08/26/2026
In case you missed it....
2027 Concert Survey and My Story
My Story
Good Morning, Everyone.
It's that time again. I need your help and suggestions. I plan to produce a few shows next year. Not nearly as many as this year, but a few. The Grand Old Lady isn't finished just yet.
Please fill out this survey as soon as possible. It really does help me.
Please help by filling out the 2027 Concert Survey.
Ticket sales have been picking up for the fall shows; however, Blue Dot Fever is still hurting a few of the shows: Tom Rush and Blood Brothers, and Yonder Mountain are slow.
I find the Yonder Mountain Show odd. This is a two-night show, and in most cases around the country they sell 1,000s of hard tickets to audiences standing outside in the heat or cold.
This is a real treat to get to see them at Wildwood. I assume most of you just don't know who they are; you might want to try listening or just give them a try. It's a much more affordable show.
Please help by filling out the 2027 Concert Survey.
Wildwood Stock was a huge success. More on that in My Story.
Keep Buying
Rickie Skaggs
Ambrosia and Friends
Ozark Mountain Daredevils and
TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!
My Story
This past Sunday morning, following a wonderful evening of music and dance. I was sitting on the small bench outside the dining room ramp door. My view was of the Gardens we built during the quiet year of 2019. They have grown into a beautiful array of reds, yellows, oranges, and whites.
I was just taking the fresh morning air and having some coffee when I noticed a group of butterflies. I love butterflies. I'm not an expert regarding the type of butterflies they may be; maybe I know the Monarch butterfly, that's about it. But I know their life cycle and what it means.
First, mature females lay their eggs on leaves. The eggs hatch; a caterpillar hatches and starts to grow, shedding its skin many times as it eats leaves. Then the magic happens: it turns into a Chrysalis where the metamorphosis begins, and after just a few weeks, a beautiful butterfly comes out. Then the cycle of life starts all over again as the female butterfly lays her eggs.
I just sat there and watched the butterflies; I saw many different types (as I was drinking a lot of coffee). It was a really late night of music; Kamm said he played until 1:20 AM. I only made it to 12:15. I was so happy to see so many dancing; that was really nice.
You know everything in life has its cycle. I think the (above-mentioned) might be what life means: a cycle.
A beginning and an end. Or maybe, a new start counts as well. I know my time is nearing its end, hoping not tomorrow, but I guess what I mean is the Old Bands are disappearing, and the customers have been as well. That cycle is nearing its end. However, what I saw Sat night is a new beginning. Well over 50% were new customers, all in their mid-40s; some were younger, and some of the old guard were in attendance. Well over 200 in all. All 52 rooms were full, all the Guest Houses were full, and even the New Wicker-Harrison House. Attendees came from over 7 states. The dining room was full for the first time all year. With a Buzz and a level of excitement I have not seen all year. Music was to begin at 8 and go until 1:30 am. The room danced to their melodies with the three Best Bands in Missouri; and believe me, they all danced and danced. I did see a lot of those little White ci******es outside around the Pool and on the porches. Hmm… they seemed to be quite popular.
The evening reminded me of the very first Brewer and Shipley evening way back in 1995, then 1996, and 1998. Even one of our best customers was there Sat night, just as he was for those Brewer and Shipley concerts. Everyone back in those early days was 40-50 years old too. And I remember seeing a lot of those little white ci******es back then too. I remember sitting out on the front steps the next morning drinking coffee with the guests and all saying..
How about we do more of these shows...?
A cycle, maybe the Grand Old Lady has more in her—a new start.
I sat there and watched those Butterflies for a long time; I was and am very happy.
Please help by filling out the 2027 Concert Survey.
Love you all so much... Fill in those surveys; they really do matter!!!!
Bob
