15
Meet the Board- Dave Rietz 8 Southwest HOF Info.......... 8 New and Old Friends!.......... 9 The Bands............................. 10 Album Review .................... 11 Pictures Online............. 11 Free Dance Lessons............ 11 Mike Gross Top 10............. 12 Board Meeting Minutes ..... 12 Jammin’ ....................... 13 WS Monthly Retires .... 14 Other WSS Orgs .......... 15 Contributions Please ........... 15 Monthly Music Sessions .. 15 Volume 37, Number 2 February 2019 GUEST BAND Feb. 3, 2019 Followed by The Dry Creek Band 3:00 to 5:00pm Gary Blodgett & Big Trouble 1:00 to 3:00 pm Officials & Staff ............. 2 Editor’s Letter ................ 2 Jam Room Jammers ......... 2 HOF Nominations Open..... 3 HOF Profiles .................. 4 Food Available ................... 4 Mailbag .......................... 5 Bob Wills’ Reunion Band ... 5 RIP Bobby Wynne ............ 5 Upcoming Bands ............ 6 Let the Good Times Roll 6 Board Mtg Invitation.......... 6 Membership Report .............. 6 Membership Application. ... 6 Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Profile ~ Page 4 PAULA C. DULA Inducted Oct. 7, 2018 W H A T’ S I N S I D E LOYD JONES Inducted March 7, 1982 Free Dance Lessons and Cake a Big Hit—Page 2 Hall of Fame Nominations being accepted for 2019—Page 3

PAULA C. DULA LOYD JONES · 2020. 1. 26. · music. She enjoys singing many styles of music – from Jazz & Standards to R & B, Rock & Roll and Country and she performs with several

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  • Meet the Board-Dave Rietz 8

    Southwest HOF Info .......... 8

    New and Old Friends! .......... 9

    The Bands ............................. 10

    Album Review .................... 11

    Pictures Online ............. 11

    Free Dance Lessons ............ 11

    Mike Gross Top 10 ............. 12

    Board Meeting Minutes ..... 12

    Jammin’ ....................... 13

    WS Monthly Retires .... 14

    Other WSS Orgs .......... 15

    Contributions Please ........... 15

    Monthly Music Sessions .. 15

    Volume 37, Number 2 February 2019

    GUEST BAND Feb. 3, 2019

    Followed by

    The Dry Creek Band

    3:00 to 5:00pm

    Gary Blodgett &

    Big Trouble

    1:00 to 3:00 pm

    Officials & Staff ............. 2

    Editor’s Letter ................ 2

    Jam Room Jammers ......... 2

    HOF Nominations Open..... 3

    HOF Profiles .................. 4

    Food Available ................... 4

    Mailbag .......................... 5

    Bob Wills’ Reunion Band ... 5

    RIP Bobby Wynne ............ 5

    Upcoming Bands ............ 6

    Let the Good Times Roll 6

    Board Mtg Invitation .......... 6

    Membership Report .............. 6

    Membership Application. ... 6

    Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Profile ~ Page 4

    PAULA C. DULA Inducted Oct. 7, 2018

    W H A T’ S I N S I D E

    LOYD JONES Inducted March 7, 1982

    Free Dance Lessons and Cake a Big Hit—Page 2

    Hall of Fame Nominations being accepted for 2019—Page 3

  • Letter from The Editor

    WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 2

    Western Swing Society Music News

    is published monthly by the

    Western Swing Society

    Views and opinions expressed by contrib-

    uting authors are not necessarily those of the

    editorial staff or the Society.

    Submitted articles, publicity notices and

    letters not relating directly to the Society or

    its members may be published at the discre-

    tion of the Editor, as space permits. The staff

    reserves the right to edit any and all items

    submitted for publication.

    Deadline for Submittals:

    All items, photographs, articles, and

    ad’s are due to the Editor no later than

    the 10th of the month.

    Look What’s New: Cake

    and Dance Lessons!!!!

    Can’t think of a better way to start

    our Sunday dance then with a “free”

    dance lesson taught by Jim

    Sekelsky. Lessons start at 12:30pm.

    The lesson was well attended and a

    big thanks to Jimmy Bohenke and

    Jeff Tilton and everyone else who

    helped out where a partner was

    needed. This month the lesson was

    big enough to use the main dance

    floor. Next month Jim is going to

    use a wireless microphone which

    will even make the lesson more effi-

    cient.

    Well we all know that I filled in for

    Gary Blodgett for the last two danc-

    es running sound for the main stage.

    Believe me, I as well as many other

    folks, were real happy to see him

    and all of his gear back at the dance!

    The sound was great and getting bet-

    ter all the time. Give Gary a big

    thanks cause he is always thinking

    about stuff he can do to improve the

    sound.

    Charlie Hull and his Country Swing

    Playboys took the stage. Charlie is a

    real pro and we so appreciate his

    contribution to WSS and western

    Continued on page 7

    The Western Swing Society

    PO Box 2474

    Carmichael, CA 95609

    westernswingsociety.net

    Facebook: SacramentoWesternSwingSociety

    Founded in 1981 by Loyd and Perry Jones

    to enable performance, preservation and

    perpetuation of the unique American art

    form known as Western Swing Music.

