We were saddened to hear about the passing of another Beach Music community member, Ken Hartsell. So many people have expressed their condolences across social media sharing stories about their friendship with Ken over the years. A visitation and service were held on December 22, 2021 in Kannapolis, North Carolina. A benefit concert for the family will be held on January 9, 2022 from 3:00-6:00PM at Ducks in N. Myrtle Beach. Artists and bands that are scheduled to be at the event include; Steve Owens, Bo Schronce, the Tim Clark Band, Too Much Sylvia, Sugarcreek, The Tonez, Southside Saints and Ken's cousin will open with an acoustic set. Jim Shafer will be the Emcee for the event. For more details you can call the club directly at: 843-663-3858 and it's located at: 229 Main St., N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582. Entry to the event will be by donation and it will benefit the family.
We send our prayers and condolences to Ken's family. We've included Ken's obituary for you below and a link to his online guest book located on the funeral home's website.
Click the photo for full view!
OBITUARY: Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Hartsell Jr. went home to be with The Lord Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
Ken was a loving son, brother, father and friend. He was one of the best, most loved and revered sound engineers on the East Coast, with an impeccable ear and talent for making any artist or band he worked with sound incredible. Kenny touched so many with his deep care and passion for music. He began playing guitar and singing while still a teenager and, over the years, began mixing sound in studio, and live, for hundreds of artists. Even when he was just sitting around the fire pit with his family, playing guitar and singing, there was something so special in his touch and voice. God truly blessed him and his family with the gift of music and encouragement.
He was so very proud of his children, and they were his world. He was a wonderful father with a strong hand and soft heart who carried burdens and dried tears on his broad shoulders with love. Ken was a true friend. If you were blessed to be one of them, you know the love, care, and support he so faithfully gave. How in the world he was so loving and giving and caring to so very many people in his life, is a testament to his enormous heart and compassion. That kind and amount of love can only come from one source: God.
He loved The Lord. He didn't go around preaching to everyone, but loving everyone. And that was his testimony. He loved his family so much. His mother, father, sisters, and brother, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces were precious to him. He had a gift for making everyone laugh with his video chats, voices he did, and characters he created. He genuinely wanted nothing more than others' happiness; for them to be happy.
He is survived by his son, Trey Hartsell; daughter, Kadi Hartsell; their mother, Kathy Sides; mother, Shirley Hartsell of Midland; sisters, Pebbles Faircloth and husband, Keith, of Wingate, Stacy Troutman and husband, Dan, of Mt. Pleasant; brother, Phillip Hartsell and Candy, of Midland; nephews, Cody, Dustin, and Brandon; and niece, Heather.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Wallena Hartsell, and Ray and Ruth Nance; father, Kenneth Hartsell Sr.; and stepmother, Brenda Hartsell.
Pallbearers will be Trey Hartsell, Phillip Hartsell, Tony Hartsell, Brandon Wensil, Dustin Curlee, Dan Troutman, Bradley Swaringen, and Jonathan Treece.
A visitation and service will be held at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., in Kannapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 22, beginning with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m., and concluded at the graveside located in Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mt. Olivet Rd., in Kannapolis. A music industry celebration of his life will be held Jan. 9, 2022, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Duck's in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Memorial arrangements to be announced at the service and celebration events.
Flowers may be sent to Whitley's Funeral Home. Cards may be sent to The Hartsell Family, 3139 Highway 777, Loris, SC 29569.
On December 29, 2021, Mike Worley announced his departure from WVCO 94.9 FM The Surf. We'd like to wish Mike all of the best and we'll certainly miss hearing him on The Surf but we also look forward to what he has planned in the future. We've included his original post below;
Text from original post: "As you may have heard, today was my final broadcast on the Surf. The time has come for me to move back to NC to be closer to my family, which I’m looking forward to
I really appreciate the support from each of you and for allowing me to be a part of your day over the past 5 years. There have been some great times which make for great memories that I’ll always cherish.I would like to thank the Worleys for the opportunity to come on board and allow me to share my love and passion for music as well as work with some of the best radio jocks in the business. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the “real Jim Morgan”, and the Professor. They are true professionals and masters of their craft. I would also like to thank Todd and Kathy Bennington for keeping me well fed each week during the weekly Covered Disc Lunch segment.To my Surf Central gang (Emerson, Cousin Jesse and Uncle Phil) you guys are the best. I appreciate your enthusiasm and most of all your support in keeping it LOUD and PROUD! While I’ll no longer be on the Surf, I will continue to be involved in the industry. With that said, I would like to say thank you again for being on the EDGE and keeping it LOUD and PROUD! I look forward to seeing you down the road and #longlivebeachmusic"
On Sunday, December 19, 2021, Dotte McKenzie (daughter of the late Paul Craver) shared a post in an online Beach Music community group offering Paul's trumpet and trombone for sale for anyone interested. Paul passed away on January 14, 2020 and a memorial service with military honors was held January 22, 2020. Paul was a 2002 CBMA Hall of Fame inductee and known for his time with the Fabulous Kays, Shagtime, Men of Distinction among other bands and throughout his solo career.
