add another couple of fellas by the name of David O'Barr (bass guitar player) and Matt Kimbrell (drums and piano.) Being a lover of a good set of drums, myself, Matt Kimbrell is a one-man show on those things, and often plays the circuit with some of the "big boys."
The Band did join us in doing our "STARGANZA 2003 - LIVE" COUNTRY SHOW on March 2, 2003 at the Bessemer Civic Center in Bessemer, Alabama. Everyone enjoyed them and had a really good time amid all of the "shipping out" going on during those days that the troops were being sent to IRAQ. It gave people a few hours of enjoyable normalcy to their lives.
Recognizing a really gifted songwriter, Charlie Feldman has been encouraging David Austin Shaw to move to Nashville for about ten years now. Finally, this past October, David was featured in a ShowCase for "Affinity Music" and just recently completed his demo album. Mark tells me it really is good. I haven't had the chance to hear it, but with that great in-house band that "Affinity" uses to cut these demos for presentation to the major labels, I know it has to be wonderful.
"Affinity Music" is owned and operated by Don Reed since 1957 in aiding raw talent to be found and introduced to the right people. (Don was the creator of "BANDSTAND USA" in the 60s. We all used to hurry home from school every afternoon to catch that show out of Philadelphia, PA.) Don Reed and producer Richard Donahue have been a tremendous help with clientele of Bibb Promotional Productions and we truly thank them for that.
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"MISS RACHEL NICOLE"
INTRODUCING the young lady that brought audiences to their feet in Concert during the "STARGANZA 2003- LIVE" performance at the Bessemer Civic Center last March. And repeats it every time she opens the ShowCases for "AFFINITY MUSIC" at the Radisson at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.
Making a special guest appearance just for us tonight, by popular demand, this young "12" year old BARBIZON MODEL has overwhelmed Nashville moguls with her powerful vocal talents.
Everything is happening really fast for her in the entertainment field. With plans in the making to begin recording with Hank, Jr's Bama Band soon, you are going to be hearing a lot from this young lady and quickly. Be prepared for a performance you won't believe until you hear. "MISS RACHEL NICOLE" WILL "KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF"
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"DUSTIN HUNT"
SPECIAL RETURNING FAVORITE "HW MUSEUM" GUEST STAR APPEARANCE BY - Recording Artist/Songerwriter - "DUSTIN HUNT" - from Lansing, Kansas. On September 13, 2003 Dustin came all the way from Kansas to give of his time and talents by performing in the 50th Anniversary Memorial Celebration for the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery.
Dustin was accompanied by "Dad" "BILL HUNT"(Bill was such a good sport at the Museum's September 13 Festivities, and came through in a pinch. When called upon, like a gentleman, he played backup for everyone all day. And still had to pay for his supper. (WELCOME BACK, too, BILL. We'll try not to work you so hard this time.)
Here at Bibb Promotional Productions, I have directed/ produced/ coordinated/ sponsored/ booked/ managed/ prepared press releases/acquired backers/ and provided a promotional service for many successful entertainers. Often working from "centerfield" in the Country Music Business, I have become very observant of "what works" and what doesn't. The sound and music of DUSTIN HUNT "works".
Dustin Hunt is truly one of the finest songwriters around today. The music, the lyrics and the feel are a total package not to be missed. This young man's abilities with song (both singing and writing) will keep him working a long time into the future. His way of writing is a unique "experience" rarely found today in any realm of the music industry. That "experience" is one of "holding the audience till the end" -- till the song is finished. It is not easy to stop his CD's from playing until every word of every song is heard; no matter how many times you have already heard it. No one will regret having invested in Dustin's CD's. Trust me, they will be a collector's item one day. Dustin is not a "replicated" Hank Williams, Sr."
Dustin has won contests as a Hank Williams look-alike but his talents lie far beyond his "look". While maintaining a persona which has brought him the attention neccessary to "make it" in today's world of country, he has managed to also retain his individuality when singing his own music. An easy, flowing voice, much in the style of Ray Price or Don Williams. Even though he can sound like him and can even resemble him in look, Dustin Hunt will be known as "DUSTIN HUNT" at the end of the day -- NOT as a "Hank Williams" clone.
I will have to say that not since the days of Hank, Sr. have I seen such a turnout of songs like Dustin's that equals each and every one a "winner" the way Hank's always were. Hank's weren't always No. 1, but they were all "winners." Dustin Hunt has got some No. 1 songs "ALREADY" among those he has penned. And you can bet that one day they will be on the chart as such. I feel that it is safe to say that DUSTIN HUNT'S music will eventually have a great impact on all categories in the music field. They are extremely "versatile" for "adaptation" into the cycle of Crossovers of all kinds.
