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There is new bluegrass excitement in the Ozarks!
Founder, Casey Grimes Freeland, is responsible for bringing a new organization to the surrounding area by forming the Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society (GOBS). Casey was born into bluegrass and traditional music by way of locally known musicians, the Wynn and Grimes families. With generations of bluegrass in her blood, love of the music shines through in her vocals, instrumentation, and tireless enthusiasm.
After the recent death of Casey’s grandfather (and well known musician and luthier) John Wynn, one can’t help but wonder if this occurrence sparked her drive to form an organization to keep the bluegrass tradition alive in Southwest Missouri.
Although bluegrass is a friendly form of music — in which musicians can gather and speak a universal language — Casey recognized that there were various local “circles” that usually did not interact.
Whether this was by choice or not, she wanted a way that all levels of talent could unite and network together. She devised and implemented a plan to contact members from each of these circles to meet and share her thoughts about forming a local organization. All things good start with an idea and a need, but there must also be support and willingness to turn it into reality.
From this meeting, the following board members were elected for 2011:
Casey Grimes Freeland (executive director), Clyde Williams, aka Dan O’Day (president), Mark Withers (vice president), Mary Mayfield (treasurer), Gene Skinner (secretary), and at-large, Kelly Freeland, Andrew Morton, and Gene Reasoner.
Mission: The mission of the Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society is to preserve, and promote the bluegrass and traditional music of the Ozarks through education and exposure, so as to maximize the understanding and appreciation of the music form.
Goals and Purpose: Bluegrass in the schools program, scholarship program, festivals, monthly jams/meetings, promoting all bluegrass/acoustic music events in the area
Memberships and sponsors are welcomed and appreciated, to help promote music from within the community, as well as bringing national talents into the area.
Individual annual memberships are $15. Family memberships are $30. Annual memberships will include; bi-monthly newsletters, discounts at area stores, discounts to all GOBS sponsored events, private member events, access to monthly jams and meetings, and more.
Sponsorships are always welcomed (beginning at $100) for organizations that would like to help support great Ozarks traditions through music.
The general consensus of board members, GOBS members, and associates, is very positive and supportive of this organization’s outlook. My personal reaction continues to be one of excitement for the future of the Ozarks music, and its people. I am truly honored to be a part of this new organization, and to be on the board with such great & esteemed company!
Additional GOBS information and events can be found at (www) GO Bluegrass (.org), and through postings of music events on Facebook by searching under “Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society”.
Mary Mayfield
August 1, 2011
(PLATE 1) The first GOBS jam was held at the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park during their Dairy Days Celebration, located west of Springfield, MO. Several tents were set up outside, and provided the perfect atmosphere for friends and families to jam or just to listen. (photo courtesy of Mary Mayfield, JUNE 12, 2011)
(PLATE 2) Jamming in the barn’s classroom at Rutledge-Wilson Farm. The first GOBS public jam coincided with Dairy Days at the farm, and all musicians and listeners were welcome to attend. (photo courtesy of Mary Mayfield, JUNE 12, 2011)