VMH benefit to remember musician Pat Dougherty May 10
Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) ... For the second year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, this year joining with The Toe Tappers Friday, May 10 from 6-11 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. BBF will again remember their late guitarist Pat Dougherty, the only deceased member of the four local bands Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River reuniting. Pictured above is a photo of Horizon, with Pat seated at front right with Gary Hesla at front left. Back row, left to right, are Keel Clemmens, Todd Pickett, Bill Withers and Bob Bechtel. Submitted photo.
Pat Dougherty remembered ... Pat Dougherty is pictured above as a very young child with his first guitar. His mother, Janice Dougherty, states, “Pat always had an interest in guitar and music. He had his first guitar at age two and called it his ‘doo loo.’ He was so talented when it came to playing different instruments. He could hear a song on the radio and play it immediately on his guitar.” Submitted photo.
For the second year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. This year will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toe Tappers as part of the musical line-up, all held Friday evening, May 10, from 6-11 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
BBF will again remember their late guitarist Pat Dougherty, the only deceased member of four local bands which included Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River. Pat was a key member of these bands with both his guitar and vocals. Event organizers will again have Pat’s guitar on display this year at the event, as well as memorabilia provided by the Dougherty family. Attendees can look for the display adjacent to the main stage in the Pavilion that evening while also visiting with members of Pat’s family.
“Pat always had an interest in guitar and music. He had his first guitar at age two and called it his ‘doo loo,’” explains Pat’s mom, Janice Dougherty. “He could sing ‘King of the Road’ at a very young age. He took lessons from Mr. Searcy, then a member of the school district’s music faculty, but was mostly self-taught. He was so talented when it came to music and playing different instruments, even a mouth organ. He could hear a song on the radio and play it immediately on his guitar.”
Pat remained active in music for 39 years, playing in many additional bands throughout his life including the Buckaroos, Country Ramblers, County Line, Lil’ Dale, Doyle Bro-Cheyenne, with Mule Skinner and Stone Bridge being his own bands.
“Pat gave guitar lessons in Postville where he lived and even opened a recording studio in his home. He was also an Emergency Medical Technician on the Postville crew and drove ambulance,” adds Janice. “He played his last gig March 17, 2012 and passed away a week later, March 22. My husband Ralph and I were big followers. We are so happy his legend lives on through BBF. He is greatly missed by his family.”
Pat’s brother, Dave Dougherty, will be playing the drums again this year in honor of his brother. Many of the BBF returning musicians played with Pat and include Bill Withers, Jim Withers, John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett, Joel Anderson, Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen.
Bill Withers, event coordinator, remarked, “My brother Jim and I were just remembering Pat the other day on the phone. It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since his death, so events like this benefit bring back many warm memories for all 11 of us who remain.”
Joe Sweeney, who has been the drummer for The Toe Tappers for the past 50-plus years, will be joined that night by Lyle Hanson, Toe Tappers member since 1992, along with Dean Mielke and Sis Stemper. The Toe Tappers will take the stage first that night, starting at 6 p.m.
