Cherokee in a Changing World

Well, Kind Hearts, it was a fantastic show. On August 4th, the Mountain Heritage Center auditorium was SRO and our Cherokee show got off with Garfield Long singing "Amazing Grace" in Cherokee. Lloyd Arneach and I told the story of the Nunnihi and talked about the "old Cherokee" of the '50's which had a carnival atmosphere. This was back when Fess Parker came to town with a Disney film crew for "Davy Crockett" and a lot of Cherokees go bit parts in the movie. Dr. Eastman from the Cherokee Studies Department at WCU did a powerpoint presentation on the excavation of an ancient village beneath the WCU campus (1950's) and Paul Igrussi
provided some distraction by delivering a series of claw hammer renditions, like "Down in the Willow Garden." Davy Arch, a noted Cherokee carver and storyteller, discussed the role of masks in Cherokee tradition and displayed a remarkable collection. He also discussed the significance of The Booger Dance. Barbara McRae, the editor of the Franklin Press, talked about her research on the Nikwasi Mound in Macon County. Barbara Duncan from the Museum of the Cherokee Indians played three Cherokee-related songs (including "Junaluska") and
Robert Conley read his hilarious "Plastic Indian" story that brought the house down. The show ended with Garfield Long singing another Cherokee hymn.

I am pleased to note that this show was filmed by the University. Our next show is on September 1 and the Liars Bench will also be doing a show on Mountain Heritage Day.

LIARS BENCH OPENS AT MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER

Well, Kind Hearts, the first performance of the Liars Bench at the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU was an unqualified success. We had a packed house, an enthusiastic audience and a remarkably diverse group of performers. As these photographs illustrate, the talent was varied.
The centerpiece of the show, the Passmore family, performed "mountain top bluegrass" with an emphasis on mountain gospel. In addition to Tony, James, Angelia and Justin the group included Wymer Bryson and R. J. Spelman. The final selection of the evening from the Passmores was a rousing version of "The Orange Blossom Special." Also on hand was Paul Arussi, a Liars Bench favorite, who did "I'll Fly Away." William Ritter, accompanied by Bodine, the Liars Bench mascot, did two numbers, including "The Wild Hog." Dr. Peebles from the university did a shape-note singing class with audience participation that concluded with a hearty version of "Oh, Come, Angel Band," and Mary Fowler, a popular vocalist from the Liberty Church sang "The Goodness of Jesus." Gary Carden and Steve Brady did James Weldon Johnson's
"Go Down Death" and Lloyd Arneach, the Cherokee storyteller told the story of "How the Turtle's Shell Was Cracked." Dave Waldrop provided one of his songs rendered without musical accompaniment.

We are already making some elaborate plans for the August show which will have the theme, "Cherokee in a Changing World." Possible presentations include music, storytelling and discussion with such topics as the Nikwasi Mound, the meaning of "The Booger Dance" and the Legend of the Nunnihi. We are hoping to lure some Cherokee notables including Robert Conley, former Chief Robert Youngdeer and author Barbara McRae who wrote a definitive pamphlet on the Nikwasi Mound. If time permits and folks are forthcoming, we may include a discussion of Margaret Siler's book about the Cherokees who once lived in Macon County....and we are hoping to have a Cherokee quartet. Don't miss this one!