COWTOWN BALLROOM...SWEET JESUS!
01.12.10 | Purchase the movie on DVD
You can buy the movie on DVD (as well as t-shirts and posters). Just click on the tab "buy the movie DVD" on the left side of this page. When you see an item you want, click on "launch related site" to go to Paypal. There you can add items to your shopping cart. You can also buy merchandise at these stores in Kansas City:
Zebedee's 1208 W. 39th 816 960-6900
It's A Beautiful Day 3918 Broadway 816 9316169
The Kansas City Store 314 Ward Parkway 816 756-1997
11.23.09 | Santa Fe Film Festival
Your next opportunity to see the film is at the Santa Fe Film Festival. Friday, Dec. 4, 5:15 pm at the New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Ave. on the Plaza). If you have friends in the area, please let them know.
08.17.09 | THANK YOU!!!!
From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all the people who came out to see the film. Our theatrical run is now over. We screened for 15 weeks, over 175 screenings. I made it to as many as I could. It has been a great honor meeting all of you. Let's keep in touch. From here the film hits the festival circuit. We have been accepted into two so far. When I get firm details, you will be the first to know. So keep checking back to this site. Thanks again.
08.12.09 | Last go around
16 WEEKS! Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus has been on the big screen, but this is the last weekend. Thank you for supporting the film. Tony and I are honored. I've been to almost every screening, and it has been a pleasure meeting all of you. Don't quite know what I will do now!
Last chance to see it. It's at Screenland (17th and Washington) this Friday, August 14 at 9:15, Saturday (Aug. 15) at 5 and Sunday (Aug 16) at 5. This weekend is also the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Amazing how things line up...or maybe there is a God!
08.04.09 | 14 weeks and counting
Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus is still screening! At the Screenland Crossroads at 17th and Washington. This Saturday (Aug. 8) at 8:45 pm and Sunday (Aug. 9) at 3:30 pm.
07.28.09 | Energizer bunny!
Miraculously, the movie is still screening. It just won't die. At least one more weekend at the Screenland Crossroads (17th and Washington). 5:30 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 31, August 1 and 2).
p.s. received a VERY nice letter from Derek Smith's mother Wendy. Check it out in the guestbook.
07.22.09 | Some very sad news (from Butch Dillon)
GREGORY DEAN CAMP
Farewell old friend, band mate, brother, husband, and father. Your voice, your music, will live in our hearts and minds, a sweet memory of soaring notes, soulfully and effortlessly delivered. For those of us who were lucky enough to have shared this musical odyssey with you, we knew a man who was a little bit outlaw, like "Jesse James", of whom you so eloquently wrote, a little bit of that "Kansas Cowboy", even though you were a Missouri boy through and through, and a lot of Irish, which as we all know, got you into more than a little trouble over the years. We know too that you would bristle at any flowery prose or weepy sentiment, and Lord knows, we wouldn't want to make you mad (just kidding old friend), so we'll "keep it real" as the tragically hip might say, because you were THE REAL DEAL, Greg. As talented and deeply profound as anyone out there. John Prine had nothin on you babe. You are loved. You will be missed. You touched our lives with your songs.......and that voice.......my God, that voice. Farewell old friend, farewell. Gregory Dean Camp passed away on Tuesday, July 21 at the Overland Park Regional Hospital. He was born on October 15, 1949, in St. Joseph, Mo. He attended Central High School there. He learned to play the guitar at the age of 10 from his brother Steve and friend Larry Buck. He spent his early years playing music in and around St. Joe, where life-long bonds were formed with many other talented musicians, among them, Butch Dillon, Jimmy Harlow, Ted Paxon, Mike Harvey, Jerry Allen, Ron Weir, and others. In the late sixties he was the singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the band White Eyes, a mainstay at the old Cowtown Ballroom. Some of his songs from that era are featured in the recently released documentary "Cowtown Ballroom, Sweet Jesus". It was during those years that a special bond was formed with artists such as Brewer and Shipley, Danny Cox, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, to name a few. In 1975, Greg and Jimmy Harlow formed the first Camp Harlow Band in Aspen, Colo. with ex White Eyes members Roger Workman and Tim Shields, along with former Brewer and Shipley drummer, Gary Signor. Following that, Greg returned to Kansas City to be a solo artist, as well as writing and recording many wonderful original songs. During this time Greg also enjoyed stints with bands such as U.S.A.