 | Current mood:  contemplative Category: Music Shenandoah pulled out of the Kroger parking lot around 1:45 am..with John Gee driving. We were off to do a Thursday night show at a club on a naval base in Goose Creek, SC. We arrived Thursday.. around noon, in the little town Of Goose Creek. When I got off the bus, we were sitting behind "The Dive"..a club where military and civilians were welcome. This club was located on the naval base. Later that night.. Naval VIPs and brass would be there for our performance. We hung out for about 45 minutes..checking out the stage and what not and then were taken down the road to a military picnic..all part of the days activities..which was all about the commissioning of a naval ship.. At the picnic, there was a bluegrass band playing and tons of out-door games..which included cornhole..where you throw a bean bag and try to get it in a hole on a wooden platform.. Byron Cumbie, Jimmy Yeary, Mike Mcguire, Mike Folsom and myself participated.. I pretty much sucked at that game.. the big hole-in-0ners were Yeary and Mcguire.. Other games included sumo wrestling and jousting...Yeary tried his best to get me involved with those..he did not succeed..lol Food for the day included, barbeque, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls and dessert..had my fill as usual. After we ate, they took us back to the club where we loaded in and ran through a soundcheck. When we were done, we went inside a truck parked by the club that housed a mobile pro tools recording rig inside.. very cool.. the owner played us some stuff he had recorded live from his truck. He then said he planned on recording us live that night from the truck. I guess they will send us the recording. They took several of us to a private condo on the base..so we could rest and get showers...Jimmy Yeary stayed on the bus and Mike Folsom went off with an old friend. It was nice and included two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor balcony-patio. We had a little over three hours till we had to get back to the club. It was nice to have a little time to chill. Once back at the bus..we had almost an hour before show time..I hate it when you get back to the bus just in time to change into show clothes and get on stage. We took the stage at 9:15 and the crowd was going wild...I hadn't heard that kind of excitement in a while.. It always makes for a better show when the audience is really into it! They brought us back for an encore and we did, "Under the Kudzu"..one of my all time fav Shenandoah songs. They were singing every word of it ..I'm glad we all remembered it. After the show I met up with songwriting buddy, Jim Evans and his lovely wife, Becky. I met him online on the Nashville Music Pros website about 8 months ago. It was nice to finally meet him in person. They drove almost 3 hours to see us and we enjoyed having them as our guests. After a long autograph session, lots of pics were taken.. and we met a lot of long-time Shenandoah fans that night.. great folks and a good time to remember.. Thanks to Byron Cumbie for all of his hard work.. loading all of the gear by himself and for a great job manning the FOH console. Thanks to everyone involved with having Shenandoah there. ...Another Country Music Adventure had been had by all in SC. Down the Road... Stan Munsey |
Monday, May 4, 2009
Shenandoah at "The Dive" in Goose Creek, SC/ April 23 /2009
Shenandoah at the Sticks Music Festival/Auburn, Al/April 18/09
| Current mood:  chill Category: Music After just hitting the bunks and getting not much sleep..we awoke in Auburn, Al at the Sticks Music Festival. Our brains were still foggy from the late show Friday night..as we crawled down the bus hall towards the coffee pot. The sun was out but the air was still cool as I climbed off the bus and walked to the stage to do a soundcheck. Folks were already gathering in front of the stage ..even at that early hour of 7 am. Breakfast was being served down the way under a big tent but I was still full from the giant Waffle House breakfast I had eaten in Macon, three hours earlier. The Sticks festival already had a day under it's belt and we were hoping for a good turnout for the 2cnd day. A good friend of mine, Ray Brown, who I used to play music with..showed up and hung out with me for about an hour before we had to hit the stage. It was great to see him again.. it had been over 10 years since we had seen each other. Jim Seale's bride to be..Donna K, brought lots of folks down from the Shoals to see the performance and Jim would be riding back home with them after our show and not on the bus. Shenandoah hit the stage at 12:15 to a lively bunch..in fact, I had my own little fan club going during the show and they continued with the loud antics..at the autograph table..that's what happens when ya get a bunch of college kids drinkin' lots of beer..in the hot sun..starting really early..way before noon.. After Shenandoah's performance, we were taken in golf carts to a pavillion.. by a small lake, where lunch was served.. burgers, b'bq, chicken, ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, beans..I could go on and on....hmmm.. I ate way too much.. After eating, we had to go sign our names on a door frame inside this rustic log cabin..and then we did a short.. on camera interview.. Once outside the cabin..another short on- camera interview was done and we did several radio station liners..from there we were taken to a tent where lots of merch had to be signed..hats, t-shirts, guitars, etc Before leaving that tent..pics were taken with various VIPs.. We had a little over an hour left to kill before we would be pulling out ..so Mike Mcguire, Mike Folsom, Bart Bartlettano and myself wandered over to stand on the side of the stage and watch Ashton Sheppard..(not sure if I spelled her name correctly or not).. I thought she and her band did well..I love her voice. Bart worked with her for a brief spell, as did Curtis Wright..who used to sing with us. Our golf cart driver took us back to the bus where John Gee was waiting and we waved at everyone as we left the Sticks festival grounds. Interesting note.. the man who owned the 300 + aces of land that the festival was held on..always wanted to have a huge country music festival on that land but he died before he realized that dream...his son made it a reality. We had fun and appreciate Sticks Music Festival for including us on their roster. We wish them good luck in the future and hope they have us back again next year. Another Country Music Adventure had been had by all.. Down the Road... Stan Munsey |