    Officers:

    President, Rex Barnes (916) 704-1566

    Vice President, Open

    Treasurer, Edward Burhans (916) 225-3645

    Secretary, Linda McCarley (916) 870-7463

    Other Directors:

    Tony Arana (775) 971-3070

    Jimmy Boehnke (530) 886-8375 Ronnie Elkan (916) 765-4345

    John James (916) 202-9251

    Dave Rietz (916) 806-0520

    Jeff Tilton (916) 798-9377

    Staff and Committee Chairpersons:

    Bartender, Cyndi Lee

    Decorating Chair, Rex Barnes

    Equipment and Staging, (open)

    Historian, (open)

    Jam Room, Tony Arana

    Membership Director, (open)

    Music Director, Ronnie Elkan

    Newsletter Team: Editor, (open)

    Layout and Publication: Ronnie

    and Shelley Elkan,

    Photographer, Donald deMars

    Public Relations, Rex Barnes

    Raffle, Bob and Virginia Kuykendall

    Slide Show, (open)

    Sound Engineer, Gary Blodgett

    Website, Dave Rietz

    Youth Program, Edward Burhans

    As always the jam

    room was packed and

    swingin’! We want to

    welcome newcomer-

    Jeralynn to the jam

    room, singing for us. We had a

    special treat with Roger Shaw

    from North Carolina singing and

    playing bass. Participating were:

    John Gwinner on steel; Dave Rietz

    on fiddle and vocals; Jimmy

    Baughman, Nick Dennis and Bob-

    by Giasson on lead guitar; Tony

    Arana on drums; Bill Enyeart and

    Chuck Webb on bass;Joe Champi-

    on back on keyboard and vocal;

    Nancy Long, Victorian King Bow-

    man, Ann Marie Woodward,

    Janice Allen, Ralph Chase, Eddie

    Burr, Michael Ray and Don Spiker

    on vocals.

    Jump in and join us! Just let Tony

    know you’re there and sign the

    guest sheet to perform. It’s always

    a highlight for the folks that par-

    ticipate.

    We’d like to have you write to us

    about your experience if you play

    in the jam room or go in to listen.

    We’ll share your comments here

    in this column. Just send your

    thoughts to this email:

    [email protected] or send

    us a letter via snail mail. In the

    meantime we’ll list the players

    who joined us last month.

    Thanks gang. It was great!!!!!!

    Tony Arana, Jam Room Host

    JAM ROOM JAMMERS

    Groundhog Day and President’s Day

    FEB 18

    tel:%28916%29%20922-2299https://hangouts.google.com/?action=chat&pn=%2B15308868375&hl=en&authuser=0tel:%28916%29%20806-0520mailto:[email protected]

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 3

    Nominate a musician or exceptional volunteer for this year’s Hall of Fame

    Time is running out. May 31st is the last date to sub-

    mit your nominations for our Hall of Fame celebra-

    tion!

    Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a BIG

    HONOR, so submit a nomination and make

    someone’s day!

    1. The name, address, phone and email of member

    submitting the nomination

    2. The name, address, phone and email of the nom-

    inee

    3. The nominee’s name as the nominee wants it

    shown in the bio and on the Hall of Fame regis-

    try

    4. Biographical information about the nominee,

    with emphasis on involvement with Western

    Swing Music.

    - Birthplace and date.

    - Age at which participation in music began?

    How? Singing? Playing an instrument?

    - Early inspirations and influences?

    - Time and place of first professional perfor-

    mance.

    - Name of well-known bands and/or performers

    with which nominee has played.

    - Names of well-known locations where nomi-

    nee has performed.

    - List of any awards or formal recognitions re-

    ceived by the nominee related to his or her mu-

    sic career.

    - Nominee’s personal reasons for involvement

    in and support of Western Swing Music.

    See the instructions in the previous column and

    email or mail your completed nomination infor-

    mation so that it is received by WSS no later than

    May 31st.

    DON’T FORGET to include your phone, email

    and the nominee’s phone, email and mailing address

    so that we can contact you.

    HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS

    Let’s have another inspiring set of inductees for the

    Western Swing Society Hall of Fame event, the 1st

    Friday—Sunday in October. The closing date for

    submission of nominations is May 31st. Start

    NOW. Time FLIES!

    Any member in good standing may make 2 nomina-

    tions, by either postal or email.

    An 8 x 10 hard copy photo or a digital jpeg (at least

    res. 300 dpi) is required at the time of nomination.

    The nomination should contain sufficient biograph-

    ical information to enable the committee to evaluate

    the nominee's qualifications.

    Nominations must include the name (as they wish it

    to appear in our Hall of Fame registry), address,

    phone numbers and email addresses (if available)

    for the nominee and the person submitting them. If

    the nominee is deceased, please include the name of

    a person who may be able to accept the award.

    Mail to: Western Swing Nominations Committee,

    P. O. Box 2474, Carmichael, CA 95609

    HOW TO AND THE RULES

    January 1—May 31st: Submissions of nominees

    for consideration accepted from a member in

    good standing

    June: Hall of Fame Selection Committee reviews

    and chooses 12 nominees to be inducted in the

    Hall of Fame. Nominations must adhere to the

    rules and be complete in order to be consid-

    ered. Any submissions not chosen roll forward

    to the next year for consideration

    July: Board signs off on the chosen inductees.

