FLYIN BUZZARDS BLUEGRASS BAND

Artist Spotlight: Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band

For anyone who was born and raised in the Ozarks, there are certain things that are deeply part of our culture. Neighbors help neighbors. Biscuits and gravy are standard breakfast fare. And not one of us can hold back from toe tapping when bluegrass music plays. More than two decades ago, a bluegrass band was created that continues to perform throughout our area. The Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band is recognizable to many locals for their red suspenders and fun bluegrass performances.

Over the years, band members have come and gone. But the three original members; Webb Murray, John Amos, and Duane Blevins started after having jam sessions together. Early on they played several Eagles songs. Current band member Tony Hinkle explained that when one of them commented that they couldn’t “play like the Eagles, but we can soar like the buzzards,” the band name was born. They enjoyed playing with the term “buzzard” because they joked about being middle-aged “ole buzzards.” This led them to settle on the Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band.

Current members include Hinkle, Wayne Clevenger, Duane Blevins, Bill Harris, and Bo Prock. Together they play a variety of music from many genres including traditional bluegrass, contemporary, new grass, older country, rock-n-roll, folk music and songs from the 1950s and 1960s. For each song, they add their own bluegrass flair.

Band members have many years of experience playing music, and some will occasionally help with other bands just as other musicians occasionally fill in for the Buzzards. Hinkle explained that they also enjoy sharing their musical talents in other ways. “From time to time we have the opportunity to be involved with music education. We work with the younger generation, giving lessons, or just sitting down with them to jam and have a good time to build their confidence and strengths.”

The Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band performed aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad for the annual Santa Train. This event benefits foster families in the area through the For the Kids organization.

The Flyin Buzzards have performed many places within the four-state area. They’ve shared their bluegrass music regularly on the Santa Trains with the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad and have been the opening band for the Apple Butter Makin’ Days in Mt. Vernon for the past ten years. They’ve performed at festivals, Independence Day celebrations, churches, and fundraisers and benefits. Anyone who’s visited Roaring River State Park on a Saturday night in the summer has likely had the chance to see the Flyin Buzzards perform. “We’re the host band for Roaring River State Park’s Bluegrass in the Park series,” Hinkle said. “It runs late-April through the end of September. This program has been going on for over 20 years. Ten to twelve are bands cycle through the park, and we play every other Friday night and organize the events.”

Performing bluegrass brings a lot of joy to the Flyin Buzzards and their fans. “We love every venue we play. Each one is unique, and we try to put on a special show for each one,” Hinkle said. “We are very appreciative of the festivals, sponsors, and vendors that get involved to make the events happen and provide us an opportunity to bring joy to the people who are most important.”

With the mixture of musical styles they perform, band members have written a few original songs. They’ve also performed songs presented to them by friends or supporters. When performing, the band is open to requests and particularly enjoys playing songs that people have grown up with or that bring back memories of days gone by. Overall, the Flyin Buzzards focus on performing songs that make people laugh and enjoy their time at the concerts.

Most of the members of the band are self-taught and never took formal lessons. That doesn’t stop each of them having the ability to play at least three different instruments. Hinkle explained that they have a good knowledge of different aspects of music from basic rhythms to blues to Cajun and many styles in between. “We add our own twist using instruments and musical arrangements that fit standard bluegrass instruments.”

As a band, the Flyin Buzzards are more than just band mates. They’re like family. That family includes near-

In 2021, the Flyin Buzzards performed regularly at the Roaring River State Park summer Bluegrass in the Park concert series. The band helps organize bands for the series.

Performing on stage at the Neosho Fall Festival in 2021.

ly 30 musicians considered “honorary buzzards” and all their fans. “We realize that we are but one group out of the many, many bands in the fourstate area,” Hinkle said. “Many other groups share our philosophy and, most important, it’s not the group that lives on, but the brotherhood, the family, and the friends that come together to play and enjoy the music.”

With their blend of quality bluegrass and unscripted comedy, the Flyin Buzzards always put on a great show. “Our goal is that we may bring a smile, a laugh, or a blessing to someone,” Hinkle said. “We all enjoy playing music and, of course, we all love having fun. We know the quality of the music is not always perfect, but we have fun, make mistakes, and move on.”

The Buzzards have changed over the years, including the passing of founding members Webb Murray and John Amos, but their goals stay the same. Hinkle said, “The Flyin Buzzards are not just about one person or someone or who’s best, it’s about three ole Buzzards (which has grown to five now) flyin’ high for the Lord and bringing joy, laughter, and memories of happy times.”