Shenandoah in Macon, Ga 'Whiskey River (club)/April 17/09
| Category: Music Myself, Mike Folsom, Bart barlettano, Byron Cumbie and Jimmy Yeary left aboard the "Hillbilly Hotel" from Tn to pick up Jim Seales and Mike Mcguire on our way to do a show in Macon, Ga. John Gee was driving. We arrived in Macon, Friday..April 17 ..mid-morning, at the Whiskey River Club. Our soundcheck was scheduled for 2 pm that afternoon, so we had plenty of time to kill. Our opening act was from Nashville and we had fun hangin' with them and talking about mutual friends. After soundcheck they fed us a meal..whatever we had ordered off the menu..and we ate in the comedy club that was right next door. It was very good..I had the grilled chicken dinner and a salad. After eating, several of us went back to the hotel to get cleaned up. Got back to the venue from the hotel around 9:30 and hung out till showtime. Thanks to our buddy, Butch Horton for running us around. Shenandoah hit the stage at 11:00 pm and rocked a very enthusiastic crowd for a long set and afterwards we signed till we headed back to the hotel around 3 am. Several of us ran in and got showers..because we would not have any for the show in Auburn, Al later that day. We left the hotel and left Macon around 3:30 and headed on down to Auburn, Al. I hit the bunk around a quarter till four..knowing we would have an early morning load-in and soundcheck in Auburn..just three hours later..at 7 am.. We were gonna be some tired boys. |
Shenandoah at the Flagler County Fair in Bunnell, Fl April 11/09
| Category: Music Shenandoah, along with former singer and buddy, Curtis Wright...who had performed earlier in the night with us... pulled out of Muscle Shoals, Al...after finishing a successful benefit for Billy Ryan. We were on our way to Bunnell, Florida to play the Flagler County Fair. We arrived in Bunnell, Sat, April 11, mid-afternoon and loaded in to do our soundcheck and the wind was blowing around 25-35 mi an hour, non-stop! It was blowing so hard that we had to cut out the toms on the drums..get them out of our mix... because the mics were picking up so much wind noise. In my headphones it sounded like nothing but a giant roar. All of the mics onstage were picking up the wind and making it extremely hard to hear anything else. There is nothing you can do but make the best of it.. and we did. The owner of the sound system told me that I looked familier. He asked if I had ever played around there before. I told him I had many times and years ago, I had played with the artist, Jim Stafford around those parts. He asked me if we played at the Holiday Inn for a week in Sarratoga about 25 years ago. I said yes.. it turns out he was at that gig and was just 17 years old and remembered me. Wow.. I thought.. I am getting old and what a small world it is..indeed. The ride took everyone who was going to the hotel..to the hotel and they somehow left me standing on the stage...leaving me behind..so I had to catch a ride with Penny..one of the staff who was so helpful to us throughout the day and night.. They saw me put my bag in the truck and heard me tell them I was going with them..and not to leave me but I guess they are getting so old..that they can't remember much..past 5 minutes anymore..lol Oh well.. when I got to the hotel..they were still sittin' in the lobby waiting on the room keys. After cleaning up at the hotel..we arrived back at the fairgrounds to find chicken and ribs waiting on us and boy were they good..mmm.. I can still taste em'. We had several hours to kill before the show..and some of us napped , while others watched TV.. Around 6 pm, Penny came to the bus door and asked if we would mind doing a meet and greet for a few folks. Mike McGuire and Jim Seales were sleeping, so Mike Folsom, Jimmy Yeary, myself, Byron and Bart went out and did the deed..shaking hands, signing pics and accepting 6 chocolate roses that were given to us by one nice lady. I never got to sample one..as they were eaten very quickly by other ravenous bandmates. Showtime was at 8 pm and we did a 75 minute set, to a very small but appreciative audience. Curtis Wright sang back-up vocals and played 12 string acoustic guitar with us ..since he was already out with us.. from the night before. It was fun having him and Jimmy singin'. I had heard that attendance to the fair this year had been slow for all four days. I guess this economic downturn is hitting us everywhere it seems. I hate that we didn't have a better turnout, as we were the first national act they had ever had. I hope that will not deter them from pursuing this type of show in the future. After the show, we signed autographs and did the usual..takin' pics, givin' hugs, etc and I got to meet face to face, for the first time..one of my facebook friends, Sherry Bach and her daughter.. We have been friends online for almost a year and I appreciated them coming to the show and saying hi afterwards. I wish we could have had more time to chat but time is limited when we have to get on the road. We appreciated all of the great food and warm hospitality from the good folks at the Flagler County fair. After all the goodbyes were said and the bus was loaded up, we headed back to Alabama and dropped Mcguire and Seales off , before making our way back to Tennessee. We arrived back in Tennessee a little after noon and tho' we were a little tired..it had been a great run and we knew another country music adventure had been had by all.. Down the Road....Stan Munsey |
Benefit for Billy Ryan/ Shenandoah Celebrating 20 Years and Marty Raybon Reunion
| Current mood:  accomplished Category: Music Benefit hosted by Shenandoah for Billy Ryan's family in Muscle Shoals, Al/April 10/09 Shenandoah Celebrating 20 Years and Reuniting with Marty Raybon! Friday morning, April 10, MIke Folsom, Jimmy Yeary, Byron Cumbie, myself, Bart Barlettano, his daughter, Chelsie, son, Dallas and his friend Zachary left at 10 am for Muscle Shoals, Al. with Mickey Riley driving us. Billy Ryan drove down because he would be staying with family in Al after the benefit. My wife, Donna would not be going on this trip because of prior commitments at her place of work. I sure hated it that she would be missing a once in a lifetime show. The weather was horrible with rain, high winds and tornadoes all around us and we found the same storm system once we got to Alabama. We arrived at Muscle Shoals high school around 1:30 pm that afternoon and met up with Mike McGuire and Jim Seales, who were already there and waiting on us. All we had to do was unload the bus and set up for sound check. After we were done, the