Country music has been a passion of Tom’s all of his life. He and Joan retired to their lake home about 10 years ago. Every fall, they would take a week’s vacation and travel to Nashville and Branson to take in county music shows. Tom no longer is able to drive that far and doesn’t like to fly, so he has missed the shows they used to go to.
In December of 2009, the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center brought Branson on the Road to Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd for a Christmas concert. Tom and Joan attended the concert and really enjoyed it.
Branson on the Road has only three musicians, but all three are extremely talented. The combination of classic country, bluegrass, rock and gospel music was extraordinary. Watching Don Wright play the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass with expertise was really fun to watch.
The humor was what Joan enjoyed the most. There is humorous interaction between the performers that adds to the performance. Don Wright has mischievous antics that start the ball rolling and keeps you laughing throughout the show.
The other performers brought individual talents to the performance also. Debbie Horton is the only woman to have played lead guitar for Johnny Cash, so you know she is an outstanding musician. She also is an accomplished song writer; having written songs for Wanda Jackson, Norma Jean and other country singers. The third person in Branson on the Road is Brian Capps. He plays upright bass and sings songs reminiscent of Marty Robbins and Hank Williams.
If you, like Tom and Joan, appreciate country music, you’ll want to attend the Branson on the Road Show that is scheduled for Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd. This show will be different than the one that was held on 2009 since this one is not their holiday show.
Tickets are available at the senior center, $18 for members and $21 for the public. No matter what your age, you are welcome to come in and purchase a ticket. The center is located at the corners of Eighth and Kingwood Streets on the north side of Brainerd.
DEANN BARRY is the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center director.
