FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Contact: Communications Department, (573) 526-0949

Carnahan announces program on old-time fiddle music in Missouri

Jefferson City, MO — Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced a program on the history of fiddle music in Missouri. Author and musician Dr. Howard Marshall will perform on his fiddle and discuss his new book, “Play Me Something Quick and Devilish: Old-Time Fiddlers in Missouri.” The program will be held at the Missouri State Archives, a division of Carnahan’s office, on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7 p.m.

In “Play Me Something Quick and Devilish,” Dr. Marshall explores Missouri’s traditional fiddle music, from the late 1700s to the early 1920s. This musically complex and important period provided the foundation of what is today known as old-time fiddling. Marshall leads us chronologically through the settlement of the state and details how early communities helped establish our cultural heritage. He also investigates the continuing evolution of fiddle traditions and Missouri’s regional styles, and comments on the future of this time-honored tradition. This social history draws on various academic disciplines and oral histories documenting Marshall’s 40-plus years of research and field experience. 

The book includes a CD with performances by 32 fiddlers, recorded between 1955 and 2012. Not only will Dr. Marshall discuss Missouri fiddle music, but he, along with musicians David Cavins and Amber Gaddy, will also perform select songs learned during his decades of research.

The Missouri State Archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value, and is located at 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City. All programs at the Archives are free of charge and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on this and other programming at the Archives, contact Emily Luker, (573) 526-5296 or emily.luker@sos.mo.gov.

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To find out more about Missouri's secretary of state's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov.

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