The 2007 Kansas Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a big success. Many of those in attendance say it was the best show we’ve done. There was a variety of musical styles and the show moved along smoothly. The only down side was the weather. Some of the fans who had purchased tickets were unable to attend due to freezing rain, ice and snow across the area. Ironically, it was sunny and 55 only a couple of days earlier.

The weekend began with the “unplugged” show at the Holiday Inn on Friday evening with especially entertaining performances by Allen Blasco, Chet Nichols and host Dennis Fox Higgins. The crowd included several of this year’s inductees and their families. The bar did great business and looks forward to us returning next year.

At Saturday’s ceremony, Jay McShann’s Directors’ Award was accepted by the president of his record company. Dawayne Bailey’s children accepted his award and shared stories of life on the road with their father when he was playing with the band Chicago. Martina McBride and Marilyn Maye were also unable to attend, with Martina in the studio finishing up her new album which will be released next month, and Marilyn was stuck in Houston.

Chanute’s Common Few Kicked off the night’s music with a tight set that served as a great introduction to those in attendance who were not familiar with the band:

Then Frank Plas and the Silver Tones showed why they influenced so many Kansas City bands that followed them as they rocked the joint with a mix of their own songs and a few “covers.”

Next up were Topeka’s Rising Suns:

They were followed by the Coffeyville version of the Rising Suns featuring Bill Snow:

Both showed why they each deserved to be on the stage that night.

Then it was the Blue Riddim Band’s turn to fill the dance floor with their reggae rhythms:

Jim Stringer and Tide wrapped up the evening, and even though Jim was battling walking pneumonia he showed every guitarist in the building how to play the instrument.

Editing on the DVD of the show is already underway. We’re also looking at the possibility of doing a double CD of the music. In the coming months there will be several new merchandise offerings on the Hall of Fame’s webpage.