Bandmates, Brothers and Friends Return May 9, with Special Guest - The JayR Brink Band!
For a third year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. This year they welcome the regionally known JayR Brink Band who will close out the musical line-up that night, all held on Friday evening May 9, from 6-11 pm at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion.
Last year’s event was even more successful than the first, so this third event has been planned, adding the JayR Brink Band for a new, regional band option. Everyone can expect a unique mix of music to sing with and dance to….oldies, country, rock, and all from the last few decades.
“We are very excited to be a part of this year’s show with Bandmates, Brothers, and Friends and are looking forward to meeting and hearing stories from all of the members…so much history!,” states JayR Brink. “The JayR Brink Band has been playing the Midwest for over a decade. We have a varying line-up of seasoned members from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. All four of our members are ready for a night of great music for a great cause!”
JayR Brink himself has been performing in some form for over 20 years, starting at local venues at the age of 14. The JayR Brink Band will be finishing out the night with their well-known variety of music covering a mix of country, folk and oldies with a folky, alternative country style. He adds, “I am always excited when we get to play my home town and can’t wait for the show on May 9th!”
This year will mark the 47th year many of BBF’s original band members had first played together in one of four past local bands including Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River. Many of the returning musicians are originally from Waukon, including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, and John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty (playing in memory of his brother and original band member Pat Dougherty), Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years.
“All 11 guys from BBF said ‘yes’ again this year, so there’s a ton of excitement about being back,” states Bill Withers, Event Co-Coordinator. “If you think about the bands these guys were in across the tri-state, some dating back over 40 years, and each musician being available for a single night each of the last three years in a row… it’s truly special, and almost a miracle.”
Free-will donations will be accepted at the door that night, as well as on-line, to benefit the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation in the purchase of equipment for expanding the Infusion Outpatient Services and local Chemotherapy.
