I can see Art in his garage working on someones car, I can see Art sitting on the bank of a lake fishing pole in hand, I can see Art sitting at the kitchen table telling stories and making sure the dogs had plenty of treats, I can see Art at his picnic table in the Pecan Grove, Stage 5 camp at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival handing out picks and talking to the folks as they go by, I can see Art sitting in his lawn chair .. cup of coffee in his hand listening to the guitars, banjos mandolins, dobros, fiddles, basses and singers for hours on end, I can see Art riding around the A-Frame house he built on his mower cutting grass in the setting Kansas sun, I can see Art smoking a pork loin on the smoker he built and mounted to a trailer, I can see Art waiting for the cemetery crew to finish closing my mothers grave just so they would do it right, I can see Art in the beautiful Kansas sunset, I can see Art looking down on me from above like a guardian angel. I will miss you dear friend, Stage 5 will miss you, but listen closely … we will play a song for you. Thanks for all of the wonderful memories. Goodbye for now … I will see you on the other side.

It is with great sadness that I write this post today, August 24 2014, as we learned of the passing of one of our beloved Stage 5 crew.  Art Charlet was a wonderful friend and his presence at the Stage 5 camp will leave a great void.  We will continue on, (Art would want it that way) .. but it will never be the same.  Art is the one who painted the Stage 5 truck cab and he also fabricated the stage walls, stairs and roof.  Art loved to sit at his picnic table in the Pecan Grove and pass out Stage 5 picks to anyone who would ask.  His laugh was infectious, his opinions were firm and his coffee cup was never far away.

We will miss you dear friend … rest now, in peace.

The Stage 5 Crew.

Music Benefit for Bob Dorman

Saturday July 26th

Noon – 9:45 PM
At: Webb’s World Of Fun – 3212 Lake Road – Ponca City, Oklahoma 

Father, Musician, Studio Engineer, Sound Tech, Supporter of the Musical Arts, Representing Member of the Wichita Blues Society, Stage 5 Crew Member … and suffering from Stage 4 Cancer

Benefit coordinator: Bill Hoy
Venue Coordinator: Laile Stagner 

For anyone who doesn’t already know the Stage 5 crew is experiencing some health issues. Bob Dorman and Art Charlet are both dealing with health related concerns. Send them some good mojo, prayers, healing vibes or whatever your thing is .. they both are handling this well and are in great spirits and are looking forward to Winfield in September (but will be taking things a lot easier). So you might see some new and old faces at this years festival helping out around the stage. See you all soon … and be sure to tell those that you love .. that you love them. 🙂

Down in west campground is where we will gather.  Hope to see you there.  Bring your camper, guitar, and let’s have some fun!! Really needing to get outside and soak up some sunshine and the forecast is looking positive for the coming weekend … let’s do it … halfway!!!