opening act, the KGB band soundchecked and pizza was waiting for us in the cafeteria, along with ice tea. After eating we hung around on the bus and watched the weather situation on the tv and saw that Murfreesboro, Tn had tornado damage from a couple of twisters..our merch man, Byron Cumbie owns a business and lives in Murfreesboro...so he was especially attentive to the weather news. The weather had died down in Muscle Shoals by the time the next round of catered food was served around 5:30 but the winds were still up pretty high. For dinner they had an assortment of sandwiches, including, club, chicken salad, turkey..along with potato salad. For dessert, they had some cookies and brownies. It was all very good and we ate our fill. For those of you who don't know ... this show was a benefit for our good friend, Billy Ryan who is a singer/songwriter who sometimes travels with us and opens shows for us. His sister's life was taken by her ex-husband a few weeks back..in a very violent way. This benefit was to raise money to help offset the family's expenses as a result of the tragedy. We were all hoping and praying for a great turnout. The show started at 7:30 pm with the KGB band (which includes Shenandoah's own, Jim Seales and his son , Jake Seales) ..and they played an hour before the 2cnd part of the event started up. At approximately 8:45, a speaker who had been a quarterback at the Univ of Alabama and was an old friend of our drummer..got up and gave the audience a look back through the years at Shenandoah. He took the audience through time and the history of the band...from the early days with Marty Raybon and Stan Thorn..to the addition of myself..from singers, Curtis Wright to Jimmy Yeary and bassist Mike Folsom after the death of original member, Ralph Ezell. It was quite an informative and moving segway to Shenandoah taking the stage. The basic theme of the show would be Shenandoah celebrating 20 years in the business and reuniting with Marty Raybon for the evening. Before Shenandoah hit the stage, Billy Ryan sang a song about his Daddy and then Shenandoah came out with Jimmy Yeary..our current singer. After Jimmy did a few, Curtis Wright came out and sang "Next To You, Next To Me" and "Rock MY Baby"...both were hits that he wrote . Then Billy Ryan and Jimmy Yeary sang the song they wrote, along with Mike Mcguire, called, "You Never Know". The song was inspired after the untimely passing of our brother, Ralph Ezell. The next part of the show was the introduction of Shenandoah's original singer, none other than Marty Raybon. Marty sang the rest of the show by himself till we did a Muscle Shoals medley...consisting of "When a Man Loves a Woman", Old Time Rock n' Roll" and "Sweet Home Alabama"...On Sweet Home, everyone, Shenandoah and the KGB band ...got up on the stage and jammed ..and Marty, Curt and Jimmy swapped out verses to sing.. I even noticed Jimmy Johnson , ( legendary swamper and producer) up there with us. After our last song, "Church on Cumberland Road", Marty, Mike and Jim came out by themselves and did "The Road Not Taken" and "I was Young Once Too" acoustically. It was a fitting ending for a great nostalgic trip down memory lane. The benefit proved to be a wonderful success with a great turnout. I would like to thank everyone that made this night.. one to remember. Thanks to my Mom and Dad and my Aunt for coming out..thanks to Devon Barlettano for driving down from Lebanon, Tn.. thanks to Sherry O. for all of her hard work and great pics..thanks to all of our old friends who came out...thanks to the KGB band..all who gave of their time and talents..thanks to Jim Seales, Donna K and Mike Mcguire for their tireless efforts in putting on this event. Billy Ryan and his family are most appreciative and humbled by the great show of love and support. I would say, most assuredly..that a unique, country music adventure had been had by all. See ya...Down the Road...Stan |
Shenandoah in Weirsdale, Fl at the Orange Blossom Opry/ March 28/09
| Category: Music Shenandoah embarked on it's second road adventure for 2009, with a bus load of folks. Guests onboard the "Hillbilly Hotel" included singer/songwriters, Billy Ryan and Tyler Farr, Jake Seales and his buddy, David. John Gee was manning the cockpit and navigated us down to the great little town of Weirsdale, Florida...where we would be playing the Orange Blossom Opry. We arrived Sat morning around 11 am..ish..We were running a little late but managed to get loaded in and get our soundcheck done in pretty good time. After soundcheck..we ate deli snacks and sat around till our first show, which was at 3:45. There was an opening house band that started around 2 pm. The first show's attendance was a little less that what we would have liked to have seen but they enjoyed the show... and that makes us happy. After the show was over, we had a wonderful home-cooked meal that included, turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, turnip greens, cornbread, dressing, gravy and dessert...mmmm.. I'm getting hungry all over again just thinkin' back on it. After dinner..we had a little time to rest or do whatever before the 2cnd show..so I wandered around looking at all of the pics they had on the wall.. of the artists that had played there.. very interesting. They also have a ton of local talent that are regulars at the Orange Blossom Opry..Some of the guys took naps, a couple went to the hotel for showers and I was feeling way too lazy to go back to the hotel..so what did I do?... I washed my hair in the tiny little sink in the bus bathroom..that was a lot harder than I thought it would be! lol Shenandoah hit the stage again that evening at 8:45 and had a larger turnout than the earlier show and the crowd seemed a little more livelier.. and we appreciated them..appreciating us. After the show the usual was done...signing autographs and taking pics..sayin' goodbyes and loading the bus. We all appreciated Earl, Gloria and the rest of the staff for their warm and gracious hospitality and hope they have us back again real soon. Kudos to Bart Barlettano and Byron Cumbie..our sound and merch guys..who always make it happen. We arrived back in Nashville on Sunday, mid-morning..all of us knowing... ..another country music adventure had been had by all.. Down the Road...Stan Munsey |
Dan Seals Passing..
Category: Life
The music world has lost another great and he will be missed by a lot of people. I can say that it was truly an honor to have known Dan.
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all of his fans, friends and family. Rest in Peace...
Stan M.
