Family ties, classic music, and warm welcomes with coffee keep guests returning to Saturday night concerts in Joplin.

Glory Days music store has a family band that has been playing together for 28 years. Best friends Dave Peterson and Jeff Kuhns started the band, Radio Dial, their first year in high school. Buffy and Ben Peterson, Dave’s siblings joined in making it a family show.

Traveling from Houston, Texas, to Casper, Wyo., Radio Dial has met and opened for many major artists. Listed on their Web site are acts like Ricky Skaggs, Merle Haggard, George Jones and other country legends. Once in Miami, Fla., Dave and Ben Peterson played in a four-hour gig with Joe Don Rooney, who now makes up one-third of Rascal Flatts.

Spencer Davis, from the band of the same name, popularized the song “Gimme Some Lovin'” used in the 1980 movie Blues Brothers. Davis came to Joplin to play with the band.

“He’s British and humble and taught us how to sing his song,” said Buffy Peterson. “We enjoyed the experience and he autographed a guitar for us as well.”

As Joplin natives, the bandmates agree they like being home and not traveling. They take a yearly trip to Iowa for a Memorial Day weekend concert, but otherwise they play at home.

“We’ve done so many county fairs, so large crowds are the best,” Dave Peterson said.

Whether it be rock, country, or the blues, Radio Dial will play to please their audience.

“A song that describes our band would be “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger because we don’t do anything new, we stick to the classics, they’re not going away,” said Ben Peterson.

A couple of Saturday night regulars – Peggy Sparlin and Vernon Grissom Jr. – both of Joplin, said they attend the concerts so much they can tell you about each band member’s family.

“They’re great!,” Sparlin said.

Her favorite songs are “16 Ton,” “Pretty Woman,” and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.”

“They play anything and everything,” she said, swaying to the music.

If students need a ride, Buffy Peterson said she is willing to help them come to see the band or if they take the trolley to the store, she is willing to take them home after the concert.

Ben and Dave Peterson, owners of Glory Days Music, use the store for music lessons and Saturday night concerts after the day’s business is done.

The family also has plans to add a dance floor. Finding the extra funds, future taxes and insurance cost have slowed the process.

“This is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, family environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Kuhns. All ages are welcome. Admission is $5 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Refreshments are brought in from Java Dave’s coffee occasionally include a few homemade treats.

The establishment can seat 80 people and Buffy Peterson said they host parties and wedding receptions at Glory Days. To make reservations for an event, customers can call 206-2525.

Radio Dial plays every Saturday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. inside the Glory Days Music store, 2328 South Main Street.