You are invited to....

Randy Ray’s

Fourth Annual

Mid-Winter Blues Party

Doors Open 6:30PM – Music 7:00 ‘til 1:00

Saturday January 25th, 1997

The Grand Ballroom - Mendota Civic Center

Randy Ray Kleckner

404 Thirteenth Avenue

Mendota, IL 61342-1956

(815) 539-6100

rrkleckner@aol.com

"What Ever Happened to Fizzies?"

I’m running real late getting these invites out. Too much going on lately. I hope that it is not reaching you too late for you to make arrangements to come out and enjoy the music and fun.

You can mark your calendar now for the 1998 party and beyond. I will always hold this party on the Saturday On or Before January 25^th. In other words, it will always be on the Saturday between January 19^th and the 25^th.

In case of bad weather, if you are wondering if the party is still on, you can call the Civic Center after 5:30 at 539-3411. Or you may call or e-mail me at 815-539-6100 or e-mail rrkleckner@aol.com . If the weather is bad, I will check e-mail every half-hour or more between 3:00 and 5:00 and send you an immediate response.

"On the Third Day Bud Created Light… And it was good"

The first two Mid-Winter Blues Jams were held at Partner’s Pub in Troy Grove. There were seventeen musicians at the first jam and twenty-one at the second. About one hundred people attended each of the events. Last year, the party was moved to the Civic Center. There was an "Unplugged" room in the Mission and a "Plugged" room in the Feik Parlor. There were over thirty musicians with three to four hundred people in attendance. After expenses, the musicians donated the remaining $600 of donations to the Wally Baker family. Incidentally, we set a record for bar sales. No surprise considering the group of people I like to call my friends… It was a good night and I think everyone had a good time. I did.

This year you may have noticed that I’ve changed the name from the "Mid-Winter Musical Extravaganza" to something that is a bit easier to say and remember (and thank god for spell checkers). Also this year, the party will be held entirely in the Grand Ballroom of the Civic Center. The Feik Parlor was just a bit crowded last year. Also, in the Ballroom, there will be a dance floor. The mainstay of the "unplugged" musicians will not be available this year for one reason or another, so I’m sorry to say there will be no pickin’ this year (but there’s sure to be grinnin’). Maybe next year if there is an interest in it we’ll try again. Let me know.

Additionally, I am happy (though somewhat amazed) to announce that this years party will also commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the opening of the Water Tower Inn. For those of you new to the area or too young to remember, the Water Tower was a night club (now the Chalet) that I opened April 8, 1977 and operated until early 1980. The Water Tower packed people in offering live bands and discounted drink specials. Thursday night was $1 pitcher night and 50c shots. Weekends it wasn’t unusual for me to announce "If you are celebrating a birthday this year you have (so many) minutes to get a free drink." I’m sure many of you remember Free Flight, Beats Walkin’ and The Diamond "T" Band among others. A member of the "T" Band is planning to attend this year’s party I think. I also have an audio tape of the "tent" party (Sept. 1979) with Free Flight And the "T" Band if there is interest. I hope to bring and display much of my Water Tower memorabilia for your amusement. I’m also planning a video presentation if I have time to get it ready.

As far as I know, there will be Hip Pocket and Say Uncle CD’s available for $10 each during the evening. Ya know, I call this the fourth annual blues jam but really this party has its roots about twenty-five years ago. It was at the Kanteen on January 22, 1972 that the band Brick played a jam session in the afternoon after setting up and a dance later that evening. Brick consisted of Tony Martin, Larry Lawrence, Bob Larkin, Ken ladenburger and Bill Posten. I mention this because, earlier this year I had Bob dig out the stereo reel-to-reel tape recording that I made of that day. It still sounds pretty good. I may be persuaded to produce some copies of it if there is enough interest.

So please, come and have a good time. Hear some great music, have some drinks, shake a leg, and meet old friends. I look forward to seeing you.

"To be a Great Ruler all you need is One Foot"

This Party Is By Invitation Only. It is not open to the general public. However, as an invited guest, you are more than welcome to bring one or more of your own guests with you. I want you to have a good time, so feel free to bring your party buddies with you. Please, as a courtesy to my other guests and me, do not invite anyone that I do not know if you do not plan to attend with them unless you make arrangements with me ahead of time. In general, anyone that I know is welcome to attend whether they have received an invitation or not. My memory has lapses, and if someone is not listed in the phone book or they have changed their name at some point, I may have unintentionally missed them.

Under 21 Must Be Accompanied By Adult Guardian. I have had several comments and requests to allow "young adults" to attend this function. Today’s youth have so few chances to see and hear live music performed. Since this is such a rare opportunity to see so many of the areas best musicians together at one time, I urge you to bring an aspiring young musician or family member if they would like to come. I remind you though, that this is an adult party with mass consumption of alcohol, tobacco and adult language. Please use your discretion.

Donations Will Be Accepted. A donation of $4 per person is suggested. There is no admission charge - please give what you feel is right. A box for donations will be located near the front door. Feel free to get a drink and some change before donating if that is more convenient, but please remember to give your fair share so that I may continue this type of entertainment. Proceeds after expenses are met will be given to a local benefit or charity that will be announced during the evening of the party. Last year’s generosity was overwhelming. It’s great to have fun while helping someone less fortunate!

Think globally. Act locally. Dress casual. This I borrowed from Uptown’s House Rules. I liked it and included it here. I think it’s pretty much self-explanatory.

This party is for the Musicians. While we musically inept certainly enjoy the musical refrains, the real purpose of this party is to allow musicians the opportunity to play with other musicians that they would not otherwise be able to play with. They do not get paid. Please offer to buy them a drink and thank them for the entertainment.

A reminder to Musicians: this party is not intended as an opportunity to showcase your band. Please, leave the band and band material at the pay jobs. This is a jam – mix it up, share the spotlight and take frequent breaks. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.