Welk stars at the Surf ballroom

If you're one of the fortunate few to live near Mason City, or anywhere in the state of Iowa....you might be happy to know that the Welk Stars played the legendary Surf Ballroom on Sunday night.

That's the same place where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played back in 1959.

Here's the roster of music makers that played the Surf....

Dick Dale....

Big Tiny Little.....

Mary Lou Metzger.....

...and Jack Imel

Here's a nice article about the show from the Mason City Globe Gazette

And now here's Mary Lou and Jack

"Heyyyy Macarena......"

Mickey McMahan obituary

Here's a brief obituary of Welk trumpet player Mickey McMahan from the All About Jazz webpage.

MICKEY McMAHAN OBIT FROM ALL ABOUT JAZZ

Cruise Show or The Poseidon Adventure the Musical

Great ready to set sail, it's the Welk show going abord on a fantastic cruise on this episode from October 4, 1980....here's the cast going out to sea as we take a look at some of the show's highlights.

I don't see the Rosens, Rogo or Reverend Scott here on the ship....yet.

Here's the Aldridge Sisters and the Otwell Twins with "Feelin' Groovy"....

Next is Ken Delo trying to serve hot coffee out on tropical waters.....

For your entertainment on board, it's Ralna English and Guy Hovis singing "I Can't Stop Loving You".....

And here's the cast all together singing "Gotta Travel On".....

Next week, it's a brand new show....all about California, so on behalf of Doc, Issac, Julie and Gopher, happy sailing and keep a song in your heart!

An Ava Barber birthday haiku

To celebrate my 700th post on this fine blog, what better day to do it than on country gal Ava Barber's birthday today!

Here's a well-written haiku for this milestone and memory....

Up next is Ava

She'll sing country including

Bucket To The South

Happy Birthday Ava!

More of your favorite Welk haikus

Well, I know it's one of mine.....the world needs more poetry like this,

Gail, Ron and Michael

They are singing "In The Mood"

And they're having fun

We'll be right back after this.....

Here's Dick Dale with a word or two about Serutan.....

It's a laxative that's rich in fiber.....your colon will thank you

So from the fine folks of the J.B. Williams Company, Serutan is "Natures" spelt backwards!

Not-So-Quite Great Moments in Welk Show history

On this day in 1972, the Maestro in an effort to attract younger fans, introduced up and coming children's television personality Krusty the Clown as the newest member of the Musical Family.

His brand of humor and entertainment didn't go over too well with the fans.....Krusty was fired after three weeks.

When heard about the news, one particular youngster and noted Andy Williams fanatic had this reaction....

The Music Goes 'Round and 'Round

"Richard, could you stop playing the tuba for a moment? I think I dropped one of my earrings down there."

A Janet Lennon haiku

Last week (June 15th) was Janet Lennon's birthday, but that has not stopped me from writing this nice haiku in salute of her.

And now here's Janet

star of the small screen and books

She has charisma

Happy belated birthday Janet!

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles

Well kids, I got my concert pictures up and running on my webpage....and like the show itself, they are a blast!

Appearing in Eastlake are the following.....

The Aldridge Sisters

Jim Turner

Arthur Duncan

....and the Master of Ceremonies Ken Delo

FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON IN EASTLAKE

A taste of what's to come

Right now, I'm pretty busy with a variety of stuff....but I will be putting up on my webpage very soon the still pictures I took at the Forever Blowing Bubbles concert in Eastlake.

I'll let you know when they are ready, so in the meantime....here's a picture that should tide you over.

From left to right: Arthur Duncan, Sherry Aldridge, Sheila Aldridge, Jim Turner and Ken Delo.

Music Music Music of 1958

This week's episode on public television stations is another great Silver Champagne Special, titled "Music, Music, Music" which first aired on January 4, 1958. The Maestro is ready to open the show so here are some highlights!

Here's Dick Kesner with his Stradivarius violin playing "Brahm's Lullaby".....

Next is Big Tiny Little at the piano playing the Dill Pickle Rag.....

Check it it, Buddy Merrill is doing a tag dance with the ladies in the audience!

