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In the 1960's the hootenanny movement was brewing across the continent and it didn't take long for the concept to catch the interest of some talented individuals in Riverton.

Their goal was to entertain, and have fun doing it. Sol Sigurdson, Dennis Olson, Clifford Lindstrom, Lloyd Gudmundson, Roy Gudmundson, Fred Oleson, Wes Wilson, Laugi Johannesson and Laura Mcleod started a tradition that has lasted for decades. Today the hootenanny has expanded with the showcase of additional talent over the years but the same hootenanny atmosphere remains intact.

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''The Whisky Jacks'' Riverton Hootenanny at the Theatre
1964
Riverton, Manitoba

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''Whisky Jacks''
1964
Riverton, Manitoba

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Rod Palsson Riverton Hootenanny Emcee
1997
Riverton, Manitoba

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Rod Palson, has been the Master of Ceremonies for the"Riverton Hootenanny" group for decades. He has a quick sense of humor and skill in designing a theme and program for every occasion. Rod has been instrumental in planning and coordinating every event with commitment and professionalism to ensure true success.

Rod has been the essential person who has given performers confidence and support. With his direction and enthusiasm, he unknowingly gives the musicians the desire and confidence to bring it all together.

Rod has been a key person behind the recordings the "Riverton Hootenanny" group have released. He is involved in making decisions for each production starting with arranging, designing, writing, editing, formatting and promotion.

Rod is a devoted friend and great support to his "Musical Friends".

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Sol Sigurdson, one of the original members of the ''Whiskey Jacks''.
1967
Riverton, Manitoba

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Sol Sigurdson can best be described as "Riverton's Folk Singer". This gentleman spent his childhood in Riverton and many a summer employed by his family's fishing business, working on Lake Winnipeg and in numerous fish camps.

In 1967, he released the "Lake Winnipeg Fisherman", a recording consisting of nine compositions, eight of his own, about men who spent many years on the lake to make their livelihood. Every tune on this recording tells a story. Sol has also released a CD entitled "One More Season".

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Dennis Olson, one of the original members of the ''Whisky Jacks''.
3 August 1997
Riverton, Manitoba

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Dennis is one of the few performers from Riverton that pursued a professional career in music, becoming a very successful and well known artist. Dennis had his own television show, "SOUNDS COUNTRY" back in the 1970's. Riverton's own "Singing Barber" has toured extensively, recorded two albums along with a number of nationally charted singles.

Dennis is an accomplished song writer and true entertainer. He displays quality and professionalism with every performance.

Dennis composed a song entitled "Tribute to the Musical Mates" which is very special and meanigful to those who grew up to the music
of "Johnny and his Musical Mates". The orchestra express pride and appreciation to Dennis for the dedication of this song.

Dennis travels many miles to join in with his home town friends and has never missed a "Riverton Hootenanny".

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Clifford Lindstrom, one of the original members of the 'Whisky Jacks'.
3 August 1997
Riverton, Manitoba

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A "Riverton Hootenanny" would not be complete without this individual.

Clifford is an extraordinary musician. He can play virtually any instrument and probably knows the lyrics to more songs than most people know titles. He is a gifted songwriter and can make up a song as easily as making conversation. He has performed in a wide variety of places. Clifford was also one of the musicians in the band "Fine Country Folk".

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Laura McLeod, one of the original members of the ''Whisky Jacks''
1997
Gimli, Manitoba

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Laura had sang at many concerts in the late sixties and early seventies. She has a beautiful voice that adds texture and pitch to the songs of the "Whisky Jacks".

Laura is a former Riverton girl who has never missed a performance for a "Riverton Hootenanny". Laura travels many miles to rehearse and bestows her friendship and sense of humor to brighten up every event.

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Laugi Johannesson one of the original ''Whisky Jacks''.
1954
Riverton, Manitoba