This was two nights to remember , June 22 &23 . Big Red & The Soul Benders were on the top of their game. We arrived in Helena Ar. about 12:05 ,Hurried into the Kffa studio to find Mr. Sonny Payne allready on air. We were invited back into the recording area and motioned to sit at the mic's . We spent the next half hour on the King Biscuit time radio show .Talking with the long time show host legendary Sonny Payne. When this show came to an end Mr. Terry Buckalew came in to the stuiod to do the Delta Sounds show that he and Sonny do together. Terry asked Larry, my guitarist, if he brought an acustic guitar. "NO We didnt think to bring one " well long story short they had one. So Larry and Tony did a song that tony had written a year or so agao live on the Delta sounds .What a time!
Check in time for the battle of the bands 2:30 pm We arrive at the Queen Of Clubs ,where the battle is to be held. I look around and see none other than Mrs. Charlotte Taylor and the Gypsy rain band. My heart just about sank. I thought "Oh S(&^T I cannot beat this girl!!" Then there are 8 other great bands to beat. check in time went well we drew time slots and we recieved the 3rd spot for night 1. Not a bad spot but not the best. On to get some rest befor the show.
We arrive back at the club about 7:00 pm for the nights festivities. Our Set went off great. I was feeling good about making the finals. when all eight bands had done their 20 minuted they tallied the score sheets and called the finalists. Big Red and The Soul Benders name was called. Whoooo hoooo!!!! we draw time slots for the finals I pull the first slot YUCK . Oh well got it done and we will get to listen to everyone else.
Night two of the battle I felt out of sorts, Not feeling great on stage. Dont know whats worng with me but I just didnt feel great like the night before. when I came off stage I was quite upset with myself. I thought I had not done as good as I can and I felt I had blown it for the band. But all band memebrs said I had done an even better job than I did the night befor, Hmmmmmmmmmm
Well the finals are over and I felt we were at least in the top3. They begin calling the bands 3rd place Lighnin Stikes. "koool we arent 3rd!" Second place Memphis P Tails, "oh my we didnt make the top 3!!!"
and First Place
BIG RED AND THE SOUL BENDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just about passed out, I screamed and then screamed some more. what a night of partying. Needless to say my head was as big as a beachball and pounding the next day. We are still on cloud nine with this win and are looking forward to the big prize , Main Stage For the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Fest. DA BISCUIT!!
Forgive my misspelled words and type os but Im not going to go back and fix any errors.
Love ya all!!!!!
Big Red