Dustin has truly captured "the light" that Hank Williams sang about. The "light" that guides the hearts and thought of a gifted songwriter and talented singer. And he knows how to "make it glow" through his singing. DON'T EVER PASS UP AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HIM PERFORM IN PERSON. (Don't be surprised if you see Dustin handing out "roses" to the ladies. Girls, this one "is" single.)
You don't want to miss visiting DUSTIN'S WEBSITE AT: WWW.DH-MUSIC.COM
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"THE DRIFTIN' COWBOYS"
"SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY" -"DRIFTIN' COWBOYS" - OF COURSE NEVER IS A HANK WILLIAMS EVENT COMPLETE WITHOUT SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE DRIFTIN' COWBOYS AROUND.
WITH US FOR THIS CONCERT WILL BE MONTGOMERY'S OWN, "ALL STATE MUSICIAN" - AND FIRST "MAJOR" ACCOMPLISHED STEEL GUITAR PLAYER TO COME OUT OF MONTGOMERY. MR. JIMMY PORTER.
JIMMY IS A "DEVOTED" VOLUNTEER OF THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM IN MONTGOMERY. ALWAYS EAGER AND READY TO GIVE A HELPING HAND TO THE "MEMORY" OF ONE OF HIS DEAREST FRIENDS, HANK WILLIAMS.
JIMMY PORTER WAS WITH HANK WILLIAMS, THE BOY AND MAN, BEFORE HANK WILLIAMS THE BOY OR THE MAN MAN "WAS" HANK WILLIAMS THE STAR OR LEGEND.
CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF AND SURPRISING TO SOME, JIMMY PORTER IS ALSO "THE ONLY LIVING MEMBER OF THE 'ORIGINAL' DRIFTIN' COWBOYS BAND" FORMED BY HANK WILLIAMS SR. WHEN HANK WAS ONLY 18 YEARS OLD AND JIMMY WAS 13.
JIMMY PORTER AND HANK WILLIAMS WERE TOGETHER FROM 1941 - 1944. WHEN JIMMY DECIDED THAT THE "ROAD LIFE" WAS A BIT TOO HARD FOR HIM IN THOSE DAYS, HE LEFT AND WENT TO NASHVILLE. HE JOINED SUCH GREATS AS CURLY FOX, TEXAS RUBY, SONNY JAMES AND EDDIE DEAN, EDDY ARNOLD, CHILL WILLS, THE BROWNS AND EVEN DIZZIE DEAN AT THE JIMMY ROGERS MEMORIAL IN 1955 IN MERIDIAN, MS. AND A LIST OF THE MOST NOTED COUNTRY MUSIC STARS TOO LONG FOR THIS PAPER TO HOLD. IN FACT, IT TOOK TWO PAGES IN HIS BOOK TO LIST THEM. THE LAST TIME JIMMY PORTER PLAYED HIS "STEEL" IN PUBLIC WAS IN 1982. HE HAD BEEN ASKED TO PLAY FOR THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA, ALBERT BREWER, AND THE UNIT PEOPLE AT CAMP SHELBY, MS.
JIMMY PORTER BECAME A PRETTY BIG "STAR" IN HIS OWN RIGHT, AFTER HAVING PLAYED MUSIC WITH SO MANY OTHER GREATS AND JOINING JACK TURNER ON WSFA-TV CHANNEL 12 IN MONTGOMERY. APPEARING ON DAYTIME TV ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS AT 5 P.M. THE SHOW WENT ON PRIME TIME TV EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT AS "ALABAMA JUBILEE".
JIMMY PORTER WRITES IN HIS BOOK ABOUT HIS LIFE WITH HANK WILLIAMS: " The very first drifting cowboys consisted of Hank Williams, Freddy Beach, Rufus "Puddin" Taylor, Boots Harris, Paul Dennis and Jimmy Porter. This band was formed in very early 1941. No one else became a member until Rufus Taylor left the band and went into the military service. I auditioned for Hank in March 1941, shortly after my birthday on March 11th, and played the first Friday night after my birthday. I turned 13 on March 11. The day I joind Hank and the Drifting Cowboys, I became also the youngest person that would ever work for Hank. I played the last job that Boots Harris played for Hank (Boots left Hank and joined Curly Williams and the Georgia Peach Pickers). That night, I played the rythm guitar mostly to listen to how Boots gave intros and fillins for Hank. This was my second job as a professional steel guitar player. We played a small community near Selma, AL called Benton; it was a round and square dance. Boots left Hank the next day.
I became the last living member of the Original Drifting Cowboys in October, 2003 when Boots Harris passed away in Jackson, MS. He was a great steel player and had two or three hit records on the steel in the mid forties. Lum York became a Drifting Cowboy in 1943 as did Red Todd (who played some in 1941-42 but he passed away several years ago. I could be mistaken but I believe Shorty Seale became Hank's bass player and comedian when Rufus Taylor left. All this took place 62 years ago.