More of My Favorite Quotes: March 19/09
| Category: Life More of My Favorite Quotes: March 19/09 I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson No man will ever carry out of the Presidency the reputation which carried him into it. Thomas Jefferson The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force. Thomas Jefferson Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. Thomas Jefferson When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. Thomas Jefferson I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. I believe that all government is evil, and that trying to improve it is largely a waste of time. H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956) The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have, taking one with another, no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office. H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956) Whenever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship. Harry S Truman (1884 - 1972), Lecture at Columbia University, 28 Apr. 1959 You will find that the State is the kind of organization which, though it does big things badly, does small things badly, too. John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - 2006) It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong. Voltaire (1694 - 1778) My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular. Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965), Speech in Detroit, 7 Oct. 1952 Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759 . Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under. H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956) |
Radio’s Dark Hour, Keith Bilbrey Relieved At WSM Radio
| Category: Life Radio’s Dark Hour, Keith Bilbrey Relieved At WSM Radio 2009 MARCH 12 by dekerivers UPDATE Sign the petition to keep Keith Bilbrey On WSM RADIO http://www.petitiononline.com/weeeds22/petition.html Voice your displeasure to WSM over this matter. (mailto:Chris@wsmonline.com) General Manager (mailto:Joe@wsmonline.com) Oper. Manager (mailto:pete.fisher@opry.com) WSM”s longtime on-air personality Keith Bilbrey had been relieved of his job. On the air at at Nashville’s 650 AM for more than three decades, Bilbrey will soon cease serving as the midday DJ for WSM, the 50,000-watt country station that first began broadcasting in 1925 and is now heard online and across much of North America and even into some parts of Canada. He’s also was relieved of his role as announcer for the Grand Ole Opry. (Why remove him from the famed Opry show if they only want to rid him of his mid-day time slot…grrrr!) A native of Cookeville, Tenn., Bilbrey’s regular afternoon slot on WSM is weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reportedly, his Monday-Friday spot will be delegated to a cyber jockey, meaning voice tracking will be utilized. The cost-saving measure involves a DJ, somewhere, prerecording his or her on-air banter, then merging it with songs, commercials and so forth to create a product that sounds like a live DJ, but alas, it’s only an audio illusion. Absolute B.S.!! This is unconscionable! Should Keith Bilbrey Keep His WSM Job? The fact that Keith Bilbrey is an institution of country music knowledge, and is an award winning professional broadcaster seems lost on those at WSM who think they see a better way to make more of a profit. Ever-looking for the larger pot of money is a mighty short-sighted way to venture through life. Removing a voice that is recognizable to radio listeners, and Grand Ole Opry fans around the globe thanks to the internet, is one of the most soulless acts made by a business in many a year. It is a sad state of affairs when there is no value placed on institutional memory, and all corporate eyes are only looking for a bigger bottom line. I am under no illusion that my views concerning radio or newspapers (another huge love and now concern) are being passed by for ‘bigger and better’ ways of providing news and entertainment. But I will not move from my firm belief that we are losing far more than we are gaining by making these absurd moves, such as the removal of Keith Bilbrey. By the continual erosion of our foundations we are not getting better as a society, only weaker. Too few understand that concept in this greedy screwed up world, and we all pay the price. Gaylord Entertainment manages WSM..tell them how you feel.. You can also write or call Gaylord Entertainment..they manage WSM..Tell them how you feel about their decision to git rid of Keith Bilbrey. General Information Gaylord Entertainment® One Gaylord Drive Nashville, TN 37214 615-316-6000 www.gaylordentertainment.com You can also call the General Manager at WSM or email him : ou can call WSM Chris Kulick, General Manager (615)458-2443 or Email chris@wsmonline.com |
Jan 22, 2009 PITMAN, NJ, Shenandoah at the 'Broadway Theater of Pitman
| Category: Blogging Jan 22, 2009 PITMAN, NJ, Shenandoah at the 'Broadway Theater of Pitman Shenandoah had a bus call for Wed night, Jan 21st, at 9 pm in the Kroger parking lot. Byron Cumbie, our merch and monitor man showed up with his daughter, Willow but would not be going on this trip. He had other plans that couldn't be changed. He came to the bus to drop off the merchandise only. On board the bus this time would be the band, Jim Seales's son, Jake and Jimmy Yeary's friend, singer/songwriter, Tyler Farr. After the gear and luggage was loaded, we pulled the "Hillbilly Hotel" out of the parking lot at 9:30 and headed up to Pitman, NJ, which would end up being around a 16 hour drive...about 75 mi from New York City. Our favorite driver, John Gee would be navigating. We had plenty of movies and snacks aboard and lots to catch up on. It was good to be back on the bus again.. after not having done a show since before Thanksgiving. It's always good to see everyone again. We arrived in Pitman around noon on Thursday, to a cold day and loaded in at 1 pm for a two o'clock soundcheck. The venue was The Broadway Theatre, which debuted in May 1926 as a movie and vaudeville theater with 1090 seats. It was a lovely historic theater and we were looking forward to our first show for 2009. The gear was loaded in and sound check went pretty well, considering we had not done one for some time. After sound check we went to an upstairs room where we were fed chicken, slaw, green beans and biscuits from Kentucky Fried Chicken and it indeed hit the spot! Around 4:15, Mike McGuire, Mike Folsom, myself and Bart Barlettano were taken to the hotel by our runner, Shaun. The others stayed on the bus.. I attribute that to pure laziness. lol We had almost 2 and a half hours to relax and clean up before we were picked up at seven to head back to the venue. We got back to the bus around 7:15, changed into show clothes, took some pics with some fans outside of the bus and hit the stage at 8 o'clock. I was a little nervous and concentrated a little harder than normal...it being the first time I had touched a keyboard in over two months. After several songs into the show, I started to relax more and enjoy the crowd. It was a small audience but a very appreciative one and we are always thankful for that. After a 75 min set, we signed autographs and talked with fans before boarding the bus and heading down that long stretch of highway back to Tennessee. On the way back, I got to hear some incredible new songs that Jimmy Yeary wrote.. what a great writer. Kudos also to Mike McGuire.. for pitching one of my songs to a popular, hot female Country artist. It amazes me we can pitch a song to someone online while rollin' down the road. With the first show of the year over with.. we are officially back at it again. We can't wait to make new fans and see all of our old friends in this brand new year we call 2009. Yep..Another Country Music Adventure was had..for sure_ ..Down the Road...Stan Munsey |
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Shenandoah in Weirsdale, Fl at the Orange Blossom Opry/ March 28/0
Shenandoah in Weirsdale, Fl at the Orange Blossom Opry/ March 28/09
Shenandoah embarked on it's second road adventure for 2009, with a bus load of folks. Guests onboard the "Hillbilly Hotel" included singer/songwriters, Billy Ryan and Tyler Farr, Jake Seales and his buddy, David. John Gee was manning the cockpit and navigated us down to the great little town of Weirsdale, Florida...where we would be playing the Orange Blossom Opry.
