SHINDIG SHOW PROVIDES A VARIETY OF MUSIC
By
Minda Painter

The extravaganza at the Shindig Show, held Saturday, June 19th at the Cotton Pickin' Theatre in Point, Texas, was a good mix of old and new musical genres. It was filled with traditional country music, new ‘pop’ country, a bit of rock n’roll, and good ol' gospel tunes.

Don Hoeft, better known as “Mr. D”, and Curtis Wayne were missed from the Cotton Pickin’ stage. The duo had a big bash to play in Dallas. Featured lead guitarist, Eldon Bruce, filled in for Don and Curtis. Eldon’s jazzy number, “Susie Q”, was loudly applauded. His wife, Brenda, also got on stage to perform a couple of numbers, which included a duet of a gospel song he wrote.

Preacher, Ronnie Nalls, (L) has a diverse background on stage as an entertainer. When he delivers his repertoire of rock n’roll music, the history of his time on the road doing one-night-stands is revealed He also sang “She’s a Good Hearted Woman” in the version and style of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, who both recorded the song. The audience had great fun with Nalls’ and the interplay between the two musical icons, Jennings and Nelson. Nalls does great imitations.

Ronnie’s greater gift, however, is his delivery of songs of praises and glory which penetrate the heart and soul of his listeners. Emanating from his deep faith, his effectiveness from the pulpit at the Amazing Grace Church in Quinlan has been extended to his ministering to the faithful with his songs, on and off stage. For his finale number, he pulled up his collar (taking on the persona of Elvis Presley) and performed “Glory, Glory Hallelujah”, an Elvis classic. He ended the song with such a crescendo of emotion, it moved the audience to a standing ovation and shouts of “Hallelujah”.

Danny Calk had to scoot over from his keyboard for Pat Roy,(R) also with the Amazing Grace Church. Blending her voice with skillful fingers on the keyboard, she splendidly sang songs of encouragement and hope like, “God in the Mountain”.

For the past three weeks, a refreshing new face with the Shindig Band and fun to watch on stage has been the new bass guitarist, Audry Walls. Her low keyed vocals add to the performances of the show. Her usual upbeat mood is caught by everyone on stage and is a dynamic part of a cohesive band. Audry Walls is a welcome addition to the Shindig Band.

A first-timer on the Cotton Pickin’ stage was Taylor Austin. (L) With an impressive showing, this young talent from Canton will be joining the list of amateurs to audition next week for the Rural American Idol Contest at the Rural American Music Revue Show.

Previous Rural Idol finalists to be featured next week for the Rural American Music Revue are Kristie Lynn Patterson (2004 grand winner), Devon Jade, and magician/vocalist Dale Howard. An added feature to the show presented by the P.O.I.N.T. Inc. organization is the audition of talents qualifying to enter the Rural American Idol 2010 competition. Anyone interested in scheduling for the audition show may call Minda Painter at 903-268-5779 or Gaye Hooten at 903—598-3293. For entry form and added information, visit www.ruralamericans.org Showtime is 7:30 p.m.