The initial three song set of light rhythms somehow gave way to a saga of guns, girls and ammo woven in playful melodies. A flanneled, pearl snapped Ukulele Loki ran the board while Uncle Jeff concocted the musical menu. The hot trak of the weaponized rigmarole was Skip Allen's, I Won't Need My Six Gun In Heaven.

Could Halden Wofford & The Hi Beams pull us out of the black hole we had driven into? Yep! Yes sir! For sure! The first number by the Hi Beams was a sweet moving instrumental titled Hey Bub. Each of the band members got a chance to show their stuff while Halden whooped it up. Man oh man the mood of the show went 180 degrees to a rifle. Halden has a big, clear unmistakable country voice and is a longtime friend of Route 78 West. Halden had stopped by on his way to a book signing for his just released title, "The Long Gone Lonesome History of Country Music." The book was written and illustrated by Halden Wofford, aka Bret Bertholf, and is aimed toward children. The youthful Uncle Jeff seemed intrigued! A quick glance through the book had me fascinated by detailed color sketches of country music history.

Post show Rio Grande brunch/margs provided more time to converse with Bret about movies, music and idols of the genre. We meandered under fan breezes till Bret had to leave for his book signing at the Boulder Book Store. Surrounded by such a creative bunch got me fired up to get home to practice my guitar. After a cup of coffee and a visit to my favorite swimming hole I sat back with a smile on my face as I strummed chords till midnight. It had been a great day.

Thanks to Halden Wofford & The Hi Beams for a great 1190 in studio performance.

The next show by the Hi Beams is July 1st at the Chico Hot Springs Saloon, Pray, MT. Richmond Fontaine June 30 at the Bluebird Theater w/Slim Cessna's Auto Club. Wayne "The Train" Hancock, July 24 at Benders.