Dance update

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Update, 8/31/10

We made it through the first dance of the season, the end was foggy for some and interesting stories evolved for telling at a party Saturday night. Searching for misplaced things can fill your mornings it‘s an inside story. Dana R was last man standing. We had a small but fun crowd that danced the night away. The stage was crowded with volunteer dancers, Avalanche knows how to get people involved. We caught up with the news talking with the band. Josh, guitar and sax, got engaged to Maria over the summer, congrats. Brad Wilson viewed musical retirement as unacceptable and has joined Triple Play, a four piece classic rock band, made up of members of his generation, none of them has been carded recently. Nick Holden, steel guitar, is moving to Page and weighing some jobs offers from bands and going to do some carpentry work, he is as good with wood as he is with his “steel” so if you need a craftsman give him a call. Todd is going to concentrate on his business, Cellular Comm., family, and the pursuit of various species of wild life. Kevin and Lynne will be busy with work, family, horses, and music is one form or another. We sold some more tickets for Avalanche’s last hurrah on Sept 18 so if you want to be sure to get in that night we advise you get advance tickets or be sure to come to the dance early. Knowing the frugality of Socrates” way of life, a friend was surprised to discover the philosopher studying with rapt attention some flashy wares on display in the marketplace. He inquired why Socrates came to the market, since he never bought anything. “I am always amazed to see just how many things there are that I don’t need,” replied Socrates. See Ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, August 2, 2010

Hope you have all had a good summer and are ready to start dancing again. Avalanche starts us out August 27 with our first dance of the fall. We are sorry to have to let you know that Avalanche will only play one more time after that (September 18) and then the band is breaking up. They have been together ten and a half years and have decided to go their separate ways. It has been a fantastic experience working with them and we hope to keep them all in our life as friends now that our business relationship is ending. What we need you to do is spread the word that an era is ending and it’s important that we give them a grand farewell. All of you Avalanche fans need to get out for one or both of these dances and say good-bye. We are expecting big crowds both nights, already have sold 250 tickets for the “last chance for Avalanche” on Sept. 18 so if you want to be sure to get in think about buying advance tickets. We will have to enforce the fire code limits on attendance so please get here early or plan ahead and order tickets. There is an old saying “the King is dead, long live the King” which basically means life must go on. We have filled our schedule with bands that we hope you will enjoy, Silverado and Great Outdoors both have fiddle players that will impress you and Identity 5 has Kelly C and Eric V. from Pure Country a group that sold out the Barn for many years. These bands all are filled with talented musicians that you need to hear. We regret what is lost, but life only moves forward so look at this as a chance for something new. The first three people that tell Becky (she runs the lunch counter) who their favorite Avalanche member is, past or present, will receive a free Barn t-shirt each night. We have several albums of old pictures so if you are interested be sure to ask to see them. The stages of a musicians life

1. Who is Avalanche

2. Get me Avalanche

3. Get me a band that sounds like Avalanche

4. Get me a young version of Avalanche

5. Who is Avalanche

See Ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, 5/11/10

Thank you all for helping make this another successful dance season! We have the Barn rented for a Red River Singles dance May 22 then we are on hiatus. It was a fun year and while we’ll enjoy the summer we are all ready looking forward to the fall and the return of dances, August 27^th. The inch of rain last Friday made the yard a mess but we had a good turnout and not one person complained about the mud. Plains people are accustomed to making things work and less then perfect conditions are the norm here. We took a lot of good pictures Friday so check out johnson barn.com, avalanchecountry.com, or Facebook to see them. We want to thank Avalanche for being what they are; talented, hard working, and mainly just a great fun group of people to work with. Have fun over the summer but don’t forget us and we hope to see you this fall. Never put to much credence in people’s opinion of you. When Fred Astaire first came to Hollywood he submitted himself for the usual screen test. The verdict has become part of film history: “Can’t act. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” See Ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, 4/14/10

