Instrumentalist Dave Smith will be the featured guest for the “Echoes of the River Valley” series kickoff event at Arkansas Tech University’s Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center in Russellville on Thursday, Sept. 13.
Smith will perform tunes and share traditions that originated in the Ozarks region during a presentation beginning at 7 p.m. in room 300B of the library, which is located at 305 West Q Street in Russellville. Admission will be free and open to the public.
A resident of Stone County since 1972, Smith became involved in the local music scene in the community of Fox beginning at the age of 20. As a result, he learned how to play guitar, fiddle, claw-hammer banjo and button accordion.
Smith belongs to the musical group Harmony along with fellow members Robert and Mary Gillihan. He is a regular performer on “Ozark Highlands Radio,” a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View.
The “Echoes of the River Valley” series will continue with folk music gatherings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18 in Doc Bryan Student Services Center room 242.
Sherry Tinerella, public services librarian at ATU described the gatherings as “open jam sessions welcome to any acoustic instruments” with opportunities for any interested individual to listen, play or learn about folk dancing. Beginners are welcome.
The series will conclude Oct. 25 with a demonstration of hand piecing and quilting by local artisans. Hands-on instruction will be provided and all supplies will be provided during the event, which will last from 6-8 p.m. in Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center room 300B.
All “Echoes of the River Valley” programs are free and open to the public.
Visit http://libguides.atu.edu/echoes or call (479) 964-0569 for more information.