(out of St. Joe.), River Rock, and Blazing Saddles, before reforming the original Camp Harlow Band in 1991 to play the matinee at The Tuba, a local venue owned by Greg’s former St. Joe band mate Mile Harvey. It was here that the most incredible bond of all began with the love affair between The Camp Harlow Band and it's extended family of loyal matinee-goers. Though too numerous to mention, I know that Greg would want to acknowledge the first of those, Andy and Karen Cook, as well as Larry and Pat Quirk, Bill and Liz Brinton, Don and Catherine O'Brien, and Mark(Cuda) Raynes, all of whom are still regulars to this day, as the matinee continues after 15 years at The Levee. For the past ten years or so the bands' lineup has been Bruce Sidener, Steve Nierman, and original members Greg, Jimmy, and Gary. Greg also co-hosted the Brew Jam at the 75th St. Brewery, with Mark Valentine, a gig that also lasted 15 years for Greg. In addition to those long running gigs, he also performed at many other local venues with his good friends Tom Hall and Rick Yord. Greg’s influence on the Kansas City blues, rock, folk, and country music scene is immeasurable, as anyone who has ever played with him or heard him play will attest. The void left by his passing can never be filled, but his musical legacy will live on as we continue to play his songs. "Each day that goes by, WE love you more..." God speed brother.Greg was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Catherine Camp. He is survived by his wife Jennifer and son Colt, brother Bob, St. Joseph, MO. and Steve, Atchison, KS., nieces Leslie and Amy, nephews Mark, Chris and Scott and 5 great nephews. All friends and fans of Greg’s are invited to gather at the Levee, 16 W. 43rd Street, KC, MO. to remember, share and celebrate Greg’s life this coming Saturday, July 25th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Donations to the “Greg Camp Family Assistance Fund” can be mailed to: 7823 Woodland Drive, Shawnee, KS.66218
07.14.09 | Buy the DVD on-line here
Just click on the tab "get cool stuff". Paypal will lead you through the process
07.07.09 | Screenings continue
The film is still playing at the Screenland Crossroads (17th and Washington) this weekend.
Friday July 10 at 7 pm
Saturday July 11 at 2 pm
Sunday July 12 at 7 pm
I will be at every screening.
For those of you who can't make it down to the theater, you can buy the DVD on this website. Click on the tab "get cool stuff".
06.28.09 | Last three nights at Screenland Armour
408 Armour, North Kansas City, 64116, 816 421-9700
Sunday 6/28 7:30 pm
Monday 6/29 7:30 pm
Tuesday 6/30 7:30 pm
06.25.09 | And the beat goes on...
Last night we had a sold-out screening of the film after the KC Film Commission meeting. The film is going to continue at the Screenland Armour (408 Armour Rd.-- http://www.screenland.com/location.html) for the next six days. Every night at 7:30, plus Friday and Saturday at 10 pm as well.
06.21.09 | Last chance to view on the big screen
The theatrical run of the film is almost over. Three more days at the Screenland Armour at 7:45 pm
But... the DVD is available from this website. Click on the tab "get cool stuff", pay through Paypal, and I will ship one out to you immediately. thanks
06.12.09 | Still screening
You still have an opportunity to see Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus on the big screen (or to see it again!). It is opening Friday (6/12) at the Screenland Armour Theater, 408 Armour Rd, North Kansas City 64116, 816 421-9700 http://www.screenland.com/showtimes1.html
If you haven't seen the newly renovated theater, you really should. The Screenland Armour was reborn in May of 2008 after a $1.5 million dollar makeover. The theater offers 300 plush, stadium seats, including a section of red leather recliners. The concessions will make you forget that you are in a movie theater.with a full menu including chicken quesadillas, hummus with pita, baked brie, chicken fingers, french fries and more. And they have something that Cowtown could never offer--a full bar!
