Coming this Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Mountain Heritage Center--the Liars Bench is proud to present the second in a series of "Balsam Chronicles"
"Hangman, Hangman Slack Your Rope"
Free Admission!
Supported in part by a grant from the
Grassroots Arts Program of the Jackson County Arts Council and the
North Carolina Arts Council, the Liars Bench Show presents the compelling story of the
circumstances of Jack Lambert being 'framed' for the murder of Dick
Wilson, convicted, and unjustly executed in the last legal hanging in
Swain County in 1886.
Dr. Gary Carden, Creator and Artistic Director of The Liars Bench Show said “hangings were a relative
rarity in Appalachia. You would think from folklore and myth that it
was just happening all the time. People came as if it was just dinner
on the ground or a picnic. There's seems to have always been a
confusion in people's minds as to whether hangings were a deterrent
or entertainment. With this show, “Hangman, Hangman Slack Your Rope” there will be revelations—there will be a surprise ending!”
In addition to Liars Bench creator, host, and famous storyteller Gary Carden; Liars Bench also Stars Lloyd Arneach, the
master Cherokee storyteller;
Paul Iarussi, claw-hammer guitar specialist & nationally known old-time muscian co-Stars;
William Ritter, vocalist and musician (and 'boy wonder') co-Stars;
and special guest Star, singer/songwriter Karen Barnes. The April 19
performance will also feature descendants of both Dick Wilson and
Jack Lambert.
Among the folklore of the Appalachians to be presented on this special show are the stories of John Hardy, Tom Dula, Jack Lambert, Dick Wilson and
Cherokee myths and legends of figures who sacrificed themselves for
the Cherokee people.
During the past year, Carden has
designed and directed a series of shows that dealt with Cherokee
history and culture; religious music, Jack Tales, and myths and
legends. After a show from last October was recently featured on the
regional television program Life in the Carolinas, both the
performers and the staff of the Liars Bench became convinced
that the show should move toward becoming a significant voice in
defining and preserving the region's culture. This decision was
confirmed by the cover story publication in a WNC newspaper (Smoky Mountain News) recently
of Carden and his creation, The Liars Bench show.
Recently, The Liars Bench, in
conjunction with the Mountain Heritage Center, developed a grant
proposal that was funded by the Jackson County Arts Council. “This
grant has given us the resources to develop programs that deal with
topics such as Dr. John R. Brinkley, the hanging of Jack Lambert, and
the historical basis for the belief that Abraham Lincoln was born
here. We continue to do this with storytelling, music, poetry and
drama.” The story of Dick Wilson and Jack Lambert is the second
“Balsam Chronicles” presentation. For additional
information, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129.
The North Carolina Arts Council works
to make North Carolina The Creative State where a robust arts
industry produces a creative economy, vibrant communities, children
prepared for the 21st century and lives filled with discovery and
learning. The Arts Council accomplishes this in partnership with
artists and arts organizations, other organizations that use the arts
to make their communities stronger and North Carolinians-young and
old-who enjoy and participate in the arts. The Arts Council is a
division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Bodine says "Hope to see you'uns there. Its gonna be great--woof!"
http://hollernotes.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Liars-Bench/205980006131269
The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU:
828.227.7129
