The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The golf gods shined over Aspen Lakes Golf Course on Sunday, September 24 and provided a perfect Indian Summer evening for this year's final free golf clinic and Sunset Serenade.

Head golf professional Derek Johnson conducted a full swing clinic for 11 golfers of all skill levels. Johnson was pleased that three of the 11 were juniors. Johnson said, "We were working mainly on the grip and the set-up, and we had a couple of people who were not finishing their swing. I've always believed that finishing the swing is one of the most important things."

Next, The Anvil Blasters tuned up their guitars, banjos and mandolins. Playing to the backdrop of the setting sun and a brightly colored red sky, the Blasters entertained all with their toe tappin' tunes of the old West. Group members are: Jim Cornelius - vocals & guitar; Jody Creed - stand-up bass; Charley Engel - harmonicas & percussion; Jeff Wester - banjo and guitar; and Lynn Woodward - vocals, guitar and mandolin.

Multi-instrumentalist Gary Miller was off on a sailing vacation.

As the sounds of Pancho and Lefty filtered through the background, Kay Landers who lives nearby Aspen Lakes, commented: "We've been to the rest of the clinics and programs and just enjoyed them so much that we decided we'd come tonight."

It was the first time Landers and her husband had had the pleasure of listening to The Anvil Blasters. Landers said, "They are very good. To me, it's kind of country, bluegrass variety."

Grant Cyrus, Aspen Lakes General Manager, mentioned that Aspen Lakes was very happy to have The Anvil Blasters back this year.

He said, "The Anvil Blasters have a very unique sound. They have a different sound than we have normally. They are a lot of fun."

Cyrus affirmed that Aspen Lakes will continue the Sunset Serenade series next summer with four or five concerts. The new clubhouse will be finished by then, which will provide the advantage of moving an event indoors should the weather be inclement.

Jim Smith, who lives in Sage Meadow, came especially to see The Anvil Blasters. He commented that he knows them well and, "They are fun to listen to."

Even the younger set seem to connect with the Blasters' acoustical Americana style. Conner Gellings, who is nine and a fourth grader at Sisters Elementary School, said, "I like them! I really like them."

Conner and his family came especially to see friend Jeff Wester perform. About the food, Conner said he had a hamburger and chips and it was, "Really good."

Aspen Lakes golf course will close for the season sometime in November and will reopen in mid-March 2007. For more information call 549-4653.