We arrived Sat morning around 11 am..ish..We were running a little late but managed to get loaded in and get our soundcheck done in pretty good time. After soundcheck..we ate deli snacks and sat around till our first show, which was at 3:45. There was an opening house band that started around 2 pm. The first show's attendance was a little less that what we would have liked to have seen but they enjoyed the show... and that makes us happy.
After the show was over, we had a wonderful home-cooked meal that included, turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, turnip greens, cornbread, dressing, gravy and dessert...mmmm.. I'm getting hungry all over again just thinkin' back on it.
After dinner..we had a little time to rest or do whatever before the 2cnd show..so I wandered around looking at all of the pics they had on the wall.. of the artists that had played there.. very interesting. They also have a ton of local talent that are regulars at the Orange Blossom Opry..Some of the guys took naps, a couple went to the hotel for showers and I was feeling way too lazy to go back to the hotel..so what did I do?... I washed my hair in the tiny little sink in the bus bathroom..that was a lot harder than I thought it would be! lol
Shenandoah hit the stage again that evening at 8:45 and had a larger turnout than the earlier show and the crowd seemed a little more livelier.. and we appreciated them..appreciating us.
After the show the usual was done...signing autographs and taking pics..sayin' goodbyes and loading the bus.
We all appreciated Earl, Gloria and the rest of the staff for their warm and gracious hospitality and hope they have us back again real soon.
Kudos to Bart Barlettano and Byron Cumbie..our sound and merch guys..who always make it happen.
We arrived back in Nashville on Sunday, mid-morning..all of us knowing...
..another country music adventure had been had by all..
Down the Road...Stan Munsey
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Shenandoah's First Show of 2009!
Shenandoah's First Show of 2009!
Jan 22, 2009 PITMAN, NJ, Shenandoah at the 'Broadway Theater of Pitman
Shenandoah had a bus call for Wed night, Jan 21st, at 9 pm in the Kroger parking lot. Byron Cumbie, our merch and monitor man showed up with his daughter, Willow but would not be going on this trip. He had other plans that couldn't be changed. He came to the bus to drop off the merchandise only.
On board the bus this time would be the band, Jim Seales's son, Jake and Jimmy Yeary's friend, singer/songwriter, Tyler Farr. After the gear and luggage was loaded, we pulled the "Hillbilly Hotel" out of the parking lot at 9:30 and headed up to Pitman, NJ, which would end up being around a 16 hour drive...about 75 mi from New York City. Our favorite driver, John Gee would be navigating. We had plenty of movies and snacks aboard and lots to catch up on. It was good to be back on the bus again.. after not having done a show since before Thanksgiving. It's always good to see everyone again.
We arrived in Pitman around noon on Thursday, to a cold day and loaded in at 1 pm for a two o'clock soundcheck. The venue was The Broadway Theatre, which debuted in May 1926 as a movie and vaudeville theater with 1090 seats. It was a lovely historic theater and we were looking forward to our first show for 2009. The gear was loaded in and sound check went pretty well, considering we had not done one for some time.
After sound check we went to an upstairs room where we were fed chicken, slaw, green beans and biscuits from Kentucky Fried Chicken and it indeed hit the spot! Around 4:15, Mike McGuire, Mike Folsom, myself and Bart Barlettano were taken to the hotel by our runner, Shaun. The others stayed on the bus.. I attribute that to pure laziness. lol We had almost 2 and a half hours to relax and clean up before we were picked up at seven to head back to the venue.
We got back to the bus around 7:15, changed into show clothes, took some pics with some fans outside of the bus and hit the stage at 8 o'clock. I was a little nervous and concentrated a little harder than normal...it being the first time I had touched a keyboard in over two months. After several songs into the show, I started to relax more and enjoy the crowd. It was a small audience but a very appreciative one and we are always thankful for that. After a 75 min set, we signed autographs and talked with fans before boarding the bus and heading down that long stretch of highway back to Tennessee. On the way back, I got to hear some incredible new songs that Jimmy Yeary wrote.. what a great writer. Kudos also to Mike McGuire.. for pitching one of my songs to a popular, hot female Country artist. It amazes me we can pitch a song to someone online while rollin' down the road.
With the first show of the year over with.. we are officially back at it again. We can't wait to make new fans and see all of our old friends in this brand new year we call 2009.
Yep..Another Country Music Adventure was had..for sure_
..Down the Road...Stan Munsey
Monday, December 22, 2008
Maggie the Christmas Dog!
A couple of days ago I got a call from my neighbors saying that Maggie had been found a good ways from these parts..by a family that took her into their home and that Maggie had made herself at home with their dogs and was fine. The folks that found her had seen the pictures of her around town and recognized her as the missing dog and called them to come get her. My neighbors had offered a reward for Maggie for several hundred dollars and had to talk them into taking it. They did so reluctantly. Several days later, they called my neighbors after Maggie was back home and told them how they were in bankruptcy and desperate for money. They had been so depressed about having no money to even buy Christmas presents for their children. That reward money would enable them to do that now. It was truly a blessing for them.
God used Maggie to help that needy family out and now Maggie is safe and sound back home with her loving family.. just in time for Christmas!
Monday, November 24, 2008
henandoah’s last 2 shows for 2008
Shenandoah’s last 2 shows for 2008
Category: Music
NOV 21, TEXARKANA, AR - Shooters Sports Bar, NOV 22 - LULA, MS Isle of Capri Casino
Shenandoah, along with Jimmy Yeary's friend, singer/songwriter, Tyler Farr, boarded the "Hillbilly Hotel" for the last time in 2008. We made our way to Muscle Shoals, Al, where we picked up Mike McGuire and Jim Seales. We then cruised on down to Texarkana, Arkansas to play the Shooters Sports Bar.
