The August 7, 2010 Benefit Concert for
the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Capitol Campaign
and the
New Christy Minstrels Foundation
was a SOLD OUT success!
Click here for reviews.
Below you can see part of the line that went around the park, past the
yellow car shown on the other side of the park, to the entrance of the theatre!
The above photo was taken from the front of the salon, where Pete Henderson,
and (Special Added Attraction for this concert), Barry McGuire,
were getting hair cuts before the concert.
Above photo taken by Mari McGuire.
Shown below (left to right) Andrew Smith, and Chuck Cole giving
Dolan Ellis 'the HOOK' during sound check as Pete Henderson tunes his bass.
Randy Sparks was the opening act for the crowd of over 600 smiling faces!
You could feel the excitement
as the other performers, and Vecca-The-Show-Dog
joined Randy on stage for one of their best concerts ever!
Shown below, Special Added Attraction for this concert,
Barry McGuire
does his famous whistle to start 'Denver'.
The audience sang along and tapped their feet.
It was a fabulous night in Fair Oaks, California!
REVIEWS
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This message from Nancy R., one of our dearest and most dedicated fans, seems like a review of the act. It surely must be one of our best to date. She came to see the group at The Troubadour in 1962. That's the beginning!
Hi everyone:
I was there in the audience at the Fair Oaks show, and I have to tell all
of you something. This is the best bunch of people ever! All are nice, and all get
along, but the real thing is how everyone encourages the others to do well. I love watching Eddie, and his voice is so smooth, and nice; he's just sweet and adorable. And Greg, your choice of The Chicken Song fit perfectly! You are a great addition (I'm wondering about the day the chicken is born. Is it when the egg is laid, or when it hatches? Please respond with your best answer). I do LOVE the Greg O'Haver voice and guitar-playing too. I especially like the mixture of all the voices. FABULOUS!
I also love the dueling banjo, guitar, and mandolin! That is really great!! Everyone in this group just "fits", and Chuck's intro to "Green, Green" was excellent! It had a touch more zing than Art's, but without losing any of the original tune or intent. Oh, yes, and his "solo" was superb.
The girls sing beautifully together, and their voices compliment one another. They look beautiful also. And, wow! each sings so wonderfully in her solo spot.
The low voices of Barry and Dolan are so good, a perfect touch. Each is a great
artist in his own right. Pete does Shenandoah beautifully, and it's a magnificent example of the diversity of the group. I didn't forget you, Randy, you have always been (and always will be) the glue that holds it all together, and you can still remember most of the words (joking), and your voice and charisma are tops! I also love the stories…you should write a book.
After all my time with Country music, and hearing and meeting great and very famous CM people, I always come back to the NCM's to keep me happy. Crazy, huh? I can listen to your music every day and not get tired of it. I don't know why. It's from a happier time, maybe, and it brings back good memories of a simpler life. NO stress.
Now, about the audience. They were the most fantastic ever! I think it must depend upon the city, and maybe the type of people there. This was the friendliest crowd of all. I can say, just so you know, I see the difference from place to place.
The chickens made this concert a very special occasion. They're everywhere, and they act as though they own the town. Maybe they do. Does anyone have a picture of the chickens? I tried to get a couple of shots, but they really run fast! If you listen closely, you can hear them over Randy's intro. LOL! Perfect for an outdoor event in Fair Oaks.
Gosh, I had a great time, and I thank all of you for a wonderful show! I just love this group! The chemistry is perfect right now. I guess I could go on and on. Well, there is a lot to say.
Nancy
(a very old groupie)
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Hi Randy,
I was one of 600 happy people in Fair Oaks who listened to your concert last night. I have loved your music since I first heard "Today" in college, probably right after it came out. It is my all-time favorite song, and I have sung it hundreds of times (maybe more).
Several years ago I heard you in Sonora with your "Bring A Broom" show, and
when you sang "Today", tears of joy started running down my cheeks.
Thank for your HUGE contribution to making beautiful music. I will treasure your CD that I bought last night.
I read your account of your struggle with cancer, and I wish you well. I applaud you for continuing to make a contribution, at any age when many people would be sitting on their you-know-whats.
And please tell Becky Jo hello -- she's really special too.
Ms. Marty M., Fair Oaks, CA
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Subject: Fair Oaks Magic
From: "Pete Henderson"
Date: Sun, August 8, 2010 11:04 pm
That show was sure magic for me. I can't remember an audience reaction like that for any show of which I've been a part, including The Carpenters, Andy Williams, New Christy Minstrels in the mid-sixties, etc. Those old fans were stoked!
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Randy,
Thank you for a magical evening of fun and memories. Your concert last night was such a treat. We are so lucky to have had you and your wonderful musicians/friends right here in "little old Fair Oaks"!
The only member you forgot to introduce was Vecca! You have a great web site that shows everyone. I will write to Vecca and praise her for her perfect behavior!
I brought 9 guests last night. Three of them are guitar players/singers and retired teachers. We all sang along with gusto!
Again, thank you for being so down-to-earth. We are still wearing smiles that started when you began the evening and continued non-stop throughout the show.
An Old/New Fan,
Judy M.
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Vecca,
We loved seeing you last night in Fair Oaks. You were perfectly behaved!
What a wonderful role-model you are for other dogs and children!
Woof to you,
Judy M.
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Becky Jo:
Please pass on to all that your Fair Oaks concert was great. Haven't had the opportunity to enjoy my favorite group, live since our 2008 cruise.
Randy is looking robust and as always teasing someone. " Widow Benson" seemed to be his target saturday.
Greeting to all,
Marlene (Martin) N.
Castlemont "51"
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Below is one of the poster designs for 8-7-10.
A very special thanks to
Bob Walters, Cleatta Simpson, and Chuck Cole
for making this event such a success!