In the year 2002 I went and took a wee short trip
Up I-29, to the town of St. Joseph.
I discovered there a band that I thought was really good.
They called themselves the Elders and buy their CDs I would.
The guitarist, named Steve Phillips, well I thought was really great,
And I wanted to hear more but 5 more months I couldn't wait.
Of his former band I realized I must become a fan.
To buy a Rainmakers CD that soon became my plan.
So I sent to Steve an email, "Which album should I buy?"
"Flirting With the Universe" is what he did reply.
But I'd have to mail order, wait 2 months to get it in,
So I went to the used CD store and bought the CD Skin.
I listened with an open mind to all the songs I heard,
Not just to the music, but also to the words.
The message was intriguing, the music it was fine,
And I listened to it over again many many times.
I visited the message board to see just what was there.
I saw that Bob was playing live and noted when and where.
I thought I check it out and give Bob Walkenhorst a chance.
In the back I stood and then I soon began to dance.
Bob had a solo album that was new the week before.
I looked around to buy it and finally found it by the door.
I bought it, and I listened, and with it I did connect.
Bob Walkenhorst is someone I both relate to and respect.
An Irish pub that's called Molloy's is where Bob weekly played.
Jeff Porter and Norm Dahlor are his bandmates on Wednesdays.
I soon began to go each week to hear Bob play and sing.
To listen and to dance at Bob shows is a wonderful thing.
They used to sit and play each show, but then one week they stood.
Now standing is the norm, but when they sit, well that's still good.
When Bob would break a guitar string then Jeff would sing John Prine
And now Jeff sings his own songs and they really are quite fine
And Bob and Jeff with Gary and Pat played monthly weekend shows.
I hope it lasts for years and years, but the future no one knows.
Then Malloy's Pub closed and it became the recordBar.
We met there weekly for 10 years with friends from near and far.
The recordBar then lost it's lease and sadly had to close,
It had to seek out a new place to host its music shows.
The Tour That Goes Nowhere did roam; it moved twice in one year.
Mike Kelly's Westsider was home till the recordBar reappeared.
We come to the new recordBar to hear them sing their songs.
They sing their hearts out for us all; we dance and sing along.
The Rainmakers reformed and now have Jeff on lead guitar,
With Rich and Pat they play and sing for friends both near and far.
Bob Walkenhorst is someone I look up to and admire.
His music touches my heart; my soul he does inspire.
Our Wednesday evening church it is; and where we meet is home.
His fans and friends we'll always be, wherever we may roam.