Her post reads; "Hey y’all! Many of y’all knew my dad, the late Paul Craver. He was a beach music legend….aka The Emperor! I am selling his valve trombone and trumpet that were given to me when he passed away almost 2 years ago. Would anyone be interested? All proceeds go to the American Heart Association. My Daddy would still be here if he had a new heart so I want to raise money to help others. I know this is what he would want. I watched him play these instruments plenty of years while growing up. My favorite was always the 4th of July week at the Myrtle Beach boardwalk with his band The Men of Distinction.Attached are photos and the amounts they are worth. They need a good cleaning. While I know I probably won’t receive that much for them, I am sure the lives you touch will mean so much more. To me they mean so much more but the pain of looking at them hurts. I just want to help other people! Please let me know if interested. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!"
We've included the original post below if you'd like to inquire on the availability of the items as you would need to contact her directly because we're not involved in the sale of the items but we thought some of our visitors would be interested.
Are you still on the hunt for that special gift for the person that has everything? We may be able to help with some ideas from the Beach Music community and they're sure to love it.
Carolina Beach Music Academy Membership
Whether they're a lifelong fan or brand new to industry you would be giving them a membership in the greatest music family in the world along with having the ability to nominate and/or vote and make your voice heard. You're able to purchase your membership for next year right now on the CBMA website. Be sure to visit the information page to find out about the perks of being a member and cardholder.
CBMA Awards Show Tickets
What a great stocking stuffer to give tickets to the Carolina Beach Music Awards show at the Alabama Theatre in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at 3:00PM on Sunday, November 13, 2021. Tickets are available now on the Alabama Theatre website. Celebrate the southern tradition that we all love, Beach Music!
Shag Club and/or SOS Membership
Do you have friends already associated with a shag club, someone that attends the SOS events or would you like to introduce someone new? This would make a great gift or stocking stuffer to have their membership for 2022 paid in full.
Artist / Band / Industry Merchandise
Know someone that loves a particular artist or group or maybe you love a certain radio station or DJ? Many of them have merchandise available on their websites and of course at the live events. Pickup a t-shirt, flag, hat or CD among all of the other items available from the various groups and organizations. Visit the band and radio pages here on Flip Flop Live for links to all of the websites.
Shag Lessons
Online or in person there's a variety of places to take shag lessons and classes to fit any experience level. Maybe you know someone looking to learn or they want to freshen up their steps, either way you can find someone in your area or online ready to help.
Thank you for supporting the Beach Music industry in 2021. No matter if you just love to listen, you keep the dance floor hot or you're an industry professional, it takes all of us to keep it going and anything you can do to encourage growth in the industry is a wonderful thing. We're honored to be in an industry with so many friends and we look forward to its growth in the years to come.
We'd like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!
Andy Lucy and Jonathan "JJ" Sharpe Flip Flop Live / Flip Flop Live Radio Owners
Last year we posted a video of David and Madison Snead and their version of Mariah Carey's release "Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child" and we received great feedback on the song and video. David is guitarist and vocalist with JB and the Get Down Browns and he and his daughter have released another Christmas song for 2021. The song has been added in rotation on Flip Flop Live Radio so be sure to listen for it daily on our mobile app and on the Flip Flop Live Radio website. Below you will find a video that was released today, Sunday, December 12, 2021.
Madison shared: "All I want for Christmas is to always be able to make music with my rockstar dad! Had too much fun last year to not do this again…we hope you enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas! "
At an event on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, the Steppin' Out Shag Club celebrated thirty years! The event included a certificate presented by SOS Board Chairman Ronnie Gregory, a host of DJ's including George Dunn, Dane Joyce, Kenny Loftis, Ron Russ, and Bobby Snyder. Steppin' Out President Doris Keaton shared this information along with a special message of thanks that stated: "This shag club is very dear to my heart and I am so proud of each of you. We have been fortunate to find a new home at Pennrose Park Country Club. Thanks to our members for supporting our new venue and for the guests of Pennrose Park Country Club and members of surrounding shag clubs and guests coming out with their support!"
