May 2012
Hello Friends,
Final Paper Newsletter
Due to the increase in costs, we have decided to discontinue this annual paper newsletter. But we will continue to contact our fans and friends by email. So, if you have email, be sure to send us your email address. If you do not have email, could you contact a relative or friend who does have email and send us their email address? That way we can still be in touch with you from time to time. My schedule is always shown on my website and updated around the first of every month.
No More Gene Autry, OK Festivals
As most of you know, for sixteen years the annual Cowboy Film and Music Festival was held in my hometown of Gene Autry, Oklahoma. The event was very successful but due to age and health issues, the annual festival had to be discontinued. Thereafter, Janet McBride and I put together a few one day fundraisers for the Museum. But now, even the one day events will not be held anymore. The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum of Local History and Gift Store will remain open so we hope you will drop in and express your thanks to Elvin and Flo Sweeten for the many years of fun and fellowship they have provided for all of us.
Silver Dollar City
This year, my Silver Lake Band and I will return to Silver Dollar City in Branson for our annual "Missouri's Biggest Barn Dance". This will be our 16th consecutive year to work Silver Dollar City. For the past few years, our time there has been in October. But, please note that our booking there has been changed to September. So tell all your friends that we will be there September 13-30, 2012. Our show times will be 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. And as before, the park is closed Monday and Tuesday during our time there.
So, come join us for some great Western Swing Music, including the daily "Chicken Dance". Whether you dance or just pat your foot, come join us as much as you can because every show we do there is different and we love to take requests for your favorite songs.
On Tuesday, September 25, many of us will gather for supper at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Branson. We are calling it the "Parrott Party" because our friend Kenny Parrott is the entertainer there each evening. Kenny Parrott is the vocalist for the Buck Trent Show and considered by many to be the best country singer in Branson. We will meet at 5pm in the dining hall at the top floor of the Grand Plaza. We will need a head count in advance so please call Janet Stanturf at 417-272-8639 if you will be attending the Parrott Party.
Next CD
I have recorded sixteen albums to date, including two gospel albums. So, in response to the many requests, number seventeen will be another gospel album. The estimated release date is September 1, 2012. I'll remind you again by email when the album is available for sale. And we will have the new one available at our Silver Dollar City appearance.
Please stay in touch and we hope to see you down the trail
Les Gilliam
"The Oklahoma Balladeer"