Bandmates, Brothers and Friends to return for third annual event with special guest, The JayR Brink Band

For the third year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of outstanding musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. The event will again be held Friday evening of Mother’s Day Weekend, May 9, from 6-11 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. This year, they welcome the regionally known JayR Brink Band to close out the musical line-up that night.

This year will mark the 47th year since many of BBF’s original band members had first played in a band together. These musicians come from four past area bands including Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River. Many of the returning musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers and John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson.  They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the decades.

Last year’s event was even more successful than the first benefit event held, so yet a third event has been planned, adding the JayR Brink Band for a new, local band option.

Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will perform two sets that night. The first set will include many of the members providing a line-up of 70s and 80s country music, with the second BBF Band performing memorable pop and rock music. The JayR Brink Band will then close out the show and evening with even more hits and dance favorites.

“All 11 guys from Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) said ‘yes’ again this year, so there’s a ton of excitement about being back,” states Bill Withers. “If you think about the bands these guys were in across the tri-state area, some dating back over 40 years, and each musician being available for a single night each of the last three years… it’s truly special and almost a miracle.”

This event was held at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds last year to allow for more room for dancing, and that facility will serve as the venue again this year. Pizza by the slice will be available as well as a cash bar throughout the evening.

“We are very excited to be a part of this show with Bandmates, Brothers, and Friends. Looking forward to meeting and hearing stories from all of the members. So much history!” states JayR Brink. “All four members of the JayR Brink Band are ready for a night of great music for a great cause!”

The BBF Band began this benefit three years ago to raise funds for the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in honor of the Withers brothers’ dad, Dr. Bill Withers, who worked many years as a local physician in this community. Dr. Withers himself truly enjoyed these events these last two years. 

Sadly, he passed away this past September, but his sons and the other band members are wanting to return this year for an outstanding event in his memory.

This event will again welcome free-will donations at the door that night, as well as online at anytime, to benefit the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation.

“There’s a love and commitment to doing this benefit due to our friendships, the memories around the music and venues we’ve played over the years, and yes, an incredible cause,” adds Withers. “How could you not support local healthcare in your hometown?”