Good weather, music, and people combined to make last Friday the best dance of 2010. It was great to hear Lynne singing again, she was in Ireland March 5^th for work and had to miss a dance. We started out the night with a “Wilson” provided by Brad and a few wine glasses later it was over. In between we got to visit with a lot of dancers and while we were on duty there is always time to catch up or meet new people. Avalanche is always improving and changing and the latest move was Josh P adding brass with his saxophone. We had to wait for it but what a beautiful sound to add to the band, cudos. Nick had to miss this dance to attend his daughters wedding so it was up to Todd C to keep everyone on tempo with his drum and the beat was there. Our daughter Adra helped the crowd by getting us some UND “Barn Virgins” to check out hayloft fun. The band even got Laura on stage in the goofy birthday hat to celebrate her 20^th B-day. We took a lot of pictures so check them out on our web-site and Avalanche’s. There are also some on face book so friend Johnsons Barn and Avalanche and check them out, our favorites are Kevin setting up sans pants. Our next dance is a techno put on by Sovereign Sect. If this is your kind of music get out here May 1 and enjoy. They will be partying until around 4:30 am with non stop music. Avalanche returns May 7^th for the last dance this spring. We plan on starting up in the fall and have Avalanche signed up for August 27^th and Sept. 18^th (a Saturday for a change). We will confirm more dates later so keep checking the schedule page for updates. We love hearing from dancers so contact us on face book or thru our web-site, www.johnsonsbarn.com we gave away the free t-shirts quickly last dance so May 7^th we will do the same thing, the first three to introduce themselves to Becky at the lunch counter will receive a complimentary Barn shirt. If you are here before 9:30 May 7 ASK for the early bird discount and you get a $2 discount on admission. If you need more Avalanche check them out April 16 at the Knickerbocker in Hickson for a feed and dance Friday night. This week’s quote is from veteran manager Casey Stengel, Asked about the art of managing, Stengel replied, “Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits.” See Ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance update, 3/8/10

Avalanche delivered again. We missed Lynn but Liz did a great job filling in for her. It was fun to reminisce and catch up. Josh is a great addition to the band. He can take a little verbal abuse from the older band members (Brad!) with a smile and his musical skills are evident. Thanks to all of you that made it thru the fog to get here Friday. Lynn will be back when Avalanche is in the Barn April 9^th with travel stories, possibly the abridged version, from her junket to Ireland and if you want to see Liz again go out and hear “Betty Does”. “Weariness” overtook me Friday so Becky and Luke had to finish the night without me; it must have been the third bottle of wine because the whiskey, Wilson’s, and the first two bottles of vino didn’t seem to have much affect. We are taking the rest of March off because of spring break at all the colleges and Becky and I have tickets to the “Final Five” hockey tournament and if things go right maybe the NCAA Hockey regional, go Sioux, but look forward to seeing everyone after Easter. Remember to ask for the early bird discount April 9 if you are here before 9:30 and save two dollars a ticket. J Pennington received a free Barn t-shirt for introducing himself last Friday and the first three people that come to the lunch counter April 9 and do the same will also receive one. George Bernard Shaw was a music critic before he made it as a playwright. He was dining with a friend one night in a restaurant that provided for entertainment an orchestra that was at best mediocre, The leader, recognizing Shaw, wrote him a note asking him what he would like the orchestra to play next. “Dominoes,” replied Shaw. See Ya, Brian and Becky Ja

Dance Update 2/9/10

Thanks to all of you who braved the elements to attend Avalanche’s dance last Friday. We are a hardy people and inclement weather doesn’t stop us from our pursuit of fun. We talked to people from Bagley, Wahpeton, Grand Forks, Fargo and other towns. A couple of bus crews added to the mix and made it a fun night. Avalanche and the Barn are on face book so become our friends so we can hear from you. We have rented the Barn to Sovereign Sect for a techno dance (rave) Feb. 13^th into the wee hours of Valentines day so if that kind of music interests you come on out but check on tickets first because they often sell out. Then we have a wedding dance the end of Feb. If you are looking for a venue for a wedding party give us a call. Back to Country on March 5^th when Avalanche returns. The first three people to come to the lunch counter and introduce themselves to Becky will be rewarded with a free Johnson’as Barn t-shirt Over heard at a local bar a divorcee was talking to a man and she asked, “Where to you come from, I haven’t see you in here before.” The guy replied, “I just got out of prison, I had to serve 25 years for killing my wife.” The lady smiled and answered “o good you’re single!” see ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, 1/19/10

