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Website Report for December
Hi there!
So what happened at Rebels Retreat during December? Well, here goes. Our first artist of the month was Jimmy Alexander. I missed
this visit, which was on December 1st, but he seems to have gone down real well, being a friendly chap who went round shaking hands with everyone present. He came along with his wife Dee, and she joined in on one of
his songs ('Rocky Top') and he danced with her whilst singing 'You Were Always On My Mind' – very suitable.
Looking at his programme Jimmy seems to have sung a lot of lively and popular songs, although I haven't come across
'She's My Cowboy Cadillac' before! (Rusty made notes about the evening for me.)
The next Saturday I was back in time to hear Bandwagon. Rusty has a tape of of a group called Bandwagon and he wondered if it was
the same one, which it was, except they now a duo. The musical ability of these two artists, Tony and Clive, was more than impressive, Tony being on the keyboard and Clive playing the guitar, violin and mandolin.
Their music had a fine depth which was enhanced by their singing, as they were able to harmonise their voices. I have noted that early in their performance their 'Walking After Midnight' was made special by
their different phraseology and musical effects. Later on their 'Devil Came down To Georgia' (with Clive on the violin) was particularly fine.
On the 15th we had a return visit from Paul Weston. Paul was a great hit when he came to see us earlier in the year, and we had
been looking forward to his cheery personality and lively songs, and he didn't disappoint us. As we were coming up to Christmas he threw in a few songs like The Eagles' 'Please Come Home For
Christmas' and 'Merry Christmas Everyone.' During the encores I was especially fascinated by his inclusion of The Truckers 'Papa Loved Mama' as I hadn't heard it before.
Part way through the evening we were pleased to welcome in youngsters from Preacher and Rusty's Wednesday evening line dance
class. It was great to see them taking to the floor, and we hope to see more of them in the New Year.
On 22nd December it was Rebels Retreat's Christmas Party, and all who came had a fabulous time. The artists were great too,
that scintillating duo, Souls'n'Stone, who sure make everything go with a zing.
Jaynie was at her chatty and cheeky best, giving us amusing little insights into her life, and she and Greg stepped in lively
fashion some of the numbers, I've particularly noted 'Ashes Of Love.' I see that one of their songs was called 'Firecracker' and that sure sums up their performance. During the evening Jaynie
invited Crazylegs Fred and Rusty onto the stage to join them as the Saggy Bottom Boys in 'Man Of Constant Sorrow.'
As it was the Christmas Party some Christmas songs were included in their repertoire, such as 'Rockin' Around The
Christmas Tree' and 'Walking In A Winter wonderland.' One of my favourite moments of the evening was when Jaynie made like a member of Queen as she played and leapt about to 'Copperhead Road.'
The party food was provided by all the guys and gals who came, and they sure did us and themselves proud.
A feature of the Christmas Party is the 'Virgin's Shoot Out.' I took part, and suffice it to say I never actually got
to fire a shot! Jaynie also participated, I think as Holly, and the winner was the very youthful 'Shorty.' Shorty was presented with the Virgin's trophy. Meanwhile the League was won by Bronco, and Ma
Baker (Alice) accepted the English Bob Winners Trophy on his behalf. Frosty won the Runners Up Trophy, being only one point behind.
I was tied up elsewhere on 27th December and so missed Johnny Williams, but I'm reliably informed that his performance was
very enjoyable and that he had a fine clear voice.
December ended with the New Year's Eve Party, and there will be a separate report about this on the website.
Catch up with y'all again! Ciao, Mrs Rusty
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