We'd like to congratulate the entire club on this milestone! Please see the entire post from Mrs. Keaton below;
Facebook post from Doris Keaton Wednesday night was so special in so many ways!! Our Shag Club celebrated our “30th” year anniversary with Ronnie Gregory, SOS Board Chairman,presenting us with our official certificate from the ACSC (Association of Carolina Shag Clubs). I also had the pleasure and honor of recognizing Greg Stegall the former owner of Stiggies which was the home to all our shaggers for years and he was voted into the Beach Shaggers Hall of Fame in 2012. We also had five of our shag club DJ’s in attendance: George Dunn, Dane Joyce, Kenny Loftis, Ron Russ, and Bobby Snyder (who has retired but contributed so much during his playing time) and we had a moment of silence for the DJ’s we have lost in the last few years, Tommy Amburn, George Hundley, Mike Harding and Roy Childress. I recognized our three members who have received the ICON award, which is the highest recognition given to a shagger, for their contributions to the shag dance, their work with their shag club; and the devotion to preserve shag dance, it’s music and it’s life style. These ICONS are in chronological order: Mary Gregory - Burlington Shag Club 2017, Doris Keaton - Steppin’ Out Shag Club 2018 and Ronnie Gregory - Burlington Shag Club 2019. I also introduced our Board, Vicki Lynn - Vice President, Joyce Anders - Secretary and Kenny Loftis - Treadurer. And lastly, my husband, Doug Keaton surprised me with a beautiful cake for a early birthday surprise (my birthday is Sunday, December 12). He had some help from Amy Bolen she had the cake made, brought a bouquet of balloons and served it. Plus I received some very sweet cards, gifts and a great birthday dance!!
This shag club is very dear to my heart and I am so proud of each of you. We have been fortunate to find a new home at Pennrose Park Country Club. Thanks to our members for supporting our new venue and for the guests of Pennrose Park Country Club and members of surrounding shag clubs and guests coming out with their support!
Doug and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May you receive the gifts of kindness, mercy and love along with good health, peace and grace.
The Feature Attraction Band just released their newest original song titled "Satellite Radio". The song was written by front-man and saxophonist Gregg Browder and it was recorded and produced by J.K. Loftin of Cape Fear Studios. The band advised the song has been sent to your favorite Beach Music DJs and stations and is also available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music and your online major music services. We've included the YouTube copy for you below!
On December 4, 2021, Sylvia Johns Ritchie premiered a video on YouTube for her Christmas single " Christmas on the Bayou" and we have the video available for you below. The song was inspired by Papa Noel and the Bayou Christmas story. Call you favorite DJ's and radio stations to request the new single and enjoy the video below.
On December 2, 2021, Deb Browning hosted a release party for her new CD, "Here Comes Christmas". Emcees for the event were Eric Bowman and Ray Scott and the single "All Over the World" premiered Saturday, December 4, 2021 during the WAVE countdown on WDZD 99.1FM along with a video that can be seen below.
From her website: "Hard copies of the CD will be available at her CD Release Party at Fat Harold’s on December 2nd, 7:00 – 9:00 and at Southern Threads on Main, located at 653 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC. Hard copy CD’s can also be ordered at www.SouthernThreadsOnMain.com beginning December 3rd.
“Here Comes Christmas” features two original songs by Deb, plus eight Holiday Classics, including a duet with Jim Quick on Elvis’ “Santa Claus Is Back In Town.”
Deb’s new Music Video for her original Christmas anthem, “All Over The World” will debut December 4th on WDZD 99.1FM with Eric Bowman on The Wave Countdown, starting at 10:00 am. Tune in to be one of the first to view Deb’s newest musical creation!"
Recently the Castaways received great news as Karen Clayton was voted 2021 Female Vocalist of the Year by the Carolina Beach Music Academy and they also have another reason to celebrate. On Sunday, December 5, 2021 the band will celebrate sixty years and a special event will take place at Roxboro Moose Lodge in Roxboro, North Carolina. In a recent social media post the band said they hoped to see a lot of the former members that they call "Castawuz".
The doors will open at 2:00PM and music from 3:00PM until 7:00PM and there will be a $5.00 admission fee that will be donated to local charities. Mike Brooks and Big Allan D. from Carolina Ocean Drive on WLUS 98.3FM will be on location broadcasting from 3:00PM until 7:00PM. Light food and and drinks will be available for purchase along with Castaway's merchandise. The address for the event is: 480 Burlington Road, Roxboro, North Carolina 27573.
Congratulations to all of the band members (past and present) on sixty years of great music and entertainment and we look forward to sixty more.
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