We got the New Year started out right with a good crowd that knew how to have fun. Dancers thronged the stage to get in on the action and Avalanche calmly went about their business, entertaining the crowd with kick ass music. Josh Peterson’s debut on guitar went well and they may utilize his Sax skills soon, and no that isn‘t misspelled they will be getting a horn, don‘t think dirty, in the band. Josh is a member of the guard with Lynne and Kevin. We had another romantic moment Friday when the crowd formed a circle for a spotlight dance for a newly engaged couple. Ain’t love grand! Avalanche returns Feb 5^th so mark it down and we’ll see you then. If you have any questions or just want to BS be sure to e-mail us, we enjoy interchange with you. Keep bringing “barn virgins” we need new blood but if you know or are a long over due barn alumni get off your butt and get out here to a dance. The first three people that ask Becky "how was Vegas" at the Feb. 5th dance will be rewarded with a free Barn t-shirt. A high powered city lawyer was cross-examining a rather nervous witness. “Have you ever been married?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” replied the witness, “once.” “whom did you marry?” “ A--er-- a woman, sir.” “Of course, of course,” snapped the arrogant lawyer impatiently. “Did you ever hear of anyone marrying a man?” “Er-- yes, sir,” ventured the witness. “My sister did.” See Ya, Brian and Becky Johnson

Dance Update 12/15/09

2009 is over but think ahead, 2010 is another year of dances in the Barn. We will get the 58^th season started on January 15^th when Avalanche returns. Help us fill the largest dance floor in the area, it is useless without dancers. A lot of the fun of hosting dances is the people that show up. Last Friday we had the “apple pie” crew from Linton, a Gilby contingent led by Courtney and family, a blast from the past when a group of Gardner dancers from the 60’s showed up, bull riders, Brad for pouring my first “Wilson” of the night, Lynn’s son is a “Barn Virgin” no more, and the rest of you that made it another enjoyable evening, thank you all for making the trip to Arthur. We will offer the early bird discount again Jan 15^th, remember to ask for it and save $2 on admission if you are here before 9:15. The first three to ask Becky “how’s corn harvest going” will be rewarded with a free Barn t-shirt. If you have any questions be sure to e-mail them to us, we love to hear from you. We are finalizing the spring schedule so check out our web-site schedule page to keep up on the dance dates. A young boy was looking at his parents honeymoon pictures and asked his dad “when you and Mama went on your honeymoon in Italy, where was I?” His father thought for a moment and replied, “You went there with me and came back with your mother.” See Ya, next year, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update 12/07/09

Last chance for Avalanche, at the Barn in 09 that is, Friday Dec 11. If you can be here before 9:30 be sure and ask for the “early bird” discount and get in for $5. The first three to inquire on how is corn harvest going from Becky at the lunch counter will be rewarded with a free t-shirt. Coming early is fun not a thing to be ashamed of and the band even has a little time to visit or maybe a “Wilson“ or two. At the Emporium was a lot of fun last Friday and they showed how they could pull together when Curtis was fighting laryngitis, everybody in the band can sing and do it well. We even heard Justin’s, the drummer, debut as a singer. Eric is working on getting them back a couple of times this spring, it’s good to rock it up once in awhile. During one of his many engagements in Georgia in 1864, Sherman was having difficulty breaking through the rebels. He decided to send General Cox’s division to attack the opposing left. Sherman positioned himself on a high hill to watch and gave Cox his final orders for the march: “See here, Cox burn a few barns occasionally as you go along. I can’t understand those signal flags, but I know what smoke means.” See Ya Friday, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, 11/25/09

