
MOUNT VERNON – Here are a few facts about Woodrow Wilson Guthrie. His son Arlo headlined the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival in 1992, songwriters from Bob Dylan to Harry Chapin to Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen acknowledge him as a major influence on their writing. You may not recognize his name but you most likely will recognize his most famous song, “This Land is Your Land.”
This coming Thursday, July 11, Jeff Putnam will present a living history appearance as Woody Guthrie, talking about his life, adventures during the Dust Bowl era and performing some of his songs, including the story of the origin of the song “This Land is Your Land.”
The program will be held at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square) in downtown Mount Vernon. The presentation is donation based with all donations going to the performers. Doors open at 6 PM and program starts at 7 PM with no opening act this time due to the fact that the program will include musical performances. Immediately after the show there will be a question and answer period with Woody.
The Chautauqua Series is organized and brought to you by Elixir Presents bringing year round living history to our community along with the support of The Grand Hotel and a generous grant provided by the Ariel Foundation. All donations collected go directly to the performers for their research, writing and bringing a wide variety of historical figures to life.
For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com or call 740-392-3018. To receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.