STAATS HEADLINES MUSIC IN THE PARK - "Holler Boys" Also Perform

(06/17/2001)
If you stayed home last night and did not come to the Calhoun County Park - you lost a great night of family entertainment. Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys delivered, along with several local musicians and groups who performed throughout. The groups performed on the giant outdoor stage, with its lighting and sound system provided by MegaZound and Calhoun's own Jim Burrows.

Staats took to the stage with his refined mandolin playing, but also as a crowd pleasin' entertainer. The crowd takes to him quickly, mostly because he's a really neat guy, plus he and his musicians can deliver some outstanding foot stompin' music. They're great.

Johnny Staats a big hit

Crowd pleasin' performance

Bill Bailey and Jeanne Jacobs sang some retro tunes, as did Harry Beall with his guitar, both received well by the audience. Certainly The McBrides drew much attention, not only for their harmonious gospel songs but the skill of their accompanying band.

Jeanne Jacobs and Bill Bailey - retro music

Harry Beall belts out a tune

The McBrides, always a treat

The opening group for Staats, which also included Staats and his brother, was a combo of some of the best musicians in Sunny Cal. Larry Cottrell, who sang most of the vocals, called them "Calhoun Holler Boys" like the Jones' and the Falls'. Cottrell sang an old Bob Dylan tune. "He just turned 60, you know," he said. It was a bang-up performance.

"Holler Boys" warming up the crowd

MegaZound provides big stage

Duane Poling keeps the burgers coming