    Inductees are notified and told about our Hall

    of Fame Event details

    August: List of inductees fir st appear in the

    newsletter

    September: Photos of inductees appear in news-

    letter. List of HOF bands in newsletter

    October: The three day celebration, culminating

    in the Induction Ceremony on Sunday

    THE TIMING

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 4

    FOOD AVAILABLE

    Thank you to the American Legion Post

    #9 for providing us with delicious hot

    food at our monthly dances!

    Mention Western Swing in conversation and several

    names immediately come to mind. Of course, Bob

    and Billy Jack Wills would be among the first but, if

    you’re from Northern California, one name in par-

    ticular is synonymous with Western Swing. That

    name is Loyd Jones.

    When interviewing Loyd for this article, the first

    question I asked him was, “Define Western Swing.”

    He laughed and asked if I had plenty of paper and

    time. However, it was lunch hour and I only had one

    pad of paper with me so he gave me his condensed

    definition as follows: “We use a big band style

    rhythm section and our instrumentation features

    more strings than horns. The selections tend to be

    more country-oriented but we also play old dance

    standards such as ‘All of Me’ and ‘I Saw Your Face

    in the Moon’. In short,” says Loyd, “it’s not the

    song, it’s how you play it.”

    The man who has been playing it for us for more

    than 30 years was born Loyd Hampton Jones on Au-

    gust 18, 1926, in Prairie Branch, Texas, where he

    lived until he was ten years old. The Jones family

    moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1936. Here

    Loyd’s interest in music was first aroused when he

    would gather with friends and family, around a crys-

    tal radio set and listen to Bob Wills broadcasting

    from Fort Worth, Texas. Although Loyd took violin

    lessons in school, it was his oldest brother, Cleo,

    who really got him started. The school lessons were

    classical and boring; Cleo was Western Swing. He

    played the fiddle and guitar and when Loyd was in

    the eight grade, Cleo pressed him into service as

    guitar accompanist.

    Loyd first played professionally as a fiddler with a

    three-piece square dance group in Las Cruces. He

    then went on to form his own band, The Western

    Swing Stars, which played out of El Paso, Texas. To

    use Loyd’s own word, “poverty” caused him to

    move to California in 1948 where he played guitar

    with Jelly Sanders from Porterville. That lasted

    about a year and, in 1949, Loyd moved his family to

    Sacramento. Here he has played with such well-

    knowns as Bud Hobbs, and MGM recording star at

    Continued on page 7

    PAULA C. DULA Inducted October 7, 2018

    Paula C. Dula has had a life-long love affair with

    music. She enjoys singing many styles of music –

    from Jazz & Standards to R & B, Rock & Roll and

    Country and she performs with several Sacramento

    based bands. Her own band, Paula Dula & MGM,

    performed in the 2013 Sacramento Music Festival.

    She has performed in Bay Area and local venues.

    She is a member of Eddie Burr’s Western Swingers

    and, for several years, has sang at Western Swing

    dances and the Western Swing Hall of fame.

    Paula served as a Board Member, Music Committee

    Member and Director of the Gold Card Room for

    the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society and Second

    Sunday program. She also volunteers with several

    local organizations. She is one of the recurring

    judges for the West Coast Songwriters competitions.

    Paula is a regular participant in Sutter Street Thea-

    ter’s monthly cabaret; the annual Children’s Theater

    production that is sponsored by Fairy Tale Town

    and performs Auburn talent show fundraisers.

    Paula was born in Lenoir, North Carolina and

    moved to California as a teenager. She often tells

    people that “Country was her first language”. Coun-

    try music was very prevalent in North Carolina and

    she grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn,

    Porter Wagner, Johnny Cash, etc. She still enjoys

    listening to Country and Blue Grass music and fre-

    quently attends the Father’s Day Weekend Blue

    Grass Festival in Grass Valley.

    One of Paula’s favorite pastimes is going out with

    friends for Karaoke and singing in a different genre

    each time it’s her turn to sing.

    LOYD JONES 8/18/26-9/24/09

    Inducted March 7, 1982

  • MAILBAG A thank you for the many cards sent.

    You may put this in the newsletter,

    then maybe it will cover all those

    loving folks who thought of us this past two months.

    Such a special group of loving friends. All the spe-

    cial folks at the Sacramento WSS all mean so much

    to me and Ed. We can’t thank you enough for your

    love, prayers and thoughtfulness during this trying

    time.

    We love you all, Lou and Ed Bischoff

    WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 5

    RIP BOBBY WYNNE 11/13/1937-1/4/2019

    Western Swing Music Society

    of the Southwest:

    It is with deep regret that we inform

    you of the passing of Bobby Wynne.

    Bobby was one of 5 founding members of WSMSS

    (Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest) a

    Texas based Non-Profit organization founded in

    1998, as well as the society’s first President. Bobby

    was the last surviving founding member, which also

    included Robert E. “Bob” Cobb, Harry L. Coffman,

    Bill Gilbert and Jerry Emery. Bobby passed away

    on the morning of January 4, 2019

    John Jones President, WSMSS

    Message to WSS:

    Bobby Wynne loved Sacramento Western Swing

    Society, his fellow musi-

    cians. Thank you for

    your musicality and

    sharing this! He has

    joined the Lord in heav-

    en for his final journey.

