It was such a nice time with friends, and a wonderful mix of Christmas music and original songs by Tom Wopat, longtime performing artist, Broadway star and our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Wopat presented a thoroughly festive concert last night for "A Hazzard County Christmas" at the Corunna United Methodist Church in Corunna, Michigan.
This holiday event was hosted by two Pastor Steves -- one who's actually the pastor of this church, and the other who pastors another church locally and was marking his third "Dukes of Hazzard"-themed event with Wopat in the past 12 months. In fact, the Luke Duke of his childhood is becoming quite a friend to this avid "Dukes" fan, Steve Rau, so much so that he's rather determined to make Shiawassee County into Hazzard County. And hey, this author will go with that; I dreamed of living in Hazzard when I was a kid growing up in this area. I've been joking on this blog (see the coverage from last year's Christmas concert, as well as the summer racetrack concert) about how Michigan seems to be becoming "Hazzard North," with these wonderful events popping up from Pastor Steve.
And just like last year's Christmas concert, fans were treated to a more-intimate setting for this event. We "Dukes" fans know that typical events can draw thousands, and you might be waiting in line a long time to get that photo or diecast car signed by a cast member. Here, though, the church pews were pretty full, but as Wopat signed items for fans at his table in the great hall before and after the concert, you had nice access and lots of time with this Duke cousin.
Wopat brought a couple different 8-by-10 photos with him -- one with his "Dukes" co-star John Schneider, and another of just himself with the General Lee -- along with two albums, a recent Christmas CD he cut with Schneider and the "Wopat" release.
Replicas of the General Lee and Hazzard County Sheriff's car were on hand again for this event, brought by Brian and T.J., as well as a yellow Road Runner like Daisy drove early on in the series, a monster truck and a Blues Brothers-inspired car.
They came from near and far to enjoy this concert; one fan drove eight hours from eastern Ontario, and another came from a block away! Thanks so much, Mr. Tom Wopat, as well as both Pastor Steves and everyone else who helped put this event together.
Merry Christmas!!!
This holiday event was hosted by two Pastor Steves -- one who's actually the pastor of this church, and the other who pastors another church locally and was marking his third "Dukes of Hazzard"-themed event with Wopat in the past 12 months. In fact, the Luke Duke of his childhood is becoming quite a friend to this avid "Dukes" fan, Steve Rau, so much so that he's rather determined to make Shiawassee County into Hazzard County. And hey, this author will go with that; I dreamed of living in Hazzard when I was a kid growing up in this area. I've been joking on this blog (see the coverage from last year's Christmas concert, as well as the summer racetrack concert) about how Michigan seems to be becoming "Hazzard North," with these wonderful events popping up from Pastor Steve.
And just like last year's Christmas concert, fans were treated to a more-intimate setting for this event. We "Dukes" fans know that typical events can draw thousands, and you might be waiting in line a long time to get that photo or diecast car signed by a cast member. Here, though, the church pews were pretty full, but as Wopat signed items for fans at his table in the great hall before and after the concert, you had nice access and lots of time with this Duke cousin.
Wopat brought a couple different 8-by-10 photos with him -- one with his "Dukes" co-star John Schneider, and another of just himself with the General Lee -- along with two albums, a recent Christmas CD he cut with Schneider and the "Wopat" release.
Replicas of the General Lee and Hazzard County Sheriff's car were on hand again for this event, brought by Brian and T.J., as well as a yellow Road Runner like Daisy drove early on in the series, a monster truck and a Blues Brothers-inspired car.
Merry Christmas!!!
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
5 comments:
Such a great pic of you two. With a name like Billie Rae, I think you deserve to be considered an honourary Duke, tbh! (At least that's how I'm going to think of you!) :)
OMG, that would be amazing. LOL. I always looked up to Daisy. Thanks. Merry Christmas!
Wish I could have made it. Looks like it was really nice.
Very nice, Billie Rae.
Thanks, Billie, Merry Christmas to you!
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