It is just a few blocks north of downtown KC. I am going to continue to make as many screenings as I possibly can.
If you can't make it, the DVD of the movie is available here on the website joe
06.08.09 | Buy the movie DVD!
We just got the merchandise part of this website revamped. It is a huge improvement. Click on the "buy cool stuff" tab. Let me know how it works. Got a picture of the t-shirts up as well. I know there are other places on the web that sell Cowtown t-shirts (they ripped off the image). But they didn't get the color right, and they are more expensive.
06.04.09 | Nate Marsh
This young man is amazing! Tonight he is going to play a set before the movie at the Tivoli. He starts at 7:30 and the movie starts at 8. The movie will be over by 9:30, and you will still have time to catch J. D. Souther at Knuckleheads.
We will have the DVDs up for sale here by Monday night. The entire merchandise section (t-shirts, posters, DVDs for sale) will be revamped.
06.02.09 | Extended
Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus has been held over at the Tivoli for another week. So now we are playing until at least June 11. Check the Tivoli website at www.tivolikc.com for showtimes.
Tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30 Stan Plesser will talk about Cowtown
Tomorrow Herb Palmer at 7:30
Thursday night singer/songwriter Nate Marsh will play at 7:30
Friday night Darrell Lea at 7
Saturday Howard Iceberg and Gary Paredes at 7
05.30.09 | Remember double features?
When you got two for the price of one, Well tonight we continue to provide additional entertainment for the price of admission. At 7:00 pm singer/songwriter Kris Wade will perform at the Tivoli before the screening of the film. She has performed at Sandstone, but rarely sings anymore, so we are dragging her out of semi-retirement. At the Tivoli Theater. No additional charge. Times of today's screenings: Rio at 1, 3:05, 5:10 and 7:15 Tivoli at 1, 3, 5, and 7 pm.
05.28.09 | Next week schedule
I am close to fulfilling my commitment to be at every screening for the first week of Cowtown Ballroom...Sweet Jesus. Twenty five down, three to go!
Tomorrow we start phase two. The movie opens at the Rio Theater (7204 W. 80th St., Overland Park, 66204). At the Tivoli in Westport (4050 Pennsylvania) we start a series of short concerts and events before the evening screening. The first one is a rare performance by Missouri Woodland (Royal Scanlon and Gary Paredes). They played at the Ballroom, and I am very excited to see them. Saturday night we have an equally rare performance by singer/songwriter Kris Wade. All these are free, or at least included with your ticket to see the movie!
So here is the schedule:
Friday May 29, Rio at 1, 3:05, 5:10, 7:20 pm
Tivoli at 1,3,5,7 pm (Missouri Woodland will sing 7 - 7:30)
Saturday 29, Rio at 1, 3:05, 5:10, 7:20 pm
Tivoli at 1,3,5,7 pm (Kris Wade will sing from 7 until 7:30 pm)
Sunday 30, Rio at 1, 3:05, 5:10 pm
Tivoli at 1,3,5,7 pm
Monday June 1, Rio at 5:25, 7:25 pm
Tivoli at 2:30, 5:15, 7:30 pm (Very cool singer/songwriter Kasey
Rausch will perform 7:30 - 8:00 pm)
Tuesday 2, Rio at 5:25, 7:25 pm
Tivoli at 2:30, 5:15, 7:30 pm (Vanguard owner and Good Karma
founder Stan Plesser will talk about
about Cowtown Ballroom from
7:30 - 8:00 pm)
Wednesday 3, Rio at 5:25, 7:25 pm
Tivoli at 2:30, 5:15, 7:30 pm (Cowtown Ballroom Asst. Mgr. Herb
Palmer will talk about the Ballroom
from 7:30 - 8 pm)
Thursday 4, Rio at 5:25, 7:25 pm
Tivoli at 2:30, 5:15, 7:30 pm (Amazing singer/songwriter Nate
Marsh will perform 7:30 - 8 pm)
I am very excited that we can present some music and introduce you to exciting talent. Somewhere the gods of Cowtown Ballroom are smiling! We will have a merchandise table at both the Tivioli and the Rio all next week. My credit card company is smiling! www.cowbr.com
05.25.09 | Precipitation is expected
Rainy Memorial Day. Great time to come to the Tivoli Theater in Westport (4050 Pennsylvania) to see the movie. It screens today at 1, 3, 5, and 7 pm. Park in the Manor Square garage for free, and never get wet!
