Jack Roberts and the Evergreen Drifters were the hosts of Evergreen Jubilee for about 8 years during the 60's. As I recall it was broadcast live from KOMO TV on Saturday nights. Early enough so that the band could make it to their various gigs.

Jack had a couple of excellent steel players including Jim Webb and Chubby Howard during the run of the show. He was also a successful concert and dance promoter so he often had the likes of Farin Young and Ferlin Husky as featured guests.

In the 70's, Jack focused on promotions and passed the Evergreen Drifter band to his nephew Pat. Pat Roberts then went on to a recording contract with DOT records. His first single, a remake of Rhythm Of The Rain did pretty well in 73 and the band began to tour as an opening act for the likes of Roy Clark, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens (among others). Chubby Howard played with Pat's 'Drifters until 1973 when he left for Ohio, I guess. Then came Paula Wolfe, a steel player in the mold of Barbara Mandrel. She was cute and played well and I had such a crush on her. Oh well. (Saddly, Paula passed away a few years ago).

Katz Kobiyashi replaced Paula in 1974, then when he left to work for Marty Robins, It was my turn. I was with The Evergreen Drifters from 1975 through 1978.

Now, back to the TV show thing...

In 76, Pat wanted to revive the old idea of Evergreen Jubilee. With the backing of a flambouant local car dealer/country singer named Gerry Andal, we produced a pilot with guest artist LeRoy VanDyke. It was great fun and actually aired in late 1976. We bagan production in the spring of 77 on Country Northwest. In the old familiar time slot, Saturday nights at 7:30 as I recall. We taped our shows in advance of course. We also had the advantage of being aired on KSTW which was shown on cable systems across the state of Washington. Country NW played every Sat night for almost 3 years. We did a couple of "live" shows from the RIverside Inn and even did a one hour Christmas special.

Note: Forumite Gary Lee Gimble was featured on one show playing (dare I say it,) banjo.

About 3 years ago I attended a reunion of Evergreen Drifters dating bake to Jack's original band from 1948.

There are still fans out there who remember the shows, both the original Jubilee and the latter day Country Northwest. Anyone else care to comment?

BD