The Dusty 45s have inspired and fired up crowds for over two decades to the delight of fans and critics alike. With their signature style and unique sound, the band is a consistently powerful and energetic player in the Americana field.
When the sun begins to disappear behind the trees at the Community Wide Reunion on Aug. 21 at Oats Park, enjoy a free concert with Billy Joe and The Dusty 45s. The celebration continues after the concert at the Arts Bar and Oats Park Art Center.
Led by charismatic singer/songwriter, guitarist and trumpeter, Billy Joe Huels, the raucous band tears through Huels’ original songs that draw inspiration from the roots of Rock, Rhythm and Blues, Honky tonk and Jazz. Current members of The Dusty 45s also include Jerry Battista (lead guitar), Rod Cook (Lead Guitar) Robin Cady (upright bass), and Kohen Burrill (drums). Huels and his outfit have steadily built their fan base since 1997.
The Dusty 45s have toured extensively and they backed Rock & Roll Hall of famer, Wanda Jackson multiple times. A highlight with Jackson was when they joined her opening for Adele's "21" tour in 2011. The Dusty 45s have also shared the stage with many other musical greats including, Lyle Lovett, Brandi Carlisle, John Prine, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Lucinda Williams, Leann Rhymes, Michael Franti & Spearhead to name a few. Huels also enjoyed starring as Buddy Holly at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre and in 2019 interviewed Ken Burns for Seattle’s PBS affiliate (KCTS) regarding his 2019 documentary, “Country Music.”
The Dusty 45s have released seven recordings. The 2014 album, “Live and On Fire,” showcases the best of their bold and brassy sound recorded live in Seattle. Huels and the band are currently working on a new recording due out this year.
EVENT: Seventh annual Community Wide Reunion is coming together with 16 classes committed for the weekend of Aug. 20-22.
FRIDAY: Friday kicks off the annual reunion with a public library video yearbook display for most of the day, and music provided by The Coaches Band beginning at 7 p.m. at the Fallon Theatre.
SATURDAY: Breakfast and a Show-n-shine Car Show and Antique Tractors kicks off Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon at the William N. Pennington Life Center. Breakfast is $8 and $5 for children 10 and under. Open swim at the City Pool from 10 a.m.-6. p.m., a conversation with Bill Joe and the Dusty 45s at the Oats Park Arts Center at 3 p.m. and tour the galleries.
The reunion begins at 4 p.m. at Oats Park, and the Classes of 1960 and 1961 will be honored. Food, along with beer and wine, will be for sale or bring your own picnic to the park. SUNDAY: Many individual classes are planning breakfast get-togethers on Sunday. TOURS: Tours and activities planned for Saturday include the following: Churchill County Museum (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Frey Ranch Distillery (noon-4 p.m.) Old High School, Cottage School, Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, Douglass House, The Old Post Office and Chat with Mayor Tedford at City Hall, (all from 1-4 p.m.), and Oats Park School/Art Center (4-6 p.m.) CLASSES: 1950-52: Mamie Buhlig 1955 - Contact pgetto@cccomm.net. 1959 – Edna Diandra 1960-61 (Honorees) 1963 – Steve Hansen 1966- Pete Summerbell 1967 – Chuck Sanchz 1969 – Eileen Montgomery 1970 – Crystal Wickware 1971 - Cindy L Sullivan (775) 376-3705 cindylsullivan@hotmail.com Vicki Fudge Paul (775) 427-8173 dvpaul@cccomm.net https://www.facebook.com/groups/969483853392079 1975 – Mike Berney 1976 – Ava Case 1979 – Michelle Berney 1980 – Debbie Coverston 1981 – Mitch Young, Teri Peck 1983 – Kelly Smith Frost 1984 – Stacy Harriman 1991 – Monyca Jensen For questions go to communityreunionfallon@gmail.com or call 775-423-5465. Find the reunion on Facebook (Fallon/Churchill County Community Reunion)
