BR549 in Las Vegas...Part I

There's nothing quite like a BR5-49 show, especially one in Las Vegas.

Let me be your guide through the wild days and nights of a hillbilly band, their fans and family during a week-long stint in Sin City, also known as Las Vegas!

As Elvis would say...."Thank you, thank you very much!

Above is vocalist/guitarist Gary Bennett proudly strumming his brand new Gibson. He recently secured an endorsement, so expect Gibson's website to loudly trumpet -- "Gary Bennett Plays Gibson!"

Looky here! It's the multi-talented Don Herron, giving that Pedal Steel the what-for!

As most of you know, Don plays steel, mandolin and violin at any given time during the show.

He was seen toting a banjo case...although it hasn't appeared onstage yet!

Here's the rhythm section, Shaw Wilson (left) and Jay McDowell (right).

Both guys dress to the nines, especially Shaw who was sporting the Shaw Wilson Fall Collection (didn't I see that at Dillard's?) -- and Jay who was sporting a groovy, Sgt. Carter-ish brush cut.

Shaw has some "new" vintage drums that really kick. Jay had fun during one the shows -- his bass bridge slipped out. The sound of loud hammering could be heard offstage while the rest of the band vamped onstage.

Chuck Mead is the man with the Green Gretsch. Here he sings "My Name Is Mudd" (a true story!). I often wonder if he had medical training to set the killer's broken leg.

New show for fall TV season: Chuck Mead: Nashville Paramedic! Tonight....Chuck and partner Tom Wopat answer a call at Clay Walker's house -- seems he's got something stuck up his butt!

Spotted cavorting wildly in the front row were Gay Wahpecome (she's CVBR549fan online) and the band's webmistress, SuSu Green.

She had just flown in from Alabama, and boy were her arms tired. Look at the flames on her jacket!

It's always fun to hang out in the front and do wild dances. It does take skill, however to not get kicked in the head by Chuck when he's got the boot out. We've come close to getting thrashed, but Chuck will just have to try a little harder next time! <grin!>

Shaw never seem to lose his cool, even when he's a little under the weather. The smokin' Elrod logo behind him really suits his certain savoir faire!

the meet and greet follies

WARNING!

If you buy any Arigon Starr CDs at a BR5-49 show, prepare to have them sniffed for authenticity by Chuck Mead.

New fall TV show: Chuck Mead: Sniffer Dog!

That's Heather Johnson of Salem, Oregon & Chuck!

From the Upcoming Movie
Dude, Where Did We Park The Bus?

INT.  SAM'S TOWN -- EVENING

JAY
Dude, did you see my tattoo?

SHAW
Sweet!

JAY
Dude!

There's Jennifer Hanen and Gary Bennett doing their smiley thing for the camera.

Jen (aka BarflyJen) is a talented writer and did a bang-up interview with Shaw Wilson for Barfly Magazine.

She drove herself out from Los Angeles to enjoy the shows and do some bowling at Sam's Town 24-hour bowling alley.

One evening turned into a marathon....with most participants getting back to their hotel rooms at 6:00 AM.

A good time was had by all!

DONNIE IS LOVE!

Yet more evidence that Donnie is Love -- he poses happily with fans, friends and family.

That's Gay with Mr. D -- and then Mr. D with his family -- Mom and stepdad Leo.

You had but only ask about Donnie's mom and the Dairy Farm to hear the whole story!

Chuck and sound engineer Cowboy Keith practice their swing for their date at a local Vegas golf course.

Chuck spends a lot of time on the links, thanks to his dad. Don't know if he can fill the shoes of Payne Stewart, but I'll bet he's willing to give it a try.

I PREDICT (A Criswell Moment) that Chuck will be at the VH-1 Golf Tournament with Alice Cooper and Hootie himself, Darius Rucker.

The fate of Cowboy Keith is not known!

Jay and Gary discuss a new dance mix of "Hickory Wind."

Remixed by Moby, it will only be released in Poland.

Ha! Your leg has been pulled! Or, has it?

Leo, Shaw and Diane get word of the Moby remix of "Hickory Wind" and immediately plan a trip to New York to get the tapes away from him and into the hands of Rick Rubin, who they feel more accurately reflects BR5-49's sound.

KATHY CHI

ENGLAND'S ROSE

Forget Lady Diana -- here's the real deal, straight from London.

Lovely Kathy Chi arrived in Las Vegas to throw down with all of the young-uns...and believe me, that girl can cut a rug!

Kathy spent time with everyone, including Pop and Chuck Mead and Gary Bennett's mom, Cathy.

There is much more to this story.....check out more of our Vegas Pictures!