Greetings Bender's Fans and Welcome to
We wanted to let you all know
about our "fan
feature" column, We would like to include
comments and input from as many Benders fans
as possible. But, We will need your
help! Let us know why you are a Benders
Fan! a paragraph
or two, which could
include whatever you would like to write
about-but some suggestions might be to explain
why you are a Bender's fan, how long you've
followed the band, where you've heard them
play, favorite songs, favorite band members,
etc. Please let me know where you're
from, and SEND PICTURES if
you have them!!! This could be a picture of
yourself, family, friends or even a favorite
picture you've taken of the Benders, etc.
We would really love to include your input , so
please take a few minutes and let us
include at Fan Central!
Fan
Feature Page!
Bender Fan Web Sites!
Trout
Elementary School Sock Hop
Ponca City OK
For the last ten years or so we have been playing at Trout
Elementary School for their annual fundraiser sock hop. It
is one of our favorite events of the year!
Arts in the Park
Manhattan KS
Earlier in the year the Bender's were supposed
to play at Arts in the Park in Manhattan. They arrived in Manhattan and
got their equipment all set up...But, a big thunderstorm came through, and
rained out the show. Thankfully, the show was rescheduled for July 6th,
and a big crowd came back out for the performance on this night. Arts
in the Park is always a show that the band looks forward to doing every
year, and the Larry Norvell band shell is probably their favorite stage in
which to perform on. It always seems like the kids have the most fun
at these outdoor shows!
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Kansas City MO
The Bender's had a very fun gig at
Cheeseburger in Paradise in Kansas City. The band had a very special
fan in attendance...11 year old, Camille Faraldi. She stayed for the
entire show, got autographs and posed for a special photo with the
band. It was certainly nice to meet you Camille, and we hope to see you
again sometime!
The Vinewood
Topeka KS
The Benders, back
at the Vinewood Roadhouse in Topeka. This show provided a chance to host
a birthday party for Byron and Dave, who both celebrated their birthdays
during the week prior. Although the crowd was smaller than is typically
seen at the Vinewood, this ensured that almost everyone got a piece of
birthday cake! (Thanks again to the Alma Bakery in Alma, Kansas for
doing such a wonderful job on the cake.)
It was great to see so
any familiar faces and long time Bender's fans among the big crowd this
evening. Thanks to everyone who so gladly posed for the camera,
you surely make my task a lot more fun! Also, a special WELCOME BACK
to Roy Westfall, the King of Donuts! It was so wonderful to see
him up and dancing again, to his favorite song...Lucille! It's
GREAT to have you back, Roy!
Woody's
Junction City KS
The Bender's performed at
Woody's in Junction City. The fans who were in attendance on this night
were in for a special treat! Victor Rose was back to play this
performance with the band. Victor, who is also known as the Mystic
Pharaoh, was the original Bender's bass player back in 1985 when Byron
first started the band. Victor was subbing in for Nate, who
unexpectedly had to go to Texas for the death of his father. On behalf of
the whole Bender's family and all the fans, I wish to extend our deepest
sympathies to 'The Rev'...And a big thank to Victor for his excellent job
standing in.
For a bit of Bender's trivia... Victor
Rose taught guitar lessons to David Keller back in the late 1970's, when
David was still in high school! It's always funny to realize what a small
world we live in, huh?
Back at
Rambler's Steakhouse and Saloon in Manhattan. A special thanks to
our
friends from Wamego and Topeka for coming out to hear the band. Kevin May
performed a special romantic "table top" sax solo during the
evening...which was very beautiful, and most fitting with Valentine's Day
approaching!
Desperado's
Emporia KS
The Bender's recently performed at
Desperado's in Emporia. It had been about a year since the band had
played at Desperado's and it was nice to go back there again. A nice
young man named Justin was celebrating his 21st birthday, and he had
a whole team of girls there to help him 'live it up.' "Justin's Women"
sure knew how to party...Thanks for the great time guys, and including us
in your fun. Another group of individuals at Deperado's were getting
ready to take the annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics in
Emporia the next day...sure hope their event went well, and no one froze!
