By Chris Fischer

On Sat., Aug. 21^st, “Gordy and Debbie’s Music Dance Party” entertained an enthusiastic crowd at Starter’s Lanes and Sports Lounge in Redfield. Gordy and Debbie, originally from Kimball, SD and Cedar Rapids IA, came from Mesa, AZ.

Gordy wore a cowboy hat and a t-shirt that said “Don’t let the bad days win.” Debbie wore a sparkling belt, and a striped shirt with long fringe. The duo were professional performers, and they smiled throughout their time on stage. Each had a rich voice. They did a wonderful job of harmonizing with each other. Additional background vocals were included with the music.

The duo’s songbook was extensive. While most of the songs had an older, 70s country sound, there was variety as well. At one point, Gordy said “This is my response when people ask what my favorite country song is.” He then went into a rendition of “Play That Funky Music.” Some other songs and artists played were: Johnny Cash, Cole Swindell, Joan Jett, Jelly Roll, “Lord I Hope This Day is Good,” “Footloose”, Miranda Lambert, Lee Greenwood, The Eagles, Garth Brooks, and Dolly Parton. The duo put in effort to honor as many song requests as possible. They even played past their allotted time in order to do this.

At times, the dance floor was filled with patrons. The duo had many ballads, as well as many upbeat tunes. An appreciative crowd danced, sang, cheered, and chatted happily in the background.

Starter’s patrons dance while Gordy and Debbie perform

Debbie said that they had a blast doing the show at Starter’s. Both she and Gordy stated that they’d had a love of music since a young age. Neither could pick a favorite song to sing, as there were so many to choose from.

As a traveling act, it was just the two of them. They brought their own equipment. They managed themselves. They drove from town to town. The pair admitted that at times it could get grueling. At times, concurrent shows would be far apart. Gordy said that the pair had left their home in Mesa, AZ back in May, and had been on tour since.

Both said that they loved their life together. “My life is a vacation.” Gordy said. He recalled when someone told him to find something that he loved that he could make money doing – that’s what he needed in life.

How did the pair wind up having Redfield as a tour stop? They explained that Dennis Harmening of Redfield happened to be a bit of a snowbird, as well as their neighbor down in AZ. He suggested they visit. The pair also had stops at the Brown County Fair, Sturgis, and the Black Hills.

The duo met 19 years ago in Branson, MO. They were married about a year later. They received many awards. They established acts, including a George Strait tribute and a Country Legends show. They said that the hoped to be able to return to Starter’s next year.

Grant of Starter’s said that there’s some difficulty in getting live acts, but they hope to do it again. They also plan to have a deejay come for Halloween.