Chautauqua Series to Feature the Music of Sam Cooke

Mount Vernon -  Between 1957 and 1964, songs like “You Send Me”, “A Change is Gonna Come”, “Cupid”, Chain Gang”, “Wonderful World” and “Twistin’ the Night Away” were among the 40, yes, 40 hit songs written and/or sung by Sam Cooke. Besides being a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement by the Grammy Awards, ranked 16th over the top 100 greatest musical artists in history and the number 4 greatest singer ever, Jeff Putnam will explore and demonstrate the life and music of Sam Cooke at the next Chautauqua/Lyceum, Thursday August 28 at ThePlace@TheWoodward (111 S. Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon).

Jeff Putnam has portrayed and played the music of Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie and Roy Orbison for the series in the past and does an amazing job of telling the stories and emulating the craftsmanship of each artist.

As an added featured the Spotlight Studio Dancers will dance for one of the songs Jeff will play, bringing and added touch to the way Cooke’s music is still remembered by the older generation and an influence of the younger generation.

Door open at 6 PM and program starts at 7 PM for this presentation, provided on a donation basis. The facility is a first floor theater that is accessible for people with special needs such as wheel chairs, walkers, guide dogs and strollers. For for information on this program or upcoming programs in the series, visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or call 740-392-6102.

Mount Vernon - Mary Draper Ingles was an American pioneer and early settler of western Virginia. In summer 1755 she and her two young sons were among several captives taken by Shawnee after the Draper's Meadow Massacre during the French and Indian War. They were taken to Lower Shawneetown at the Ohio and Scioto rivers. Ingles escaped with another woman after two and a half months, making a trek of 500–600 miles through the frontier, crossing numerous rivers and creeks, and over the Appalachian Mountains to return home.

The Chautauqua Series welcomes Mary Draper Ingles on Thursday August 14 at ThePlace@TheWoodward (111 S. Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon). Doors open at 6 PM at this first floor facility that is equipped for people with special needs such as strollers, wheel chairs and walkers. The program starts at 7 PM with Bob Ford supplying music of the era and then at approximately 7:45 PM Rachel Ball, veteran of the Chautauqua stage will portray Mary in a first person living history presentation. Immediately after the perform Mary will take your questions.

This program is brought to you on a donation basis and supported in part by the Rolls-Royce Charity/Civics Fund and Ariel Foundation. All your donations go directly to the performers. For more information on this program or any upcoming shows please call 740-392-6102 or visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org and if you would like to receive a gentle reminder of each program on the Sunday before each program please request to be added to the list at elixir_petee@hotmail.com. 

AUGUST 7TH -  DAN EMMETT MUSIC    AND ARTS FESTIVAL
 The Place @ The Woodward

6- 6:45 PM  - Rosie the Riveter [Susan Kahrl] - see and hear about the women on the homefront who supported the world efforts - 

7- 7:45 PM - Abraham Lincoln [Robert Brugler] - Robert is amazing in his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and engages the audience with lesser know stories told by the 16th President

8 - 8:45 PM - Dan Emmett - His Life and Music Lyceum  - Mike Petee & Bill Miller - taken from Mike's play about Dan Emmett - learn about the musician and songwriter of Dixie, Old Dan Tucker, Blue Tail Fly, Turkey in the Straw among others and heard the sounds of a replica of an 1800's minstrel banjo played by Bill Miller, an amazing craftsman.

AUGUST 8TH - on South Stage 
6:30-7:30 PM - Chautauqua organizers and hosts - ELIXIR - that not quite right folk group performs their usual or should we say unusual array of songs.

AUGUST 9th - at ThePlace@TheWoodward -  Owl Creek  - performers of all original music and includes several musicians who have graced the Chautauqua stage over the years make their Dan Emmett Festival debut - come hear songs their will be recording soon. Be the first to hear some excellent talent.

AUGUST 10TH - on Center Stage 
3-5 PM - The Chautauqua Beatles will close the festival with a wide range of reproductions of Beatles songs played as faithfully as the lads from largely this area once again supply music loved by millions.