Lone Star Jamboree rocks the old gymnasium

The Barnett family enjoyed singing together. Sherry Barnett Matney, Peyton Frey, Trudy Barnett Huffman, Jason Huffman, Jason (Scooter) Barnett, Wilbur (Sonny) Barnett, and Lannie Barnett join in a number at the Lone Star Jamboree. Contributed photo The old gymnasium vibrated with the sounds of country music Saturday night, November 21, at the Lone Star Community Center. For the past five years Nick Watson has headed up Country Jamborees held at the Community Center.

The Jamboree offers a wide range of talent as walkons, who simply love to sing, are allowed a time to “show their stuff.” On the other end of the spectrum are organized groups who have bands, CDs and web sites. All are welcomed and all seem to enjoy the event.

The evening began with several walk-ons which included, but were not limited to, Rachel Taylor and Joy Woods. Joy, from Fairfield, is a semi-regular at the Jamboree, singing often with her husband Dan. First timer Rachel Taylor entertained the audience with two beautiful songs. One trio “put it on the top shelf” with The Red River Valley.

The Country Connection, headed by Nick Watson, took the stage next with lots of ol’ time country music.

The Barnett Family is not exactly newcomers, for they have been walk-ons before, but this time Watson allowed them a full 45-minute slot. The group was excited about the opportunity, for more than just the opportunity to sing. Lannie Barnett, one of the younger brothers, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and while undergoing surgery, suffered heart failure. Lannie is legally blind from early onset macular degeneration and from Type I diabetes. So for the family to be able to sing together and to have brother Lannie stand up with them for the entire session was a true blessing.

The main attraction of the evening was a group called The Stetson Trio which consisted of three artists who enjoy singing, playing and wearing large Stetson hats. Members of the group played harmonica, old time stand up bass and guitar. Reggie Jenkins and wife Patti are from College Station. Reggie plays the bass and Patti runs the sound equipment. E.W. Bridwell plays the guitar while wife Bea got to sit back and enjoy the evening. The couple is from Camp Creek. Dan and Joy Woods are from Fairfield. Dan plays the harmonica and Joy often sings solo and with other groups. The Stetson Trio has CDs to offer at $10.00 each and they can be purchased on the website www.stetsontrio.com.

Several of Flo’s best cooks provided cakes, pies and candy for the bake auction. Noni Ward prepared and sold hamburgers and French fries. There is no admission charge and proceeds from the auction and sale of food go to help maintain the Lone Star Community Center building.

The next Jamboree scheduled at LSCC is on February 20, 2010. Is that not hard to believe.!