Seven dances in October and November and not one conflicted with the never ending bean harvest. Avalanche played last Friday and we were out of the field early because as the day warmed up the field turned to snot. It is good to have a night job; we needed some good entertainment after the frustration of playing in the mud for fifty five days straight. Bean harvest was basically, not counting a couple sloughs, finished Saturday hallelujah. We missed Nick on Avalanche’s steel guitar the night before but he will be back this weekend when they play in Moorhead, every thirteen years or so it is acceptable to miss a night. It was good to see Avalanche again and one of the best parts of the night is visiting with them at three in the morning over burgers and dogs. Pics of Todd’s giant buck and wistful vacation planning of Louisana Zydeco and Texas dancehalls with Brad. Speaking of “seeing” Avalanche check out the pics on their web-site from that night and see if you can identify the band member in his tighty whiteys getting dressed on the stage pre-dance, you’ll have to look hard to see him because the beauty of Liz and Becky in the foreground is distracting. We have the rest of Nov off but will get December started out right with the return of “At the Emporium” on Dec. 4^th and Avalanche finishes 2009 on Dec. 11. At the Emporium did very well in September and we are glad to have them back. Louie R. of Grandin enjoyed their last show but claimed the bass was so powerful he was struck by falling nails from the rafters. We will have the new 2010 spring schedule ready in December so come to one of the dances and get your dance card set. The first three people to ask Becky “how’s corn harvest going” at either Dec. dance will receive a free Barn t-shirt. Senator Chauncey Depew teased President Taft about the size of his stomach, asking him if he was expecting a boy or a girl. “If it’s a boy, I’ll call him John,” replied Taft, and if it’s a girl I’ll call her Mary. But if, as I suspect, it’s only wind, I’ll call it Chauncey Depew. See ya in December, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update 11/17/09

We had technical difficulties with the web-site the last week but they are fixed and life goes on. Silverado played very well last Friday and those in attendance appreciated their talent. Thanks to the group from Crookston for making the trip here they helped make it a fun night and they have "Minnesota nice" down so well they even bused their own tables. Avalanche is back this Friday, Nov. 20 and we are hoping for a big turn out. The deer are hiding in the corn so you might as well dance. The first three to ask Becky how the “never ending harvest” is going will receive a free Barn t-shirt. This week’s quote comes from Omar Sharif, the actor and ladies man, “Tell me, Mr. Sharif,” asked a journalist, “with your reputation as a lady killer, what should one talk to women about?” “Their beauty, of course,” replied the actor without hesitation. “But what if they are ugly?” Then about other women’s ugliness.” See Ya Friday, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update 11/02/09

Thank God for Sunday, we needed a recovery day after a “double your pleasure” weekend of Country (courtesy of the formerly October Road newly renamed band Heroes and Thieves) on Friday followed by a sold out techno dance hosted by Sovereign Sect on Saturday going well into Sunday morning. We had a good crowd Friday and those in attendance were treated to a free copy of October Road’s new CD “Rise and Shine” courtesy of the band. They were shooting a video during the dance; if you were here check out their web-site for the release date, you may be part of the cast. NDSU AGR’s frat brought a bus out so they should be a big part of the video but seeing as most were in costume it may be hard to pick them out. Shawn, Joe, Luke, and Ty are talented musicians and a great bunch of guys to work with, we hope to get them back in 2010, remember to check our schedule for “Heroes and Thieves”. Saturday’s techno dance was crazy but almost everyone was fun so it was a great party. “Near naked lady” seemed to be the most popular costume. Sovereign Sect has the Barn booked for another show Dec. 5^th check their my space page for details it is sure to sell out early, but be advised, it is NOT Country. Silverado returns Nov. 13^th so be ready for some kick ass music with a strong dose of fiddling. Your Mom might have told you to quit fiddling around but Bryan and Martin never listened to that advise. Most bands are lucky to have one fiddle player Silverado is blessed with two plus the talents of Terry, Woody, and Jason, be here Nov 13^th. Avalanche will be back Nov. 20 so we will enjoy back to back Country weekends, harvesting is intense this time of year but we take time to dance, thank God you do not need to look or feel good to farm. The first three people at either Nov dance that asks Becky “how’s harvest going” will be given a free Barn t-shirt. Having suffered a series of fainting fits, singer Frank Sinatra consulted his doctor. “How much money do you earn, Mr. Sinatra?” asked the doctor. “Somewhere near a million dollars a year,” replied Sinatra carelessly. “In that case,” advised the doctor, “I suggest you go right out and buy yourself some red meat. You’re suffering from malnutrition.” See Ya, Brian and Becky Johnson

