Cathy Barton and Dave Para are on a mission.
For the past quarter century this pair of versatile musicians have been introducing audiences around the world to the music that provides a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of America – folk music.
The Missouri based duo will share their love of traditional folk music in Wooster when they kick off the 18th season of the Wayne County Historical Societys Voices From the Past series Jan. 22.
According to Voices From the Past chairman Ray Leisy, Barton and Para have celebrated the musical traditions and folk life of their Missouri home in festivals, clubs, concert halls, schools and studios across the United States and Europe for more than 25 years.
Putting the song before the singer, Dave and Cathy are caretakers of a long musical heritage, and they are known for deep understanding and affection for traditional music, said Leisy, adding that the pair draws their inspiration from the rich cultural diversity of the Ozarks.
Barton and Paras audiences are as diverse as the music they present.
The duo has participated in the artists-in-education program for the Missouri Arts Council since the early 1980s and has conducted folk arts residencies and assembly programs in schools across Missouri. They also created and serve as artistic directors of two annual folk festivals and have released a dozen CDs.
During their concerts Barton and Para present a range of music from the lively dance tunes they have collected in their home region to old ballads from the Civil War.
A versatile duo, Dave and Cathy play several stringed instruments, including hammered and fretted dulcimers, banjo, guitar and Autoharp, as well as found instruments like bones, spoons, mouthbow and leaf, said Leisy.
Barton and Paras appearance is sponsored by local attorney Margo Broehl.
First presented in 1994, the annual four concert Voices From the Past series mixes musical performances and dramatic presentations to illustrate a period in our nations history.
Throughout its 18-year run this remarkable series has been incredibly popular, with all but two of the over 70 performances selling out well in advance.
The 2012 season of the Voices From the Past series continues Feb. 19 with an appearance by Alexander Hamilton, as portrayed by Philadelphia based historical presenter Ian Rose.
The third presentation in the series is scheduled for March 18, when Bob Milne takes the stage to present his incomparable rendition of ragtime music.
The finale of the 2012 Voices From the Past series will be held April 22, with an encore performance by bluegrass legends the Back Porch Swing Band.
All performances of the Voices From the Past series are presented in the historic one-room schoolhouse on the campus of the Wayne County Historical Society in Wooster and begin at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at the historical society during their office hours of 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays or at the Wooster Book Company during their normal business hours.
Tickets can also be purchased by mail via check made payable to the Wayne County Historical Society and mailed to 546 Bowman St., Wooster 44691. Those interested in ordering tickets by mail are urged to call the historical societys office first to confirm ticket availability.
Tickets are $9 for Wayne County Historical Society members, $13 for non-members and $6 for students. Because tickets customarily sell out well in advance of each performance, tickets will not be sold at the door.
For more information, contact the Wayne County Historical Society at 330-264-8856 or visit their website at http://www.waynehistoricalohio.org.
