Carl's Scrapbook: 2000s Events: Mayfaire 2002

More Great Memories for the Scrapbook

 Mayfaire Saturday Night 2002

by Carl Chambers
Editor :-) Dizzy Rambler Online

Ron Harrell as "The King"Lakeland, Florida - The 2002 Mayfaire Saturday Night, in conjunction with the annual Mayfaire-On-The-Lake Arts Festival, was held on Saturday, May 11th and it had to have been the absolutely best one yet. The sponsors and promoters are to be commended on an exciting and extremely enjoyable evening of family entertainment and fun. Just the view of downtown Lakeland from the Lake Mirror Promenade can be breath-taking enough, but add an awesome fireworks show and a good dose of those great ol' rock & roll oldies and what can I say -- it was somewhat overwhelming. While, there was some confusion about what number this year's festival was (last year it was purported to be the 27th), the "powers that be" finally agreed that, with all things considered, it was the 31st.

In any event, it was the 13th consecutive year that the Rogues were the featured entertainment, and approximately 12-15 thousand patrons of the various arts were estimated to have gathered on the multi-tiered banks of the Lake Mirror Promenade. It was definately the most fun this ol' guitar picker has had in a long time. The crowd was big and responsive. The older people behaved themselves and the youngsters had a ball. I would have never thought so many pre-teens would know the words to so many of those old songs. It made me feel great. When the U.S. colors were presented the entire crowd was respectful, both young and old. Most sang along and a majority held their hands over their hearts during the playing of the National Anthem. What a difference a year can make.

And, speaking of the Rogues -- they were HOT. It was only the second show that Donnie Helms (our new bass player) had played with the group, but I think he inspired the band to new heights of energy and professionalism. It was a good night.

Vocalist, Ron Harrell (one of the original members of the Canadian Rogues) led the crowd in a nostalgic romp through the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s (they laughed, they cried) and almost brought down the house with his Elvis impersonation. It was the first time the Rogues had presented the Elvis routine in an outdoor show. Along with guitarist and band leader Dane Streets and the late Willie Metts, Ronnie was one of the founding members of the Canadian Rogues back in 1964 (in those days Ronnie also played bass). The band's name was shortened to the Rogues after Willie's death in 1996.

The group now consists of Ron Harrell (vocals), Dane Streets (guitars/keyboards), Jerry Lanier (organ/piano), Carl Chambers (guitars/music director), Rodney Price (drums) and Donnie Helms (bass). With the addition of Helms, the group now claims three former members of the Bellamy Brothers' road and recording band (Chambers, Price and Helms).

I was proud to be part of this years Festival and look forward (Lord willin') to being a part of next year's event. See yall on down the road.