Dance Update, 10/19/09

Mud is not a road block to dancing. We had a good crowd Friday thanks to new and old Avalanche fans. We even had a flash back to the sixties when Wayne B and Ron B and company showed up to celebrate Ron’s son Ryan’s 35^th birthday. Some things may have changed over the years but not Wayne and Ron, they still hang with pretty women and fun people, Barn dancing keeps you young and thanks to them I was NOT the oldest man at the dance for a change. Kevin and Brad showed up early to get things set up because Mike, the sound man, has accepted a new position at the Hub running their system. If you notice bands sound better at the Venue it’s because of Mike’s talent. Good luck Mike, we wish you the best. Kevin Krug has more talents than that of musician and singer. He drives the pickup and trailer that hauls Avalanche’s equipment. Backing that big trailer up hill with a “piece of s*** Dodge” pickup on “slick as snoot” Cass County clay is a skill few will ever master. About three attempts resulted in a perfectly positioned trailer. Kevin does show early signs of Alzheimer’s though, when he opened the extremely heavy rear door on the trailer and it dropped like a rock and almost squashed him his statement was “ o yeah that broke in Hickson and I was going to fix that.” Brad poured us a few “wilsons” to celebrate living through another near miss.

Our next dance is October 30 when “October Road” returns. They play Country in fast time for a high octane show. They are coming out with a new album and are filming a video at the Barn that night. We are excited to have a film crew working here during the day and the dance that night. Be here and not only will you be part of the party, you may be immortalized on October Road’s video. The first three people that ask Becky how is “the never ending bean harvest going” will receive a free Barn t-shirt. We get to sleep fast, spend Halloween day doing janitorial chores, and then work at Seth and Chris’s ( Sovereign Sect) techno dance in the Barn on October 31. Their last two shows have been sold out affairs so if you don’t want to be turned away get your tickets early or risk missing the show! This week’s quote comes from George B Shaw, Irish playwright, At a dinner party one evening, Shaw sat next to a pompous young bore who proved to be a mine of uninteresting information. After suffering his neighbor’s interminable monologue throughout the meal, Shaw observed, “You know, between the two of us we know all there is to know.” His companion was fascinated, “How is that?” he asked. “Well,” replied Shaw, “you seem to know everything except that you’re a bore. And I know that!” See Ya, Brian and Becky J

Dance Update, 9/21/09

“At the Emporium” is for real. We had a lot of fun last Friday and definitely heard some heart pounding rock. Becky and I didn’t challenge anybody to “name that tune” but we did pick out Journey and some other old favorites mixed in during the night. Thanks to Jenna J for lining up a fan filled “fun bus” to add to the crowd. ATE definitely has a good group of loyal fans young and old. We are having them back Dec. 4^th so if you like rock catch their show and you may also become a fan.

October is shaping up to be a busy month on the farm in addition to the harvest. We have the Barn rented three nights; a private dance for Farm House, Red River Singles will have a 21 and older singles mixer Sat. Oct 10, and Sovereign Sect is hosting an electronica night on Halloween. We have Avalanche back on Oct 16 and have added October Road for a dance on Oct. 30^th. We have a few posters out that were made before we added the Oct. 30^th dance so if you see an old one remember that the schedule has been updated. October Road is going to be producing a new video and decided that the Barn would be the perfect location. They will be filming here all day and then during the dance that night, come to the their show and you may get in the video. The first three people that ask Becky “how’s bean harvest going?” will get a free Barn t-shirt. When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!"

George Bernard Shaw see Ya, Brian and Becky J