You are invited to attend....

Saturday January 20, 1996

7:00 PM to Midnight - The Mendota Civic Center

The story....

Although this annual party has its roots in the 1970’s (if not 1954), two years ago at Partners Pub in Troy Grove was the site for the beginning of this latest series. The idea was to give all my musician friends a chance to jam with each other. A lot of them play in bands but never get to play with or hear each other. There were seventeen musicians performing at that first jam. Last year at the same location, I counted twenty-one. Each year before the last notes had faded, the guys were asking when the next one would be. They were fun, entertaining parties and the Pub did an excellent job trying to accommodate the people. But for those who are familiar with Partners, you know that by the time you get twenty-one musicians, their equipment, their family and friends into the place, there is little room for much more. As we get older, we tend to avoid mob scenes and I’m sure that some failed to attend because of it. Early summer discussions with Jon and Deb of Partners indicated that the Pub may not be available come this January. So I had an idea. What about the Civic Center? The Grand Ballroom seemed too much. The Feik Parlor, though, was about the right size to keep that cozy feeling without being too crowded. Then I thought about all the guys who come to play. Only five or six play at a time with fifteen or more waiting to play. I’d been to and sponsored events that had up to ten guys playing at the same time on the same stage and it is one of those things where more isn’t necessarily better. Wouldn’t it be nice to have two groups playing at the same time? That would still leave ten or so guys who could be taking a break. The Civic Center has a room called The Mission that could accommodate a small group with room for tables. Actually, it’s larger than Partner’s "band" room. So I started talking to "the guys". How would they like to have two groups in two separate rooms? No surprise that they liked the idea since they could then "mix it up" twice as much. Someone suggested a "plugged" and an "unplugged" room. One with the usual blues/R&B and the other for acoustic type instruments - fiddle, mandolin, upright bass, guitar. Sounded good to me. So that’s what we’re going to attempt. How it turns out remains to be seen. In any event, it should be a night of musical abandon that is not to be missed.

In an effort to make the evening safe and enjoyable for everyone, the members of the Mendota Optimists club have generously offered to pay for soft drinks for the evening. Whether you are the designated driver or if you have a few beers then want to mellow for a while, all soft drinks will be free of charge. Of course, if you wish , you may pay for your soda and allow the Optimists to use their resources on some other worthwhile community project. Please join me in thanking them for their generosity.

I am not sure how I am going to do it yet, but I will be asking for a $3 to $4 donation from each attendee. You may be asked at the door, or it may be the honor system. Please donate your fair share so that I can continue this type of entertainment. Donations are used to cover my expenses first (about $400 this year) then the rest is split among the band members to help cover their expenses. Overkill will be donated to the Wally Baker fund.

Musicians planning to attend this year: Larry Lawrence, Bob Larkin, Ken Ladenburger, Steve Westerman, Tim Durham, Steve Bunton, Kurt Scheidenhelm, Al Hurst, Greg Steil, Louie Miller, Tony Martin, Jan Bradford, Mark Campbell, John Brown, Dave Tarnowski, Brad Bradford, Al Sunken, Emily Huppert, Ken Jensen, and more!

This is a private party.. There will be no public advertising. With people moving, changing names, unlisted phone numbers, and my failing memory, I can’t send an invitation to everyone I’d like. However, as an invited guest, I encourage you to invite and bring your friends and family. Please!! Tell your brothers, sisters, parents and friends. There will be plenty of room.

Contact me by ...

Accomplished musicians are welcome to come and play as time allows.

Please, no group acts.

Under 21 must be accompanied by adult legal guardian.

In case of inclement weather, listen to WGLC or WLRZ, phone or e-mail me after 4:00 PM Saturday for status.

I will try to reply to E-mail within one half hour.

I have some bad news for you....

And some good news...

Randy Ray Kleckner

404 Thirteenth Avenue

Mendota, IL 61342-1956