Booher Brothers kick it up in Sisters

The Booher Brothers evening of entertainment began right at the front door with members of the Booher family, including the singing brothers, greeting people as they came in.

A throwback to their days at the Diamond B Chuckwagon in Tumalo, the dinner show on July 10-11 turned into a revival for everyone.

Cowboy-sized portions for the supper included barbequed sirloin, homemade biscuits, baked potatoes, applesauce, chocolate brownies, and of course, beans, a cowboy staple.

One guest who had been on a diet all week said to her fellow dieters, "This food is so good. I can feel the pounds coming on, and I don't care." Indeed, the beef was so juicy it glowed.

Mandy, wife of Booher brother Gabe, who was newly wed last year, came up with the brainstorm for the special performance. She had never seen her husband perform at the Diamond B, owned by the brother's parents, so she and her sisters came up with the plan.

Many of the evening's songs came from their CDs "Silver on the Sage" and "Ride," which were all available on the back table along with CD "Side by Side" and sister Meriwyn's CD, called "Meriwyn, What the Lord Has Done For Me."

A highlight of the evening was when all the brothers traded instruments. Brother Gabe gave his guitar to Ben who gave his base to Gabe. Brendan managed to hang on to only half of his fiddle, as Gabe took the bow. So Brendan played base with his right hand, fiddle with his left. Gabe bowed the fiddle with his right and strummed base with his left. Or his left may have been on the neck of Ben's guitar. Six arms were all twisted around each, playing something. All to a fast-moving tune from the Old West.

Dolores, mother of the Booher clan, talked at dinner about the days when her grandmother, Esther Geer, taught the boys a variety of instruments. She was a concert pianist and eccentric, she said, but could even teach instruments she didn't play.

Next on the agenda for the Boohers is their upcoming music camp. Call 390-4390 for more information.

August 9 the Booher Family will have a Reunion Concert at their home ranch in Yoncalla, Oregon. Call Delores Booher at 541-849-2171 for more information.

Father Michael Booher's parents will be at the reunion's 2:30 p.m. performance. They are both 88 and just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. The dad will play an old fiddle he carried across the country and brought through Sisters in 1910.