For anyone who’d like to catch the Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band, they are currently booking dates for 2022. They are already booked to perform at Pam’s Place in Seneca on February 19 at 7:00 p.m. and again later in mid-November. Prior to COVID, the band played nearly 100 shows per year. They finished 2021 with almost 60 shows. For 2022 bookings, contact Wayne Clevenger at 417442-7480. To find a Flyin Buzzards Bluegrass Band show, fans can follow their Facebook page for updates and schedules. •

“Our goal is that we may bring a smile, a laugh, or a blessing to someone.”

by Christa Stout

Tried and True

This month’s visit was to the oldest shelter I had been to: Carthage Humane Society Carthage Humane was established 74 years ago and is still going strong. 1948 - 2022, what an accomplishment. Sad to say, due to some unexpected interference by Covid, most of the visit was done over the phone! Thanks for being so flexible! Rena, the current director, is continuing with the traditions of great animal care. Carthage Humane is a no kill shelter and all animals get to stay until they are adopted or if hurt or very old, if they can no longer alleviate pain for a pet. And like most animal owners, the decision to euthanize is extremely hard, not taken lightly and thank goodness doesn’t happen frequently. This is also the only shelter I know that has a perpetual care pet cemetery and it is the oldest one in the state. If you would like to visit your pet after he or she has crossed the rainbow bridge, check into this service. Carthage currently has about 65 adoptable dogs and 29 adoptable cats. Last year, they adopted more than a thousand animals. Wow, I was impressed. Imagine the number of kennels that need to be cleaned daily, the food and water bowls that are washed and the bedding that is replaced. Of course their animal care doesn’t stop there, the animals get daily attention, are exercised, played with and petted. So where do these animals come from? Well, mostly from the Animal Control Officer, who brings animals to the Shelter under an agreement with the city. Carthage does some owner surrenders from individuals for a fee, but only when there is space available. When a pet comes in, it is evaluated by their veterinarian, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and gets flea and heartworm treatment. They do not adopt an animal out without a vet visit. And who takes care of these animals? A few paid employees and as many volunteers as they can get. If you are interested in volunteering, take a look at their website and facebook pages. Many times there is a call going out to volunteer. From personal experience, I can promise you it will be a satisfying experience. The pets are so grateful for the attention and they will pay you back hundredfold with their affection.

Scan the QR Code to read more Rescued, My Favorite Breed online

With all of this going on, I asked how they manage their funding. I was surprised to learn that none of the funding is from the National Humane Society. The association with the Humane Society is simply a certification process. Rena tells me that the City pays a monthly fee for the services the Humane Society performs, but that it doesn’t come close to paying for the operating costs of the shelter. Rena does many grant applications, but these are generally for a specific project, i.e. an addition to the kennel area, or some other major improvements. Rena did tell me that they are so fortunate in having a good base of donating supporters who will generally come through when some funding or food or supplies are needed. If you ever thought of donating to a shelter, here is your chance, truly any amount is much appreciated, and not just monetary, but take a look at their website for a list of supplies needed. Also, donating is a good teaching opportunity for your children. The pets are in need of their support and possibly their volunteering. Rena told me they are very grateful to Blue Buffalo for their donation of dry dog food. But wet dog food, wet and dry cat food and non-clumping litter must be purchased or donated. They are also listed on Smile.Amazon,com, where every purchase made on Amazon triggers a small percentage that is returned the shelter selected. Here are some of the links to the Carthage Humane Society:

website Facebook

And if you are looking for a companion, take a look at these wonderful pets available at the Carthage Humane Society:

BARKLEY: Barkley is a beautiful chocolate lab. He came to Carthage Humane over 400 days ago from a Neosho citizen who found him and could not locate his owner. Barkley is dog selective and doesn’t care for cats, so he would do well as an only child. He is house trained and loves to play fetch. He suffers from Kennel stress due to being in the shelter too long. If you take the time to earn his trust, he will be your best friend forever. Isn’t he gorgeous?

CHIP: Chip, the cat, is a playful and precious young fellow who can’t wait to find his own home. I got to play with him a bit because he kept reaching through the kennel to get my attention, and he was very gently doing so.

CEDAR: Cedar is the shelter’s longest resident dog at over 500 days, and no one wants that title. He is good with other dogs, but afraid of cats. He has grown up in the shelter, being a baby when he came to us. He is very playful, and loves giving kisses and being petted. He is good on a leash and knows sit. The only thing he needs is a family of his own. Can’t you picture him in your home?