Published: June 11, 2009 10:54 am      

Please don’t let the music of MMF die

Editorial

Please don’t let Master Musicians Festival die! That would be a shame.

In out opinion, there is a solution to the event’s current financial problems. However, the suggestions we are about to offer may be heresy to true lovers of contemporary music.

Here goes anyway, for whatever it’s worth. This year only, forget the rock. Ignore the roll. Expand your thinking about what a Master Musician really is, and put on a show that embraces the masses.

Our suggestion to save MMF: Book a good southern gospel quartet each night of the event and watch the crowds flock in. People in these Appalachian hills love gospel music and they buy tickets. Our guess is there won’t be an unfilled seat, or blanket, or whatever.

Another idea –– we’ve seen this work –– bring one of the “name” Grand Ole Opry stars to Somerset and you’ll draw a crowd.

Little Jimmy Dickens comes to mind. Talk about a Master Musician!

James Cecil Dickens burst onto the country scene at the end of the 1940s with a string of humorous novelty songs typified by “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” (1949), “I’m Little But I’m Loud” (1950), “Country Boy” (1949), and “A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed” (1950). His small physical stature (4 feet, 11 inches), big voice, and brassy style made him a longtime favorite with country fans.

Dickens, 88, is the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry. He would be a real toe-tapper if he could be talked into coming to MMF.

That’s just a starter. If Dickens is not available, there are other established country music Hall of Famers that might perform on short notice. Willie Nelson probably is beyond our financial reach, but we’ve seen Willie fill a football stadium at the Kentucky State Fair.

Don’t forget local talent. There are a lot of good gospel groups and country bands in the Lake Cumberland Area that could join established stars and fill the nights with song. They may not be masters, but they sure can play music.

With reasonable ticket prices, an established gospel quartet or country music star could be a money-maker for MMF. When the coffers are full again, MMF could resume its customary format. That is, if it wants to.

We realize that the above suggestions may offend some contemporary music purist. However, keep in mind it’s only a suggestion and it sure doesn’t cost anything.