April, 12 2024 | 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm

700 E. St. Louis Street Springfield, MO 65806
https://mohumanities.org/springfieldsymposium/
3147819660 lisa@mohumanities.org

Free

For centuries Missouri caves have played vital roles in the local culture and sense of community. Music, dancing, dining, and other community-based cultural activities happen in caves, past and present. A panel of experts, Wayne Glenn (the “Old Record Collector”), Rachel West (Eating the Ozarks), and Bruce Herschend (Owner of Talking Rocks Cavern) will share their stories and discuss how caves, of all places, are innovative spaces that support culture and community in unique and surprising ways.

To honor the long-standing tradition of live musical performances in local caves, Emalee Flatness Combs, a dedicated Ozarks folksinger and musician, and accompanying musicians Dennis Pritchard on the old-time fiddle and Lillyanne McCool on the bluegrass banjo, will bring to life the sounds of a historic cave performance. Whether you grab your dancing shoes or prefer to relax and listen, let the music transport you to another time!

This event serves as the opening event for Missouri Humanities’ community symposium on Saturday, April 13th – “Ozarks Marvels: Innovation for the Common Good.”

In partnership with Missouri Humanities, Missouri Folk Arts, Missouri State University Libraries – Ozarks Studies Institute, join us for this unique experience as we explore the intersection of culture, community, and caves—and the profound ways these underground natural landscapes shape human experience and traditions.

FREE, but registration is required. Doors at 6:30 PM, Presentation from 7 PM – 8 PM, Live Musical Performance from 8 PM – 8:45 PM. Pie and light dessert refreshments will be served.