    Rejoice as he blows his

    trumpet strong, smiles at

    the dancers, sings his

    favorite tunes & thanks

    the good Lord above for

    receiving him to join the greats of western swing,

    playing the grandest stage EVER!

    Jef Rulz / Nephew

    THE BOB WILLS’ REUNION BAND (Picture sent by Jim Elsaas)

    Thanks for sending this photo to me, Jim. It was tak-

    en at the 1985 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. I was hon-

    ored that Tiny asked me to be part of his Bob Wills’

    reunion group.

    Chamblin, Elkin, the Moores, Holley, and Cotton

    Roberts had played with Bob Wills and his Texas

    Playboys for many years. Both Tiny and Joe Holley

    passed away within six months of this event. Every-

    one in the picture has passed on except Billy Rob-

    erts and me, and at 90 I'm not far behind them (but

    in no hurry to get there).

    Tiny, Vance, Skeeter, Cotton and Dick McComb

    Continued next column

    Bob Wills’ Reunion Band cont. from prev. column

    had gained a local reputation playing with Billy Jack

    Wills band, a tight swinging group, on KFBK radio

    weekdays. Many local jazz musicians came to hear

    the reunion Band, which existed only to play two

    sets at the Jubilee. We had no idea what we were

    going to play, but all the players were well versed in

    western swing and Tiny was a good leader, so we

    sounded like an organized band.

    Thanks for awakening the memory of a great event

    in my life.

    Charlie Hull

    Left-to-Right: Eldon Chamblin, guitar; Vance Terry, steel

    guitar; behind Vance, Skeeter Elkin, piano; Tiny Moore, fid-

    dle and mandolin; behind Tiny, Cotton Roberts, bass; Dean

    Moore, vocalist; Vern Baughman, rhythm guitar; Charlie

    Hull, clarinet; Dick McComb, trumpet. Not shown: Joe Hol-

    ley, fiddle, and Billy Roberts (Cotton's son), drums.

    https://www.facebook.com/Western-Swing-Music-Society-of-the-Southwest-147593772109612/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARCJTTOB3KbwLcU8znzeXDVbm4KOpSK94sftIMwJjo-08ZDLmLexgn5s1NEqKyrnnwEVorQz-lZf9R66&hc_ref=ARS2RRz3UPpX9rCnsv2thjn7M6yqCiEpkeA2Xc1C_Ou2Q47TuDGb6f-kSOVCW6sITbo&https://www.facebook.com/Western-Swing-Music-Society-of-the-Southwest-147593772109612/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARCJTTOB3KbwLcU8znzeXDVbm4KOpSK94sftIMwJjo-08ZDLmLexgn5s1NEqKyrnnwEVorQz-lZf9R66&hc_ref=ARS2RRz3UPpX9rCnsv2thjn7M6yqCiEpkeA2Xc1C_Ou2Q47TuDGb6f-kSOVCW6sITbo&

  • APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP AND NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

    Submit the following information in a note with your check to:

    The Western Swing Society, P.O. Box 2474, Carmichael, CA 95609:

    Name(s), mailing address, email address, and telephone number.

    Fees (make check payable to Western Swing Society)

    Individual Membership, $15 per year.

    Couples Membership, $20 per year. (one address only).

    Dues renew every July.

    If you join during any other month, your membership fee will be prorated to align with the July renewal.

    You will receive a color version of our newsletter via email. Paid membership also includes reduced admission fee at

    Society music functions, and the right to vote in Society elections and on proposed By-Law changes.

    WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 6

    Sunday, February 3, 2019

    Gary Blodgett & Big trouble FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING PLEASURE

    MEMBERSHIP

    Any Changes? Keep us up to date on any chang-

    es in your membership information, especially email

    addresses. We can’t get your newsletter to you un-

    less we have your current information.

    You can mail changes in your information to the

    Society at P.O. Box 2474, Carmichael, CA; phone it

    to (916) 689-9546; or email it to member-

    [email protected]. Thanks!

    Keep on Western Swingin’

    LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

    UPCOMING BANDS

    February Gary Blodgett and Big Trouble

    March Shelley Elkan and Bite the Bullet

    April Geoff Miller & Sactown Playboys

    May Doug Weiss & Lincoln Highway

    June Bob Woods Swampbilly

    November Jessica Rose Band

    Board Meeting Invitation

    You can attend the Society’s monthly Board meetings;

    first Sunday of each month starting at 10:30 a.m. in the

    Machinists Hall in Rancho Cordova.

    tel:%28916%29689-9546

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 7

    Loyd Jones continued from page 4

    that time, and Billy Jack Wills. Loyd says he played

    with Billy Jack’s first band and his last band but not

    his great band.

    It was that “great band” that was responsible for the

    first “Loyd Jones and the Western Swing Band”.

    Those of you who have lived in Sacramento for

    some time will remember Wills Point. When Billy

    Jack broke one of brother Bob’s cardinal rules and

    married Evelyn

    McKinney, one of Bob’s female vocalists, they both

    were forced to leave the band. However, Bob

    opened Wills Point and set up Billy Jack’s group as

    the house band. Loyd was a member of this first

    band. Billy Jack and the Texas Playboys became so

    popular that they began to take out-of-town book-

    ings. Loyd wasn’t interested in going on the road so

    he stayed on at Wills Point and formed his own

    group.

