309 Commercial Ave.
PO Box 309
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 245 - 2429
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309 Commercial Ave. PO Box 309 Sandstone, MN 55072 (320) 245 - 2429
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The Softer, Gentler Side of Country... Home | Schedule | Seating Chart | Map | TV Show | Entertainers | Contact | Sponsors | Store | | ||
Greetings,
As the day have shortened and night comes early, I have have sometime to reflect on things that matter to what Jeff and I do at Midwest Country. Sitting in my chair watching the news on TV we received news that Betty Lee(formerly from Menomonie, Wisconsin) passed November 4th, 2021 at the ripe age of 95. Betty had a stroke that paralyzed her with no ability to speak. She was one of the early singers that spent a lot of time with Midwest Country.
The year was 1996 - Joe Jensen(founder of Midwest Country) thought he could put together a country show in grand style. Approximately a dozen local singers, which Betty Lee, Jack Curtice, Duke Larson, Sharon Lee, Billye Jane Kruse, Judy Broman, Mike Laqua, Sherwin & Pam Linton, Big John Voit, along with some toe stomping dancers, and headlined with Kitty Wells and Johnny and Bobby Wright and the Tennessee Mountain Boys, performed at Tony's place in Mounds View, Minnesota. We followed that with another show featuring Jett Williams. Betty let me know that we were doing something very special for country fans. She's remembered by myself, for her warm motherly touch, the love of a country music gathering that included food and socialization. May she rest in peace.
After these two live performances the need for a permanent building; a place with sound, lighting and cameras were already setup. So Joe Jensen went looking for a theater, which he found in Sandstone, Minnesota, formerly known as the Vogue (a movie theater that had been converted from live stage in the 1930's, and one entertainer recalled it even had Gene Autry perform live on its stage). Lots of hands transformed the building into a home for Midwest Country. On September 26th 1998, we opened the theater on a Friday night with a dozen Midwest Country entertainers followed with Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith on the Saturday and Sunday; We called the Big Celebration. Many shows followed with many Nashville and local artists.
The year was 2001 when we realized having a staff band would be essential, so Leroy Glazier and the Midwest Country band was formed. It was a very special time with Leroy and Joe Savage, from 2001 through 2008. Then due to cancer Leroy was gone, but not his great guitar playing. Midwest Country has been blessed with great musicians and artists which we are so thankful for their time and talent. Music is so important to all of us during these troubled time. We feel fortunate that Midwest Country comes into your home through RFD-TV and Metro Cable 6.
So myself setting at my desk writing this letter and Jeff setting by the computer putting together a television show that you will enjoy for the week, is what we do. Going forward, the warmth of friendship and the love of music is what Jeff and myself want to share with you "The Fans".
Greetings,
As many of you are calling to ask "are you open?" very sad the answer is no. From our perspective of this ordeal, it is the beginning of many ills that all of us will deal with. A big moral and spiritual problem.
As we at Midwest Country reflect on our achievements, the memories are alot and very rewarding. The host of artists and personal that have made Midwest Country what we all love and enjoy. A big thanks to RFD-TV for giving us a household name and for Metro Cable 6 being a forerunner of airing the Midwest Country shows. Live shows at the theater may not be a reality at this time, but it's on television.
For all of you that want to stop by to say hi, the theater is open 11AM till 2PM Monday thru Saturday. We've put together a collection of CD's featuring national classic country stars that you can purchase and enjoy. You can find them on our web-site - midwestcountry.com - click on to store or request a brochure. Phone orders welcome toll-free 1-888-729-1033 or 1-320-245-2429.
During this trying time may music and memories help substance us. Pray for our great country and each other.
Staff/Management
Greetings,
This is a sad day as once again, as we are canceling shows. We as business owners are being threatened with fines, jail time, and lawsuits, if we do not enforce Governor Walz's executive orders. It is not the business owner duty to police or enforce. As a citizen of this great nation we have rights. Our governor has the responsibility to protect, not dictate and "control" its citizens - abusing his power. Orders are not law and can only be used for a short period of time when there is an imminent threat. It is time we as citizens rise up and are heard.
It is endearing that we have gotten close like family. We well stay in touch.
God Bless.
Sincerely, Staff & Management
Greetings,
It is November already and a lot of things have happened at Midwest Country this year. Founder and owner of Midwest Country, Joe Jensen was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in early June and passed August 12, 2019. For all of us that knew him he is dearly loved and missed.
The year was 1986, Joe had found a JVC Camera, he was all excited, "Do you know how much fun I could have. The cost is only $800.00." Five kids and money not being abundant, but Joe worked hard and raised the cash. That was the beginning of what would become what we all know and love, "Midwest Country." Starting off with a local talent show called "Late Nite Review" that ran for a year on an independent TV station 23 in Minneapolis and later to live road shows at Tony's Place became a stepping stone for what we do here in Sandstone. Lots of hours repairing used televisions enabled us to fund shows in the early years.
The theater formerly known as the Vogue was purchased in the early 1997 from Gene and Joyce Peterson who lived in Askov, MN. The theater opened its doors on Friday night with a dozen Midwest Country singers, then followed Saturday and Sunday with Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith. The weekend was called the Big Celebration. Stars that followed the opening of the theater were Marvin Rainwater, Dave Dudley, Micheal Twitty, Tommy Cash, Leroy Van Dyke, Jack Greene, Jean Shepard, David Frizzell, and Jett Williams. Queen of Country Music Kitty Wells filled our little 300 seat theater in the year 1999 and many Nashville stars followed such as Hank Thompson, Bobby Bare, Stonewall Jackson, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and Gene Watson. Many years of music could be heard on Saturday in Sandstone from the stage of Midwest Country and a TV show soon followed on Metro Cable 6. We debut on RFD-TV May 2004, at 8 pm with the phone ringing steadily from everyone across the United States. All due to Joe Jensen having a dream.
It seem like a lot of years and memories in which we all became friends and family between audience, volunteers, and artists. That is the most rewarding as I, wife of Joe reflect on these things. For all of you that love traditional country music, hats off to you for the support. As we move forward in the new year, you my see some changes, but not many.
God Bless - Enjoy the music and holidays - I will see you in 2020.
Kathy