We arrived at the club mid-morning and did the hurry up and wait thing for several hours before we finally got into our soundcheck. The way the room was set up with the small stage and the PA so close, it was hard to hear because of the bass subs under the stage. It was very "boomy and bassy" and made it hard to really hear each other but we knew we had to get through it and make it work...the show has to go on!
Old time buddy, Mike Cole just happened to be in Texarkana for business and found out that we were gonna be playing that night...so he showed up and hung out for the evening.
For those of you who don't remember, he was "Bubba" in the "If Bubba Can Dance" video. It was great to see him again and I know it was a "blast from the past" for him also. Another one of our good friends, Tammi showed up, with a girl friend of hers ...it was great seeing her again as well.
We got to pick our dinner from the menu they offered us..I got the Shooters, homestyle cheeseburger and a Bloody Mary that was awesome...others got chicken strips, shrimp
and salads... the food was good and as usual, i stuffed myself a little too much ..more than I liked to before show time.
After eating, our runner took us back to the hotel...Mike Folsom and Jimmy Yeary went to work out... they always make the rest of us look so lazy and the rest of us went to catch catnaps and clean up.
Showtime was at 9:30 and we played for 75 min or so, to a rowdy crowd and I know I can speak for everyone in the band...it was nothing but a huge roar for us on the stage. I felt sorry for Bart Barlettano, our sound man, because he had to mix the band from up in a booth, up high, way off to the far right of the stage. It is so hard to deal with the ever-changing acoustics of a room when you are not in front of the act. Kudos to Bart, once again, for working near miracles in the science of making a show work in the worst of conditions. Thanks also goes out to Byron Cumbie, our monitor and merch man, for going way beyond the call of duty as usual...putting up with crazy hand jesters and strange looks from the stage, almost reading our minds and giving us what we need to hear.. while we are on stage. All in all, considering the audio nightmare we endured, the audience and owners of the club were pleased.
After the show.. autographs were signed, t-shirts were sold and pics were taken and even our lead singer's shirt was signed by none other than myself..that was a rare moment that I think Jimmy Yeary is still surprised over and still not fully realizing the added value that signature has brought to that piece of apparel.
When the last pic was taken, we climbed aboard the bus and hung out with friends till Mickey Riley, our driver showed up. We said our goodbyes and took the bus to the hotel, where we spent the night. We would be heading out at 7 am the next morning for Lula, Ms.
We arrived around 1:00 pm in Lula, Ms at the Isle of Capri Casino and had about an hour to go to our room before load-in at 2 o'clock. Mike Folsom and I wound up eating at the buffet before soundcheck because the crew did not have the stage ready for us at the designated time. As usual, the food was excellent and I stuffed myself with salad, shrimp, chicken, roast beef, tilapia, green beans, turnip greens, wild rice... I could go on but I won't...shame on me..really for being such a pig but I knew that would be my only meal for the day..so I went all out!
After eating , Mike and I slowly made our way back to the Flamingo Ballroom to do our soundcheck. We were just in time.. everything was set up and the rest of the band were onstage waiting on us. We finished soundcheck around 4 pm and had till around 6:45 to chill in our room or gamble till we had to be back to do a meet and greet. I didn't gamble this time because I wasn't feeling lucky..when I don't have that feeling.. I usually end up giving it all to the casino... if I throw money into a slot machine.. so I resisted! By the way, our bus driver, Mickey, did win a nice jackpot and was going home to the wife with a smile on his face. Good for him. Before I headed up to the room, I went out back to the bus to get something and noticed two casino employees "torching" dice .. they were holding a blow torch to a set of dice and toxic black smoke was rising up from them.. I always wondered what casinos did with old dice.. I guess the gaming laws require that to be done..you don't see that everyday. I then walked through the casino and took the elevator to my room and chilled out for an hour before showering. ..while Mike Folsom went down to the workout room... which he informed me had a treadmill that was stuck on the highest incline...lol I bet he did get a workout !!
We all met on the bus parked out behind the casino, around a quarter till seven and walked into the ballroom to meet with several folks... we talked with them and a casino employee took pics of each with the band..we then had pictures taken with a few of the casino crew. Jim Seale's gal, Donna and some friends of hers drove down to see the show and so did our old lighting director and road manager, Tony and his wife Jo. It had been, I think, around seven years since he had worked with us and a great time was had before and after the show remembering and rehashing old road stories with them.
Shenandoah took the stage at 8 pm in front of an almost sold out crowd. At one point in the show, Jimmy Yeary needed a guitar tuner because his was broken or wasn't there..I wasn't exactly sure what the exact scenario was but Jim Seales asked if anyone in the audience had a guitar tuner and of course they laughed...then he asked his girl, Donna and lo and behold if she didn't get one out of her purse and march it up to the stage and give it Jim for Jimmy to use.. we were all amazed as well as the audience. Who carries a guitar tuner in their purse!! :) I thought it was a great show and the audience was very enthusiastic and I was happy they had such a good turnout for our last show of the year.
After the show, they had an autograph table set up right outside the ballroom and we had quite a long line of folks waiting. After signing, we sat on the bus for about an hour visiting and then we pulled out and made those white highway lines disappear, until the bus pulled into that Tennessee Kroger parking lot Sunday morning.
2008 was a good year for Shenandoah..we had a lot of great shows, even with the bad things that sometimes go along with life on the road like, late arrivals, engine troubles, gear problems, etc, alot of good memories were made and we treasure them and are thankful for the talents that we share with each other and the folks that take time out of their busy lives to come share the music with us. I personally want to thank all of the fans, the rest of the band and crew for all that you do. God willing, I will you see you in 2009.
Yep, Another country music adventure was had by all last year.