I would like to say that the Original DC's quoted in some of the books indicate that the group of Cowboys that recorded for Hank in late 1947-48 would be called original drifting cowboys. The original musicians that did Hank's early recordings were never member of his band - only studio musicians.
I just want history about Hank to tell the truth. Anything other than the above is certainly not the truth. I played with Hank, stayed at his mother's boarding house after we would get through with a show or dance and knew him a lot better than most of the people that claim to have been close to Hank. I have written a book about My Life As a Musician and tell about my playing days with Hank and other stars.
I was the first professional steel guitar player to come out of Montgomery for quite some time. I was with Curly Fox and Texas Ruby on the Grand Old Opry and their traveling show in 1947; I have been interviewed by PBS (Tremelo Productions) for the upcoming Hank Story scheduled for next June; I was interviewed by CMT in Nov of 2002 for the CMT show on l Jan 03 and just returned from Nashville where I did an hour interview with the Historian of the Country Music Hall of Fame. This film is available for anyone doing research on Hank at the Hall of Fame in Nashville. "
THE BOOK "MY LIFE AS A MUSICIAN" WAS NOT ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR PUBLIC READING. JIMMY PORTER WROTE IT FOR HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. WHEN THE FOLKS AT THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM GOT TO "PEEK" INTO IT, THEY WANTED COPIES FOR THE MUSEUM. IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF INFORMATION FOR ANYONE THAT WAS EVER A "HANK" FAN OR FRIEND. FULL OF INFORMATION THAT BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES FOR YOURS TRULY "THE DIRECTOR OF BIBB PROMOTIONALS", A.W. BLAKE.
DON HELMS IS ON THE ROAD A LOT THESE DAYS DOING SHOWS AND INTERVIEWS. LUM AND ANITA YORK ARE ABOUT TO CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON FEB 8, 2004 (INCIDENTALLY, THE SAME DAY AS THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM - OPEN HOUSE) WHILE WE HAVEN'T HEARD WHAT THE OTHERS ARE GOING TO BE DOING, WE ARE HOPING THAT THEY WILL BE SPENDING THAT DAY WITH US. MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH BE SURE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE TO SEE WHAT THESE GUYS ARE ALWAYS UP TO.
(http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/thedriftingcowboys/)
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SPECIAL GUEST HOST ANNOUNCERS
ALABAMA'S OWN "GET YOUR MORNING ROLLING"-
FROM STATION: (TBA)
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LOCATION: THE JOE REED ACADOME ARENA
1595 ROBERT C. HATCH DRIVE
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104
PHONE: 334-229-4528 / 334-229-4529 (Gina Ishman)
Email: In case of problem locating(gjobe@asunet.alasu.edu)
DIRECTIONS: (DIRECTIONS FROM I-85 TO BE POSTED SHORTLY)
PLENTY OF PARKING AREA AVAILABLE FOR ATTENDEES
CONCERT DATE:(SATURDAY) FEBRUARY 7, 2004
SHOW TIME: 7:00 P.M. (Doors Open to Public: 6:00 P.M.)
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*SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY "OPEN HOUSE DAY EVENT"-"FREE TO PUBLIC"
DATE: (SUNDAY) FEBRUARY 8, 2004
TIME: 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
CELEBRATING THE "FIFTH ANNIVERSARY" OF "THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM". PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US ON OPEN HOUSE DAY AT THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM FROM 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. TO MEET "STARS" FROM THE CONCERT.
"ADMITTANCE- INCLUDING TOUR AND REFRESHMENTS ARE FREE"
PERFORMERS STAYING OVER AFTER THE CONCERT ON SATURDAY WILL BE JOINING US FOR OPEN HOUSE. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEET AND GREET THE PUBLIC IN THE MUSIC HALL PAVILION AT THE MUSEUM. COME BY AND GET YOUR PICTURES MADE AND AUTOGRAPHS FROM YOUR FAVORITES. CD's AND OTHER ITEMS OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS THERE, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR SELECTION.
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CONCERT TICKETS GO ON SALE BY THE FIRST WEEK IN JANUARY, 2004.(**Cost and additional information found below.)
CONCERT TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM LOCATED AT 118 COMMERCE STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 EVERY DAY DURING REGULAR HOURS. (FROM 10:00 A.M. TILL 4:00 P.M. - MONDAY thru SATURDAY and SUNDAY FROM 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.) CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH PROPER IDENTIFICATION. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE CREDIT CARD PURCHASES MAY BE MADE ONLINE AT:
(HTTP://WWW.TICKETMASTERS.COM)
TICKETS PURCHASED ONLINE: (Also for your convenience, the Hank Williams Museum, and the Joe Reed Acadome Arena will be supplied a confirmation waiting list of Credit Card purchasers to pick up tickets at time of arrival for the event.)
