'Meet Me in Missouri' July 21, 22

By Steve Moyer

Herald-Tribune

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- The Vernon County Historical Society is putting on a program of Missouri music, "Meet Me in Missouri," at 7 p.m. July 21 and at 2 p.m. July 22. The venue for the performance will be the Community Council on the Performing Arts Fox Playhouse.

Museum director Terry Ramsey is excited about the performances.

"This will be directed by Marsha Martin. She now lives in Massachusetts, but she's a hometown Nevada girl," Ramsey said. "She's a Nevada High School graduate, and she has degrees in piano, vocal and instrumental education. She's so interesting, she teaches music theory and keyboard in a prison as well as giving private music instruction."

Ramsey said Martin was perfect for putting a program together that features a variety of music styles from yesteryear.

"She's a serious collector of vintage sheet music from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s that is about Missouri or has some tie to it," Ramsey said.

Ramsey said the program would feature music that dates from 1901 through 1948.

"There's ragtime, jazz and songs from both the world wars," Ramsey said. "Some of the music styles have disappeared but they have evolved into the music we listen to today."

Ramsey praised the performers, who she said had worked hard to perfect their performances.

"We've got a great group of people performing," Ramsey said. "There will be solos and duets and ensemble pieces. It's going to be enjoyable for anyone who comes out to see it."

The singers won't just perform the music, they'll do so in period costumes and act out the songs. The audience will be asked to join in on several of the songs.

"We want to draw the audience in to the experience," Ramsey said. "It harkens back to the days when people entertained themselves and was an active event, not just a passive one."

Ramsey said she was grateful to the Missouri Arts Council, which helped with the funding.

"I don't want to forget the Missouri Arts Council, Ramsey said. "They provided a grant for this and we are very thankful for their help."