"America On The Move" Daytime Entertainment

Plenty of good music and wholesome fun await convention-goers in Perry.

By Doug Uhlenbrock
Associate Editor

Thousands of motorhomers will convene at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia, for FMCA's 73rd International Convention, March 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2005. During the "America On The Move" gathering, FMCA members will have the opportunity to tour the newest motorhomes on the market; inspect some of the latest equipment for their coaches; and learn more about the lifestyle they enjoy.

Attendees also will find numerous opportunities to relax and share good times with old friends and new acquaintances during the many daytime shows that will be presented throughout the event. Convention-goers will be treated to a variety of musical and comedic acts featuring several longtime FMCA favorites as well as a number of terrific local performers. Whether you want to begin your day with some toe-tapping tunes or rest those feet in the afternoon while enjoying a laugh or two, FMCA has an entertainment option that is sure to satisfy.

Early arrivals can get a head start on the fun with longtime convention favorite Howard Cowles, L18517, who will bring his familiar square-dance calls to the New South Arena Sunday, March 20, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Howard has provided swinging good times at FMCA conventions for more than 35 years. It doesn't matter whether you're an accomplished dancer, a novice who'd like to learn, or someone who just enjoys watching; Howard's skillful calling and instruction will lead to a fun-filled evening for all who attend. Howard also will conduct his "Square Dancing And Line Dancing" seminar on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Seminar 10, Sheep Barn 2. Howard will appear in Perry courtesy of Coach-Net, C4055, and Fan-Tastic Vent Corporation, C3077, each FMCA One Star sponsors, and FMCA.

All daytime entertainment will take place at Sheep Barn 1 adjacent to the New South Arena. The Daytime Entertainment Stage will be sponsored by Foretravel Inc., C236, an FMCA Two Star sponsor. Unless otherwise noted, daytime entertainment for the convention is sponsored by National City Corp., C10057, an FMCA Super Star sponsor.

On Monday, March 21, at noon, the entertainment program will begin on a high note with Dwayne & April Boswell, who will delight the audience with a variety of jazz and gospel songs. Dwayne is an accomplished singer and musician who has played with numerous national acts. His wife, April, who also has toured with many recognizable artists, is a terrific vocalist. The duo call Perry home and have established their own music production company.

Next up will be one of FMCA's all-time favorite acts, Willie & Company, at 2:00 p.m. Ventriloquist Peggy Miller with the help of her sidekick, Willie has spread smiles at FMCA conventions and rallies for more than 15 years. Willie and Company also will appear on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., courtesy of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., C1905, an FMCA Four Star sponsor.

Willie, the precocious 6-year-old star of the show, was born to be on stage and isn't even a little shy about performing in front of big crowds. In fact, he enjoys conversing with folks in the audience, making the women blush, the men cringe, and the children stare in amazement. He possesses a quick wit, a soft heart, and a treasure trove of amusing stories to keep audiences laughing from start to finish. If you're lucky, Willie may introduce you to his cousin, Hannah, and his Great Great Granny Gardner. You'll be surprised how quickly you forget who's really doing the talking. As a longtime favorite at FMCA gatherings, Willie & Company claims its own "fan club" chapter.

If one of your favorite activities during FMCA international conventions is to tour the new motorhomes, you can get a sneak peek at all of the 2005 models in Perry during the "Motorhome Preview" on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the outdoor exhibit area. Plenty of bus conversions and production motorhomes in all sizes and price ranges will be open for inspection. In addition, don't miss strolling through the "Class C Area," a special display where type B and type C motorhomes will be garnering attention.

The final act Monday afternoon will be "FMCA's Sweetheart," Alice Detrick, who will appear on the Daytime Entertainment Stage at 4:00 p.m. For those who miss her on Monday, she'll return to the stage Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. For more than 30 years, Alice has delighted audiences at FMCA conventions and rallies with her terrific vocal talents and bubbly personality. As they did with Willie & Company, FMCAers demonstrated their loyalty to Alice by organizing a fan club chapter in her honor.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 22, start the remaining days of the convention off right with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts, while quantities last, at Morning Coffee Hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., courtesy of Guaranty RV Center, C4161, an FMCA Super Star sponsor. In addition, complimentary newspapers will be distributed by The Houston Home Journal, an FMCA Super Star sponsor; they'll be available at coffee hour and also delivered to all coaches Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Also, make sure to find out all of the latest convention information by picking up a copy of the official FMCA "America On The Move" newsletter, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, C405, an FMCA Three Star sponsor.

