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The Gower Goodtimers
Jeff, Sarah and Brent at The Goodtimers
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    The Goodtimers are a non profit organization dedicated to promoting the Old Timey style of music. Located about 40 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, just south of St. Joseph, Missouri. On the Gower town square, across from the city park. Only acoustic instruments are allowed. The rules are simple, NO alcohol, NO smoking, NO drums, NO electric instruments, NO cussing or strong abusive talk are allowed.

    They have an "open mike" atmosphere, anyone is invited to sign up and come on stage to recite poetry, sing their favorite song or just come on up and jam in the background every Friday night at 7:00 p.m.  Free potluck meals or snacks and beverages are provided. There is NO admission charge, donations are accepted. The Goodtimers are dedicated to helping and encouraging any new talent or beginner as well as an accomplished musician. People from all over the United States and other parts of the World have joined them at one time or another. Valerie Smith , a new rising star from Nashville, is also a member of the group. Her mom plays the bass and her father plays dobro among other instruments as well as being board members of the Goodtimers.  Valerie has been on the radio at AM 650 some Saturday nights as she sang with Charlie Louvin of the Louvin Brothers on the Grand Ole Opry. Her career is taking off now so she has a busy schedule. Keep your eyes posted on TNN later this year when she makes her debut solo performance! If you enjoy the old traditional Country Music, Gospel, and Bluegrass, then the GoodTimers is a must for you to visit. Some have even said that it reminds them of the old days, way back in the hills, setting around and picking the good ole tunes. If you'd like more information on the Goodtimers just send an E-mail to me,  Brent , and I will reply as soon as possible.

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The Fishing River Follies
Here we are at the Follies

    The Follies, were hosted by George Williams and The Fishing River Rounders, and was located about 30 miles east of Kansas City, MO in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.  It was quite similar to the Gower Goodtimers. The requirements were the same. The only difference is that the Follies were an extension of the Excelsior Springs Community Theater and not an incorporated group, as the Goodtimers are. The Follies performed one Saturday night a month on stage in the theater. The Saturday night varied as the Follies had to share time with the theater productions. Some of the Goodtimers supported the Follies and attended on a regular basis. The Follies atmosphere was somewhat more like that of the Grand Ole Opry, in that there were comedy skits or square dancing, at times it was like a variety show, such as the Opry. The theater was in the old Wyman Grade school on Dunbar Street, in Excelsior Springs, MO.  and had balcony seating as well. There was NO admission charge, donations were accepted.   As of 1998 the Follies are no longer being held.




HABOT
    HABOT stands for Heart of America Bluegrass and Old Time music. This is another music club dedicated to preserving the traditional and old style music. This club leans more to the Bluegrass side of music. They have  sets of "bands" that come in to perform. While this is going on, there are several "jam" sessions going on in various rooms of the building. That is where you'll usually find me when I attend. There is also a set time at the beginning of the show which is an open mike time, similar to The GoodTimers and The Follies, where anyone can get up to perform. Sort of like warming up the audience. For more information on the HABOT, check out their web site for the time and place. Plus they have more links too!

Mountain Music Shoppe

The Mountain Music Shoppe, located in Shawnee, Kansas is owned and operated by Jim Curley.  This is the best music shop I have found (so I'm prejudice).  They deal specifically with accoustic instruments and are very well versed in the Bluegrass culture.  Jim has a "Music Shack"  building that he uses for instuction and jam sessions.  The jam sessions are geared for all, beginners, intermediate, and high speed.  They are held on a Saturday afternoon.  Contact Jim at The Mountain Music Shoppe for more details and for all your accoustic and bluegrass needs.
Click on this link to view their web site.  Mountain Music Shoppe.

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