Ever been to Branson? “Since 1959, The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, Branson’s first show, has been entertaining folks for over 45 years from around the world.”

Well, Baldknobbers Beware . . . our family’s musical talent is trying to blossom. It is just a matter of days weeks months time before we’ll be performing our Jamboree close by you.

Cousin Dale’s recent visit here from Missouri started it all. He is an “Old Boone County picker,” and we consider him the best! Loved his pickin’ and singin’ and the free concerts he gave. It wasn’t long before he let me play a few tunes with him on my “new” 1926 Steinway baby grand. Now that I think about it, I’m sure he let me play along because of the piano — it is so pretty and sounds great, even when played by a novice.

Holly and Kelby brought their acoustic guitars and joined in one evening for a most enjoyable jam session with Dale. We surprised Brielle with a studio size guitar. She just couldn’t believe it was hers — to keep! For quite some time she has said how much she wanted to learn how to play — so, what better time! Uncle Kelby helped her get started, and later “Cousin Dale” gave some lessons. McKenna put a claim on her Great Grandpa McCoy’s electronic keyboard that had been in storage since he passed away in 2002.

At our next jam session, we added a few more pieces to the band — a guitar for Randy and an electric practice drum (with headphones) for Keegan. Some used “how to play a guitar” books were found at Half Price Books — so, we’re well on our way. The only problem . . . Dale went back to Missouri.

Maybe he’s lining up some gigs for us? . . . or maybe he is giving us time to decide whether or not to give up our “day jobs.” Thank you, Dale, for inspiring our family to tweak our musical spirits! Today, McKenna played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for us on the keyboard. More to come, I’m sure!