Down the Road...Stan Munsey
Friday, October 24, 2008
Fun in the Deep South!
| Fun in the Deep South OCT 19/08 NATCHEZ, MS Shenandoah at the River Balloon Race/ Oct 21, Laurel, MS South Mississippi Fair |
Friday, October 3, 2008
A Patriotic Moment!
A Patriotic Moment OCT 2/08 LOUDONVILLE, OH : Shenandoah at the Loudonville Street Fair |
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fried Chicken, Shrimp, Fish and Froglegs
Fried Chicken, Shrimp, Fish and Froglegs
Category: Music
SEPT 20/08 Shenandoah in ELDORADO, IL at the Independence Co. Fair
I don't do getting up early in the morning well...never have..especially with only a couple of hours sleep. Shenandoah was scheduled to leave Nashville at 8 am, Saturday morning, the day of the show and my neighbor dogs decided to serenade me outside my bedroom window.. most of the night before. I had to get up at 6 am to get to the bus but Mike and Jim had to get up a whole lot earlier, since they were driving up from Muscle Shoals. We were all pretty tired already.. as we pulled out of the parking lot and started the short, three and a half hour drive to Eldorado, Illinois. I ate my egg mcmuffin and hit the bunk and managed to get about an hour of sleep before we arrived in downtown Eldorado. The bus was parked right beside the stage and before anyone got off, we watched Alabama stomp Arkansas on the tv. Great game...
When I walked off the bus, I could see there was alot going on. At that moment.. a parade was happening. After the parade, they had several performers singing and performing on other smaller stages and at one point , they had the high school band playing in front of the main stage...which also had other local musicians joining in with them. There was activity everywhere and the town was alive and buzzing with excitement...the kind you can only find at a small town street festival.
The main stage PA system was brought in by a local church and all the crew were volunteers. I thought it was great that these guys donated their time and gear for four days to help make this event a success. They were really a nice bunch of guys and I enjoyed talking and hangin' out with Barry and Joey and the rest of the crew.
Before soundcheck, I sat on the stage and swapped songs with singer/songwriter, Joe Michael. Joe has got a new record and he and his manager played me some of the tracks off the project..I thought it sounded like today's radio and wished him luck.
I suddenly felt very weak and shakey and had to get on the bus and grab some of Jimmy Yeary's fries to keep from passing out..my eyes got blurry and my legs got weak..as I was operating on almost no sleep and two red bulls on an empty stomach. My blood sugar felt like it had really dropped..it's amazing what just a little bit of food can do for you. I felt better and we did our soundcheck and Joe Michael was asked by the promoter to get up and play some of his songs on the spur of the moment..because they had somehow ended up with about an hour and half lull..with no music going on..so he performed and killed some time.
Four o'clock that afternoon, we were taken to a small family restaurant and to a back room that had been set up just for us. They seated us at a long table ..took our drink orders and soon we were chowin' down and digging into some good ol' hometown fixin's. The feast included..fried chicken..shrimp, fish and french fries and various deserts. I noticed on the fish platter..there were , what looked to be like fish with butts and legs.. Jimmy Yeary told me it was fish but I quickly took it off my plate and returned it to the platter..I knew I had come very close to actually putting a frog's butt and legs in my mouth..Wow..that was a close one...That almost happened! I hear they are delicious and lots of folks love em but I just couldn't do it. I told them about the frog or maybe it was a toad..that used to show up on my back patio last summer and sit next to me while I played guitar..and I would feed it dog food..of course no one believed that story at all..even tho' it is true_ Anyway, I couldn't eat..one of his kind...lol
After dinner..Byron Cumbie, Jim Seales and myself were taken back to the bus in Jan's cool, pontiac convertible..with the top down..I took off my ball cap and let the wind work its magic in the few hairs left on my head..while the rest of the band went to the hotel to clean up. I was too tired to clean up and opted for catching a nap in my bunk.
While on our way back, Jan, (our runner) and a very nice lady..told us that they had purchased the building directly behind the main stage and were in the finishing stages of having it ready for us..complete with showers, kitchen..lounge area..to be used for events like this..they had left fans on to dry the walls but one of them had a short and burned the building down. I felt bad for them and it was bad timing but at least no one got hurt. They were gonna present an award to the local firefighters that night on the main stage..for their efforts in fighting that fire.
Once back at the bus..instead of taking my well intentioned nap.. I wandered around backstage and talked with a lot of the crew..I love hearing road stories and generally just hanging out and hearing about other people's lives..that's part of the allure of this traveling roadshow for me.
The cover band that opened for us played a fairly long set and one of their guitarists was getting up there in years..and was still having the time of his life...not missin' a lick_ Still doin' what he loves..it was obvious.
Shenandoah hit the stage at 9 pm and played to people..as far as the eye could see..the rain had passed and it couldn't have been a nicer evening for a country music show. We finished.. signed autographs and took pics before John Gee steered the "Hillbilly Hotel" in the direction of Nashville.
On the way out of town..we pulled into a Hardees ..the girl behind the counter took our orders and gave us all a plastic square with a number on it... I'm not naming names but I think it was Mike Folsom who shuffled all the numbers..like a deck of cards.. when she started calling out numbers ..no one had a clue..what food went to who and what number went with the order.. anyway..I could tell she was getting a little frustrated but she kept her smile.. Yeah.. we had fun at Hardees..you would have had to have been there_
We arrived back at the Kroger parking lot at 3:30 am and unloaded the gear off the bus. Mike and Jim headed back to Muscle Shoals and the rest of us headed to our homes in the Nashville area. I got to the house around four-thirty am and was very tired..having been up almost 24 hours.
Tired and "whupped"..I do believe, once again.. another country music adventure had been had by all.
