Friday, March 11, 2011

Wunnerful, wunnerful

We've trotted out a lot of Birthday Bands but today might take the cake, thanks to an appearance by legendary bandleader Lawrence Welk. 

You didn't like Lawrence Welk?  We can't say we actually watched an entire episode of Welk's popular musical variety show back in the day. But here at the Sanctuary we recognize and salute the important contributions people make to music culture, and Welk made some wunnerful ones.

A personal favorite: the 1970s show during which singers Gail Farrell and Dick Dale performed Brewer & Shipley's "One Toke Over the Line" accompanied by an accordion player. That was grand enough by itself, but to then have Welk summarize the song as a "modern spiritual" provided the frosting on the cake.

We can't help but pop some bubbly tonight to toast Welk and other members of the March 11 Birthday Band. (And if you happen to have a joint let this be your excuse to fire one up!)

Lawrence Welk (1903-1992): Bandleader
Calcutta, Tonight You Belong to Me, Weary Blues

Ric Rothwell (1944): Drums, Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders
Game of Love, It's Just a Little Bit Too Late

Mark Stein (1947): Keyboards, Vanilla Fudge
You Keep Me Hangin' On, Take Me for a Little While

Bobby McFerrin (1950): Singer, musician
Don't Worry, Be Happy

Jimmy Fortune (1955): Singer, Statler Brothers
Flowers on the Wall, Bed of Roses, Class of '57

Bruce Watson (1961): Guitar, Big Country
Harvest Home, Fields of Fire, In a Big Country

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