| Folk Music Festivals Signal Autumn in White Springs |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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In grade school, I learned to love American folk songs but thought it quaintly odd that the Florida state song began with "Way down upon the Suwannee River." Looking at any map, it seemed clear to me that much of the state was below the river! Of course, that was before I learned a little history…
A rich sense of history is part of what draws people to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in White Springs, in the north central part of Florida. Located in a state park, the center honors the composer of "Old Folks at Home." Although Foster himself never traveled here, the song is often credited for initiating tourism to Florida back in the mid 1880s.
The center’s 97-bell carillon joyfully plays more than 200 melodies by the man often called the "Father of American Music." Exhibits inside the lovely antebellum building feature dioramas of Foster's famous tunes, including "Oh! Susannah," and "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair." In this fast-paced video, you can appreciate the intricacy of those exhibits and the beauty of this pristine Florida wonderland.
Folk music aficionados, take note of two upcoming fall festivals!
The Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat on Nov. 13-14 is a one-of-a-kind music festival featuring workshops, jam sessions and evening concerts on the mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer and autoharp featuring nationally renowned performers.
Then Dec. 4-6, come enjoy the Suwannee Old-Time Music Weekend and play a myriad of instruments such as banjo, guitar, fiddle and, that old stand-by, voice. Another slate of special guest artists will be in residence. For both festivals, instruction at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels is offered.
Concerts are the highlight each evening during these festivals. They're held in the park auditorium and start at 7 p.m. For information, use this link or call Morris Cook toll-free at 1-877-635-3655.
If you prefer to whistle "Camptown Races," while toasting marshmallows by a crackling fire, claim one of the park's 45 sites by calling 1-800-326-3521 or reserve one of the two-bedroom cabins.
The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park’s mossy oaks, limestone bluffs and the wild Suwannee River give the White Springs area special stature with birders, hikers and paddlers. Big Shoals State Park, just a few miles away, has the state’s only Class III Whitewater rapids. To learn more about those 80-foot limestone cliffs, visit this link. |
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| Nostalgic postcard and music sheet of Foster's classic tune |
| Credit: This postcard, circa 1904 and now in the public domain, was original copyrighted by P. J. Plant. |
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