Down the Road... Stan Munsey
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Shenandoah Almost Carried Away by Mosquitoes in Mississippi
| Shenandoah Almost Carried Away by Mosquitoes in Mississippi |
| Sept 6/08 GREENVILLE, MS Shenandoah at the Delta Balloon Festival Mickey Riley...Shenandoah's bus driver...pointed the "Hillbilly Hotel" in the direction of Greenville, MS after leaving Castlewood, VA the night before.. We arrived at the venue at 2 pm Saturday afternoon..after having a wheel break on the bus around 4 am and getting lost on the way! We got there and that is all that matters. There was a lot of flooding all around us.. those poor folks had been pounded by the rain and wind for the last few days..as a result of Gustav and it had taken it's toll on the four day festival. We were told that most of the vendors had pulled out.. only a few balloons showed up..all the rides taken down and attendance had been basically no one. The night before..all that had shown up was the band and crew...a real shame_ The good thing was..it was a beautiful day Saturday and folks would be able to come out without fear of bad weather...and hear a country music show. The staff and workers there were not very hopeful ..they feared that too many roads were still flooded and folks would stay home again but we were all gonna keep our fingers crossed. We did a soundcheck around three o'clock and it went fairly quick..I like the quick ones...Afterwards..I ran over to where they were selling hotdogs and grabbed me one before we went to the hotel to get cleaned up. We would not be eating till around 7 pm..so I wanted to get something in me to hold me over. Our runner, Lisa.. took Mike Folsom, Jimmy Yeary and myself to the hotel but after we were on our way..we realized that none of us had a clue ..as to which one we were staying in_after several calls we finally got the info we needed and headed to the Comfort Inn... (in what was not the best part of town) but the hotel had beds and showers.. and that's all we needed...although I don't think we had any internet service._ Lisa gave us a brief overview of the town's history on the way..told us about the Delta National Forrest located just 20 miles down the road... B.B. KIng's new ten million dollar museum..also located close to their town...Greenville also has the Kermit the Frog museum...interesting stuff. Lisa came back and picked up us at 6:30 and when we arrived back at the bus...barbeque, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and rolls were unveiled under the VIP tent...all was good but the highlight for me was the potato salad...great stuff! Jimmy Yeary sat across from me while we were eating and stayed on me to go up with him in one of the hot air balloons..he.said.."I needed to Live a Little"... part of me really wanted to do it but another said..maybe that isn't such a great idea..I had heard going up wasn't bad but the landing could be ..well...interesting...anyway.. the powers that be..the folks flying the balloons ..determined that there was too much wind to take em' up that day..so I didn't have to make that decision whether to go up or not...saved by the bell. :) A good friend of Mike McGuire, along with her daughter showed up and hung out with us on the bus before the show... we had met her earlier in the year in Batesville, MS It was good to see them again..we all sat around and watched some college football on the bus tv...that is...till the bus generator went out and we were forced to sit in the dark till show time...Fun...Fun Shenandoah show time was at 8 pm and when we got off the bus to walk to the stage...we noticed that a good sized crowd had actually turned out ..we were pleased as were the promoters...We played our hearts out but were almost carried off by the swarms of mosquitoes that had converged on us and the audience. I guess all of the water standing around from the flooded fields and roads only made it worse. I remember the darn things were all over my neck during the show.. we were all constantly slapping and scratching..tryin' to keep those blood-suckers off of us..the crowd was going through the same hell as we were. I'm not sure which was worse..tryin' to get the monitor engineer's attention throughout the show or fightin' those hordes of flying, bitin' beasties_ When our set was over...we signed autographs..sold merch and took pics with the crowd and then ran to the bus to get out of the mosquito infested night air.. The bus was filled with the little vampires..as someone had left the driver's side window open.. We did battle all night. All in all..despite the itchy bug bites...it was a pretty good night and I'm confident that another country music adventure had been had by most. I pray that the good people in Mississippi don't have any more devastating weather..anytime soon. Down the Road....Stan Munsey |
Shenandoah Drummer Gets on Treadmill in Castlewood,VA
SEPT 5/08 CASTLEWOOD, VA Shenandoah at the Russell County Fair
Shenandoah left Nashville, at 2 am from the Kroger parking lot with no additional guests this time. It was just the band ...along with Bart Barlettano and Byron Cumbie, (our FOH guy and Merch man). When we leave at such a late or early hour..however you wanna put it..we always end up staying up way past our bedtime..I think it was around 5:30 am when most of us hit the bunks.
We got to the Russell County Fairgrounds around 10 am Friday morning and most stayed in their bunks till soundcheck. The countryside was beautiful in Castlewood...lots of lush green hills and a great view from the stage. It was a nice day with low humidity and blue skies. It was nice to not have to battle rain for a change.
They brought us pepsi's and cokes and pizza to the stage right before soundcheck..and we went through that pizza like we hadn't eaten in a week. Something about soundcheck makes us hungry. Soundcheck went very well for a change...with no technical problems.
After soundcheck, Jimmy Yeary, Mike Folsom and Mike McGuire went to workout at a gym..while Bart and I just went to the motel room...Bart was exhausted from working ridiculous hours all week on projects in Franklin and Nashville... so he napped..while I worked out with the TV remote. We were told that Mike McGuire actually got on the treadmill...very historic moment!! In all my years out with Shenandoah, I've never seen Mike McGuire exercise. I wish we had some video footage ..I want to see documented proof he actually worked out. :) Of course..I really shouldn't say anything..as it's been quite a while since I've done anything close to what could be called exercise.
Amy, our runner, picked us up at 7 pm and when we arrived back at the fairgrounds...they had supper ready for us...Earlier in the day..each of us had marked on a menu what we wanted.. I ordered pork tenderloin, potatos, green beans and a dessert...I enjoyed the meal but always hate to eat so soon before a show. It can make you slugglish onstage or make ya wish for a porta-potty.. lol
Shenandoah took the stage at 8 pm and did the usual 75 minute set and the audience seemed to be into it...it was a good turn out and great temperatures for an evening show. After the performance, we signed autographs and took pics for about an hour before heading to the bus.
When the runner brought our bus driver back to the bus..we headed out immediately..as we had around a 14 hour ride to get to Greenville, MS...to play the Delta Ballon festival.
I would say another country music adventure had been had by all in Castlewood, VA
Down the Road...Stan Munsey
