The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) will celebrate the 89th anniversary of The National Barn Dance radio show in the actual historic WLS studio on March 23 at 3pm. The special event will feature an afternoon of classic country music, historic reflections and documentary clips from The Hayloft Gang: The Story of the National Barn Dance.Filmmaker Stephen Parry will host the anniversary celebration that will benefit The National Radio Hall of Fame, which is housed inside the MBC.
In 1924, The National Barn Dance made its debut over WLS Radio/Chicago. The show was the first to blend folk and country music with rural humor. The legendary Gene Autry, Pat Buttram, George Gobel, Andy Williams and Eddie Peabody were all regular members of the shows cast The National Barn Dance rapidly grew in popularity and was the idea behind Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry.
Duke Miglin, current building owner and noted Chicago developer, is making the space available for the celebration. The historic studio will soon be transformed into office space.
Celebration attendees will receive a limited edition poster commemorating the 89th anniversary of The National Barn Dance. The program was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
WLS Radio is a promotional sponsor of the celebration. Rubschlager Baking Corporation is an event sponsor and will provide light refreshments.
Stephen Parry is the writer/producer of the PBS documentary The Hayloft Gang that chronicles the history of the WLS National Barn Dance. Highlights of the documentary will be presented.
Seminar speakers include:
- Scott Childers, radio personality, author of the book - Chicagos WLS Radio and host of - The History of WLS website.
- James F. Evans retired farm broadcaster, educator and author of Prairie Farmer and WLS: The Burridge D. Butler Years.
- Paul Tylermusician, folklorist and historian with the Old Town School of Folk Music and author of the lead essay in the book The Hayloft Gang; Tyler will also perform live.
- David Wyle historian of The National Barn Danceand early station history and contributor to The Hayloft Gang.
- Stephen Parry writer and producer of The Hayloft Gang, will moderate the discussion.
Attendees will receive a limited edition poster commemorating the 89th Anniversary the WLS National Barn Dance.
Saturday, March 23, 2013, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $89 each and can be purchased here or by phone at 312-624-8010. (Limited Seating). 1230 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607. The site of the historic WLS radio studio where the National Barn Dance once originated.
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