2012 Roosevelt County Fair
August 25, 2012
The Murry Jeffries Stage at the Roosevelt County Fair was the setting for the start of the 2012 Delk Brothers Band Reunion Tour. Neal, Mark and Byron Delk were joined by Robert Flowers from the early days in Grant County, Chek Rippee from the days on the road in ’93, ’94, and ’95 and The Hat Doctor, Michael Dean on the piano. They even let two old timers join the tour. From Hatch, NM, it was Jim Tomlinson on steel guitar and me with my fiddle.
The evening kicked off at 8:00 p.m. with Chek singing a tune called “Itty Bitty” followed by “Cowboy Rides Away” and the old Bob Wills favorite “Sugar Moon”. By 10:00 p.m., there was close to 600 people crowded around the dance floor and they all came to dance. What a great evening it was to once again have Robert Flowers with his unique singing style and guitar pickin’ along with Chek Rippee and his polished fiddle playing and great vocal ability. Few can compare to The Hat Doctor’s swing-style piano and then there’s Jim Tomlinson. In 2010, Jim was inducted into the Western Swing Music Hall of Fame and we are always honored to have Jim covering those great steel guitar intros and lead-rides.
As you must know, my wife Diane and I could not be prouder of Neal, Mark and Byron…what talented musicians they’ve become. Mark and Byron are arguably the best bass/drum duo in the state…it doesn’t get more solid than those two. And Neal. What can I say. He’s evolved into the consummate musician.
And the best part…I get to play music with all these guys.
What a great night it was for all. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who come out to dance to our music. For many it was the first time since we played at the Roosevelt County Fair in 1995.
Oh, before I forget, the Delk Brother’s Band 2012 Reunion Tour that began at 8:00p.m. in Portales on August 25th ended at 12:00 midnight in Portales that same night. We hope to do another tour in a couple years.
Joe Delk
