Richard & Karen Carpenter

Performing Arts Center

January 18th

FEATURING JO ANN CASTLE, MYRON FLOREN, DICK DALE, AVA BARBER and MARY LOU METZGER, The Champagne Musical Family Orchestra and the Lawrence Welk Orchestra Alumni

January 18th

Jo Ann Castle

"Jo Ann Castle doesn’t tickle the Ivories, she hammers them—as if she is building the piano instead of playing it." This recent observation by TV Guide helps to describe the timeless appeal of the bouncy blond who has been entertaining American audiences since her debut on The Lawrence Welk Show over 40 years ago.

Castle began her career in Bakersfield, California, where she began singing, dancing and performing at the age of three. By age seven, she was studying classical piano and, at age ten, moved with her family to Ventura and started playing the accordion. She turned professional at the tender age of 15 working for such band leaders as country and western’s Tex Williams, Ina Ray Hutton and her All-Girl Orchestra, "King of Western Swing" Spade Cooley and Spike Jones.  By age 17,  she had formed her own band and was appearing regularly at the Dunes and Fremont Hotels in Las Vegas where she recorded her first album entitled "Accordion in Hi-Fi" for Roulette Records.

When Welk heard the album, he immediately invited her to make the first of several guest appearances on his ABC-televised show—all before the age of 19! Two years later, Mr. Welk invited her back and, on her 20th birthday with millions of viewers watching, surprised her with an invitation to become a permanent member of his musical family.  Castle went on to become one of its most popular entertainers until she left in 1970 to start a family.

Since 1994, she has been one of the stars at Lawrence Welk’s Champagne Theater in Branson and now travels nationwide with her dazzling one-woman show. Regarding her guest appearance at the Fabulous Follies, "It’s a thrill to be a part of such a wonderful show with such talented entertainers," states Castle.

With the veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis and the flamboyance of Liberace, audiences will be wowed with the comedy, sass, boundless energy and unique piano stylings of this dazzling entertainer.

Myron Floren

Myron Floren was born in Roslyn, South Dakota, the eldest of seven children. When Myron was seven years old, he talked his father into ordering a ten dollar accordion from Sears and Roebuck, and as a result of that investment, would later become one of the top virtuosos in the world. He credits the development of his strong finger and forearm strength to milking the cows on the farm.

When World War II began, Myron tried to enlist in the Air Force but was turned down for medical reasons. He later enlisted in the USO and entertained the troops overseas.

Upon his return from the war, he and Berdyne lived in Sioux Falls where Myron had a radio show. In 1946, they moved to St. Louis where he joined the "Buckeye Four", a popular music group specializing in hillbilly music. One night, they went dancing at the Casa Loma ballroom where Welk was appearing. Lawrence invited Myron up on stage to play a number. Myron chose "Lady of Spain". The crowd and Lawrence loved it and he was offered a job with Welk that night. In 1950, he joined the band and stayed until the show's end in 1982.

Today, Myron can be seen appearing throughout the country entertaining audiences everywhere.

Dick Dale

Dick Dale began playing the saxophone in seventh grade and joined Lynn Kerns' band in high school. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in World War II. After the war, he returned to the band and then joined Amby Meyer's Band. he also played with Al Menke's band and the Six Fat Dutchman.

Dick sang and played saxophone with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra from 1951 and continued on the Lawrence Welk TV Show until 1982. Dick also danced, did comedy pieces and was part of the production staff for the show. Many will remember him for his role as Santa Claus every year during the annual Welk Christmas Show. Following the Show, Dick joined Ava Barber in her Rainbow Music Theater in Tennessee for five years.

Ava Barber

Ava Barber began singing professionally at age 10, joined a local "Country Music Show" at age 15 in Knoxville. Ava stayed with the show for four years. The show was carried on thirty television stations which gave Ava good exposure. Ava began performing around the Knoxville area, and even recorded for a local record label. Then Ava’s mother, an avid fan of Lawrence Welk, suggested Ava send Mr. Welk a tape.

Ava wrote to Mr. Welk in 1973. A couple of months later, Ava received a letter from Mr. Welk, wanting to have her on the show. Ava and Roger flew to the west coast in February 1974. Ava did her first show and was hired as a regular right on the air by Mr. Welk. Ava pursued her recording career. She experienced success with her recording of "Waiting At The End Of Your Run." Then scored big on the charts with "Bucket To The South," going all the way to #13 on the Billboard Charts and #12 in Canada.

Mary Lou Metzger

The vivacious and immensely talented Mary Lou Metzger began her entertainment career at the age of seven. She majored in music at Temple University and was later introduced to Lawrence Welk by a talent scout. Following her first Welk performance in 1970, Mary Lou became best known as the girl who danced with Mr. Welk at the end of his weekly shows. Metzger is currently involved in producing both video and stage projects, and, for the past four years, she has created Christmas shows for the Welk Resort in Escondido and Welk Champagne Theatre in Branson, MO.