Smithville community chorus to open 55th Fiddlers' Jamboree Thursday at Evans Park

The Smithville community chorus will open the 55th annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival on Thursday, July 2, with a welcome ceremony at 6:00 p.m. followed by the chorus' performance at about 6:30 p.m. The group will perform on the Evans Park stage across from the post office, organizers said.

"The welcome ceremony starts at 6:00 and our performance starts about 6:30," said Tisha Puckett, a chorus leader. She said the chorus will perform patriotic songs for the country's 250th birthday and close with a tribute to small towns in America that will include a sing-along.

Tisha Puckett, who said she has been in the chorus since about 1998, told listeners the Jamboree's opening ceremonies were moved to Thursday night this year, which also moved the chorus' official appearance. "So, we want to make sure you all don't miss us," she said, and advised attendees to bring lawn chairs; she said there may be some hay bales but chairs are the safest bet.

Longtime director Faith "Faye" Kuay said she has stepped aside as director because of health issues after roughly 50 years of involvement. "I had some health issues, so I thought it was time to pass the torch," she said. She recalled the chorus' history of community performances and travel and emphasized the group's emphasis on inclusion: "Everybody counts."

Tisha described current rehearsal arrangements at the Smithville Old Time Dance Club, which her sister Mary Ann Puckett runs. She said a grand piano used for rehearsals was donated by "Miss Faye's son, Bert," and that the performance will use a keyboard on stage. Leadership this year includes director Luke Willaby; Tisha said she will play piano for the Jamboree set, with Susan Hinton filling in when available. Dana Caldwell is coordinating the children's participation; singers Sarah Cribbs and Cornelia Overton will play instruments on one selection.

About 20 to 25 chorus members are expected to sing at this year's Jamboree, Tisha estimated. She also noted the chorus will lead a sing-along of "Country Roads," a song she said has gained recent popularity at larger sporting events.

The Jamboree program also will include clogging and square-dance performances by the Smithville Old Time Dance Club and live bluegrass entertainment after the chorus' set, organizers said. The guests invited listeners to attend the Thursday night opening at Evans Park and to watch for a later news piece and video profiling the chorus' history.

The hosts closed the interview by thanking the guests and reminding listeners of the time and place: Evans Park stage, Thursday evening; welcome ceremony at 6:00 p.m., chorus set about 6:30 p.m.