Mount Vernon – What better way to start the new Chautauqua Series season than visit Mount Vernon’s own Dan Emmett. One of Knox County’s most famous citizens, Dan Emmett was the author on hundreds of songs including Old Dan Tucker, Blue Tail Fly, Turkey in the Straw and Dixie. He was a founding member of the Virginia Minstrels, recognized as the first true minstrel show group.
Making his first appearance on the Chautauqua Series stage will be Carl Young, who played the part of Dan Emmett in the play “With Pen in Hand” the Dan Emmett Story. That play written by Mike Petee brought the audience the chance to learn about who Dan Emmett was and why he was important. Carl will present portions of that play in a first person living history presentation, with Bill Miller and Mike Petee presenting music written by Dan throughout Carl’s presentation.
The Chautauqua will be held on Thursday, January 24 at 7 PM at the Grand Hotel, located at 12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon. Doors open at 6 PM to assist those who might need assistance and have special needs such as walkers, wheel chairs and strollers.
These programs are presented on a donation basis and supported by Elixir Presents, the Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel. They are family friendly living history presentations that are intended to enhance our understanding of history in a fun and entertaining way.
Opening for the program will be Bill Miller, playing minstrel era music on period instruments. Bill and Mike Petee will also perform various Dan Emmett songs during the Dan Emmett presentation. At the conclusion there will be a question and answer period with the audience.
For more information about this or upcoming programs in the series, visit www.elixirpresents.com or call 740-392-3018 or 740-392-6102. To receive a “Gentle Reminder” of each program in the Sunday before each performance, please contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.