Song of the Day: After the Ball Was Over

On this day in 1895, gunfighter, Sunday School teacher, philanderer and El Paso attorney (do things ever change?), John Wesley Hardin was gunned down in the Acme Saloon in downtown El Paso. He was shot in the back of the head by John Selman, gunslinger, criminal, gang leader and Constable in El Paso. (Do things ever change?)

Anyway, the song playing at Hardin's demise was the very popular "After the Ball Was Over". As did all of the El Paso saloons, a pianist played the ivories. "After the Ball" is a sentimental (some today would say "sappy") ballad written in 1892 by Charles K. Harris. "After the Ball" was the most popular song of America's Gilded Age - the total sheet music sales exceeded five million copies.

Tonight you can see a re-enactment of the death of John Wesley Hardin performed by Six Guns and Shady Ladies at Hardin's gravesite in Concordia Cemetery. Here are the details:

Friday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m., The Annual Meeting of the John Wesley Hardin Secret Society with Re-enactment of the Death of John Wesley Hardin at the Concordia Cemetery,3700 East Yandell Drive (just east of Copia Street in Central El Paso). Cost : $5.00 Adults - Military/Seniors/Students $2.00 Children under 12 free. Every year on August 19 the Secret Society meets to "Relive and Celebrate" that fateful evening in August when Gunfighter John Wesley Hardin met his demise at the hands of that dastardly Constable "Uncle" John Selman at the Acme Saloon in downtown El Paso. Join Six Guns and Shady Ladies at Hardin’s graveside this Aug. 19, at 7:00 PM to relive that "fateful night" in 1896.

This event is a fundraiser for Concordia Cemetery, a Texas State Historic Cemetery. Raffle tickets available for some great prizes along with entertainment and so much more – maybe a real ghost or two. Renew or join the John Wesley Hardin Secret Societywhile there. For more information call (915) 581-7920 or visit http://www.concordiacemetery.org/testimonials.html.

NOTE: Bring folding chairs flash lights and wear closed toe shoes. High heels are not recommended. Water will be sold.

All proceeds to benefit Concordia Heritage Association the 501 c 3 Not for Profit organization responsible for the Preservation and Protection of Concordia Cemetery, a Texas State Historic Cemetery.

For more information: 915-581-7920 or pasonorte@gmail.com.