"Let’s put on a show!" Many a movie from the thirties and forties was scripted around that brilliant idea. Sometimes the show was suppose to solve a financial or some other kind of crisis that the movie characters had to overcome, but obviously it was really just an excuse to sing and dance. As if anyone ever needed an excuse in that tap-dancing era.

But way back in the days before cable television and five hundred channels, if you wanted home entertainment, you indeed had to put on your own show. My mom and all of her eighth brothers and sisters learn to play guitar and sing. Living at the head of Bad Fork holler in eastern Kentucky, they had just a crystal radio. It was a primitive contraption whose super-weak reception could be enjoyed only through an earphone. So they learned to entertain themselves, sitting on the front porch, playing and singing sad Appalachian folk songs and telling really gruesome scary stories.

Kids, from eight to eighty, seem to be enamoured with the idea of a show. What could be more exciting than planning, rehearsing and then performing a show. I guess that is why many of the local schools and churches have a talent show every year. Anytime I am able to attend one of these wonderful revues I am always bowled over by the talent of the students and their teachers who help them stage it.

A couple times a year I present a talent showcase for my own music students. It is always a thrill to see their eyes light up and hear their enthusiasm when we start planning one.

The Ken May Show

At my upcoming talent showcase, my wonderful music students and special guests will perform for family, friends, and anyone else who wants to have a great time enjoying this exciting program. There will also be a special performance by my famous brother, Mark May. This totally unique and entertaining event takes place at 1:00 PM to 5:00PM on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at Tom’s Backyard, which is T-Bone Tom’s popular venue for music by many of the premier area bands. T-Bone Tom's is located at 707 Highway 146, Kemah, Texas 77565. You can contact them by calling 281-334-2133, or visit www.tbonetoms.com. They have a great menu of steaks, barbecue, seafood, and burgers, so bring your appetite!

For more information about the Ken May Show, call 281-338-9920 or visit www.kenmay.com

copyright 2004 Ken May