September 16th--Quail
Unlimited--Benton County--The band was treated to great hospitality
by the Benton County Chapter of the Quail Unlimited. A fun auction
(I didn't get anything) and great food. Performing in a barn house
with hay and no air-conditioning is truly underrated. The evening
was beautiful and a good time was had by all to help celebrate an
organization with good causes and quality folks.
September 9th--Home--This
week, Oreo Blue learned of the passing of a dear friend...Porky Hill.
Porky, best known locally as the inimitable drummer for the Cate
Brothers, was a bright, shining light of a person whom we all admired
for not only his musical skills, but also for his kind heart and
cheerful demeanor. As he joins the musical community of the
chapter eternal, his presence will be sorely missed. Below is a
photo of Porky as we enjoyed him in life:
Porky Hill
September 2nd--Ft. Smith--Update...Gary
Lee had a successful surgery and joined us for a private party on
Saturday evening. Gary in his weakened state performed admirably
and we are glad to have him back.
September 2nd--Old
Settlers Days-Muldrow, OK--The band was looking forward to putting
on a show for the folks in Muldrow this year. However, with Gary
down, spirits were low. Oreo Blue was fortunate to have the
talented Chris Cameron sitting in and...well...the boy can play and sing
his tail off!!! The down side to the up side was...IT WAS 112
DEGREES OUTSIDE!!! Jeez!!! In addition, I didn't get to get
in on the auction and I was looking forward to that case of bottled
water and some knick-knacks.
August 25th--The Kitchen
Pass-Parsons, Kansas--
August 26th--Polo in the Ozarks--Goshen, Arkansas--This
weekend was a tough one. Our friend and band mate, Gary Hutchison
fell ill on Friday evening before the show and was unable to
perform. Local musician Russ (forgive me for forgetting your last
name) filled in and did a fine job in Parsons and music dignitary Jed
Clampit filled in at the Polo in the Ozarks show with friend Andrew
Milburn from the Tyrones. However, we realize when a member of our
family cannot perform, it has a resounding effect on our show.
Without exception, the loss of Gary and his powerful performances has a
tremendous impact and cannot be replaced. We will keep you posted
as to Gary's recovery. Get well, Buddy and hurry back to the
stage. You were sorely missed...
August 16th--The Buy.com Fort Smith Classic Golf
Tournament.--
Oreo Blue was invited to perform at the opening party
for the Buy.com Classic this year after the Pro-Am event at Hardscrabble
Country Club. I won't go off on a tangent about the food on this
one, but we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Rod, Brian and I saw a
great show put on by regionally renown guitarist Gary Lee Hutchison and
his historically significant guitar collection. And by the way,
the Muldrow Old Settlers Days is just around the corner! Stay
Tuned!
August 11-12th--The Rib Room--Ft. Smith, AR--What
a great weekend show we had in Gary and Rod's hometown of Fote Smiff.
The Rib Room seems to have become the showcase venue for the area and
the crowds are certainly both lovely and raucous. I know a few
weeks back I said that I would not get off on another tangent about
food, but Jeeez A Mundo! The food at the Rib Room is GTAMF! (or
quite excellent for the blues virgins...I had to ask, too:) The
Bar-B-Que is fantastic and I really don't quite have the words for the
tamales, but pull Gary Hutchison aside after a show and ask him...he is
liable to make a few of those famous faces and make some grunting noises
for you. (don't worry...we don't think he bites)
August 5-6th--Geroge's
Majestic Lounge--Fayetteville, AR--Once again, playing to the home
crowds always is a thrill. The weather was a bit warm, but nice
nonetheless. Below are some great photos of the show by a
constant fan and friend, Kevin Hall (a.k.a. Kevin "why don't you
guys play some Carlos Santana?" Hall)
Visit our Photos pages for
many more pics from Mr. Hall during our shows around Northwest Arkansas.
