By Debbie Ditton
For almost two decades, the Bar J Wranglers have come riding into Logan, with their pure harmonies, excellent musicianship, and funny ranch humor. The Bar J Wranglers perform in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 7 nights per week during the summer months, entertaining 700 people nightly at the acclaimed Bar J Chuckwagon. During their off-season, they perform all over the world, to people of all ages and backgrounds. Started by Babe Humphrey, the business is now run by his sons Scott Humphrey (tenor and rhythm guitar) and Bryan Humphrey (lead vocals and upright bass), who play in the band and provide much of the stand-up comedy. They are joined by long-time friend Tim Hodgson, 2-time U.S. Open Fiddler Champion, Donnie Cook, who can play anything with strings, and newcomer Danny Rogers, whose smooth bass sound rounds out the vocal harmonies of the group.
The Wranglers’ Christmas program is made up of the best of old-time country music – some Christmas, some not. It begins with the rich, 4-part harmony of “O Holy Night,” and includes other Christmas favorites, such as “Let it Snow,” “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” and a comical version of “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” to the tune of “Riders in the Sky.” Country classics include “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy,” Paul Overstreet’s “Seein’ My Father in Me,” “I’ve Been Everywhere Man,” Headin’ Back to Jackson Hole,” and a touching tribute to our military in “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Hodgson’s fancy fiddling, Bryan Humphrey’s nimble yodeling, Roger’s deep bass, and the band’s rich, close harmonies, were highlights of the program.
I’m not sure if every audience is as lucky as we were in Logan, but we were treated to a special appearance of the group’s “trail boss” Babe (retired), who not only sang with his sons, but recited some poignant cowboy poetry. The chemistry between Babe, Scott, and Bryan made for some fun family jokes and reminiscing of days gone by. Both of my favorite songs of the afternoon were sung by the three of them: a powerful version of “Mary Did You Know” and a moving medley of “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night.” The excellent sound, simple seasonal set, beautiful mood lighting, and falling snow all added to the magic of the performance.
When my husband and I first sat down in the theatre, we were greeted by a gentleman from my father’s generation, Stanley Stokes, and his wife. He asked if I had ever been to a Bar J Wranglers concert and I sheepishly admitted that I had not. He said, “You haven’t lived!” He then proceeded to tell me they had driven to Jackson Hole faithfully for 30 years to hear their masterful cowboy music and often attended 3-4 concerts a year. He spoke fondly of the band members and the many wonderful memories of time spent with the band members and their music. After the concert, I let him know that he was right. I had not yet lived. The concert was not only an hour and 40 minutes of beautifully performed music and side-splitting comedy, it made me feel more connected to my family (past and present) and I felt a kinship with those in the audience and the performers themselves. I will be attending future concerts and maybe even heading to Jackson for the full experience.
If you have not yet spent a few hours with the Bar J Wranglers, it is not only worth the time, it is a delightful journey back to a simpler time, full of down-home hospitality, great country western music, and good clean humor. It truly is a family affair and stands up to the claim on their website of being “the best musical experience in the West.” So, head on over to their website and find out where they are playing next. Thank you to CacheARTS Presents for bringing them to the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan to brighten up the holiday season.
CacheARTS Presents Bar J Wranglers
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan UT 84321
Dec 15, 1:30 PM. 7:30 PM $17-$30
Contact: 435-752-0026
Cache Valley Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Bar J Wrangers Facebook Event
Bar J Wrangers Facebook Page
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