Was there a place and time in your life where you grew as a person, where you became a young adult? A place where you went to have fun, to relax, and feel safe from the turmoil of everyday life? For our mother, Loreen Ratzloff, that place was Coon Creek near Cedar Point in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Mom was born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and World War II. She passed away in November 2022 at the age of 91. She said her most favorite time in life was between 1939 to 1946 playing on Coon Creek with her siblings and close friends. It was where she grew as a person, to find her voice, and become a young woman. She even wrote a poem about it called, “Ole Coon Creek.” Here are the words.

Don’t tell me (old friend), of your parties at Coon Creek.
There's a gnawing pain, and it makes me feel sick.
That’s okay, how could you know? Well, you got to stay.
And we had to go like some lost souls astray.

Then all was forgotten, as we traveled on our journey.
Trying to find ourselves, we were in a hurry!
Now it’s time to slow down. I put down my pick.
What do I think of? Well, it’s Ole Coon Creek.

There’s a lump in my throat, and tears are in my eyes.
As I write this note, like an old friend that dies.
Oh! Please bring it back! Turn back the tick!
Of the clock in the shack, bring back Ole Coon Creek!

I’ve met my challenge in life. I did it all, I think.
I couldn’t have handled the strife, without Ole Coon Creek!
As I reflect on life, I can’t help but think.
In every child there is a place, called Coon Creek.

Not long after she wrote the poem, her son, Gary Roberts, put a tune to it. As mom laid in hospice care during her final hours, mom’s four children sang the song to her. She could not speak, but her lips mouthed the words. It was a tearful moment! Mom passed away that night. Her children performed the song a few days later at her funeral.

Mom’s grandson, Bryce Roberts, said he wanted to record the song as a tribute to his grandmother. He is a recording engineer in Nashville. We made the trip in 2023 to Nashville and recorded the song at Soultrain Sound Studios. Performing are her children - Gary Roberts on vocals and 6 and 12 string guitars, Charney Roberts Price on vocals and piano, Galen Roberts on vocals, and Wanda Roberts Lambert on vocals. The song was recorded, mixed and produced by Bryce Roberts. He also added slide guitar.

Many of us have a favorite place where we grew up, found our voice, and became young adults. Did you have a special place? That’s what this song is about. We hope you enjoy listening!

The song, “Ole Coon Creek,” and its recording is Copyrighted 2023 by Roberts (family members). All rights reserved.

Ole Coon Creek by the Roberts Family

The Kat Hood Trio performed "She Just Might Be" LIVE at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on April 4, 2003. The trio is led by Kat Hood Glisich, one of the finest voices you'll ever hear. Kat is the "Queen of Arkansas Folk Music!" She is also an incredible songwriter. Joining Kat is Chuck Gilbert, one of the finest guitar players in Arkansas, and Eric Nolen, an outstanding bass player. Also joining them for this song was Greg Glisich on accordian. The Kat Hood Trio won the Arkansas Acoustic Festival Showdown competition in 2002 where they opened for Nickel Creek at the University of Central Arkansas Reynolds Performance Hall. This song is written by Kat Hood Glisich (all rights reserved). The performance was recorded by Jack Gaiser. Please enjoy this outstanding group of musicians!

She Just Might Be by Kat Hood Trio Live at Advent Cafe

This is a partial live performance by The Dean's List on April 1, 2005 at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members performing included Terry Love on six-string and bass guitar and vocals, Frankie Stovall on piano and vocals, and Gary Roberts on 12 string guitar and vocals. Joining them as special guests were two 15 year olds - Bryce Roberts on electric guitar and Brant Blackard on drums. It was an enjoyable evening of music!

Live Performance April 1, 2005 by The Dean's List At Advent Cafe

This is a full live performance on October 7, 2005 by The Dean's List at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members performing included Terry Love on mandolin, six-string guitar and vocals, Frankie Stovall on piano and vocals, and Gary Roberts on bass, 12 string guitar and vocals. They were the opening act for the Sara Thomas Band. It was an enjoyable night of music!

Full Live Performance on October 7, 2005 by The Dean's List at Advent Cafe

This is a full live performance of The Dean's List on March 5, 2004 at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members performing included Frankie Stovall on piano and vocals, Tammy Solberg on vocals, Jessica Roberts Catlett on vocals, and Gary Roberts on 12 string guitar and vocals. Terry Love, a member of the group, was unable to perform that evening. They were the opening act for Hannah Blaylock and Lost & Found. It was fun night of music!

Full Live Performance of The Dean's List March 5, 2004 at Advent Cafe

This is a full live performance by The Dean's List on October 1, 2004 at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members for this performance included Frankie Stovall, Terry Love, Gary Roberts and Jessica Roberts Catlett. Joining them as special guests were 7 year old Mary Stovall, and 14 year old Bryce Roberts. It was an enjoyable night of music!

Full Live Performance by The Dean's List on October 1, 2004 at Advent Cafe

This is a full live performance of The Dean's List on March 2, 2001 at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members performing included Terry Love on 6 string guitar and vocals, Tammy Solberg on vocals, and Gary Roberts on 12 string guitar and vocals. It was recorded by Brian Eggert. We hope you enjoy!

Full Live Performance of The Dean's List on March 2, 2001 at Advent Cafe

This is a full live performance by The Dean's List on February 3, 2006 at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Members performing included Terry Love on guitar and vocals, Frankie Stovall on piano and vocals, and Gary Roberts on guitar, bass and vocals. Joining them with the first song was 8 year old Mary Stovall. The Dean's List was the opening act for Nashville country artist Edens Edge featuring Hannah Blaylock. It was a great night of music.

Full Live Performance by The Dean's List on February 3, 2006 at Advent Cafe

Laura O'Bryan performed seven songs at Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe in Conway, AR on July 9, 1999. She was accompanied on stage by Gary Roberts on guitar and vocals.  Laura was the opening act for Jared Young. It was a beautiful performance.

Laura O'Bryan with Gary Roberts full live performance At Advent Cafe

Anything - Adrianne Lenker - High Harm Loud

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, AR for about 17 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed a UCA Unplugged series at the University of Central Arkansas around this same time, and co-managed the Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Most performers were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe, UCA Unplugged, and Arkansas Acoustic Festival performances on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. Most of these songs are originals written by Central Arkansas Musicians. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in Central Arkansas. I especially want to thank Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Brooks Walthall, Allan Roisen, and Chuck Gilbert who ran sound and recorded this music. If you wish to contact me my email is robertsgary1952@gmail.com.  Please enjoy!

Full Live Performance by The Dean's List on February 3, 2006 at Advent Cafe

Gary Alan Roberts

Related tracks