    During the years 1958 and ‘59, Loyd again played

    guitar with Billy Jack for a weekly television show

    broadcast on Channel 3. This group included not

    only Billy Jack and Loyd, but also Bill Pray, Bobby

    Reeves, Truitt Cunningham, and Billy Jack’s wife,

    Evelyn. When the show went off the air, Loyd once

    again formed his Western Swing Band with Bill

    Pray, Bobby Reeves, Hoyt Shaw, and Loyd’s son,

    Perry. During this time, Jay Riley also sat in occa-

    sionally with his steel guitar. From this group

    evolved today’s Western Swing Band with few

    changes. Hoyt and Jay have retired, Perry has been

    replaced by Johnny Peacock, and Gene Albright has

    been added. Featured female vocalists of the first

    group were Bonnie Jones and Betty Reeves.

    I asked Loyd if there are any members of his family

    who aren’t musical to which he replied, “No”. Son

    Perry is well known for his group, The Southern

    Empire Band. As well as being a singer, Perry plays

    the drums and guitar, he writes some pretty good

    songs, and he is the music manager of Tex’s Saloon

    and Nashville West. Loyd’s oldest daughter, Becky,

    is a beautiful singer who we are sometimes lucky

    enough to hear at our monthly jam sessions. Young-

    est daughter, Lolly, is in Loyd’s words, “the most

    musically talented person I know”. Lolly plays the

    fiddle, bass, rhythm, and lead guitars, piano, banjo,

    Continued next column

    Loyd Jones continued from previous column and she’s a singer. She has traveled all over the

    world with her music and we look forward to hear-

    ing a lot more from Lolly in the future.

    Loyd’s wife, Bonnie, has a family who are no

    strangers to the music stage either. Uncle Paul Ad-

    ams was a world-class fiddler and Uncle Luke Ad-

    ams was well known for his skill on the guitar and

    piano.

    Editor’s letter continued from page 2

    swing music. Not only was the dance floor packed

    but the folks that just come in to listen were in for a

    real treat. I always have to mention the dedication of

    these musicians to our society. They always have

    volunteered their time and talent to us and hope this

    is one tradition that will never die. Charlie lead the

    way with his Sax and great vocals. Olen Dillingham

    on fiddle,mando and vocals, Mickey Bennett on

    bass, Goerge Cecil on drums, and Jimmy Spero on

    guitar . Some of these guys play with many of our

    other bands. Thanks Boys!

    Bill Enyeart and Dry Creek came up after our draw-

    ing. Bill and his band did a great job like always.

    Bill Enyeart on guitarand vocal, Jimmy Baughman

    on guitar and vocal, Ralph Chase on piano and vo-

    cal, Bill Cornett on drums and vocal, Billy Smith on

    guitar, and me (Ronnie Elkan) on fiddle. We had a

    special guest from North Carolina, Rodger Shaw on

    bass and vocal. Wow can that guy sing. Bill had

    Gary Blodgett come on up and play guitar and sing

    a few. Also coming up to sing was Janice Allen,

    Nancy Long, and Linda Baughman. Now where can

    you go to hear singers with that kind of talent.

    Our volunteer, Don deMars, notified me that you

    members did a great job this last dance of cleaning

    you’re tables. It just is such a big help to all the

    folks that help clean up and fold table cloths. We

    have such awesome volunteers and we are always

    looking for more.

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 8

    Meet the Board—Continued from previous column

    “Still Hangin’ Around,” which won a National Tra-

    ditional Country Music Association and Rural Roots

    Music Association Award in LeMars, Iowa, in

    2012.

    And, in 2012, he began to play fiddle with Cliff

    Compton and the Mountaintop, a Bluegrass gospel

    group that played many venues.

    But Dave also plays in a variety of groups in and

    around Northern California, playing Western Swing,

    Country, Bluegrass, and Jazz. In 2013, he fiddled

    with the Stampede Band in the Buck Owens Crystal

    Palace in Bakersfield to a packed house.

    Dave is considered not only a very talented musi-

    cian, but one that everyone likes and respects for his

    kindness and thoughtfulness.

    MEET THE BOARD: Dave Rietz

    We’ve had some requests to introduce you to our

    board members, so we will plan on an article each

    month to highlight their backgrounds and why they

    love Western Swing music.

    Inducted into WSS Hall of

    Fame October 2014

    David Rietz was born in 1943

    in Alameda, California. At the

    early age of 4 ½, Dave started

    playing the violin/fiddle, and

    played throughout his child-

    hood.

    Graduating from high school

    in 1961, Dave entered the US Navy serving for four

    years. After his Honorable Discharge, he began to

    play the electronic organ and played many local gigs

    in Southern California and Japan while working for

    the Defense Department.

    In the early 70s, Dave met Clyde Derby, an organist

    in the Sacramento area. From him, Dave learned to

    play the theater pipe organ. Dave then began play-

    ing at the Carl Greer Inn as a guest and later full-

    time. He also played at many other local pubs and

    eateries. He became a member of the Sierra Chapter

    of the American Theater Organ Society, serving on

    its board of directors for four years. He also played

    a variety of concerts and sang tenor with the Sacra-

    mento Master Singers.

