Vintage car cruise-in, music planned on the square

Blue Dogwood, a bluegrass-inspired group of three talented musicians from the Mountain Home, Ark., area, is the featured music group for this month's installment of Music on the Square, a free show beginning at 7 p.m Friday, Aug. 31, in Gainesville. This month’s event also will include a “Cruise-In” of vintage cars and trucks.

Co-sponsored by the Ozark County Historium and the Ozark County Times, this summer's music events have drawn large crowds, and this month’s show is expected to do the same.

Gwenn Marie, Wes Dorothy and Boots Walker, the musicians who make up Blue Dogwood, will share their varied talents in a harmonious blend of classic country, gospel and even a few early rock-and-roll sounds. Band organizer and lead singer Gwenn Marie, who also plays rhythm guitar and upright bass, says there is something that will appeal to everyone in their concerts. "We are all Christians, and our style is clean and family-oriented," she said.

Wes Dorothy, the youngster in the group at only 16, is a classically trained musician playing fiddle, mandolin and lead guitar. Gwenn says his skills have earned him the title of "fiddle-linist"; the young man is a vocalist, as well.

Rounding out the trio is Boots Walker, a name known internationally in musical circles for his song-writing ability. Boots was active in the early years of rock-and-roll, penning hits such as "Geraldine" and "Party Girl" that are still popular in Japan and Europe. Walker plays chromatic harmonica and acoustic guitar for Blue Dogwood, as well as lending his vocals to the blend.

Blue Dogwood is a band with a mission, devoted to playing throughout northern Arkansas and southern Missouri for benefits and fund-raisers. "We like to help people with our music," said Gwenn. "We regularly play in nursing homes and hospitals, hoping to bring a little encouragement and cheer to people who sometimes are forgotten."

Most recently, the group was honored to be part of a large volunteer effort performing at Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home. The event was sponsored by Convoy of Hope which distributes food, clothing and shoes to thousands of people in need.

Participants in the Cruise-In are invited to bring their vintage vehicles to the Gainesville square prior to the 7 p.m. concert so they’re on display before the music starts.

"This will not be a competition," emphasized John Ault, Historium volunteer, "but just an opportunity for owners of older rigs to share their pride and joy with others. Come early before the concert and park your vintage car or truck on the square for concert-goers to admire and appreciate. It will be fun to see what shows up!"

There is no charge for either the concert or the Cruise-In, which will kick off the Labor Day weekend. However, a goodwill offering will be taken at the intermission of the concert to help the band cover their expenses. As usual, the Ozark County Historium will have refreshments for sale for a nominal price, including hot dogs, cold drinks and homemade desserts. Area residents are invited to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening on the square.

For more information about the Aug. 31 event, contact Janet Taber at 417-365-3372 or janettaber@gmail.com.