Written by Cape Coral resident E.J. Skarda
The Cape Coral Historical Society & Museum will be sponsoring its 2nd Annual Bluegrass Jamboree benefit, Saturday, January 28th at their 544 Cultural Park Blvd location. Mark your calendar now, so you don’t miss it. Music will start around noon.
Bluegrass is a style of really true American “roots” music with it origination in the hills of Appalachia during the 17th century. It is related to country music and early gospel brought here by the European settlers. They played old, slow English and Scottish ballads from memory, like “Barbara Allen” and “Pretty Polly.” They quickly moved away from these sad songs to more upbeat ones that expressed their new found freedom in America.
Well before radio, the folks in rural areas got together, usually on Saturday nights, to jam on someone’s front porch. Fiddles, banjos, mandolin and even washboards were played by self-taught musicians. As years went by, guitars, the upright bass, and even harmonicas were added. (I should mention dulcimers and the square neck dobro, but not many people know what they are.) While they played and sang to their lively music, inspired young and old folks couldn’t help clog along—dancing or “foot stomping,” as it was known at the time.
Some of the well-known modern bluegrass musicians that come to mind are Earl Scruggs and Ricky Skaggs, with songs like “Foggy Mountain Breakdown and “Rocky Top.” This last one was written in 1967, by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, and recorded by the Osborne Brothers. “Rocky Top” was selected as one of the state songs of Tennessee. Just about every bluegrass band knows how to play and sing this tune and I’m sure you will hear it at the jamboree.
Years ago, I found myself traveling through Georgia and stopped to attend the Stone Mountain Bluegrass Festival. It was a gathering of bluegrass musicians, many self-trained, jamming on every street corner. I have to admit that I have never seen more banjos in one place. I am thrilled that the Historical Society is hosting this unique musical event for our Cape Coral community, so come out and support this traditional American music.
One of the Historical Society committee directors, Barbara Salafia, told me that this year they will host three great area bluegrass bands. Last year, she said that they had up to 700 hundred people attend the jamboree. Excited by the turnout, they decided to make it an annual event with new entertainment.
- Captain Joe and the Bottom Feederswill be up from Naples pickin’ bluegrass with their five piece band first on stage from 12:30-1:40.
- Swinging Bridge is a five-member group from Venice that will dazzle you playing traditional and contemporary bluegrass from 2:00-3:10.
- Bluegrass Gals from Ft. Myers are six very talented ladies playing and singing true bluegrass music last up from 3:30-4:40.
These well know bands from SW Florida have performed throughout the state, entertaining Bluegrass enthusiasts with a combination of original and popular songs. Believe me, it will be difficult to keep your foot still while listening to this lively music. As an added attraction, The Historical Society will have as Host Emcee, bluegrass music scholar and radio personality Dick Spotswood, who has his own Washington D.C. show. The Historical Society has assured me that everyone in attendance will have a great time listening to these three great bluegrass bands. Bring the children, but leave the dogs at home.
There will be fun for all and BBQ food available. Feel free to do your foot stomping on the grass. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, because they are more comfortable than sitting on the ground. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. VIP tickets are also available and include a meal and a drink. All proceeds go to the society, which keeps the rich history of our community alive.
Tickets for this benefit will be available at the Cape Historical Society or, by calling (239) 772-7037 or, online at www.capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org. If you have questions speak with Shalla Ashworth or Breanne Hastings at the museum. See you there!