05.24.09 | DVDs for sale
We have DVDs of the movie for sale at the theater. I will try very hard to get them up here on the website Tuesday. Come on down to the Tivoli today. Screenings at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 pm. I will be at all of them, so introduce yourselves.
Tomorrow (Monday 5/25) it will screen at 1, 3, 5, and 7 pm.
05.21.09 | Reviews starting to trickle in
Check out "the press" section of this website. We are starting to get some reviews of the movie. Very pleased and honored.
05.19.09 | KCUR interview
Last Saturday Tony and I were on the Fish Fry with Chuck Haddix. In case you missed it, this link will allow you to listen to the streaming version.
05.17.09 | Pictures from cast and crew screening
From Slimm Mat Adkins
05.16.09 | Catfish are jumpin'
Tony and I are going to be on the Fish Fry with Chuck Haddix tonight (5/16/09) at 8 pm KCUR 89.3 FM or stream on line.
05.08.09 | I want to make everything perfectly clear....
To quote Richard Nixon. There is a new section on this site "schedule of events" Hopefully it will clear up a great deal of confusion about the order of events. Please check back to this site because I will update it frequently. thanks
05.02.09 | Great weekend upcoming
Thursday May 14 is the cast and crew screening. Since we have a limited number of seats, it is reserved for those we interviewed and who worked on the film. BUT...we have a party afterward that anyone can attend. 9:30 pm at the Beaumont Club 4050 Pennsylvania. Special guests Roger Earl of Foghat and Michael Brewer and Tom Shipley.
Friday May 15 we have a party at the Cowtown Ballroom at 7 pm. To go you have to be "invited", so email me (heyenj@prodigy.net), and I will invite you (and anyone else who wants to come!)
04.27.09 | The Trailer
The trailer for the movie is here. Click on the link to the left and you will find it in Quicktime and WMV (Windows media player) formats. The movie opens in just over three weeks at the Tivoli Theater in Westport. Thanks to Cara Myers of Take2.
04.16.09 | Radio: Part Two
Going to be on Chuck Pisano's show "Blues Kitchen" Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. on KKFI 90.1 FM. Click on the link to listen in. Should be fun.
04.15.09 | Radio Got Soul!
I am starting the public relations campaign for the film tomorrow. On KCXL radio 1140 AM. Junk in My Trunk show with Darren Smith. Should be on around 10:40 a.m. Tune in on your radio, or if you are out of range, listen on the internet.
03.25.09 | It's Finally Here!!!!!!!
The film will premiere at the Tivoli Theater in Westport (4050 Pennsylvania) May 22! There will be five screenings of the film every day, and it will play for at least two weeks. Please circle the date on your calendar.
There will be a cast and crew screening on May 14. I will be getting invitations out very soon. In the days leading up to the premiere, I hope to have a number of events to promote the film, but also to give everyone an opportunity to get together and have some fun. Keep checking back in to the website for additional information.
The DVD of the film will be available for purchase at the premiere, and online immediately afterward.
02.24.09 | The Movie is Finished!
