This is now the OFFICIAL website of The New Christy Minstrels®  Under the Direction of Randy Sparks! There's only one such group in the whole world, and you've reached the one and only place we are now OFFICIALLY located in the cyber-world of the Internet. Photography by Sherry Rayn Barnett   PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE LISTED AT END OF SITE (or click here)   Randy Sparks, Founder of The New Christy Minstrels®    randy@thenewchristyminstrels.com  MESSAGES FROM RANDY   ***************************** Jackie Miller Davidson jackie@thenewchristyminstrels.com   Clarence Treat clarence@thenewchristyminstrels.com   Dolan Ellis dellis@dolanellis.net DolanEllis.com    Art Podell art@thenewchristyminstrels.com   Becky Jo Benson beckyjo@thenewchristyminstrels.com BECKY JO AND CHARLIE   Bill Boycott bill@thenewchristyminstrels.com BuffaloBillBoycott.com   Chuck Cole, when available chuck@thenewchristyminstrels.com   REGISTER WITH US: Would you like to be on our mailing list? register with us at barb@barbevans.com Just put "register" in the subject line AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS  and we'll add you to our list ********************************************** Why The New Christy Minstrels? It has been more than 40 years since a group of young men and women made their national television debut on THE ANDY WILLIAMS SHOW in the fall of 1962. That group, THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS, would go on to win a Grammy for their debut recording, "Presenting The New Christy Minstrels". They are still singing and delighting their fans, old and new. Original members who still appear with the group include Randy Sparks, Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, Dolan Ellis, and Art Podell.  Special new members are Becky Jo Benson, Bill Boycott., and  when available, Chuck Cole. Randy Sparks continues to write the music and direct the group.  Clarence Treat has taken on the responsibility of vocal arrangements, and we are thankful that he is a nit-picker. Jason Barney is our hero in the recording studio! *   Photo by Jeff Jacobs  RS & THE NCM R&D Department When Dolan Ellis "retired" to become  Arizona's Official Balladeer, RS & his Minstrels were left flatfooted with no replacement member up-to-speed not even one in mind.  They knew they had a problem.   Recruiting began immediately.  Randy brought Gene Clark from Kansas City, then somebody suggested Doug Brookins.  Trial by fire was hardly an acceptable way to replace the irreplaceable Dolan Ellis, so Randy created Ledbetter's, a rehearsal hall with an audience on Westwood Blvd. near UCLA in West Los Angeles.  MANY MORE DISCOVERIES WERE MADE HERE:   SUCH AS: ****************************** WALK Of FAME!   A tax deductible contribution has been made to the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS' Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Expense Account by each of the following couples, groups, companies, individuals, etc.  Burl & Dorothy Ives Randy & Diane Sparks Becky Jo & Vecca  Benson Allan & Barbara Evans Jeff & Cheryl Jacobs Barry & Mari McGuire Chuck & Kathy Cole DTE Energy, Detroit Power New Christy Publishing Co. Cherrybell Music Pub. Co. JOHN S. SUCH JOE AND DEBBY VAN HOOK JANET AND DAVID WALSH HAL WEINER GORDON ADAMS JEFF SAFRAN BRIAN EBALO JUDY C. BASS DONATIONS FOR THE STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME FROM OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS IN KANSAS!                  IF YOU'D LIKE TO  MAKE A TAX     DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION , CLICK ON        THE DONATE BUTTON.   ******************************                Chat Room                       ****************************** Let us introduce you to the principal booking agent  for the New Christy Minstrels,......   ************************************** Discography: 1961 thru 1977  ************************************************   Now Available "The Best of the Back Porch Majority"     20$ Photo courtesy of Don Benson, House of Photographic Arts,  916-487-1005 Down Memory Lane in Photos