    Dave, having an outstanding ear for music, became

    a piano tuner the year 2000. But he also returned to

    playing the fiddle, and became heavily involved in

    the Old Time Fiddlers. He served on the Old Time

    Fiddlers District 5 for six years as Secretary-

    Treasurer and Vice President.

    He met and began to play fiddle with Igor Glenn and

    the Jazz Cowboys, as well as a myriad of other

    bands, playing Western Swing, Country, Bluegrass,

    and Jazz.

    In 2009, Dave joined the Sacramento Western

    Swing Society, and if he’s not fiddling on stage

    there he’s fiddling in the “Jam Room.”

    Dave played with the River Bend Folk Band for a

    while. That band produced a CD in 2010 entitled

    Continued next column

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 9

    Photos by Don deMars

    MAKING NEW FRIENDS AND CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS!

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 10

    GUEST BAND: CHARLIE HULL & THE COUNTRY SWING PLAYBOYS

    HOUSE BAND: BILL ENYEART AND DRY CREEK

  • Our Dance Lesson Group

    WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 11

    ALBUM REVIEWS by Mike Gross

    Album: Timeless Treasures

    for a Living Legend

    Artist: Tommy Thomsen

    This new CD is a wonderful

    combination of 15 songs

    where Tommy pays tribute

    to Western Swing legend Leon Rausch. The

    music opens from the Bob Wills songbook

    with the old pop standard brought back by

    Wills, Yearning and then from Pee Wee King, Gad About. Also from Bob Wills are Lee Ross' Heart to Heart Talk, O.W. Mayo's Blues for Dixie, Cindy Walker's Goin' Away Party, End of the Line and the standard Sit-tin' on Top of the World. Then from the Wills library there is Hang Your Head in Shame, I Laugh When I Think How I Cried Over You and Cindy Walker's Baby That Sure Would Go Good. Also brought back are the Wills compositions and hits, My Confes-

    sion, Goodby Liza Jane, Sooner or Later and Goodnight Little Sweet-heart Goodnight. The album closes with the

    instrumental from the

    Wills book and the Andy

    Razaf pen, Silver Lake Blues.

    Tommy is the lead vocalist with Albert Tally

    playing steel guitar, Brady Bowen- fiddle and

    vocal harmony and the fiddle, electric man-

    dolin, vocals and steel guitar of Jason Rob-

    erts. Larry Reed plays sax, Tony Ramsey-

    drums and John Jones plays stand-up bass

    and does vocal harmonies. Wayne Glasson

    plays piano, Tom Jones standard guitar and

    Continued next column

    PICTURES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

    TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT

    Pictures are now available online. A link will be

    available for each month’s dance pictures in the

    newsletter and on our website

    http://westernswingsociety.net/.

    1-6-2019 Monthly Dance https://photos.app.goo.gl/djo22nNXXEJS5ZMP9

    FREE DANCE LESSONS

    BEFORE EACH DANCE! 12:30 to 1:00 pm prior to our first band starting

    Learn the 2-STEP and

    other couples dances!!!

    You do not have to have

    a partner to learn! Just

    get to the hall by 12:15

    so you’re ready to start

    on time.

    Mike Gross Review cont. from prev. column

    clarinet and vocal harmonies by Gil Prather.

    This CD can be obtained for $20.00 from

    Tommy Thomsen, 20570 Pueblo Rd, Sonoma,

    CA 95476.

    Mike Gross, KSEY-FM, Seymour, TX and

    KTNK-AM, Lompoc CA &

    www.swinginwest.com

    http://westernswingsociety.net/https://photos.app.goo.gl/djo22nNXXEJS5ZMP9http://www.swinginwest.com

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 12

    “Swingin’ West”- Mike Gross

    KSEY-FM, Seymour, TX

    January 1, 2019

    Songs 1 Swing Time Baby- Steel Horse Swing

    2 King of the Blues- Western Caravan

    3 One Fiddle, Two Fiddles- Bret Raper

    4 In the Middle of the Song- Western

    Swing Authority & Carolyn Martin

    5 Texas When it Swings- Terry Brown

    6 Swing Me Back to Texas- 3 Trails West

    7 South of the Border- Syd Masters

    (Vision)

    8 Cowboy Boogaloo Blues- Dawn Anita

    (Free Country)

    9 Enjoy the Ride- Lee Lee Robert

    (Musikode)

    10 Back in the Swing of Things- Cowboy

    Joe (Chimney Rock)

    Albums 1 Swing Time Baby- Steel Horse Swing

    2 Honky Tonk- Western Caravan

    3 Time Changes Everything- Leon Rausch

    4 Somewhere Near Austin- Bret Raper

    5 Sactown Playboys- Sactown Playboys

    6 Big Deal- The Western Swing Authority

    7 Swing Set- Lee Lee Robert (Musikode)

    8 Taryn Noelle Swings- Taryn Noelle

    (Airflyte)

    9 Off the Beaten Trail- Hot Texas Swing

    Band

    10 Timeless Treasures for a Living Legend

    – Tommy Thomsen

    Mike Gross Top 10 Western Swing Society

    Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2019

    Meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM by new

    president Rex Barnes.

    Board members present: Jim Boehnke, Ronnie

    Elkan, Edd Burhans, Dave Rietz, Rex Barnes, Jeff

    Tilton, Tony Arana.

