The Observation Deck

Tonight's live performance, 7 pm, in the big red and white tent at Lakewood Park, features another Ohio story, this one focused on Marietta. (It was kind of thrilling to hear Commodore Perry say, "South Bass island was crucial." South Bass island, by Put In Bay? And Marblehead? I've caught fish there.)

Margaret Blennerhassett and her husband had their own island in Ohio, and went up against Thomas Jefferson.

From the Lakewood Historical Society Program:

"Emigrating from England with her husband, Harman, Margaret Blennerhassett settled in Ohio, where the couple built a stately mansion on Blennerhassett Island (near Marietta). They eventually came to know and support Aaron Burr. Margaret’s spellbinding story follows the path of the couple’s extravagant dream and examines the clash between Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson."

The show is at 7pm but get there at 5pm for a free tour of the Old Stone House, and at 5:30, our own Gary Rice will be strolling with his banjo.

At 6 p.m. Foster Brown (vocal and guitar) starts the show in the big tent. Rain or shine! This will be good!

Betsy Voinovich

Sounds like it could have been wonderful. Too bad these weekday performances and programs are scheduled so early. By the time most of us working stiffs leave work, drive home, have a bite to eat and head down there, it's after 7PM!

The schedule is kind of a mixed blessing in a way. I've been scheduled for the 5:30-6:00 slot, and while I've not exactly entertained rock concert-sized crowds at that time, we've had some intimate sing-a-longs and fun times with those who've decided to come early.

Last night, Dad was able to join me, and I hope that he'll be there with me again tonight. We just sat in front of the stage. He fiddled and I did the banjo and musical saw, and all was well. Even Foster Brown came down off the stage that he'd been setting up for his show and joined us with his mandolin. Dad even taught him a tune so old that no one can remember the original name of it. That was a beautiful moment of torch-passing.

Every part of a historical re-visitation can bring moments of grace like that. Yeah, I played modern rock at one point in my life, but just so you know a musical secret: The REAL rockers ALWAYS paid tribute to the roots of their music, whether that was country, blues, ethnic, you-name-it. Music is a seamless web.

Hope to see y'all (or you'uns, if you prefer ) tonight for the Johnny Appleseed interpretation. God willin' and the creek don't rise, I'll still be a-pickin' and hopefully, Dad will be a-fiddlin'.

Back to the banjo. (Ouch, no kidding, my hands are SORE after a week of this stuff...but it's all SO worth it!)