Camp Cherokee Reunion

Cherokee's gonna shine tonight,

Cherokee's gonna shine!

Cherokee's gonna shine tonight,

Cherokee's gonna shine!

We're all dressed up tonight,

We're lookin' fine.

When the sun goes down,

And the moon comes up,

Cherokee's gonna shine!

The last Saturday night I was in Atlanta I was privileged to attend what was called "The Bachelor's Club," although my brother Ellis (Buddy) is the only original member who has never married. To me the evening was basically a reunion of some of my closest counselor friends from Camp Cherokee for Boys. I was a counselor at Cherokee each summer of college, 1971-1975, then one session in 1976 just prior to my and Judy's wedding. In 1982, when Judy was pregnant with Amanda, we both went to Camp for one session, and Jennifer got to go along. She wasn't quite 3, but she still has some vivid memories.

We dined at a Longhorn Steakhouse, then relocated to Buddy's apartment for some great music. The original Bachelor's Club once met annually, but had not gotten together for 15 years. I had never been able to attend, so it was a real treat.

From left to right, the musicians are Warren, Brian, Ken, Jim, Danny, and Sam. I had not seen Sam in 33 years, and the last time I saw Jim was August 13, 1975. That was the night before my wedding, and Jim, Warren, and I hung out at Jim's house.

Musicians must have an audience, and Uncle Don Moore, Michael, and Ellis were an appreciative one indeed. Don Moore was my mentor at Camp Cherokee, was instrumental in my coming to Moore County, and has been a huge influence in my life. He taught his entire career in Moore County (Southern Pines) and has retired to beautiful blue Lake Burton, just across the cove from dear old Camp Cherokee-- which is no more.

Warren has been my friend since first grade and was best man at my wedding--so he says! He's a masterful guitarist. Too good to be called a mere "picker."

Danny is a rare banjo talent. He and Warren have made music together since elementary school. Danny could have made it in Nashville if he had chosen to.

Brian is THE MAN on string bass. He's also an excellent career teacher in Atlanta.

Together, Warren, Danny, and Brian comprise the group Courthouse Creek, dating back to the 1970's. They're planning to make more music together in the near future. The group's name is taken from a favorite Camp Cherokee campsite far below Devil's Courthouse on the Blueridge Parkway near Brevard.

I wish you all could hear the music that we shared that night (Everyone in Ellis's apartments heard it I'm sure)! We actually did not sing "Cherokee's Gonna Shine Tonight"--wish I'd thought of it-- but if anyone wishes to call me on the phone, I'll sing it to you (Gail).