Bet you thought we would never finish it! A confession, at times Tony and I had our doubts too. We are really proud of the film.
Now.... We are sending the film out to several festivals around the country. We are also screening the film for local theater owners. They will determine where and when you will be able to see it. The plan right now is to have an entire week of Cowtown events leading up to the premiere. We are going to saturate the press and the airwaves during that week, so if you are not already sick of me, you will be.
DVD's will be for sale at that time as well. I am tentatively hoping for sometime around May or June??? In the meantime, t-shirts and posters are still available (God, am I shameless!)
A large number of people have indicated they want to fly in, so I promise to give you plenty of notice so you can book those cheap fares! No point wasting money in this economy. Can't wait for all of you to see it. jh
02.02.09 | What A Long Strange Trip It's Been
We made great progress on the film last week. Kelley Baker, our sound editor, came in from Portland, Or., and with the help of engineers Duane Trower and Corey Trentham, we got the audio levels equalized for the entire film. This should have taken a week, but we got it done in three days. Big thanks to Deana, Emily and Jim down at Wheeler Audio for putting up with us.
So now the story of the film is locked down. Tony has been busy adding some annimation to the film. Left to do: adding some more photographs, end credits, and color correction.
Thanks to Jerry Harrington at the Tivoli Theater, I got to see the film projected on the big screen last week. It's a really good story. Once we work out a few final bugs, the two-year odyssey will be finished. I can't wait for you to see it. We'll start working on that next week. I will let you know when and where.
01.26.09 | The Promised Land
Tony and I (and Debby too) have been working night and day to edit the film. We are days away!
I know I am prejudiced, but I really like it, and I think you will too.
This week Kelley Baker is flying in to edit the sound. We have a ton of pictures from the ballroom to drop in, but the basic story is told.
I want to thank ALL of you for helping to make this film. It has been the best time of my life. joe
01.12.09 | Buy the movie on DVD
Yes you can buy the DVD of the movie (as well as t-shirts and posters).
1. Click on the tab "buy the movie DVD"
2. That will take you to Cowtown Ballroom goodies. Depending upon what merchandise you wish to purchase, click on "launch related site". That will take you to Paypal where you can buy the DVD, posters, t-shirts.
You can also buy at these stores in Kansas City:
Zebedee's 1208 W. 39th 816 960-6900
It's A Beautiful Day 3918 Broadway 816 9316169
The Kansas City Store 314 Ward Parkway 816 756-1997
If you have any questions call me at 816 695-3254 thanks joe heyen
08.01.08 | Undaunted, barely
We have conducted over 60 interviews. The latest was George Frayne--Commander Cody--earlier this week. We have less than ten interviews to go. But we are going to start the editing process anyway. My guess is that we will have about 100 hours of footage to edit down to 90 minutes.
Thanks to everyone who came to the fundraiser, and to those people who couldn't make it but donated anyway. Also thanks to all the musicians who played, and to all the people who donated items to the auction. It was a huge success!
