Life in the 'swamp' a rich life indeed
 No comments posted.
By JOE DANIELSON
For the Herald
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 3:06 PM CDT
It all started years ago, the summer before my freshman year at Cadott High School.
I was recruited by Jerry Way to join an ensemble of musicians to perform as part of the historical musical, “Pioneers at the Falls,” written by Jerry himself.
The show told of how Chippewa Falls came to be and what happened after that. It took the audience from the early settling days to about the year 1900 with dialogue, projected slides and music. The show had made its debut the previous summer and opened to a wonderful reception. I would be joining to perform in an encore performance.
When the show sold out every night, I knew I was part of something very special. Now as I am about to enter my second year of college, I look back on the years since then.
We have performed two sequels, encore performances, and are about to debut a show featuring the musicians, who have been dubbed, “The Swampers.”
In this production called “Pure Water in the Swamp,” the Swampers will take center stage in our lumberjack attire, each singing solos as well as performing the ensembles that we’re known for.
The show spans across the history of Chippewa Falls expanding on events highlighted in the Pioneers trilogy including the life of Jean Brunet, the legendary Ghost of Glen Loch, a song in memory of local artist, Hugh Mandelert, and plenty of fun, up-beat, toe-tapping tunes.
The Swamper group has really become a family with Uncle Jerry leading the band. It is always a joy to get together and perform or even practice. It feels like a family reunion every time. A reunion with a very talented family.
I have certainly learned a lot from hanging out with all those musicians. I’ve learned to appreciate everyone’s special talents. I’ve had good conversations. I’ve learned tips about performing. Tips about life. Some good jokes. And to never underestimate the power of the kazoo.
We have performed in different combinations throughout the years, but this year, all the Swampers will be present: Jerry Way, Judy Brist, Judy Ganser, Rob Kuchta, Amanda Tanzer, Casey Yeager, Kathy and Tim Danielson, me, and our wonderful tech crew, Ross, Nancy and Laura Wilson and Joel Wiltrout.
It promises to be a blast with the whole crew involved.
Because of my involvement with these shows, I have certainly become more aware of the history of the Chippewa Valley, my home. I can’t visit Irvine Park without thinking of William Irvine and singing the song that chronicles his life.
Driving on Seymour Cray Boulevard conjures up the invention of the Cray supercomputer. And setting foot in the Heyde Center sends my mind back through the history of the building from its beginnings as McDonell Memorial High School to recent years when a restoration team consisting of local volunteers made it the beautiful art center that it is today.
The Heyde Center has become a second home to me. I’ve had a lot of good times there through the years, growing up and spending time with such a great group of people. I’ve had a very fine life in “The Swamp.”
|
Archives