Helen Miller and Karen Kramer met in 2002 or 3 thereabouts, after a brief conversation on the telephone and quick run-thru of The Davis Sister's "I Forgot More (Than You'll Ever Know)". After it was determined that they could indeed blend harmonies and exchange pleasantries, the two endeavored to perform themed musical programs in the classic country idiom interspersed with contrived humor to an eager and amused audience at Sandstone Minnesota's Midwest Country Music Theater. (www.midwestcountry.com)Their first show together - a tribute to the great Loretta Lynn, was replete with gags and interpretations of song. Loretta's "The Other Woman" saw Helen and Karen acting out the cat-fight that surely took place in the imagination of the one who penned this classic country gem, during the instrumental break featuring the late Leroy Glazier lead guitar and Joe Savage, pedal steel - favorites of many RFD satellite T.V. viewers coast-to-coast, and veritable backbone for years of Sandstone's Midwest Country Band.The applause, laughter and smell of the greasepaint pointed the way forward for Helen and Karen to perform specialty programs for Valentine's Day, featuring the classic but near forgotten Maddox Brothers and Rose's "Hearts and Flowers". Neil Sedaka-by-way-of Patsy Cline's "Stupid Cupid" and Hank Snow's morphing into Homer and Jethro's "Let Me Go Lover".At Christmas the two reproduced more crowd-pleasing Loretta numbers such as "Gift of the Blues" and "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" among other favorite obscurities. Mother's Day, Memorial, Labor, Easter and Halloween - all performances feature the appropriately themed musical encounters. Independence Day, they were seen resplendant in Martha Washington wigs and big skirts of 4th of July party napkins sewn together, conveniently purchased from a nearby discount chain store.Each performance affords to the creative whim of Helen and Karen, matching dress, shoes, jewelry...all handmade or selected to correspond to the season and styles of today's vintage-inspired couture, adding more than a nod towards the favored past of popular music and fashion.Helen and Karen have been beside themselves to be chosen as the opening act for the likes of Norma Jean, Marvin Rainwater, Tommy Horton and Tommy Cash. The two were included in the later's 2007 tour dates to Ireland, Denmark and Norway, singing backup vocals to accompany Tommy's lovingly inspired tribute to his brother, the great Johnny Cash.Helen and Karen really enjoy hearing from you, the classic country music afficiando, record collector, friend, fan and unrepentant nostalgic. They do honor requests and have learned many of the old favorites that have been asked of them to perform. Don't be a stranger and email
[email protected] today. While they maintain a low public profile, they do still perform from time to time and will keep you posted here and there of their appearances.
