Entertainment is scheduled for both night and day during FMCA’s upcoming international convention in Chandler, Arizona.
By Peggy Jordan
Associate Editor
January 2017
When FMCA members get together, fun is always assured. But extra laughs and live music can make it even better. With that in mind, great entertainment has been lined up for the association’s 95th International Convention, “Rally In The Valley,” March 7 through 10, 2017, at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler, Arizona.
While grabbing a morning doughnut at the Wagon Wheel Plaza, FMCA members can hum along with a favorite tune. In the evening, after the seminars have ended and the indoor and outdoor displays have closed, the “stars” will come out to perform at the Rodeo Arena, northeast of the Event Center.
Following is a preview of the Chandler entertainment lineup.
Exciting Evenings
On Wednesday, March 8, enjoy the energetic, comedic talents of Dick Hardwick. Longtime members may recall that Dick has appeared at past FMCA conventions. In fact, he has been brightening up stages across the country for many years.
The Indiana native started as a career musician. Early on, he learned to love jazz and ragtime music, which he parlayed into a gig on a Mississippi riverboat. At Disneyland in California, he wound up as the comedic star at the Golden Horseshoe Revue. That job gained him fame as a comic who did not resort to “blue” humor, and he often was asked to entertain at corporate functions.
Today Dick is a sought-after performer by well-known companies such as State Farm, McDonald’s, and others. He has been featured with major acts such as Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles. And speaking of musicians, don’t be surprised if a drum set or guitar are on stage awaiting Dick’s entrance, as he often mixes impressive musical skills with his hilarious observations.
On Thursday night, kick back to great country tunes courtesy of Keith Anderson. Keith grew up in Miami, Oklahoma, and earned an engineering degree in college. But music kept calling, so he decided to give that dream a try. In Nashville, he garnered his first hit as a songwriter in 2001 when his name was among the credits on a song called “Beer Run.” Garth Brooks and George Jones made that one famous. Another hit song he penned, “Lost in This Moment,” was recorded by Big & Rich.
With these successes, Keith decided to record an album of his own: Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll. Two top 10 hits from that album, “Pickin’ Wildflowers” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” prompted music trade publications to name him country music’s number-one new male artist and the top new solo country artist of 2005.
In 2008, Keith’s second album produced the biggest hit of his career, “I Still Miss You,” which peaked at number 2 on the charts, as well as a top 25 hit, “Sunday Morning in America.”
In 2015, Keith released a collection that included a song called “I’ll Bring The Music,” which received more national attention, and he has toured around the country since then. Yet in spite of all his success, Keith looks at performing as “just me and a guitar and telling stories.” You will enjoy his visit.
On Friday evening, convention attendees will have a choice: They can listen and dance to high-energy hits from the past to the present offered by the Sapphire Sky band, or experience attractions of the “new” Old West when Rawhide Western Town opens to the public. Or do both!
Sapphire Sky covers an incredibly diverse range of musical styles, from top 40 dance and hip-hop to modern classic rock sing-along anthems. They might even throw in a country tune or two. With the band’s customized video-wall feature and interactive DJ integration, this show has been called unparalleled. Sapphire Sky has performed for and been praised by many of the world’s largest corporations, including Toyota, Chevron, Liberty Mutual, and Mitsubishi.
When Rawhide Western Town is fully operational, as it will be Friday evening, visitors are greeted by cowboys and take part in an authentic Rough Rider shootout on the main street. In fact, the town is famous for having all kinds of activities, such as shopping in an old-time general store, riding on a horse-drawn hay wagon, or touring the terrain aboard a Western-themed train.
Once you’re ready for a break, stop by the town’s famous steak restaurant; or, mosey on into a saloon, a pizza tavern, a town grill — or even the honky-tonk, where a mechanical bull will tempt your riding skills.
Daytime Tunes
What would an FMCA convention be without the Frustrated Maestros? For many years, the group, which consists of members from FMCA’s various Frustrated Maestros chapters, have supplied all kinds of tunes during morning coffee hour. These musicians and vocalists will again don their red-and-white outfits in Chandler and play on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. While you fill your coffee cup and grab a complimentary doughnut, you also can partake of your fellow FMCA members’ best renditions.
The Frustrated Maestros also will perform during the convention’s Ice Cream Social on Thursday afternoon. Both morning coffee hour and the ice cream social will be held at the Wagon Wheel Plaza stage.
In addition to entertainment, you can learn about exhibits, seminars, special events, and more at FMCA.com, in the February issue of Family Motor Coaching, and in the Chandler event program. (Dates and times are subject to change.) It’s going to be a “rally” good time!
Increase Your RV Knowledge With An FMCA Academy Course Before The Convention
Two years ago, FMCA national president Charlie Adcock had a dream for FMCA. He envisioned offering comprehensive educational programs for members to provide them with the information and training needed to fully enjoy the RV lifestyle. That dream was realized with the creation of the FMCA Academy and came to life in March 2016 when the Hands-On Driving Program was presented in Perry, Georgia.
Now, we build upon that debut with RV Basics, a two-day course developed specifically for those getting acquainted with RVing, or for those wishing to refresh their skills. Taught by a trio of RV experts, this program will provide attendees with the principal knowledge required to use their home on wheels.
Set to take place March 5 and 6, 2017, just prior to the FMCA convention in Chandler, Arizona, this course will focus on key preparation, operation, and maintenance practices all RV owners should know and follow, establishing the foundation that’s essential for a trouble-free RV experience. And for those attending the “Rally In The Valley” convention, it makes it possible to focus on the educational aspects prior to the event, and then enjoy other activities once the convention starts.
The RV Basics course is open to all RV enthusiasts and costs $250 for one person or $400 for two people. See the ad on page 104 or visit FMCA.com/academy for more information. Register online at FMCA.com/academy or call 800-543-3622, 513-474-3622.