CONCERT DRAWS FANS OF TRADITIONAL FOLK

BURFORDVILLE, Mo. -- Bonnie Lennington's husband built hammered dulcimers in their home for many years before he died in November.

"People used to play them all the time over at my home," Lennington said. "I miss it."

So Lennington was among about 250 people who attended the traditional folk concert at Bollinger Mill Sunday afternoon, featuring Obie Blevens on guitar and fiddle and Rick Thum on the hammered dulcimer.

The folk concert was sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. DNR historic site administrator Jack Smoot said the now-biannual event is a continuation of the folk concert held in 1992 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the DNR.

"Because of the nature of a grist mill being a social hub, doing music to bring people together in a social setting is historically very common," Smoot said. "Because it was such a popular event, we applied to receive funding to continue the concerts every spring and fall."

Smoot said Blevens and Thum are members of a folk band called Cabin Fever who are popular locally.

"I'm a big fan of the old-time and traditional music," Smoot said. "The time period fits in really well with the mill. Folk music is generally not done anymore. Bluegrass is really popular now, but traditional folk is more difficult to come by."

Blevens mingled with the crowd before playing, yelling, "Get on with the music!" toward the stage and chatting with people.

"I borrowed some money from a fellow a while back," he said. "I got it paid off, and I figured it was safe to come back. I don't see him around here."

People in the audience had varying reasons for attending the concert.

Jerry Bray of Shawneetown, Mo., said he saw the concert advertised in the paper and decided it would be a fun thing to do. He brought his dog, Lindy, along to enjoy the concert and the outdoors.

"I've never been to a folk music concert," he said, "I thought I'd check it out. The weather's perfect."

Jim Hickam, who produces "Your Folk Connection," which airs Saturdays at 7 p.m. on KRCU 90.9 FM, said he came because he's liked the performers for a long time.

"My interest is in the area of folk and old-time music, so I try to come to those types of events and lend my support whenever I can," Hickam said.

Thum and Blevens added humor to their show, sending the audience into laughter with songs such as "Get Off the Oven Door Grandma, You're Too Old to Be Riding the Range" and jokes told between songs.

Many in the crowd also tapped their feet and sang along with the music, featuring traditional folk songs such as "Yellow Rose of Texas" and gospel classics like "Who Will Sing for Me?"

Lennington said she was pleased to be able to enjoy folk music played on the dulcimer.

"I just wanted to hear it being played again," she said. "It's so interesting to hear."