    Visitors present: Don deMars, Bill Seabridge, Linda

    McCarley, John James, Janet Jimenez, Chuck Webb

    Presidents Report: Requests biographies of all

    board members to be submitted to Ronnie Elkan.

    Those who are in the Hall of Fame biographies were

    already submitted and will be used first.

    Discussion on public relations and ways to contact

    other organizations locally to promote more activity

    at our monthly dances. He suggested contacting sen-

    ior homes. Create a brochure for Western Swing So-

    ciety. Edd Burhans agreed to do the graphic design

    for the brochure.

    It was also suggested by Dave Rietz that he can con-

    tact his treasurer for information on what the charg-

    es are for using PayPal. (Action item Dave Rietz)

    Dave Rietz will also look into the insurance agent

    that we use for The Root Cellar and discuss poten-

    tial cost savings to the Western Swing Society or-

    ganization. The person who does the tax preparation

    is Linda Swanson. She needs to be contacted for

    preparation of taxes for fiscal year 2018.

    It was also discussed that we need to change our tax

    status from a 501-C4 to a 501-C-3. Bill Seabridge

    indicated he will look into the paperwork for mak-

    ing this change occur.

    Treasurer report: Edd Burhans repor ting. Edd

    handed out copies of this month’s report for Decem-

    ber. There was a discussion, a motion for approval

    of the treasurers report. First approval by Ronnie,

    seconded by Dave Rietz and motion carried.

    News letter report: Jeff indicated several new

    members didn’t receive email newsletter. We need

    to get the word out to everyone that they can cer-

    tainly access the newsletter via our Western Swing

    Society website. Additionally, we need to find out

    Continued on page 13

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 13

    Minutes continued from page 12

    why they did not receive the email from Ronnie and

    Shelley Elkan.

    It was suggested that we need to add the information

    about the opportunity for dance lessons prior to the

    start of the monthly dance this information should be

    placed on the homepage of the website so that more

    people are aware of this opportunity.

    Another idea emerged using sandwich signs that

    suggest asking someone to dance. This will encour-

    age other folks to go ahead and get on the dance

    floor.

    Music director: Youth band has pretty much

    been abandoned for the time being.It is still a good

    idea but currently we did not have enough participa-

    tion to continue paying a youth director. It was men-

    tioned by Dave Rietz that we should be targeting

    those folks who are in their 40s to 60s who are per-

    haps empty-nesters, and who are looking to re-

    energize their ability to play musical instruments

    that they used to do in their earlier days. We need to

    encourage those folks and seek them out to get them

    involved with Western Swing Society.

    New Business: None.

    Webmaster report: Dave Rietz indicated that

    there is an ongoing effort to update all of the Hall of

    Fame inductees to get their biographies and photos

    up on the correct pages. With over 700 inductees in

    the organization this is a ambitious project which is

    taking a lot of time. Linda McCarley indicated that

    she would be interested in helping with this endeav-

    or.

    Old business: It was suggested that there was a

    PO box payment due at the end of December and

    that was given to Edd. He indicated that Janet lives

    in Carmichael and can deliver the payment to the

    post office.

    There was a motion from the board to install John

    James as a new board member on the Board of Di-

    rectors motion was seconded by Jim B. first by Lin-

    da McCarley brought to the board for approval and

    motion was carried.

    Jammin’

    DANCE LESSONS AND THE OLD PROS!

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 14

    MUCH LOVED AUTHOR OF

    “WESTERN SWING MONTHLY”

    RETIRES THE PUBLICATION

    Barbara Martin,

    the driving

    force behind

    the WESTERN

    SWING

    MONTHLY is

    retiring the

    publication. For

    years, we have

    been proud to

    host Barbara’s

    ad in our

    monthly news-

    letter, and this

    well known icon of “all things western swing”, will

    be missed by our many readers.

    We were honored to induct Barbara in to the West-

    ern Swing Hall of Fame, October 10, 2004 as a true

    ambassador of western swing music. Having her in

    attendance at our events was always a joy.

    While we will miss this extraordinary publication,

    we are happy for Barbara that she has more time to

    enjoy her free time.

    From all of us in WSS, we send our best wishes!

    We’d love to see you, if you’re ever in our area dur-

    ing a monthly dance!

    Western Swing Society

    And from John Jones—WSMSS…..

    We have been informed that Barbara Martin, editor

    and publisher of WESTERN SWING MONTHLY,

    is retiring from this role and that the January 2019

    Continued next column

    Check out Barbara Martin’s

    http://www.wsmonthly.com/subscribe.html

    Much Loved Author continued from previous column

    issue was the last one. With this publication and her

    attendance at so many Western Swing events

    through the years, Barbara has been a dedicated pro-

    moter and ambassador for this genre of music and its

    musicians. I know that WESTERN SWING

    MONTHLY will be missed by so many musicians

    and dancers as an unparalleled source of infor-

    mation. In 2007, Barbara Martin was inducted as a

    promoter into the WSMSS Hall of Fame, and cer-

    tainly no one is more deserving of that honor! I

    know that all Western Swing fans and WSMSS

    members in particular, will join me in sending a

    heartfelt Thank You and Best Wishes to our dear

    friend, Barbara Martin.

    John Jones – President

    Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest

    And from Billy Mata….

