The Fifth Annual

The Sixth Annual

Mid-Winter Blues Jam

Saturday January 23^rd, 1999

Doors Open at 6:30 PM – Music 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM

Country Ranch – 4 miles South of Mendota on Rte 251

Please note the change of Venue

January 9,1999

After three years at the Mendota Civic Center, I felt that it was a time for a change of venue. Due to increased drink prices at the Civic Center and my removal from the Board of Directors, I have decided to move the party to the Country Ranch which is located in the old Time Was Museum property four miles South of Mendota on Route 251. They have given me the same deal that I was paying at the Civic Center and their beers are only $1.75. It helps me. It helps you. It helps the Cause. Additionally, for those of you who do not live in Mendota, you will not need to deal with the city’s finest(?). Those of you who do live in Mendota, you will have the option of choosing your safest route back into town after the party. I had attempted once again this year to supply a limo service for your convenience, but as of this writing, I am unsure whether one will be available.

Some of you may be aware that the last year has been a very hard one for me and my family. Early on, it was very questionable as to whether I would have this party this year. But due to the encouragement of many of my friends and the willingness of most of the musicians, I am happy to once again hold this annual event. This party is not about me. It about my musician friends, you good people, and being able to help a charitable cause in the Mendota area.

Last year, through the kind donations of you all, we were able to give $527 to the Mendota Kanteen Youth Fund. We were the single largest donor to the fund. For those of you who are not familiar, the Youth Fund is a trust which donates the interest from the principle in the trust to various youth oriented programs throughout the Mendota area. The year before we gave $112 to the Mendota Junior High and High School music programs. Three years ago we gave $600 to Wally Baker, a sax player and a friend, who was fighting leukemia.

This year’s Cause has not yet been determined. I have several in mind. I am considering the Youth Fund once again. I have wanted to do something for the Red Cross. I would like to start our own organization or fund to help those from our own friends and family when in time of need. Maybe call it the Mendota Area Old Hippies Fund or something? But the Mendota Ambulance Service will most likely be the recipient. In just the last few weeks, we have had a number of people from our group whose lives were saved by the Ambulance Service. I, for one, am glad that they were there when our friends needed them. As we all get older, more and more of us may need to rely on them for their prompt, professional service. If any of you are aware of individuals from our group who are in need, please let me know. Our donation can be to an anonymous party if someone is in dire need and too embarrassed or proud to ask for help. I would rather take care of our own first than to donate to a public cause.

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. I encourage you to give more if you feel you can. 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.

I hope to see you the twenty-third. Due to the size of this facility, I encourage you to bring some friends. Also please read notes on the reverse side of this page.

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 over 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, 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 to more sensitive attendees. Those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult guardian or arrangements made ahead of time. Please bring age I.D.

Randy Ray Kleckner

Post Office Box 95

Mendota, Illinois 61342-0095

randy.kleckner@industry.net

(815) 539-9371 extension 224

ill you be so kind as to honor us with your presence for a night of music, friends and fun?

Please accept this invitation to attend…