Where to begin???? I guess, at the beginning.... mid-October, when we got an email from Brandon Jenkins telling us the bad news, that the trailer had been broken into and alot of their equipment and merchandise had been stolen. By the end of the week, after they had gotten a chance to figure out exactly what was lost, we got the really bad news... they had lost over $7,000 of stuff. DAMN!!!
The next day, I got an email from Shauna Hunt, a big Texas/Red Dirt fan from Atoka, Ok. We had met briefly at the Stoney CD release party @ Billy Bob's, but never really had a chance to talk. She emailed me, suggesting (since I know alot of the musicians, and could probably get The White Elephant to help out) that we might try to put a benefit together for Brandon & the guys. That's what got the ball rolling!! I called Mike Williams, Brandon's manager, and by the end of the day, we had the beginnings of a benefit planned!
I got with Kim Phillips and the rest of the MavRik Magazine people and before you know it, we had tons of emails and calls out to the music community. Within a few days, we already had the "roster" filled up and many other musicians offering their assistance. We decided to do a raffle of merchandise, as well as a live auction - in conjunction with live music.
The first musician I approached was Roger Ray. Anyone that knows Roger knows what a great guy he is. I asked him to be our "Master of Ceremonies" because I knew he would have the personality and stage presence (along with his knowledge of music) to keep things moving. He did an awesome job!
Obviously, there are TONS of people to thank. I am sure I am probably forgetting someone, but I will try to include as many people as I can think of (I am still brain dead, after spending 15 hours at The White Elephant yesterday).
THANK YOU to The White Elephant Saloon, Jason & Traci Tighe and Tim & Emilie Love. Obviously, we wouldn't have been able to do it without their bar and bar staff. The staff worked their BUTTS off all day & night. We appreciate them so much!
Thanks to Kim, Summer & Greg of MavRik Magazine. Kim designed and printed the posters for the show. She was also instrumental in getting Jason Boland & The Stragglers to come out. They also bought - and had autographed - the acoustic guitar that was auctioned off for $2300!!! They were also at the bar yesterday for 15 hours, working their butts off!
Thanks to ALL of the musicians that came out - on their day off - and entertained the crowd. Harley Dean, Bo Phillips, Evan Felker, Greg Reichel, Jason Eady, Ryan Bingham & Doug Moreland and band, The Dedringers & Sidehill Gougers, Darren Kozelsky & band, Mike Mancy Band, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Randy Crouch & John Cooper, Bleu Edmondson, Mike Eli, Scott Evans, Terry Burnett (The Harmonica Guy), and The Stoney LaRue Band.
Jason Eady not only performed, but ran the sound (and recorded the show), all day long, too.
Thank you to the members of "Texas Music Nation" for the very generous donation of $250.
Thanks to "honorary" Clubhouse girl, Faye Beth Purifoy. She and Eddie, her husband, also donated the two framed photos that were auctioned off in the live auction. Speaking of the live auction, thanks to Doug Moreland for the awesome woodcarving of the boot! Traci Tighe - during the auction - came up to me and offered someone the chance to be a "DJ for the day" at The Ranch, so be listening for Todd Purifoy's big debut! Thanks, Todd, for the generous donations!!
I could go on and on.... thanks to Jonni Jewel for taking pictures - and Todd & Eddie and Ron Reichel. Can't wait to see them and get them posted!
Thank you to Wayne Foster, of "Sold Out Merch" for donating the t-shirts. Wayne did a great job, so if anyone is looking for a great screen printer, call me... I'll direct you his way! The grand total collected at the benefit was $ 6, 600 !!!!!
Thanks to YOU - the fans and friends of Brandon Jenkins and his band, the benefit was a HUGE success!!!!
LASTLY - a HUGE THANK YOU to "my girls". Emily, Amy, and Allene.... you guys are priceless!! Emily - thank you for the past three years. You have been a great friend and there is no way we would still be doing these weekly shows without your help and support. Although it is a "volunteer" job, you have to be really dedicated and love the music to commit to being a "Clubhouse Girl".
.... and to Shauna.... a very devoted fan of the Texas/Red Dirt musicians, thank you for the nudge to get the ball rolling! I look forward to enjoying many more shows with my new OKIE friend!
~ Joni ~
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