Booher Family featured at Border Concert

The Border Concert Association’s latest show, billed as “fun, exciting, and as American as apple pie,” hit the Backus Auditorium stage over in International Falls last Thursday (March 8).
The Booher Family–an incredibly-gifted ensemble of five siblings–played, sang, and yodelled their way through a remarkable show.
Brothers Chris, Ben, Brendan, and Gabe, along with their sister, Meriwyn, covered the musical map with western swing, Dixieland, cowboy and country classics, jazz, gospel, and even a little Beethoven thrown in along the way.
The harmony was sweet and pure as the group sang “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds” and “Cool Water,” classics of the legendary Sons of the Pioneers. Meriwyn was featured as vocal soloist in “Amigo My Friend” and “Yodel Your Troubles Away.”
Gabe, the youngest of the family of 18, thrilled the audience with his rich, powerful bass voice in the well-known cowboy ballad, “The Streets of Larado.”
Ben also proved himself to be a fine vocalist, and demonstrated his considerable skill on the bass.
The oldest of the family, Chris–a recent Grammy Award winner as a member of Asleep at the Wheel–played the keyboards with astounding skill. In an eclectic stylistic blend of jazz, country, and boogie woogie, he wowed the crowd with his blazing speed and technical prowess.
Although still a teenager, Brendan displayed musical talent far beyond his years. His jazz improvization on the electric violin in “Blue Skies” was reminiscent of the great Stephane Grapelli himself.
Near the end of Thursday’s concert, the Booher Family sang a selection of gospel and sacred songs. “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know,” “For God So Loved the World,” and “Sandy Land” were sung with the simplicity and sincerity that can only come from a deep personal faith in God.
After receiving a standing ovation, the Booher Family returned to the stage for an encore, paying tribute to the memory of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with “Happy Trails.”
Even apple pie can’t be more American than that.