The Fifth Annual

Saturday January 24^th, 1998

Doors Open at 6:00 PM – Music 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Mendota Civic Center

It doesn’t seem like I get out and about all that much these days, but nearly ever time that I do, someone asks me about my Blues party. Some are a bit confused about exactly when it is but they know they sure don’t want to miss it. It’s a lot of work – not only for me but also for the dozens of musicians who come and donate their time and talent. But the end result has always been worth it. The last two years we have been able to help some good causes with profits from the door donations. Last year $112 went to the music education departments of our local schools. The year before $600 was raised to help Wally fight leukemia. But the musicians don’t do it for the benefit. Sure they are glad to help out and they feel good about it. But the musicians do it because they get to play music with others that they may only rarely get to play with. They get to mix it up. They get to entertain without having to worry about fitting the right number and types of songs into the correct length set. And although it’s billed as a blues party, there quite often is some rock and roll cranked out. The only real standing rule is that there can be no existing "band" playing. The whole idea is that this is a "jam". Those who come to listen enjoy the excellent music that is provided. They get to meet with old friends. Maybe dance a tune or two. Have a few drinks and unwind. I have fun, too for the same reasons. The music. The friends I see so seldom. And all of that is great. But I’ll let you in on a secret - the real reason that I have this party – and the dozens of other ones I’ve held over the years. It’s not the benefit part. Yeah, okay, it makes me feel good to sponsor something that may benefit a good cause. Handing Wally that check for $600 was something I’ll never forget. I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. But that isn’t why I enjoy it. Oh, I like the music. Being able to hear my many musical friends play with such passionate abandon is great! They are so talented and make it all look so easy. And since it’s my party I usually "pull rank" and request a song or two. I get to make announcements (sometimes too long and too often) and maybe even do a little ditty with Tony or about Alice. It’s fun but it’s not why I do it. The real reason that I enjoy sponsoring this party and the reason that it is now in its fifth year is this:

Those who come to it have fun.

I hope that you will be able to come and have fun with us.

We are fortunate this year that none of our friends (that I am aware of) are in need of financial aid for medical bills. At this writing, I have not yet determined this year’s benefit although I have some ideas. If you are aware of someone who is in need, please let me know. Regardless of the benefit, please be sure to give your fair share so that I may continue to hold this type of function. Suggested donation once again this year is $4 per person. You are welcome to give more if you feel the desire. I assure you that all income over cost (estimated to be $400 to $500) will go to a very worthy charity, which will be announced at the party.

Please note:

• This is a private party. It is not open to the general public. As a good friend and an invited guest, you are urged to bring a few of your party buddies with you. I want everyone to have fun and be able to share the evening with his or her friends. So if you have a special couple or group that you like to party with, please feel free to bring them along. I do, however, reserve the right to deny admission to anyone that I feel may not be appropriate.
• This party is my annual gift to you. Although I will send out almost five hundred invitations, I am sure to omit a number of very important people who have become victims of my failing memory or that I do not know how to contact. I have a particularly hard time with those who are not listed in the phone book or that I used to know by another (maiden) name. PLEASE, if you know of someone that I failed to include – PLEASE – let them know about the date and time. I appreciate your help.
• This is a rare opportunity to see some of the best musicians in the Mendota area. If you have children or teens that are interested in music or you would like to expose them to live music, I urge you to bring them along. But at the same time I must caution you that this is an adult party, and may be offensive or influential for a growing young mind. Those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult guardian or arrangements made ahead of time.

Randy Ray Kleckner

404 Thirteenth Avenue

Mendota, Illinois 61342-1956

randy.kleckner@industry.net

(815) 539-6100