'Music of Missouri' comes to Nevada

Sunday, June 26, 2005

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Herald

Who could forget that toe-tapping musical number "For Some People It's Dinnertime, For Me Its Just 12 O'clock"? Well if that one has slipped your memory you should partake of some musical history of Missouri, July 10, at 2 p.m., at the Fox Playhouse.

A cooperative effort of the Vernon County Historical Society and the Community Council on the Performing Arts the program features songs written by Missourians and songs written about Missouri. The above-mentioned tune was written by James W. O'Connell, a Nevada resident who used to live on west Walnut Street.

Marsha Martin is putting together the program and is seeking talent to perform in the event.

"We're recruiting singers for the program," Martin said. "We could use all the singers we can get."

The program will feature some more memorable songs such as: "Meet Me In St. Louis", "Kansas City Rag", and the "Missouri Waltz," along with some tunes which are lesser known.

Bushwhacker Museum Director Terry Ramsey is excited. "We just finished Bushwhacker Days and there is still a long way to go," Ramsey said. "We're in our sesquicentennial year and we should be celebrating history all year long. This is a great way to continue the celebration."

J. Hurley Kaylor, a Nevada resident who lived here from 1886 to 1970, is also featured.

Kaylor used to own a music store on Cherry Street. "He used to put a stage up behind the store," Martin said. "He wrote "Lake Park Schottische" and the "Weltmer March" and really enjoyed music."

Ramsey said that the cooperation between the Historical Society and the CCPA would have advantages for both groups.

"I'm sure there are some in the Society that haven't been to a performance in the Fox Playhouse or been to a CCPA event, and I'm sure there are those in the CCPA that haven't been to the museum or been involved in the Society," Ramsey said. "This is a wonderful opportunity for both groups to be exposed to the other."

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