Y2K Celebration -- Lawrence Style!

HOME | BOOKING INFORMATION | DIVA NEWS | SITE INDEX | INDIAN STUFF | LISTEN/BUY THE CD | E-MAIL US | GUESTBOOK | BACK TO GAY'S BR5-49 INDEX!

Liberty Hall, Lawrence Kansas -- December 31, 1999

Gay and her mom, Ruth Wahpecome headed east right after the holidays for a fun-filled day and a half visiting family in Lawrence, Kansas. They also made plans to attend the New Year's Show at Liberty Hall featuring BR5-49! Boy, did they have a time!

Here's a look at the Morris Clan -- also known as John, Tracie, Kelley and Lindsey. John, as you have seen in the other BR5-49, is an old school pal of Chuck Mead's. They played basketball together...and John has fond memories of training with Chuck's dad, Coach Mead.

John's currently an assistant football coach at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence.

The matriarch of the Morris family is Olelah Morris. We grew up calling her "Aunt Suge," and it's stuck all these years. She's a terrific lady -- the sweetest gal you'd ever want to meet!

Both "Aunt Suge" and her son, David worked as support staff at Haskell. If you're not familiar with the school, it's now a four-year university for Indian kids to get a college education. Native kids from all over the country come to study....and well, maybe have a little fun, too.

 Olelah "Aunt Suge" Morris
John and David Morris

Here's John and older brother David. David is a big Beatles fan -- and he's just nuts for sports. He's got quite the collection of sports memorabilia.

Now what do you think all of these skins would think of a BR5-49 show? Hmmm....lets just see what unfolds here!

Gay and Mom had a quick Christmas time then flew to Lawrence from Los Angeles. Now, there were many reports in the press about the horrors of flying on New Year's .... but, Gay put those thoughts behind her in order to see her heroes, BR5-49.

Well, the trip was definitely worth it -- in many, many ways. It was a chance for families to bond and share a really good time.

Gay was happy to reunite John Morris with one of his high school mentors, Coach Chuck Mead -- the dad of guitarist/singer Chuck Mead. Here's Gay and the Morris clan getting happy with the Mead clan. L-R is Gay, Lois Mead (Chuck's mom), David Morris (in the yellow hat), Coach Mead (Chuck's dad), Olelah Morris and John Morris.

 Gay, Lois, David, Coach Mead, Olelah & John

Here's that reunion shot we were talking about -- and should you ever see John Morris at a BR5-49 show, be sure to get some choice high school memories from him of a teenage Chuck.....AAAAY!

Unfortunately, John's wife was the designated babysitter, but I'm sure she'll be at the next BR5-49 show.

Gay and John staked out some floor space up front, while Aunt Suge and Ruth headed up some very steep stairs to watch the concert.

Okay, on to the concert shots. There's a bunch of them. Get some corn and a pop, get comfy -- cos' here's Y2K -- Lawrence Style!
Coach Mead & John Morris
 

First.....fashion check. We're glad to see those fellas taking the New Year seriously. Gary Bennett is looking good in a fine tuxedo, with bright red tie.

Fashion mavens take note -- he's even color coordinated his guitar lead!

For you fashion-challenged performers, they do have some FINE new cloth covered guitar leads at Gee-Tar Center! Take advantage and put those old black vinyl things to rest!

Now, we've been hearing some talk about the "vintage clothes" being just a marketing ploy in the success of BR5-49.

You'd think those critics would have been happy to see the hats go -- that they would be placated somehow. [We diehards fans are missing those hats, guys!] But NO, the critics still complain.

When's the last time anyone criticized Bob Dylan's fashion sense, hmmm?

Well, to heck with the critics -- here's one of Chuck's fabulous vintage suits which provides a calming counterpoint to his Big Green Gretsch.

Note that Chuck's lead matches his vintage tweed amp.

Was that on purpose? Stop filmstrip and discuss.

 
 

Smiling Jay McDowell is definitely Teen Scream material in his Red Rocker outfit.

He'd fit in real good on the cover of Tiger Beat or 16 magazine -- offering dating advice to youngsters and such.

Cain't you just see the special pull-out, locker-sized pin-up?

We LOVE you Smilin' Jay!

Hey, people really do believe you're only thirteen years old!

"Don Herron Ditches The Overalls," screamed the pages of W Magazine!

Superman without his cape? George Burns without his cigar? Oh heavens! Well, this look was previewed at the Native American Music Awards. We should have seen it coming!

The new duds have not affected his musicianship one bit!

Next week's headlines are bound to trumpet -- "Herron's Super New Look! Clean Lines Enhance Fiddle's Sweetness."

Well, at least it will say that in the next issue of BR5-49 Style!

 
 

Shaw Wilson -- come on down and accept your Hillbilly Hall of Fame Fashion Award!

Not only does he provide cool beats, he's raising the bar for other drummers to get with the times and make every performance a SHOW!

Thanks, Shaw!

   
Although Gay took these pictures at nearly the same time, the first one looks a LOT like Gary Bennett, but the one on the right kinda looks like that ESPN announcer pretending he's Gary Bennett. Was there a guest appearance you neglected to mention, Gay? Is that Donnie in the background or Matt Damon? YOU Decide!

Jay does his Dog House Bass slappy dance. Although he doesn't climb up on top of the thing and spin around (like others we've seen).....he's the one who gets the crowd headbanging!

Be sure to watch him closely on "18 Wheels And A Crowbar" -- you'll see where the headbanging started!

Go, Jay, Go!

 
   
Some of the best moments at a BR5-49 show are the interactions between the band. It's especially good when Donnie and Chuck trade leads. Fiddle Break! Mandolin Break! Get down, Hillbilly style! What me, worry about Y2K? Hah!
   
There should be no doubt that Gay Wahpecome took these photos. From the looks of it -- it may well be "Seven Nights To Rock," especially when the Black Telecaster is involved. Go, Chuck Go!

More excitement from one of the hottest pickers around.

OR

More shots from the Chuck Mead Gallery.

Whether or not you may think he's dreamy......he's a great singer and great guitar player.

Not a bad songwriter, either! Just put on Little Ramona and see if doesn't make you smile!

Wonder where all the "Bettie" girls are? Supposed they took a powder room break to adjust lipstick and bangs?

Hmmm......

 
   
Chuck dons party hat. Only onstage can you get away with a lamp shade on yer head behavior. It's great to see Chuck enjoying himself. He went away this night the Hometown Boy Made Good. I'm sure Shaw Wilson felt the same way!
 

Apres concert, Chuck takes a moment to meet his adoring public.

Look, there's Gay's pal, KARA, who was previously spotted at Cain's in Tulsa, OK!

We have it on good authority that the United States came through Y2K all right. Now, if you stocked up on food and stuff, be sure to have a big party and invite some of us BR5-49 fans over for dinner.

How about Friday at 8:00? That okay with you? We'll be there -- me and my fifty friends!