Dan Seals Passing..

Dan Seals Passing..
Category: Life

I got the chance to do quite a few shows with Dan Seals and he was one of the nicest people I have ever had the chance to meet. Very gracious, humble and generous.. and what a talent.. a great singer, with a uniquely identifiable voice and also a wonderful songwriter. He was also half of the pop duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley.. before he went solo.

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

March 19, 2009 - Thursday 

More of my Favorite Quotes: 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

March 13, 2009 - Friday 

Express your outrage at Nashville's WSM Radio and Opry letting Keith Bilbrey go! 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

January 24, 2009 - Saturday 

Shenandoah's First Show of 2009! 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

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

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

Maggie the Christmas Dog!

My neighbors have seven dogs and they spend half the time over at our place. We love them like our own. One of their dogs is an American bull dog named Maggie. All the dogs around here love Maggie because she is so motherly and nurturing and loves to play. She loves to sit by me outside when I play the guitar and whenever she isn't home with her owners, they know where to find her. She was missing for several weeks and there was no sign of her anywhere. I was afraid that coyotes might have gotten her.. we do live out in the country and she would be no match for coyotes on her own. My neighbors were hoping that maybe someone just picked her up and that she was ok in a new home. It wasn't like her to wander too far away and I had my doubts we would ever see that dog again but I prayed that God would bring her back. 

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!