    I just heard where Barbara Martin is retiring the

    Western Swing Monthly publication. I can’t tell you

    how sad but glad this makes me. Sad because it’s an

    end of an era. Glad for Barbara so that she can enjoy

    herself. Personally, I have my whole Western Swing

    career to thank Barbara and her monthly magazine

    for. No one knew who I was outside of south Texas

    until she got a hold of me. Barbara Martin, Thank

    you for everything you’ve done for me and BMTT

    and all my other Western swing colleagues that I

    know feel the same as I do. I love you very much

    and I hope you’ll make the shows in the future. I’m

    sure there’ll be an honorary backstage or press pass

    for you anywhere you want to go. Best of luck and

    God speed.

    Billy Mata

    Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition

    https://www.facebook.com/barbara.martin.7311352?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDCa09gbCFKPAaDcLULpxRdgj2Al8v8Fm4mBwaN_U8hUfrdBnJEN9Unun9BGnuO4H16lFNQuQn6CKVA&fref=mentionshttps://www.facebook.com/billy.mata?__tn__=%2CdC-R-R&eid=ARAoQWyr2oReGsyHyIKvstr2ck7pdRfssWKsKm1q7s0em85nh0oQT5i6K5gfCKYovExWcY0UqcE0iKlN&hc_ref=ARQPdyMcN6uBfnT0_SihJNfROlyPIZepC1wVFUkWuQjDtMAz98bPVV7EPsShslkfx3k&fref=nf

  • WESTERN SWING SOCIETY MUSIC NEWS February 2019 - Page 15

    OTHER WESTERN SWING MUSIC

    ORGANIZATIONS/MUSIC HAPPENINGS

    Bakersfield Country Music Museum, P.O. Box

    81623, Bakersfield CA 93380-1623. Call 661-366-

    6003 24/7 for more information.

    Buck Ford & Pure Country Band: Check Web-

    site for schedule, http://www.buckford.com/

    calendar/

    Canadian Western Swing Music Society, Con-

    tact: John York, 3565 Cambridge St., Vancouver,

    BC, Canada V5K 1M3. Phone 604-299-2301.

    CA Old Time Fiddlers Association, Meets 2nd

    Sunday. Orangevale Grange on Walnut Avenue in

    Orangevale, CA. www.cbaontheweb.org/

    region_details.asp? Region 2

    Cowtown Society of Western Music, Contact:

    Joe Baker, Membership Director, 940-452-6300,

    4361 F.M. 1195, Mineral Springs, TX 76067

    Greater Arizona Country/Western Swing Associ-

    ation and Hall of Fame, Inc. PO Box 953, Dew-

    ey, AZ 86326. Contact Jim Gamble at 928-458-

    0714.

    Lincoln Highway Band, 2nd Sunday of the

    month, 2-5pm, Ramada Inn, 2600 Auburn Blvd.,

    Sacramento, $6.00 cover. 4th Sunday of the month,

    1-4pm, VFW POST 4647, 3300 U Street, North

    Highlands, $5.00 cover. Information call (916) 580-

    7390.

    Northwest Western Swing Music Society,

    Contact: Jeannie Yearian, President, 425-432-7888,

    or cell 206-271-2295, Lynnwood Eagles, 19223

    Hwy. 99, Lynnwood, WA. Meets 2nd Sunday

    www.nwwsms.com

    Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest, PO Box 644, Shattuck, OK 73858. Meets quarterly.

    Go to website at: www.wsmss.com.

    CONTRIBUTIONS PLEASE!

    We all enjoy the dance at the Machinist’s Hall each

    month. What I wish to do with this article is to let you

    know how much effort and money it takes to produce

    this event. The dance costs approximately $1200 each

    month for hall rental, setup fees, insurance and decora-

    tions. All of the work of our board of directors, our

    monthly volunteers, and the wonderful musicians who

    provide the music is completely without compensation.

    Some travel here from as far away as Redding to be here

    for this event. We work very hard to provide an excellent

    product at a very modest price, and I believe we succeed.

    We try to keep the cost for admission as low as possible

    so that everyone can afford to be here to enjoy the music

    and dancing.

    In order to keep the admission fee low, we are asking all

    who can afford it to make a donation, either one time or

    on a monthly basis. We will be placing a donation jar at

    the entrance to the dance hall. We of the Board of Direc-

    tors thank you for providing as generous a contribution

    for which you are comfortable.

    Thank you, Eddie Burr, Treasurer

    Driving Instructions to MACHINISTS HALL: From Hwy 50, take the Sun-rise Blvd. South exit and cross two lights (Folsom Blvd. and Trade Center

    Drive). After crossing Trade Center, be in the left lane and take the next left

    turn which is Citrus Road. You will see an Enterprise Car Rental lot in front of you. Turn right into the driveway just past Enterprise. You’ll see our sign,

    and you are there. Park, come in and join the fun.

    MONTHLY MUSIC SESSIONS

    The Western Swing Society holds a music and dance

    session on the first Sunday of each month, featuring

    guest bands and artists and jam sets.

    1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Machinists Hall

    2749 Sunrise Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA*

    Donation: $5 for Members; $8 for Non-Members

    For information, browse to

    www.westernswingsociety.net *The address is Sunrise, but the driveway is on Citrus.