While enjoying your morning refreshments each day, let FMCA's own Frustrated Maestros brighten the early hours with their lively, fun-filled performances from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. This eclectic ensemble, composed of members from various Frustrated Maestros chapters, has been a convention favorite since the original Frustrated Maestros chapter was formed in 1981.

At 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday enjoy the music and humor of Dave Pengelly & Band. He and his group will return to the Daytime Entertainment Stage on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Dave, who grew up in New York and now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, is an accomplished guitarist and banjo player, as well as a terrific singer and yodeler. He has performed his uplifting style of American entertainment around the world. Convention attendees are sure to enjoy Dave's wholesome act.

If you're in the mood for a little down-home music, you won't want to miss the Perry Pickers on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The entertainment area will be abuzz as members of this local group which features Glen Haynes on rhythm guitar, Mike Brennan on bass, Mike Robinson on hammer dulcimer, Loren Haynes on fiddle, and George Miles on lead guitar pick through a playlist that includes country, folk, pop, bluegrass, and gospel songs. A chorus accompanies the band, which has enjoyed performing at local and area festivals and oprys.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the Perry Middle School "Panther Jazz" Band will perform a variety of blues, rock, and swing music for convention-goers. This ensemble, led by Perry Middle School assistant band director Andy Hursey, consists of seventh graders and eighth graders who have an interest in jazz music but have no prior jazz training. Students in the band have been playing their instruments for less than three years. Make sure to come out and encourage this group of young musicians.

Bob's Cats, a select group of Frustrated Maestros musicians, will perform on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the always-popular Ice Cream Social, which will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Coffee Hour area. The group will play Dixieland tunes and old-time favorites as convention-goers enjoy their tasty treats, which will be provided by Aon Recreation Insurance, C95, formerly RV Alliance America, an FMCA Super Star sponsor.

Once you're finished with your ice cream, stick around the Daytime Entertainment Stage for the magical high jinks of Flakey The Magic Clown as he performs his "Magic Show For Kids Of All Ages" beginning at 2:00 p.m. Flakey, better known as Henry Gartner, F197563, when not in makeup, has delighted FMCA audiences for years with his balloon creations and magic tricks. Flakey often asks members of the audience to help him with his act with hilarious results so don't be surprised if he chooses you. Flakey also will entertain the youngsters at Youth Center registration on Monday, March 21, and at the Youth Center throughout the convention. He will appear in Perry courtesy of Blue Ox, C2903, an FMCA Two Star sponsor.

Attendees are in for a real treat on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. when ShaeLaurel performs a selection of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, and contemporary music. The band also will appear on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. This family group was started by Andrew Witchger, who wanted to find a way to spend more time with his wife and children. After performing once a week at a local pub just for fun, the family decided to make music a full-time endeavor. Andrew plays guitar while his wife, Janet, plays double bass. Andy, 15, plays banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, while Jessica, 14, is adept as the lead vocalist and fiddle player. Kathryn, 12, is the lead fiddle player and harpist while Christian, 11, is the drummer/percussionist.

The group, which has toured for the past three years, has played festivals throughout the United States and also headlined on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Those who arrive early in Perry can see ShaeLaurel perform on Sunday during the nondenominational service held in the New South Arena at 9:30 a.m.

On Thursday at 11:00 a.m., Outloud!, the worship band of Go! International, will present an hour of uplifting music for convention-goers. The performance, led by Johnny Rohrbeck, minister of Go! International, features a selection of contemporary songs and original pieces to help bring others closer to God. Johnny and his wife, Suzii, live in Macon, Georgia, and began Go! International in 2002 to minister to other church leaders through music and the arts. Johnny is an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, and arranger.