URGENT APPEAL. The support of our faithful fans is desperately needed for our dinner/concert dates in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In a downturn economy with record fuel prices, we NEED to help our dear friends there. To those who have cancelled reservations because of what has recently happened to the town, please reconsider. If you have a charitable spirit, please join us at Mountain Annie's, August 28, 29 and 30,  ( Please see schedule) for an excellent meal, our very best efforts to be entertaining, and business as usual. We are 100% dedicated to aid their recovery program. If we can help hurricane and flood victims all around the world, surely we can rally some support for our musical family members closer to home. RS In a message dated 8/5/2008 9:53:36 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, randy@thenewchristyminstrels.com writes: Hello, Phyllis and Jim (and Mark); I feel just awful about what Hurricane Dolly has done to your beautiful village, and I want you to know that we'll understand if you need to make changes in your entertainment program. Mind you, we are very much looking forward to being there at the end of the month, but if the expected crowds are staying away in droves, and if going ahead with current plans would possibly work a hardship on your business, you have my permission to cancel our dates. I haven't spoken with any of the other Minstrels, but I am absolutely certain they'll back me in this position. It's not all about the money, you know. Please be honest with me, and tell me what you feel the need to do for the sake of your business and survival. Sincerely, Randy Sparks Phyllis of Mountain Annie's writes: Once again, Randy, thank you for your thoughtfulness. While we do not have a lot of reservations, we NEED you, we NEED the New Christy Minstrels. So much has happened, and I have been overwhelmed in my attempts to deal with it all. Ruidoso experienced the record-breaking flood, which made national news, washed out bridges, stranded people, destroyed property,etc. The Mountain Annie's property was not damaged at all, thankfully, but it holds on financially only by a thread, and we did lose reservations which had not been wonderful anyway because of gas prices. I The good news: We're safe. And My New Christy Minstrels are coming back. Our phone numbers is: Mountain Annie's 575-257-7982; We are SO looking forward to seeing you. Phyllis     ************************************** Photo taken on Voyager of the Sea 4/19/2008 MESSAGE FROM RANDY           I just received the new CD and positively love it. Your music is still good and relevant as it was 40 years ago.  Thanks for keeping it alive. Judy C. Bass   AVAILABLE  NOW!!       High Plains Public Radio Review Click above link to read the full review.   Sometimes old school is just that- old! Yet the New Christy Minstrels have a newCD that is anything but moth-ridden. by Mary Palmer Click above link to read the full review. Greatest Hits CD. Contains: Denver This Land is Your Land Ramblin' Today Follow the Drinkin' Gourd  Saturday Night Green Green My Mind Set on Freedom Just Americans Julianne Eve of Destruction Mighty Misissippi Last Farewell     ******************** Visit: THE STORE   Now Available: New Country Minstrels Converted to CD   RANDY SPARKS AND THE BACK PORCH MAJORITY     CD includes: Ain't That Happy Payin' Your Dues Again Something That Nobody Wants You Make It Look So Easy One Good Song Sad Songs And Love Songs Now And Then Mack The Truck Back In "Bakersfield Again Let It Shine (Let The Love Shine) Silver threads And Golden Needles    $20.00 INCLUDING POSTAGE IN THE U.S. ********************* FAN MAIL Dear Randy,   I was just listening to my husband's recordings and one of them was Today. I love Robert's rendition and phrasing. What a beautiful song! I want to thank you for writing it.   All the best to you and your family. Vera Goulet More Fan Mail! ******************************** Discography: 1961 thru 1977    *********************************** Calling All Minstrels NOTICE WE'RE LOOKING FOR ALL THE FORMER MEMBERS OF THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS.  IF YOU WERE A MEMBER, PLEASE CONTACT US SO WE CAN PUT YOU ON THE LIST.  . THANK YOU gadams1970@hotmail.com ***********************************    you will likely remember many   of  their most famous songs; THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND TODAY DENVER MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI DRINKIN' GOURD  PREACHER AND THE BEAR GREEN GREEN RAMBLIN' HI JOLLY JULIANNE LAST FAREWELL JUST AMERICANS SATURDAY NIGHT   and many more !!!  "CHRISTMAS MUSIC -- OLD AND NEW"  IT'LL BE A MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE STAR CHRISTMAS WISHES GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN THE SHEPHERD BOY OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CITY   EBENEZER SCROOGE FLOR de la NOCHE BUENA NO ROOM AT THE INN DEAR FRIENDS AND GENTLE HEARTS DADDY, DOES SANTA RIDE A HARLEY?  SING HOSANNA HALLELUJAH      ***************************************                                 FAN MAIL Thank you all as your performance aboard the Voyager was the highlight of our cruise.  My husband and I happened to be in one of the lounges where you were having a jam session early on in the cruise and instantly became groupies, fans, and self appointed p.r's to our friend and other passengers.  The music and comraderie of  your group and most of all the wit of Randy Sparks was so entertaining we had to find out about the performance aboard ship.  Royal Caribbean missed out by not publishing you in the daily bulletin, but we were grateful for the smaller room performance rather than a large auditorium.  Thank you all for the great entertainment.  We will follow your web site for future performances.  Judy Strawn,    Seabrook TX *************************************

Taken on The New Christy Minstrels Cruise! Under the direction of Randy Sparks.    4/20/2008