And finally, here's the Lennon Sisters singing the story about Fernando the Bull.

Next week's show is the Caribbean Cruise show from 1980, the next "new" show is two weeks from now.

Regardless, I'll be keeping in touch.....keep a song in your heart!

Back from Eastlake

Just got back home from the Forever Blowing Bubbles Concert in Eastlake, OH. I had a great time and got to see some of my old friends and several great performances by the music makers.

Sometime next week, I'll be posting pictures from the show....right now I am tired and will be resting a bit, I have a late night shift at my regular paying job.

Take care everyone.....

On the eve of Eastlake

Right now I'm sitting back, listing to Scotty Ferrall on the Sirius radio and getting ready for bed....as tommorrow's Welk concert in Eastlake, Ohio awaits!

Scheduled to perform are Sheila and Sherry Aldridge, Ken Delo, Jim Turner and Arthur Duncan....it should be a great time, and I promise to provide pictures and info once I get back.

Good night y'all....and keep a song in your heart.

Ralna's birthday

Today is Ralna English's birthday, here is a wunnerful birthday haiku I have prepared for her.

Here on the Welk Show

Ralna English from Texas

will sing "Tangerine"

Happy Birthday Ralna!

What's going on at the County Fair

"The diamonds are hidden inside here, make sure you take this to The Big Cheese...."

Monday, Monday

For those who don't believe that I live in Toledo....here's some proof.

On my way back from the Steve & Barry's store in Woodville (I bought two great pairs of Starbury sneakers for $19), I stopped by the corner of Front and Consaul over on the East Side and took this nice picture of the world famous Tony Packo's Cafe.

That's the place Corporal Klinger talked about on M*A*S*H....and their Hungarian-style hot dogs are tasty!

And since famous people have autographed hot dog buns adorning its walls, I am guessing that Lawrence Welk was among them.

I wonder if any of the Musical Family ever ate at Packo's when they visited Toledo?

Sad news to report....I got word from one of the Welk Yahoo groups that longtime First Trumpet player Mickey McMahan passed away last Wednesday.

He was a brilliant trumpet player, playing not just for the Maestro but also with Les Brown and Bob Hope on many of his USO performances for our brave men and women in uniform.

I'll add more once I find an online obituary....and promise to send the link.

Mancini and Mercer.....they're cops!

Sounds like a popular police show....but it's not, Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer are two very popular and talented musicians and songwriters in American music.

And on this episode of the Lawrence Welk Show from November 10, 1973...the Maestro and his music makers pay a salute to their work, so here are some highlights.

Here's Henry himself being welcomed by Lawrence on the show....

Next is Ralna English and Guy Hovis singing "All His Children".....

Over to the studio is the Curt Ramsey 7 with Sandi Griffiths on lead vocals singing "Dream".....

....now here's the girls singing "Send A Little Love My Way" from the movie "Oklahoma Crude"....

....and finally here's the gang with Henry at the piano with the number "Sweetheart Tree."

That's all this time around.....next week is a Silver Champagne Special titled "Music, Music, Music."

Just wish all you dads out there...including mine....a very Happy Fathers Day!

Next year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue preview

I know that going retro is popular these days....

.....but that's going a bit too far

I must say, anything the girls wear will always look pretty!

A Country & Western Welk Haiku

I'm still a bit sleepy-eyed from last night, what a comeback by the Celtics pulled on the Lakers in Game Four of the NBA Finals!

On that note, here's my latest haiku.....Nashville style

Clay Hart can sing great

but Cissy King lectures him

on his two left boots

Go C's! Just one more win away to No. 17

Adventures in Photoshopping

Yeah, I know that I'm bragging....but I can't help it, Photoshop is the best thing to computers since the internet!

And here's a creation that should bridge the generation gap of Welk fans....

Performing together as a duo.....Champagne Lady Alice Lon and the Maestro's Italian daughter in law Tanya Falan!

That would be music to my ears.

Jack Imel's birthday

It's Jack Imel's birthday! To keep things in a celebratory mood....here's a special haiku I've prepared for him in his honor.

He plays marimbas

and sings, dances plus lots more

Ace can do it all

Happy Birthday Jack!