07.14.08 | Fundraiser this Friday
July 18th
Record Bar 1020 Westport Road (Westport and SW Trafficway)
6:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
$10 Admission
SILENT AUCTION ALL EVENING
1. Alvarez Guitar signed by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2.Photo Cover of "Weeds" signed by Brewer and Shipley
3.Book “Les Paul: In His Own Words” numbered and signed by Les Paul and Michael Cochran
4.Original Freedom Palace bumper sticker
5.Original Cowtown Ballroom bumper sticker
6.Original Freedom Palace lapel pin
6:30 – 7:00 HOWARD ICEBERG
AUCTION #1 7:00 – 7:15
1.Original Brewer And Shipley Capitol Poster 36 x 24
2.One set of six original Good Karma handbills
A.It’s A Beautiful Day and Stoneface at Cowtown
B.Procol Harum and Head Hands and Feet at the Music Hall
C.Paul Butterfield and Dr. John at Memorial Auditorium
D.Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Peter Yarrow and Lazarus at Cowtown
E.New Riders of the Purple Sage and Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina at Memorial Hall
F.Black Oak Arkansas and White Eyes at Cowtown
3.Gale Sayers autographed football
4.CD—Foghat “Rock and Roll” autographed by Roger Earl
5.Tickets for four to the Irish Festival
6.CD—“Blue Oyster Cult” autographed by Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma
7.Kinky Friedman cigar autographed by Kinky
8.Charlie Daniels first vinyl album autographed by Charlie
9.Message by Wende Williamson
10.$30 Gift Certificate Mimi’s Restaurant
PENDERGAST 7:15 – 8:00
AUCTION #2 8:00 – 8:15
1.Copy of Blue Oyster Cult/Charlie Daniels Cowtown Poster framed and autographed by Charlie, Eric and Buck
2.Gift Certificate to Vinino in the Crossroads, 1300 Grand Table of four at their August or September Wine Event
3.Original Ozark Mountain Daredevils Poster (First Album)
4.CD—“Foghat” autographed by Roger Earl
5.Framed Copy of Cowtown Foghat Poster signed by Roger Earl
6.Golf for four at Tiffany Greens
7.Doggie Day of Beauty at Brookside Barkery
8.Gift Certificate Pot Pie
9.CD—Steve Miller Band “Greatest Hits 1974-78” signed by Steve Miller
10.Original Poster Mike Quatro 36 x 24
KASEY RAUSCH 8:15 - 9:00
FILM CLIPS FROM THE MOVIE 9:00 - 9:15
CHET NICHOLS 9:15 – 10:00
AUCTION #3 10:00 – 10:15
1.Bill Self autographed basketball
2.Needmore Discs
3.Gift Certificate Chop Tops
4.Original Brewer and Shipley Poster Kama Sutra 22 x 17
5.One set of six original Good Karma handbills
A.It’s A Beautiful Day and Stoneface at Cowtown
B.Procol Harum and Head Hands and Feet at the Music Hall
C.Paul Butterfield and Dr. John at Memorial Auditorium
D.Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Peter Yarrow and Lazarus at Cowtown
E.New Riders of the Purple Sage and Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina at Memorial Hall
F.Black Oak Arkansas and White Eyes at Cowtown
6.Cigar Box signed by Kinky Friedman
7.Gift Certificate Meal for two at Succotash in the City Market
8.Ticket for two at Majestic Improv comedy club in Zona Rosa
9.CD—Blue Oyster Cult “Tyranny and Mutation” signed by Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma
10.Original Cowtown Poster Foghat 12/5/73 22 x 17
MAD LIBBY 10:15 – 11:00
AUCTION #4 11:00 – 11:15
1.CD—Foghat “Fool For The City” signed by Roger Earl
2.Original Poster Brewer and Shipley concert promo poster 22 x 17
3.Original Poster Ozark Mountain Daredevils Car Over The Lake
4.Messenger Bag from Scooter World
5.$25 Gift Certificate from Granite City restaurant in Zona Rosa
6.Danny Manning autographed basketball
7.CD—“Kinky Friedman” signed by Kinky
8.Think KC gift bag
9.CD—Blue Oyster Cult “On Your Feet Or On Your Knees” live signed by Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma
10.Original Cowtown Poster Mike Quatro Jam Band 10/31/73 22 x 17
COWTOWN ALLSTARS FEATURING CAMP HARLOW 11:15 – 1:00
07.03.08 | Around the final turn and...
on the home stretch. Tony is transferring all the interview footage to his computer for editing. In the meantime, we are wrapping up the interviews. In the past month we have interviewed Ray Sawyer of Dr. Hook, Roger Earl of Foghat, Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, Mike Finnigan, Charlie Daniels, Kinky Friedman and Steve Miller. Not bad, huh?
Everyone of them has signed some memorabelia for the July 18 fundraiser at the Record Bar. See all of you there.