(All tickets purchased ONLINE must be made NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. on JANUARY 31, 2004. BE SURE TO RESERVE YOURS WHILE THEY ARE AVAILABLE)
(TICKET SALES FINAL)LAST DAY TO RESERVE TICKETS JANUARY 31, 2004-(After that date to see if there are any tickets available for unexpected arrivals, you may contact either below by phone or email:)
The Hank Williams Museum(334-262-3600)
Email: HankWilliamsMus@aol.com)
Bibb Promotional at(205-938-7491)
Email: bibbpromotional@cs.com
(FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM)
"TICKETMASTERS/TICKETLINK"
TICKET COSTS:
** PLEASE CHECK TICKETMASTERS WEBSITE FOR TICKET COSTS AT THIS POINT.
PRICES AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE WHEN TICKETS GO ON SALE.
"STARGANZA 2004 - LIVE" - Hosted By: BIBB PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTORS
BIBB PROMOTIONAL is independently owned and operated. Located in Alabama, it's sole interest is in promotional needs of entertainers, sponsors, writers or other type of legally professional fields that need assistance in promoting and presenting their products or services to contacts of similar interests in need of such products/services.
(We believe in looking out for the other fellow; therefore, we refuse and reserve the right to supply promotional services or assistance involving anything that promotes the use of products or services that we deem are physically, mentally, environmentally, socially, or morally unclean or unsafe to the use of the general public.)
Our Motto/and Practice is:
"Give Nothing of Yourself to Help Others in Need and Before Long There Will Be Nothing of Yourself Worth Giving."
*NOTATION:
ANY ALBUMS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AND CANNOT FIND AT OZ MUSIC STORES OR OTHER LOCALITIES INCLUDING WEBSITES GIVEN, MAY BE ORDERED THROUGH BIBB PROMOTIONAL. OUR PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS ARE LISTED BELOW.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED FOR YOUR PLEASURE THIS EVENING.
COMMENTS OR INQUIRIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS ABOUT THE EVENT OR ENTERTAINMENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO BIBB PROMOTIONAL.
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*PERSONAL STATEMENT:
A VERY SPECIAL NOTATION TO THE VERY BEST IN COUNTRY MUSIC:
Bibb Promotional would like to take this opportunity to express a very personal heartfelt love and gratitude to Merle Kilgore Management and Hank Williams, Jr. Enterprises in Nashville and Paris, Tennessee. Without their kind encouraging inspiration in showing personal concern for others, Bibb Promotional would not exist. A.W. Blake
(Not a commercial affiliate of aforementioned businesses)
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SPECIAL MEDIA THANKS GOES TO:
OUR ANNOUNCERS: (TBA)
WTXT 98.1 F.M. - Tuscaloosa, AL
Jay Michaels/ Larry Murphy/ DD Hammerick
WTBC 1230 A.M. - Tuscaloosa, AL
Dave McDaniels / Wally Price
WKLD - Oneonta, AL
Wayne Shaddix
WBRV (AM/FM) - Boonville, NY
Kenny Youngs
WUSY - Chattanooga, TN
Sammy George (CMA Award Winner)
MVP - Video Film Director
Vincent Pruitt - Tuscaloosa,AL
ALL OF THE MEDIA / SOUND PEOPLE AND STAFF OF THE JOE REED ACADOME THAT HAVE HELPED DILIGENTLY TO SEE THAT OUR SHOW WAS PRESENTED IN THE MOST PROFESSIONAL FASHION POSSIBLE.
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*SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BRING YOU THIS EVENT.
*AND TO ALL OF OUR PERFORMERS GIVING OF THEIR ENERGY AND SUPPORT BY COMING IN TO GIVE US A REALLY GREAT SHOW, WE CAN'T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH.
WE CERTAINLY WANT TO RECOGNIZE ALL OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE WHO ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO DO MORE THAN THEIR SHARE IN HANK WILLIAMS FESTIVITIES NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE. THOSE PEOPLE ARE THE HARD WORKING STAFF AT "THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM" (CECIL JACKSON-Founder & Curator/BETH BIRTLEY-Director & Manager)ALONG WITH DRIFTIN' COWBOY, MUSEUM VOLUNTEER- JIMMY PORTER and JOANN WILKINSON in Public Relations/THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM/ALONG WITH A HOST OF FANS AND MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS TOO NUMEROUS TO NAME,BUT YOU ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND HOW VALUABLE YOU HAVE BEEN TO THIS PROJECT.
LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT, "YOU THE PUBLIC". WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, WE CERTAINLY COULD NOT MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL.(Bibb Promotional Productions)
(ANY PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS:)
CONTACT: Bibb Promotional at 205-938-7491
EMAIL: bibbpromotional@cs.com
Atten: A.W. Blake/Director
Subj: "STARGANZA"
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