Yippie Ki Yay! Cowboy Tommy Joe Rides Again At Melinda's Pub

WORTH, IL — There aren’t enough good cowboy acts around anymore, which is why we’re glad Tommy Joe is riding into Melinda’s Pub In Worth. Tommy Joe will present his eclectic set of cowboy tunes as well contemporary hits starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 6.

Oak Lawn musician Tom Repetny, created his Tommy Joe cowboy alter ego as a side act to his self-described weird rock band, Monk 9. His Tommy Joe repertoire includes Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and the girl sings, Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Tammy Wynette’s anthem “Stand By Your Man.” He’ll also throw in some Beatles tunes (“Rocky Raccoon”) and play “The Godfather” theme on a ukulele. Repetny has even promised to sing “Rhinestone Cowboy.”

“Joe is my middle name,” Repetny said of his character. “I was at karaoke night at a bar in Wisconsin. I got up and sang Hank Williams and everybody loved it. I thought, ‘I have to play these songs.’”

Repetny’s been collecting old cowboy guitars and bringing them with to gigs at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. He’s hoping to branch out to libraries.

“I’ll bring the guitars and old Sears Roebuck catalog ads where the guitar was on sale for $4,” he said. “Gene Autry is holding the guitar I have.”

His favorite cowboy is Clint Eastwood, but he’s never seen Rowdy Yates on “Rawhide.” He prefers the rough and tough “Hang ‘Em High” Eastwood.

Repetny’s frequently toured Europe with Monk 9. He’s also performed over the pond as Tommy Joe.

“I took Tommy Joe to England and they went ape(poop),” he said. The response to the boots and hate was brilliant.”

Tommy Joe will take the stage at Melinda’s Pub, 6906 W. 111th St., Worth, at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 6, where he’ll play to 5:30-ish. Melinda’s carries a delectable selection of craft beers and serves All-American pub food. Follow Tommy Joe Musical Show happenings on Facebook.