Gordon: Plenty of music around Sedalia

I read with interest Travis McMullen’s thought-provoking June 23 column headlined “Putting focus on downtown.” His commentary was well written and I applaud his interest in exploring the wonderful, changing world of journalism today. 

But, as thought-provoking articles are prone to do, his article got me to think. 

In his effort to encourage interest, street traffic and economic vibrancy to historic downtown Sedalia, I believe that he dwelt on the negative aspects without balancing his article on many of the positive aspects. McMullen may want to revisit historic downtown Sedalia to write subsequent, more positive articles featuring many of those in the Sedalia community who continue to bring exciting, new, live entertainment to Sedalia — from the Pettis Country Courthouse, to City Hall, to the Katy Depot, to the Scott Joplin Foundation, to the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market, to local retailers and to the food and lodging establishments of Sedalia who work, often silently and without media recognition, to support and encourage performing arts throughout our community. 

McMullen should be aware of the 30 annual Scott Joplin Ragtime Festivals that have graced our community and that continue to bring world-class musicians to the many musical stages set up throughout historic downtown Sedalia and across the community. 

Here is a just a partial list of the wonderful live musical performers who have performed at both free and paid musical events in historic downtown Sedalia and at several other indoor and outdoor venues throughout our Sedalia just within the last 30 days: 

Jacob Adams, Paul Asaro, Faye Ballard, Jeff Barnhart, Andrew Barrett, Taslimah P. Bey, Rod & Tricia Biensen, Mimi Blais, Bill Brown, Clark Buehling & the Skirtlifters, Susan Spracklen Cordell, The Crown Syncopators Ragtime Trio, Giovanni “John” DeChiaro, Richard Dowling, Bill Edwards, Richard Egan, Marty Eggers, Tom Finger, William Harvill, Frederick Hodges, Brian Holland, Dr. Nora Hulse, Mark Husle, Ed Judd, Max Keeniyside, Sue Keller, Lou LeBrun, Dr. Dave Majchrzak, Susan Mcintosh, Larisa Migachyov, Gerald Mohr, Terry Parrish, William Perkins, John Petley, Jim Radloff, David Reftkin, John Remmers, Wesley Reznicek, Donald Ryan, Morgan Siever, Martin Spitznagel, Steve Standiford, Monty Suffern, Sunflower Ragtime Orchestra, Adam Swanson, Andy Tichenor, Trebor Tichenor, Virginia Tichenor & The Tichenor Family, Dave Tucker, Roberta L. Wilkes, Bryan Wright and Brett Youens. 

McMullen might consider writing an article about one of the best-kept secrets in Sedalia — the coffee shop at the Wine & More retail store at 122 S. Ohio Street that has continued, since its opening last year, to offer its indoor stage, baby grand piano, microphone and audio system free of charge to novice and experienced performance artists alike (poets, singers, musicians, etc.) Or perhaps an article about Dickie Doo Barbeque’s weekly live music programs. 

Or how about another article about another historic downtown business, Wilkin Music at 218 S. Ohio Ave., which annually attracts hundreds of musicians for music lessons. Or perhaps a story about the dedicated and motivated music teachers who struggle every day, on increasingly limited budgets, to bring the joys of music to youngsters in our community. 

Most of our Sedalia neighbors are familiar with the impressive accomplishments of our most famous entertainers, Scott Joplin, Leroy Van Dyke and world-champion whistler Mary Frances Herndon, among others. 

Many Sedalians are not aware that I perform as Dr. Bill’s Enchanted Guitars, providing popular easy listening instrumental solo guitar music five times a week right here in Sedalia and at many non-profit fund-raising dinners and at local community events throughout the city every year.

The local bowling alley regularly features live music and is offering aspiring musicians of all ages the opportunity to perform and audition during a national talent search right here in Sedalia at the end of July.

Sedalia’s Liberty Center for the Performing Arts, non-profit fund-raising events, the Sedalia Senior Center, the Sedalia Community Band’s Concerts in the Park and many other live performance events bring still more performance arts to every neighborhood of our community — not to mention the many praise bands and live musical programs presented at area churches and local schools throughout the year. 

The Furnell family does far more than its fair share to promote historic downtown Sedalia with their innovative (and costly) work to attract people to our downtown area. The Historic Bothwell Hotel and the new Landmark Building rise like a pair of phoenixes amid the empty storefronts, broken windows, debris and the deterioration, and crumbling and collapse of several other lifeless downtown buildings owned by less-inspired folks. 

Many Sedalians look forward to the Furnell family’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and related fireworks display atop the Bothwell Hotel each November — provided at no cost to everyone who can attend. Now that’s the height of performance art.

But the performing arts in Sedalia need the support of our local media, and McMullen might be just the standard bearer that performance artists and their supporters in Sedalia need to report on live entertainment that surrounds us.

Meg Liston’s suggestion of a Historic Downtown Sedalia activities Web site would be a nice addition to promoting local events. 

In the meantime, I wish McMullen continued success as he hones his journalistic talents.

Bill Gordon of Sedalia is a local musician.