World Fest

by Dale Grubaugh

There shore has been a sight of folks roamin’ these Ozark hills the past few weeks. Lots of them have come for Silver Dollar City’s World Fest.

Well, Ol’ Elias decided he was gonna have hisself a look-see and find out what all the doin’s was about.

So, on Saturday mornin’, I piled into my old Jeep and just follered the crowd on out to Roark Mountain.

The first stop I make — ever’ time I go to Silver Dollar City — is at the desk of Marvel Cave to say Howdy to Uncle Gene. I believe Uncle Gene Bortner must be the friendliest feller in these here Ozarks.

He always has a great big smile and a firm handshake. Uncle Gene just makes a body glad to have made the trip, that’s for sure. He is a wonderful ambassador for not only Silver Dollar City, but all of Ozark Mountain Country.

It was obvious the Silver Dollar City folks had named the festival right, ’cause there was a heap of folks from everywhere (and all of them seemed to be in the attitude of haven’ a real good time).

The first performers I heard was a group of Russian fellers and one very pretty lady: The Russian Academic Band. They have been comin’ to Silver Dollar City since 2000 and they played some of the finest jazz and American swing music I have heard in a while.

These folks sure got yer toes to tappin’. They even flung a craven’ on me to get up and dance a jig (though I didn’t). It was, however, a mite different to hear Louie Armstrong’s Hello Dolly being sung with a Russian accent.

The Academic Band got together back in 1984, when playing American music wasn’t just unpopular in Russia, but could get you in a lot of trouble. Standing there on the Silver Dollar City Square, watching those folks performing as our American flag flew overhead sure gave me a warm, proud feeling. We surely enjoy a lot of freedoms in this here nation of ours, and I’m mighty proud of her.

Ambling down Hill Street, I could hear music. And right there on the front porch of the Print Shop was a group of Andean musicians called Ecuador Manta. Their beautiful panpipe music was wonderful but it was special to me for another reason:

It reminded me of the old days at Silver Dollar City when groups of musicians could be found playing around just about every corner of the park. Made me feel mighty good.

I then wandered on down to the Dockside Theatre to listen to yodeler Kerry Christensen from Austria. Livin’ in the Ozarks means I’ve heard a lot of yodeling, but this feller is the best I’ve heard so far. He yodeled songs from all around the world.

Plus, he shared a lot of good stories and was a right smart accordion player to boot. I was mighty sorry when the show was over.

The big surprise of the day was the new show at the Opera House, Canadian Powerhouse from — where else? — but Canada.

Now, I wasn’t real sure what to expect but what I got wasn’t even on the radar.

There was lots of step-dancin’ and fiddle playin’. The production was fabulous. Costuming was smart but not overdone. The thing that stole the show was the talent of every one of those young folks.

The step-dancin’ was excitin’, but let me tell you right now, those Canadians know how to saw a fiddle.

Shane Cook, the band leader, was brilliant in his instrumental ability... but the rest of the cast kept right up with him!

I thought I had heard it all when they put a trio of fiddles out front — but it wasn’t long before there were 13 fiddler players on stage. The effect was electrifying. To tell you the truth, tears were running down my face. It was just that good.

A fun moment during the show was when two of the guys and three of the gals performed a “bottle dance.” Pure rhythm and elegance… and who knew you could make music with a water cooler bottle and a stick?

When the show concluded the crowd wanted more, and the group performed an exciting encore number that brought the house down. I sure hope this will not be the last time we see this amazin’ group at World Fest.

My next stop took me all the way to India with the Rhythms of Rajasthan (back at the Dockside Theatre).

Now folks, this one was different.

There were seven men — all dressed in mighty authentic-looking costumes (including bright, colorful turbans). They were seated cross-legged on the stage and each held a musical instrument, though I can’t tell you what those instruments were!

The music was haunting. The vocals were all done in their native tongue. The emcee explained the history behind the instruments and many of the songs. This wasn’t your typical Silver Dollar City show. I have to admit I couldn’t exactly sing along (and the beat wasn’t something you stomped your feet to). No sir! But it was highly entertaining and very educational.

The lovely Dearbhail Finnegan — Ireland’s premier harpist — with celebrated Irish tenor Michael Londra and the entire Irish Eyes Are Smiling musicians were next on my list down at the Riverfront Playhouse.

I’m sure the angels in heaven couldn’t play the harp any better than this very gracious lady. Her music is mesmerizing. Dearbhail played a medley of Beatles music on her harp and I told her afterwards, “I'd learn to love Beatles’ music again iff’in you’re the one playing it!”

The show rounded out with a stirring version of Danny Boy sung by Michael Londra. It was truly a very classy show and one I hope to see again.

Now, if yer gonna have a complete World Fest experience, you gotta stop by the McHaffie Homestead and listen to the Homestead Pickers ’cause a tour of the world's music wouldn't be complete without hillbilly music. That's just what I did. Danny Eakins and the boys put on a fine show that made things just right.

On my way out the gate I ran into Rex Burdette, the one in charge of World Fest and thanked him for a mighty fine show all around.

World Fest sure was a lot of fun and I can hardly wait fer next year. Hope to see ya'll there!

’Till next time,

Elias Tucker

May 15, 2011