Al Gerhardt. ALG Unique Photography 713-410-6542

"This map is intended to be representative of the performances scheduled as of the 5th of April, 2008.  They do not necessarily indicate a particular location in each state. The color of the dot will change to blue as the performances are completed. "

 

-------2008------- THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 29, & 30, 2008 Mountain Annie’s Dinner theater Located in the heart of mid-town Ruidoso! 2710 Sudderth, Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345 Doors open 6:00 P.M., Dinner 7:00 P.M., Concert 8:00 P.M. For Reservations: 505-257-7982 For dinner/concert tickets and information: http://www.mountainannies.com/ **********************************************         SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008 FAUBION MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM 2000 ROLLINS ST. McKinney, Texas Concert 7:30 P.M. McKinney Concert Association Attendance by season membership only. Six (6) concerts in the concert season for $95.00 Tickets and information: http://www.mckinneyconcerts.org ************************ Thursday, September 11, 2008 Stocker Arts Center 1005 North Abbe Road Elyria, Ohio 44035 Concert:   7:30 P.M. Tickets and Information http://www.lorainccc.edu/Stocker+Arts+Center/pass.htm **************************************     FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center 701 McMorran Boulevard Port Huron, Michigan 48060 Concert 8:00 P.M. Tickets and information: http://www.mcmorran.com *******************************************   SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 Kirtland Community College Gilbert I. Stewart Auditorium 10775 North Saint Helen Road Roscommon, Michigan 48653 Concert 7:00 P.M. Tickets and information on the September 2008 through June 2009 concert season: http://kirtland.edu/kcpa/default.asp ***************************************   SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 Marion Palace Theatre 276 West Center Street Marion, Ohio 43302 Concert 8:00 P.M. Tickets and information: marionpalace.org   ****************************     SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008 City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium 401 South College Street Morganton, North Carolina 28655 Concert 7:30 P.M. Tickets and information soon to be listed in the Events section of City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium web site: http://www.commaonline.org/index.htm *************************************   WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 Newberry Opera House 1201 McKibben Street Newberry, South Carolina 29108 Concert 8:00 P.M. Tickets and information: http://www.newberryoperahouse.com/ *****************************************   THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2008 Odell Williamson Auditorium Brunswick Community College 50 College Road, NW Supply, North Carolina 28462 Concert 7:30 P.M. Tickets and information: http://www.bccowa.com/geninfo.html **********************************   FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 Turnage Theater 150 West Main Street Washington, North Carolina 27889 Concert 8:00 P.M. Tickets and information: http://turnagetheater.com/index.php **************************************     SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032-B Newt Road Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 Concert 7:30 P.M. Maps and directions: http://stanlyciviccenter.com/map.htm Tickets and information: http://stanlyciviccenter.com/index.htm **************************************   SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2008 Sellersville Theater 1894 24 West Temple Avenue Sellersville, Pennsylvania 18960 Concert 7:30 P.M. Directions: Click Here Tickets and information: http://www.st94.com/index.html ************************************

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2008 Irvington Town Hall theater 85 Main Street Irvington, New York 10533 Concert 8:00 P.M. Tickets and information: www.westcoproductions.org **********************************

THURSDAY, & FRIDAY OCTOBER 16, & 17, 2008 Cox Performing Arts Center Dixie State College 325 South 700 East St. George, Utah 84770 Concert 7:30 P.M. All concert seats are reserved. Tickets, reservations, and information shall be posted for the Celebrity Concert Series 2008-2009 Season. Tickets and information: http://www.dixie.edu/concerts/ ***********************************

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2008 Folsom Community Center 52 Natoma Street Folsom, California 95630 Concert 7:30 P.M. Tickets and information: http://www.flcca.org/ NewChristyMinstrels.shtml ********************************* MONDAY, OCTOBER 20TH MOKELUMNE HILL, CA TOWN HALL DETAILS TO FOLLOW ****************************

‘Whistle Stop’ Tour TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2008 Kalispell, Montana WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Missoula, Montana THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008 (To be announced) Shelby, Montana FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2008 Stone Child School, Montana SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008 Great Falls, Montana SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2008 Helena, Montana MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008 Travel Amtrak TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Minot, North Dakota Tickets and venue information to follow.   ***********************

Order This Picture! Autographed by the Artists! $10    Contact  barb@barbevans.com

FRIDAY, & SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, & 22, 2008 Center for Arts & Performance 8815 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 Concert 8:00 P.M. Wisconsin Lutheran College Guest Artist Series 2008-2009 Tickets and information: http://www.wlc.edu/arts/index.aspx?id=701 *******************************

-------2009-------

Holy Spirit