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For Immediate Release: August 17, 2007
Folklife Front And Center On The Grounds Of Ohio Village
COLUMBUS, Ohio - "Reggae bluegrass? Really?" "Umm…what's that sound like?" "Okay…now I get it! It really IS 'West Virginia meets West Jamaica and goes out dancing!'" Yeah, they’re great! Let’s see if we can get them!"
"They" are the Plum Creek String Band from Oberlin, Ohio, and conversations like this have been occurring daily at the Ohio Historical Society headquarters on Velma Avenue as part of the preparations for the first-ever Ohio Folklife Festival, September 15 and 16, 2007. Staff, whom you would expect to be working with the usual stuff of history-artifacts, maps, costumes, diaries-have been huddling over iPods, listening to tracks of music recorded by a remarkable variety of performers representing the rich and diverse music heritage of today's Buckeye state.
"We have a huge respect for all that has gone into making Ohio what it is today culturally—from the music and dancing to eating great food, telling stories, playing games, and just plain having fun. Did I mention the music?" said Julie Hughes, head of public programming for the Society, who had the idea for the festival more than a year ago. “We wanted to provide a showcase for all this so that families and friends could enjoy what makes Ohio Ohio."
The two-day festival will feature continuous live music on three stages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day on the grounds of the Ohio Village. In addition to the reggae bluegrass of the Plum Creek String Band, you'll hear traditional folk, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, African, Latin Fusion and more, with every performer and group having its origins and/or its base of operations in Ohio.
People who play an instrument or want to try something new can join in a hands-on workshop. Topics range from mountain dulcimer and guitar to storytelling, papermaking, and folk dancing.
The culinary heritage of Ohio will be getting its due through vendors selling a variety of foods to match the music. In addition, the Thurber House staff and volunteers will be presenting their highly acclaimed Reader’s Theater.
So, the next time you wonder what is going on at the Ohio Historical Center and Ohio Village, just know it's likely to be more than you think. Mark your calendar and watch for more details about the Ohio Folklife Festival on September 15 and 16.
For interview, information and photos, please contact Julie Hughes at 614.297.2624 or jhughes@ohiohistory.org or Mike Ring at 614.297.2313 or mring@ohiohistory.org.
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