Tuesday, April 30, 2013
1 pm
Ellis Library Colonnade
For several decades, Dr. Howard Marshall, Professor Emeritus of Art History and Archaeology and former director of the Missouri Cultural Heritage Center, has nourished a not-so-secret passion for Missouri’s heritage of “old-time” fiddle and dance music. His training (PhD, Folklore, Indiana University) and previous positions at the Library of Congress and at museums. and many publications, reflect his life-long interest in recording the nuances of daily life and grass roots history — such as old-time violin playing. As a scholar, Marshall has recorded and photographed numerous fiddle events, and interviewed numerous older fiddlers, and published research in various places. As the descendant of generations of Missouri fiddlers, Marshall has sought, in his own playing, particularly to carry on the repertoire and performance style of the state’s Little Dixie cultural region. In today’s presentation, Marshall will discuss themes in his new book, “Play Me Something Quick and Devilish:” Old-Time Fiddlers in Missouri (University of Missouri Press, with accompanying archival CD of 33 fiddlers) and play examples of music in the book.