05.22.08 | July 18 Mark this date in your calendar, PLEASE!
We are having a fundraiser/reunion party at the Record Bar (Westport Road and SW Trafficway) on JULY 18. Music, fun, drink specials, an auction with some great stuff. Please plan to attend.
As most of you know, I am financing this movie out of my own pocketbook. I have enough $$$ to get it made, but not enough to pay for music rights. Every penny we make on 7/18 will be put into music for the film, I promise. Many bands/musicians who played at Cowtown are going to perform. More info to come.
The film is progressing nicely. I've got some pleasant surprises for all of you. We have interviewed another 10 - 12 people since I last updated. Trying to schedule another 6 - 8 next week (we're going to interview the mirror ball next Friday!), and about that many the following week. After that, we are going to start editing. Thanks to everyone for their help.
One unfortunate note. Richard Stern died recently. I'm sure his family and friends are in all of our hearts. joe
04.13.08 | Reunion
Last week was spectacular. On Friday we had John, Jeff and Jimmie--Nitty Gritty Dirt Band--come over to the old ballroom, walk around, and reminisce. Thanks guys.
Then on Sunday, we had the reunion party. Thank you everyone for coming. I don't remember when I have had a better time. You can see a few pictures, courtesy of Margaret Ragan and Kati McGilivary, in the gallery section. I felt like I was with my best friends.
Next big event is a fundraiser at the Record Bar on July 18th. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
03.31.08 | Party--Change of Plans!!
We are still going to have a reunion/party next Sunday, April 6, but due to circumstances beyond my control, it will not be at the old Ballroom. Instead it will be at the Tower Tavern at 31st and Oak (one block west of the old Ballroom). Anyone who went to a concert at Cowtown is invited. We will be filming for the documentary, so bring souvenirs, posters, music, pictures and stories. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please RSVP. thanks joe
03.13.08 | EMAILS!!!!!!
I have received over 400 emails as a result of the KC Star article on Sunday. I tried to respond to each one individually. If I did not, please email the web site. Didn't mean to slight anyone, but I was just overwhelmed. Take a look at the "guestbook" to see some of the response.
03.10.08 | Kansas City Star article on Cowtown Ballroom
In the March 9th Star magazine the ballroom and our film were featured in an article by reporter Eric Adler. The response has been overwhelming.
02.16.08 | New England
Just got back from the frozen lands of the Northeast. First of all, thanks to my crew--Tony and Lisa.
We interviewed Steve Baker at WGBH in Boston, then met with Eric Menn in Medford, Ma. After that we drove up to Barre, Vt. to interview Michael Waggoner. It was beautiful and -7 degrees! Then it was a jaunt down to Northampton, Ma. to interview June Millington. We had to cancel our scheduled interview with Steve Moulton in NY, due to a blizzard that stranded us at June's. Thanks to everyone. It was a good trip.
01.23.08 | WHEW!
We are constantly making progress. After this week we will have interviewed the following:
John McEuen
Abe Haddad
Tyler Miller
Chuck Haddix
Royal Scanlon
Janet Jameson
Corky Carrel
Bill Shapiro
Michael Brewer and Tom Shipley
Mildred Foster and Bill Hauser
White Eyes--Jimmy Harlow, Butch Dillon and Greg Camp
Ozark Mt. Daredevils--Steve Cash, John Dillon, Larry Lee, Randall
Chowning, Supe Granda
Randy Kratschmer
Paul Peterson
Danny Cox
Gary Peterson
Sherrie Davis
Penny Valladeres
Ron Roberts
John C. Dods
Randy Goodman
Larry Sells
Herb Palmer
Rocky Rude
Jim Wheeler
B. B. King
Dan Moriarty
We are getting great stuff--many thanks to all. After this we will be making a New England trip, followed by a jaunt to Nashville. Finally we come back home to KC for the last 20-25 interviews. Hope to have the film done by late 2008. Again, thanks to all who have helped.
