Missouri Music Festival - Spring 2010 Bluegrass, Americana, Gospel Music, Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festival

He has performed for two Presidents; President Nixon in 1973 at the White House and with his group, "The Friends of Bluegrass" at the Illinois State Fair in 1986 for President Reagan. He has also performed at the Grand Ole Opry. George toured with the legendary "Goins Brothers" of Eastern Kentucky in the 1970’s. His dynamic fiddle style ranges from fiery Bluegrass to zesty Cajun. There’s not a fiddle player in the Midwest that can entertain an audience like George.

David Dalton is the group’s lead singer. David is considered to be one of the finest Bluegrass singers around and can easily make a transition from Bluegrass to some fine Hank Williams old time country and has won numerous awards for both. Dave Montgomery is the lead guitar player for the group. He has won Illinois and Missouri State Fair Flat-Pick Guitar Championships and sings a dynamite bluegrass country song. His singing ranges from Lester Flatt to Johnny Cash. John King is the group’s banjo player. John won the Illinois State Fair 5-String Banjo Contest five consecutive years. John is also versatile on the dobro and is considered one of the finest 5-string banjo players in the Midwest. Kathie Champlin is the bass player for the group. She has won awards for Best Rhythm Musician at the Midwest Regional Championships. Kathie also performs on the Irish Whistle and Cajun Accordion when the group performs their Irish and Cajun music. She sings harmony vocals for the group. George Portz & "The Friends of Bluegrass" are the leading acoustic music group now performing in the St. Louis area and their shows are enjoyed by all ages. Visit the George Portz website.

Strangers and Pilgrims
From New Mexico

Bill and Jodena, Ethan, Clara , Rachel, and Luke Urban are Strangers and Pilgrims. They combine Cowboy, Celtic, Traditional, Historic and Gospel music. They have worked on cattle ranches in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and South Dakota. A family band, Bill and Jodena have been married 30 years.

They have played at many functions, shows, and events including the recent New Mexico Cattle Grower's Annual Meeting, three times at the Spirit of the West Gathering, (Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Gold Rush Days (Sidney, Nebraska 2008), Rancho De Los Golondrinas Living History Museum (Santa Fe, New Mexico 2009), Eaves Movie Ranch (Santa Fe, New Mexico 2009) and have performed twice at the Prairie Village (Madison, South Dakota).

Drive Tyme
This southeast Missouri based band was formed in 2006. Members include Steven Wood (mandolin and vocals), Lisa Cloud Whitehead (upright bass and vocals), Don Goff (banjo, dobro and vocals) and Jerrel Cloud (rhythm guitar and vocals).

They offer a high energy blend of traditional and original music which is exhibited in their latest cd entitled "The Promise". Prepare yourselves for an entertaining show from this group of well matched musicians.

Sanford Lee as Professor Farquar

Professor Farquar & the Great American Medicine Show

Farquar’s “Great American Medicine Show” is an authentic re-creation of one of the 19th Century’s most popular diversions; presenting traditional toe-tapping tunes, incredible magic, plus lots of laughs and audience participation. A special feature of the Medicine Show is Polecat Annie. She gives hands-on instruction in rope twirling, plate spinning, Victorian amusements, Indian games and palm reading. It’s a unique attraction of notable historic significance.

For more than twenty years, Sanford Lee & Associates has been providing top quality variety entertainment for audiences of all ages. The amazing Professor Farquar and his sidekick Polecat Annie have appeared as both stage acts and street performers at fairs, festivals, trade shows, conventions and other special events throughout the United States. The versatile couple offer great music, illusion, flimflam, juggling, clowning, face painting, body puppets and more. Visit Professor Farquar's website!

Open Range Bluegrass

Open Range Bluegrass Band is a diverse and entertaining 5 piece band blended with the good ol' tradition of Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel. From heartbreakers to jump up and jig tunes, you're sure to leave an Open Range Show touched by the music and the personality of this band.

The band has many years of combined professional experience. Bill Cross, who has played with many acclaimed bands, is known for his musical talents and quick wit on stage.

Band member Mike Taggart who is described as "The Best Upright Bass Player" in the business states, "So many musicians poured themselves into my ability to be the Bass player I am today, and I want to give that back. Bluegrass is a Passion of mine". Shannon Cox, with a deep rich voice that everybody loves and who can pick a guitar like no other. Jim and Sharon Randolph also contribute with Jim on the Dobro and a smile, and Sharon with strong vocals and alot of mixing it up with the crowd. Come see them for a foot tap'n, hand clap'n time. Visit Open Range on MySpace.

Smuggler's Cargo
Contraband!

Take the high-energy old-time fiddling of 13-year-old phenom Roger Netherton, back it up with the driving rhythms of Dan Higgins on banjo and Alice Sanvito on guitar, lay it all over the rock-steady beat of Dale Wilson’s string bass — and you’ve got Smuggler’s Cargo, the contraband. With three veteran contra dancers behind the instruments, this traditional barn dance band knows just how to generate the foot-stomping energy that keeps you moving all night long. Give a listen to their lively hoedowns and melodic waltzes, and you’ll want to be out there swinging and twirling too.

Smuggler's Cargo will be playing for the Friday night contradance . . . get ready to have a ball!

Old Cornlickers
Contraband!

It took a North Carolina music festival to unite the three members of The Old Cornlickers, even though they all live in the Cape Girardeau area. They play Southern Old Time music, which derives from the music centers of East Kentucky, West Virginia and western North Carolina. It includes influences of German, Irish, Scottish, and African syncopation.

Mike Hall asserts the banjo is the most important instrument in an Old Timey Band, mostly because he's been playing banjo 33 years, which contrasts nicely with the 42 years he worked for the Department of Defense. Billy Oplah, homesteader and homeschooling dad, has played fiddle for 10 years. As he watches his two young daughters skip thru the dances, he says what he loves most about playing contra is "the fun of watching the people and getting to drive the dances."

Of Cathie Paull, who plays guitar for The Old Cornlickers, and also banjo, Oplah says, "Cathie has a background with classical music with the cello, and then she became more highly evolved and started playing Southern Old Time music." John and Kathy Coffman, who spread their love of contra dance and music as organizers of dances and dance weekend with The Friends of Cape Girardeau Traditional Music and Dance, will be calling the dances for us.

If you don't know what contra dancing is, here's a video of Smuggler's Cargo!

Click here for the Spring Festival Schedule!