01.13.08 | A Way To Help
There will be a benefit concert for Danny Cox and his family Sunday, Jan. 20, at the All Souls Unitarian Church at 4501 Walnut at 7:00 p.m. Performing will be Brewer and Shipley, The Elders, Rock Paper Scissors, and Walkenhorst and Porter. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/26511
01.12.08 | Help PLEASE
As you may know the Danny Cox family home in KCK burned down Sunday morning. The house and most everything in it was lost. Insurance coverage was minimal at best. The Red Cross has put the family up in a hotel until other housing can be set up, so household goods are down the road a bit.
The Artistic Director at Theater for Young America, Gene Mackey, is helping to coordinate support for the family.
Danny & Mona’s expressed primary concern at this time is for clothing for their three teen boys:
Shirts & sweaters sizes 1x & 2x, large or medium
Pant sizes 38 x 32, 38 x 30, & 30 x 30
Shoe sizes 13, 11, & 9.5
Items could be dropped off with previous notification at Union Station City Stage
Contact Gene Mackey 913-638-6989 or email TYAStage@SBCGlobal.net
to schedule drop offs, or
Monetary donations may be sent to (checks payable to Danny)
Danny Cox
c/o Theater for Young America
PO Box 356
Mission KS 66201
A benefit concert is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 20, and I will post info for that next week.
01.07.08 | Bad news
Danny Cox's home was destroyed by fire Sunday. Some family pets perished, but fortunately no people were hurt. I will let you know about any fundraisers.
12.30.07 | Web site addition
I have added a new Guestbook section to the web site. Many people have asked me if there is a way they could communicate with friends they met at Cowtown years ago. If you want to have your name posted here, just email the site through the "Contact Us" section. If you want to contact friends you see in the Guestbook, email the site and I will forward your message on.
Over the last couple of weeks we have interviewed Gary Peterson, Randy Kratschmer, Penny Valladeres and Sherrie Davis. Many thanks to the four of you for sharing your Cowtown experiences with us.
Over the next month or so, we intend to interview the bulk of people from Kansas City, then make some out-of-town visits. Hope we can finish the interview process by early May and start editing this project.
12.15.07 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The El Torreon Ballroom opened 80 years ago today. If walls could talk....
12.14.07 | Happy Holidays Everyone.
The "who played there?" section has been updated. We are getting closer to having the full schedule of events at Cowtown. Thanks to everyone who helped. This week it was Frank Pinzino of St. Joseph who came through big time. So many of you have been so kind to email me with info and suggestions. I will thank all of you in the credits of the film (which will be very lengthy!)
Next week I will be back on the radio. Mark Lytle of KKFI 90.1 has graciously invited me on his show Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Be sure to listen.
Very soon I hope to have exciting news about the future of the El Torreon/Cowtown Ballroom building. Keep checking in. Thanks joe
11.01.07 | Five new interviews this week
Brewer and Shipley in Arnold, Mo.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils in Springfield, Mo. (this may be the first interview ever with all members of the band)
White Eyes (Butch, Jimmy and Greg)
Danny Cox
Paul Peterson
My deepest apreciation to all who made it happen.
10.12.07 | Slowly Making Progress
There were many people who were instrumental in the success of Cowtown Ballroom, and that certainly includes the audience. We plan to interview as many of them as possible. So far:
John McEuen
Tyler Miller
Abe Haddad
Chuck Haddix
Royal Scanlon
Janet Jameson
Corky Carrel
Bill Shipiro
Thanks so much to all of you.
Next up:
Brewer and Shipley
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Paul Peterson
The list is very long. Keep checking in to see our progress.
Special thanks to Bill O'Connor at KKFI for putting me on the radio this week. I am meeting so many people who want to help out on this project. What a great job to have! Also thanks to Rat for providing me with posters and other memorabilia, Corky for working so hard to put together the schedule of bands, Paul for pointing me in the right directions, and of course Stan.
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